3 Best Japanese Restaurants in Washington, DC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Japanese Restaurants in Washington, District of Columbia. All of our japanese restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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DAIKAYA

705 6th Street NorthWest,
Washington, DC 20001 Directions

Since 2013

Specialty:

Rocky Balboa Tako Wasabi Japanese Cucumber Salad Fried Garlic Fried Shishito Peppers Kita's Nukazuke Burrata Grilled Avocado Jyata Bata Yakitori Chicken Skewer Teba Chicken Wing Skewer Tsukune Grilled Chicken Meatballs Mentaiko Pasta Pork and Brussel Sprouts Pee Wee Potatoes Miso Salmon Gyoza Fried Chicken Wings Grab'em Edamame Grilled Lamb Chop Grilled Okra Grilled Shishito Peppers Grilled Chicken Liver Chawanmushi

"Daikaya provides a delectable noodle soup in a casual setting. Joe Volpe is the general manager of the restaurant. The restaurant has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with its yellow and blue walls, rustic tables, and modern design. Every dish served in the restaurant is a testament to the dreams of the three men who brought it to life. Daikaya specializes in Sapporo-style ramen but also offers a range of Japanese comfort food and drinks at their Izakaya. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it's after work, before a night out, a full dinner, or a late-night bite with colleagues. Daikaya even offers a vegetarian broth made with fresh sautéed vegetables, ensuring that all diners can find something to suit their preferences.

2026 Update: Daikaya’s first floor is a ramen shop, while the second floor is an izakaya featuring inventive small plates, craft cocktails, a rare Japanese whisky collection, happy hour specials, weekend live DJs, and an effortlessly cool atmosphere. Their menu exclusively features traditional Sapporo-style ramen. They provide gift cards. Guests are accommodated in the order they arrive."

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Price:

Ramen Menu (1st Floor)
Spicy Sesame Hiyashi Chuka $18
Shio $17.50
Shoyu $18
Mugi-Miso $18.50
Spicy Miso $18.50
Veggie $18.50
Super Spicy Shoyu $19
Tomato Curry $12.25
Bonito Red Miso $15.25
Extra Toppings
Onsen Egg $1.75
Nitamago $2.25
Chashu $2
Pork Belly $4
Extra Ground Pork $1
Bakudan Spice Bomb $1
Veggie Spice Bomb $1
Menma $1.75
Extra Veggies $2.50
Extra Noodles $2.50
Extra Soup $5
Extra Nori $0.50
Butter $0.35
Wakame $0.50
Corn $0.50
Sides
Fried Gyoza $6.50
Veggie Spring Rolls $6.50
Gohan $2
Beer, Sake, Cocktail
Rotating Chuchai $9
Draft Sapporo $8
Sapporo Black - Tall Boy Can $12
Sapporo Can $7
Orion Can $7
"Little Sumo" Sake $10
Ozeki One Cup $9
Nigori Sake $10
Buy The Kitchen A Six Pack!! $10

Contact:

(202) 589-1600

Mon & Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
Tue-Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm
Fri & Sat: 11:30am - 10:30pm

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3+ YEARS IN TBR
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CHAPLIN'S

1501 9th Street North West,
Washington, DC 20001 Directions

Since 2014

Specialty:

Veggie Shio Miso Chaplin Chaplin A.S.S. Tan Tan Men Shoyu Stamina Spicy Vegetarian Miso Vegetarian Tan Tan Men Kid's Ramen Chicken Yakisoba Chicken Katsu Pork Ribs Chashu Fried Tofu Vegetarian Yakisoba Kakuni Chaplin's Buns Age Buta Tori Karaage Edamame Vegetarian Chaplin's Buns Pork Shumai Beef Gyoza Vegetarian Gyoza Vegetarian Fried Wontons Chicken and Shrimp Shumai Shrimp Gyoza Fried Wontons Mappo Maze A.S.S. Maze Beef Curry Chicken Curry Pork Belly Chashu Curry Chicken Katsu Curry Vegetarian Curry

"Chaplin's is a Charlie Chaplin-themed restaurant serving Japanese cuisine and cocktails inspired by the actor's films. The head chef and partner, Myo Htun, brings nearly 30 years of experience cooking under a Master Ramen Chef in Tokyo, Japan, to create traditional Japanese dishes at Chaplin's. The co-owners, Ari and Micah Wilder, have created a beverage program that complements the cuisine with playful and progressive drinks. The restaurant's commitment to using quality ingredients and ensuring everything is fresh has made it popular among food enthusiasts. Chaplin's has a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion or gathering, and the staff is always prepared to offer attentive, welcoming service. The restaurant offers happy hour food, delicious cocktails, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

2026 Update: Chaplin's also serves wines, beer, tea, and vodka. Gift cards are available."

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Price:

Mazemen
Mappo Maze $19.50
A.S.S. Maze $19.50
Add Ons
Bok Choy $2
Butter Corn $2
Wakame $2
Stamina Egg $2
Chicken $4
Beef Gyoza $6
Pork Gyoza $6
Shrimp Gyoza $6
Veggie Gyoza $6
Pork Butt $4
Pork Belly Chashu $5
Kakuni $5
Extra Noodles $4
Ground Pork $4
Vegetables $5
Age Buta $5
Fried Tofu $3
Nori $2
Bamboo Shoots $3
Tori Karaage $5
All Ramen
Veggie Shio $17
Miso $19
Curry Ramen $20
Tan Tan Men $20
Stamina Spicy $19
Chaplin $19
Chaplin A.S.S. $19
Shoyu $19
Kid'S Ramen $8
Ramen Add Ons
Bok Choy $2
Butter Corn $2
Wakame $2
Stamina Egg $2
Chicken $4
Beef Gyoza $6
Pork Gyoza $6
Shrimp Gyoza $6
Veggie Gyoza $6
Pork Butt $4
Pork Belly Chashu $5
Kakuni $5
Extra Noodles $4
Ground Pork $4

Contact:

(202) 644-8806

KITCHEN HOURS: Mon-Wed: 4pm - 11pm
Thu & Fri: 4pm - 12am
Sat: 12pm - 12am
Sun: 12pm - 11pm
BAR HOURS:
Mon-Thu: 4pm - 12:45am
Fri: 4pm - 1:45am
Sat: 12pm - 1:45am
Sun: 12pm - 12:45am

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JINYA RAMEN BAR LOGAN CIRCLE

1336 14th Street North West,
Washington, DC 20005 Directions

Since 2016

Specialty:

Spicy Creamy V Ramen Flying V Harvest V Red Fire Opal Jinya Chicken Ramen Spicy Chicken Ramen Wonton Chicken Ramen Chicken Yuzu Shio Delight Jinya Tonkotsu Black Premium Tonkotsu Red Jinya Tonkotsu Original 2010 Shrimp Wonton Ramen Tan Tan Men Birria Ramen Pork Gyoza and Salad Pork Chashu Bowl and Salad Crispy Chicken and Salad Chicken Chashu Bowl and Salad Tokyo Curry Rice and Salad Impossible Bowl and Salad Seaweed Salad House Salad Chicken Salad Crunchy Cucumber Salad Edamame French Fries w/ Truffle Ranch and Spicy Mayo Pork Gyoza Nikuman JINYA Bun Crispy Chicken Takoyaki Miso Glazed Eggplant

"JINYA Ramen Bar Logan Circle is an elegant outlet of an LA-based Japanese chain known for long-simmered noodle soups, a wide menu, and drinks. Tomo Takahashi is the founder. The restaurant is renowned for their slow-cooked ramen, crafted from broths simmered in-house for 20 hours. JINYA Ramen Bar Logan Circle offers a contemporary Japanese dining experience perfect for lively social gatherings of all ages, with a customizable menu and modern, stylish interiors. Whether you're enjoying the nightlife or craving a comforting bowl of ramen, this restaurant is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable dining experience. JINYA Ramen Bar Logan Circle offers a military discount and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.

2026 Update: Travelers Today recognized JINYA Ramen Bar Logan Circle as one of the top five ramen destinations in the U.S. in 2017, while LA Weekly named it one of the 10 best vegan ramen spots in Los Angeles in 2016. You can explore an array of authentic toppings, including tender pork chashu, perfectly seasoned poached eggs, and fresh garlic, all designed to take your ramen bowl to the next level. The restaurant offers happy-hour food and vegetarian options are available. They provide both e-gift cards and physical gift cards."

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Price:

Chef'S Special
Hokuriku Cabba-Chick $21.00
Iced Matcha Latte $7.00
Ramen
Spicy Creamy V Ramen $20.00
Flying V Harvest $20.00
V Red Fire Opal $20.00
Jinya Chicken Ramen $19.90
Spicy Chicken Ramen $19.90
Wonton Chicken Ramen $19.90
Chicken Yuzu Shio Delight $20.20
Jinya Tonkotsu Black $20.20
Premium Tonkotsu Red $20.50
Jinya Tonkotsu Original 2010 $20.20
Shrimp Wonton Ramen $20.20
Tan Tan Men $20.20
Birria Ramen $21.00
Toppings
Butter $1.20
Green Onion $2.50
Fried Onion $2.50
Cabbage $2.50
Spicy Bean Sprouts $2.50
Seasoned Egg $2.50
Spinach $2.50
Tofu $2.50
Nori Dried Seaweed $2.00
Corn $2.50
Broccoli $3.00
Broccolini $3.00
Bamboo Shoot $2.50
Brussels Sprouts $3.50
Chicken Soboro (Ground Chicken) $4.20
Pork Soboro (Spicy Ground Pork) $4.20

Contact:

(202) 588-8560

Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report: