Washoku Guide
Cities/Washington D.C./Sushi/Sushi Taro
Washington D.C. · Sushi · omakase

Sushi Taro

Kaiseki / Omakase sushiMichelin-starredJapanese-ownedEdomae sushiDupont Circle institution

Washington DC's most storied Japanese restaurant, Sushi Taro has held a Michelin star under the Yamazaki family since a landmark 2008 transformation. Chef-owner Nobu Yamazaki draws on his Niigata roots to serve pristine edomae nigiri and multi-course kaiseki at the intimate Dupont Circle counter.

Price
¥¥¥¥
Area
Dupont Circle
Since
1986
Chef
Nobu Yamazaki
Owner
Nobuhiro (Nobu) Yamazaki & Jin Yamazaki
Sushi Taro — authentic kaiseki / omakase sushi restaurant in Washington D.C., Dupont Circle
Plate № 10
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About
Founded in 1986 by the Yamazaki family from Nagaoka, Niigata, Sushi Taro is widely regarded as the birthplace of serious Japanese dining in Washington. In 2008, brothers Nobu and Jin Yamazaki reinvented the restaurant around a kaiseki tasting counter and omakase sushi program of exceptional ambition, earning a coveted Michelin star that the family has defended ever since. The kitchen sources fish daily from Tokyo's Toyosu Market, and seasonal ingredients guide every course — from delicate chawanmushi to chef's-choice nigiri pressed to order. A rotating selection of premium sake, Japanese whisky, and natural wine accompanies each meal. Reservations are made through Resy and fill weeks in advance, particularly for the sought-after counter seats.
Neighborhood & visiting

Sushi Taro sits in Dupont Circle, one of Washington D.C.'s neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Michelin-starred kaiseki and omakase from a second-generation Tokyo-trained sushi family — nearly four decades of excellence in DC.
  • Fish flown in from Toyosu Market, Tokyo, ensuring peak-season freshness at every seating.
  • Historic Dupont Circle location that helped define Washington's Japanese culinary identity since 1986.
  • Happy-hour sushi bar offers a rare chance to enjoy Michelin-level nigiri at a 25% discount on a walk-in basis.

Confirmed authentic: Japanese-owned and Japanese-led kitchen (Nobu Yamazaki, Niigata native). Michelin 1 Star held for multiple consecutive years. Resy reservations required.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →Michelin →

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Frequently asked

About Sushi Taro

Is Sushi Taro an authentic kaiseki / omakase sushi restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Sushi Taro is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for kaiseki / omakase 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 Sushi Taro located?
Sushi Taro is located at 1503 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, Washington D.C., USA in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Sushi Taro?
Sushi Taro accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Sushi Taro?
Sushi Taro sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for kaiseki / omakase sushi of this format in Washington D.C..
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Washington D.C. →Sushi in Washington D.C. →Authentic sushi worldwide →All cities →