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

Zeppelin

Japanese izakaya / Edomae sushi barJapanese-led kitchenShawKaraokeLate-nightOmakase counter

Zeppelin is a two-floor Shaw destination that brings together the refined (an upstairs edomae omakase counter led by Tokyo-born Chef Minoru Ogawa using Toyosu-sourced fish) and the lively (a ground-floor bar with yakitori, Japanese cocktails, and nightly karaoke). One of DC's most distinctive Japanese spaces — serious sushi above, sake-fueled fun below.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Shaw
Since
2019
Chef
Minoru Ogawa
Owner
Ari Wilder, Micah Wilder, Adrian Williams (with Chef Minoru Ogawa as Japanese kitchen lead)
Zeppelin — authentic japanese izakaya / edomae sushi bar restaurant in Washington D.C., Shaw
Plate № 48
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About
Opened in March 2019, Zeppelin occupies a landmark corner in Shaw and operates on two entirely different registers simultaneously. On the ground floor, bartenders craft elevated Japanese cocktails alongside grilled yakitori, tempura, and snacks; karaoke rooms open Thursday through Saturday nights. The second floor is a different world: Chef Minoru Ogawa — the Tokyo-born sushi master also behind Sushi Ogawa and Kappo DC — runs a private omakase sushi counter using fish air-freighted from Toyosu Market in Tokyo. Non-Japanese co-owners (the Wilder family and Adrian Williams) handle hospitality, while Ogawa's kitchen leadership provides the Japanese culinary authenticity. Happy hour runs daily from 4–6 PM; the full kitchen serves until 10 or 11 PM depending on the night.
Neighborhood & visiting

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

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Two experiences under one roof: Michelin-class edomae sushi upstairs, lively izakaya and karaoke downstairs.
  • Chef Minoru Ogawa's Toyosu-sourced fish omakase on the second floor rivals any dedicated sushi bar in the city.
  • Shaw's only Japanese restaurant — a neighborhood anchor that has become one of DC's most beloved late-night spots.
  • Daily happy hour (4–6 PM) with discounted sushi bites and cocktails makes luxury Japanese accessible to walk-ins.

Confirmed authentic: Japanese-led kitchen (Minoru Ogawa, Tokyo-born). Non-Japanese owners but authentic Japanese culinary program. Founded 2019.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Instagram →

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Frequently asked

About Zeppelin

Is Zeppelin an authentic japanese izakaya / edomae sushi bar restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Zeppelin is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya / edomae sushi bar in Washington D.C.: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Zeppelin located?
Zeppelin is located at 1544 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington D.C., USA in the Shaw neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Zeppelin?
Zeppelin accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Zeppelin?
Zeppelin sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya / edomae sushi bar 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 →