Kotobuki

Japanese Restaurant $$ 4.6 (278)


Kotobuki is a highly regarded restaurant offering authentic Japanese cuisine, renowned for its fresh sushi and traditional dishes like kamameshi. With warm, friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, it provides a meal that feels genuine and reminiscent of dining in Japan. Many patrons appreciate the quality of food, although some have mentioned occasional inconsistencies in service during busy times.

Overall:

4.6

(234 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.3


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (202) 281-6679

Address: 4822 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Dessert

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking
  • Paid Street Parking

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I've been coming to Kotobuki for years, and each visit reminds me why I keep coming back. Their sushi is flavorful and fresh, with excellent quality that rivals many upscale places. I always get the torched salmon and the spicy tuna rolls—they’re heavenly! However, this small restaurant can get quite busy, and the wait times can be long during peak hours. But the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a worthwhile spot for a leisurely meal. Highly recommend for anyone wanting an authentic taste in DC! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had a wonderful dinner at Kotobuki last week. The sushi was as fresh as it gets, and the presentation was impeccable. The only downside was the lengthy wait, which is expected in such a popular spot. The kamameshi was fantastic—definitely something that gave me a taste of authenticity. They did not allow substituting any items, which might be an issue for some picky eaters. Still, I am already planning my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)

" Kotobuki is a little slice of Japan in DC. This was my first visit, and I was impressed by the cozy environment. Each sushi roll was crafted with attention to detail, displaying both freshness and flavor pleasing to the palate. The service, while friendly, could be a tad bit faster. Overall, a lovely experience that I would happily repeat, especially for their kamameshi! " (*Curated Review*)

" Went to Kotobuki and ended up having a great experience! The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the atmosphere made for a perfect date night. We particularly enjoyed the kamameshi—totally unique and bursting with flavor. Staff were friendly and attentive, making our night even better. Just keep in mind that seating is limited; we were lucky to get a table on a weekend! Would certainly come back for more! " (*Curated Review*)

" If you're looking for a hidden gem that serves authentic sushi, look no further than Kotobuki! I was introduced to this gem by a friend, and it did not disappoint. The ambiance is cozy and the staff is remarkably inviting. Each sushi roll we tried was superb, especially the spicy tuna and yellowtail, which had a burst of fresh flavors. The prices are reasonable given the quality of food, but be wary of substitutions; they don’t allow many changes to their dishes. This place truly feels like a small slice of Japan in DC, and I can't recommend it enough! Future visits are definitely on my agenda. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (224)

" What a delightful find! This cozy restaurant offers a wonderfully authentic sushi experience. The atmosphere transports you, while the menu features a vast variety of fresh sushi that exhilarates your taste buds. I had the eel dish that left me wanting to come back for more. Great service too! One of my new favorite spots in DC! " (*Curated Review*)

" What a lovely experience! Kotobuki's atmosphere feels like a genuine Japanese izakaya. I visited for lunch and ordered several rolls and the kamameshi. It was all delightful, freshly made, and beautifully presented. The only drawback I encountered was the limited seating, leading to a bit of a wait. The staff remained friendly throughout. A great hidden gem in DC that is definitely worth trying. " (*Curated Review*)

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