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

Sushiko

Contemporary Japanese sushiJapanese-ownedChevy Chase MDDC's oldest sushi restaurantCreative menu

Founded in 1969 and now owned by Tokyo-born Daisuke Utagawa (who purchased it in 1988 after Japanese culinary training), Sushiko is the DC area's longest-running sushi restaurant. Located in Chevy Chase, MD, it serves a creative contemporary Japanese menu that spans fresh nigiri and sashimi to inventive rolls and seasonal specials.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Chevy Chase (MD)
Since
1969
Chef
Piter Tjan
Owner
Daisuke Utagawa
Sushiko — authentic contemporary japanese sushi restaurant in Washington D.C., Chevy Chase (MD)
Plate № 33
Editorial placeholder
About
Sushiko holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating sushi restaurant in the Washington DC metropolitan area, having opened in 1969. Tokyo-born Daisuke Utagawa — the same owner who went on to launch Daikaya and Bantam King — purchased Sushiko in 1988 after completing Japanese culinary training, and has stewarded its evolution over three decades. While the kitchen leadership has shifted to a non-Japanese chef (Piter Tjan, Indonesian) and chef de cuisine over the years, the Japanese ownership criterion is met by Utagawa's Tokyo-born stewardship. The menu leans creative and contemporary — salmon ceviche, wagyu nigiri, inventive rolls — rather than strictly traditional, reflecting the restaurant's evolution under diverse culinary leadership.
Neighborhood & visiting

Sushiko sits in Chevy Chase (MD), 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
  • The oldest sushi restaurant in the DC metro area — 55+ years of continuous operation is itself a form of authenticity.
  • Tokyo-born owner Daisuke Utagawa, who also runs Daikaya and Bantam King, provides Japanese ownership at the highest level.
  • Creative contemporary menu gives Japanese sushi a modern, accessible expression without abandoning quality or tradition entirely.
  • Validated parking and accessible Chevy Chase MD location make this the go-to Japanese restaurant for the Maryland suburbs.

Borderline — included based on Japanese ownership (Daisuke Utagawa, Tokyo-born) meeting criterion (a). Executive chef Piter Tjan is Indonesian; kitchen leadership is non-Japanese. Authenticity limited to 'Japanese-owned.' Founded 1969; purchased by Utagawa 1988.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →

More authentic sushi in Washington D.C.

Other authentic cuisines in Washington D.C.

Browse by cuisine in Washington D.C.:KaisekiIzakayaRamenDonburi

Authentic sushi in other cities

Frequently asked

About Sushiko

Is Sushiko an authentic contemporary japanese sushi restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Sushiko is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for contemporary 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 Sushiko located?
Sushiko is located at 5455 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, Washington D.C., USA in the Chevy Chase (MD) neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Sushiko?
Sushiko 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 Sushiko?
Sushiko sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for contemporary japanese 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 →