10 Japanese Eateries to Savor in the USA

If you're in Chantilly, Virginia, and looking for a lively spot, Izakaya Nana is a fantastic choice with a 4.7/5 rating from nearly 2000 reviews. This moderate-priced restaurant offers a mix of Japanese izakaya dishes, sushi, and ramen, so there's always something for everyone. It's a great place to gather friends for some small plates and drinks. Just note their split hours on weekdays, opening for lunch then again for dinner, and staying open quite late on Friday and Saturday. Planning your visit around these times ensures you don't miss out on their popular offerings.

Love, Makoto in Washington, DC, brings a highly-rated Japanese experience with a 4.7/5 score from over 1600 reviews. This moderate-priced spot is open consistently from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, making it super convenient for a Japanese food fix anytime. It’s a great option if you're exploring the city and need a reliable place for lunch or dinner. Think of it as a friendly stop where you can count on good food and a welcoming atmosphere. What kind of Japanese dish are you in the mood for today?

Fairfax, Virginia, hosts Genki Izakaya 元気, another highly-rated Japanese spot with a 4.7/5 score from over 1700 happy visitors. Priced moderately, it’s a popular choice for those craving both Japanese and sushi dishes. Similar to other izakayas, they have a lunch service from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and then reopen for dinner, often staying open a bit later on weekends. It's perfect for a relaxed evening meal with friends, perhaps trying a few different sushi rolls or some classic izakaya small plates. A nice way to unwind after a busy day!

For something truly unique, Mita Ethio-Japanese Cafe in Washington, DC, stands out with a perfect 5/5 rating from over 700 reviews! This inexpensive spot offers a fascinating blend of sushi and Ethiopian dishes. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit from Wednesday to Sunday. Imagine trying fresh sushi alongside flavorful Ethiopian stews – a culinary adventure for sure! This place is a testament to how delicious different food traditions can come together. Curious to see how these two cuisines meet on one menu?

If you're hungry, head to Gyuzo Japanese BBQ in Rockville, Maryland! With an incredible 4.9/5 rating from over 6000 reviews, this moderate-priced spot is known for its all-you-can-eat Wagyu, sushi, and ramen. It's a fantastic option for those who love variety and a hearty meal. They're open every day, with slightly longer hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. Gathering a group here for some DIY BBQ fun sounds like a great plan, doesn't it? Just be ready to eat a lot!

Yum Yum Hibachi in Ashburn, Virginia, offers a fun dining experience with a 4.8/5 rating from almost 400 reviews. This moderate-priced restaurant is open consistently from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM every day. If you enjoy watching your meal cooked right in front of you with a bit of flair, hibachi is always a good time. It’s a family-friendly choice that provides both entertainment and tasty Japanese food. Perfect for a casual dinner out where everyone can find something they like!

New York City offers Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen), a highly-rated spot with a 4.9/5 score from over 4300 reviews. This moderate-priced Japanese restaurant is perfect for enjoying both izakaya small plates and comforting ramen. They have split hours on weekdays, serving lunch and then reopening for dinner, and stay open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It's a great place to experience a bit of NYC's Japanese food scene, whether for a quick ramen lunch or a longer evening enjoying various dishes and perhaps a drink at the bar.

For a dedicated ramen experience, Umai Ramen & Rice Bowl in Herndon, Virginia, is a solid choice with a 4.8/5 rating from over 800 reviews. This moderate-priced Japanese restaurant focuses on ramen and rice bowls, making it a go-to for a comforting and satisfying meal. They operate with split hours on weekdays, serving lunch then dinner, and are open all day Saturday. Just remember they are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. A warm bowl of ramen is always a good idea, especially on a chilly day!

JINYA Ramen Bar in Reston, Virginia, is incredibly popular, boasting a 4.9/5 rating from nearly 10,000 reviews! This moderate-priced ramen restaurant is a favorite for Japanese food lovers. They're open daily from 11:00 AM, closing at 9:00 PM most nights and 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. With so many happy customers, you can expect a delicious and consistent ramen experience here. If you love a rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles, this spot should definitely be on your list. What's your favorite ramen topping?

DAIKAYA in Washington, DC, is a well-known spot with a 4.4/5 rating from over 5000 reviews. This moderate-priced Japanese restaurant combines the fun of an izakaya with the comfort of a ramen shop, and also has a bar. They're open from 11:30 AM daily, closing at 9:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 PM on weekends. It's a great place to start your evening with some small plates and drinks, then move on to a hearty bowl of ramen. A popular choice in the city for good reason!