Washoku Guide
Cities/Washington D.C./Izakaya/Izakaya Seki
Washington D.C. · Izakaya · a la carte

Izakaya Seki

Traditional Japanese izakayaJapanese-ownedU StreetFamily-runWashingtonian Top Restaurant

Master chef Hiroshi Seki moved from Japan to the US in 1972 and has spent more than five decades perfecting the foods of Japanese tavern culture. His U Street row house izakaya, opened in 2012 with daughter Cizuka as GM and partner, is consistently cited by Washingtonian and Eater DC as one of the most genuinely Japanese dining experiences in the capital.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
U Street Corridor
Since
2012
Chef
Hiroshi Seki
Owner
Hiroshi Seki & Cizuka Seki
Izakaya Seki — authentic traditional japanese izakaya restaurant in Washington D.C., U Street Corridor
Plate № 45
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About
Hiroshi Seki is a Japanese culinary veteran who ran his own restaurant in St. Louis for over two decades before returning to the DC area to open Izakaya Seki with daughter Cizuka in 2012. The two-story row house on V Street captures everything authentic about an izakaya: seasonal sashimi omakase, slowly grilled whole fish, house-made croquettes, pork belly, and smoky yakitori, all supported by a serious sake and shochu list. The kitchen operates without shortcuts — ingredients are sourced for quality over cost, and the menu changes weekly with the market. Downstairs counter seats facing the open kitchen offer the most immersive experience, where you watch Hiroshi-san and his team work with quiet focus. The restaurant holds a devoted following that books weekends weeks in advance.
Neighborhood & visiting

Izakaya Seki sits in U Street Corridor, one of Washington D.C.'s neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Five decades of Japanese culinary mastery at the stove — Chef Hiroshi Seki's cooking is the real thing, not an approximation.
  • Rotating market-driven menu means every visit offers different seasonal dishes; the sashimi omakase is perpetually outstanding.
  • Intimate row-house setting on V Street with downstairs counter seats facing the open kitchen.
  • Handmade onigiri available to take home — a DC rarity that showcases Seki's commitment to every detail of Japanese food culture.

Confirmed authentic: Japanese-owned and led (Hiroshi Seki, from Japan). Family-run with daughter Cizuka Seki. Consistently top-rated by Washingtonian. Founded 2012.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Izakaya Seki

Is Izakaya Seki an authentic traditional japanese izakaya restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Izakaya Seki is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for traditional japanese izakaya in Washington D.C.: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Izakaya Seki located?
Izakaya Seki is located at 1117 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, Washington D.C., USA in the U Street Corridor neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Izakaya Seki?
Izakaya Seki does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Washington D.C. we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Izakaya Seki?
Izakaya Seki sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for traditional japanese izakaya of this format in Washington D.C..
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Washington D.C. →Izakaya in Washington D.C. →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →