Washoku Guide
Cities/Washington D.C./Sushi/Kaz Sushi Bistro
Washington D.C. · Sushi · a la carte

Kaz Sushi Bistro

Freestyle Japanese sushiJapanese-ownedFarragutFugu licensedOsaka-trained

Chef-owner Kaz Okochi trained in Osaka before refining his skills under Japanese mentors at Sushiko DC, then opened Kaz Sushi Bistro in 1999 with a personal philosophy he calls 'freestyle Japanese cuisine.' Located just five blocks from the White House, the restaurant blends traditional Japanese technique with Western and global ingredients in ways that remain distinctly Japanese at the core.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Golden Triangle / Farragut
Since
1999
Chef
Kaz Okochi
Kaz Sushi Bistro — authentic freestyle japanese sushi restaurant in Washington D.C., Golden Triangle / Farragut
Plate № 22
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About
Kaz Okochi arrived from Osaka and honed his craft at Sushiko under Japanese mentors before striking out on his own with Kaz Sushi Bistro in 1999. His 'freestyle Japanese' approach — which he coined to describe cooking that respects Japanese fundamentals while drawing on world ingredients — quickly attracted a devoted downtown following and multiple RAMMY Award nominations. Okochi is one of only a handful of DC chefs licensed to prepare fugu (blowfish), which he serves as a seasonal special. The menu spans creative nigiri, izakaya-style small plates, and thoughtful seasonal specials, all executed with the precision of a formally trained Japanese chef.
Neighborhood & visiting

Kaz Sushi Bistro sits in Golden Triangle / Farragut, 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 sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Osaka-trained chef with 25+ years in DC — one of the longest-running Japanese owner-operated restaurants in the capital.
  • Rare fugu license: try blowfish legally and safely in downtown DC, seasonally available.
  • 'Freestyle Japanese' menu seamlessly merges Japanese craft with global influences for a singular dining voice.
  • Steps from the White House in the Golden Triangle — ideal for power-lunch sushi of genuine Japanese origin.

Confirmed authentic: Japanese-owned and led (Kaz Okochi, Osaka-trained). Founded 1999.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Kaz Sushi Bistro

Is Kaz Sushi Bistro an authentic freestyle japanese sushi restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Kaz Sushi Bistro is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for freestyle japanese sushi in Washington D.C.: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
Where is Kaz Sushi Bistro located?
Kaz Sushi Bistro is located at 1915 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, Washington D.C., USA in the Golden Triangle / Farragut neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Kaz Sushi Bistro?
Kaz Sushi Bistro does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular sushi restaurants in Washington D.C. we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Kaz Sushi Bistro?
Kaz Sushi Bistro sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for freestyle japanese sushi of this format in Washington D.C..
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