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!**

" Dining at Kotobuki was beyond my expectations! Every dish tasted beautifully made, full of fresh ingredients, and the sushi was exceptional. The cozy vibe made it all the better. Although we faced a slight wait for our food, it was worth every minute. I will definitely be returning to savor more of their selections. Highly recommend for any sushi lovers out there! " (*Curated Review*)

" Visited Kotobuki on a whim and was pleasantly surprised! From the moment I stepped in, I felt a genuine warmth from the staff and ambiance. I sampled the chirashi and was delighted with the excellent quality of the fish. The only hiccup was some slow service, but I chalk that up to a busy lunch hour. Overall a fantastic lunch spot in the area! " (*Curated Review*)

" Kotobuki is a delightful escape to authentic Japanese cuisine. The moment you walk in, you are greeted with a warm atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The sushi here is undoubtedly among the best I've tasted, with each piece crafted from fresh, high-quality fish. I particularly loved their tororo nigiri, and the eel kamameshi is a must-try—rich, flavorful, and served hot. The staff is incredibly attentive, making sure that every need is met without being intrusive. The only drawback was the wait time on a busy evening, but it was well worth it for the dining experience. This has become my go-to place for sushi in the area, and I can't wait to come back! I highly recommend making a reservation during peak hours. " (*Curated Review*)

" Despite being an intimate setting, Kotobuki showcases authentic Japanese flavors that transport you straight to Japan. I've had numerous sushi experiences around DC, and Kotobuki stands out. The service is prompt and friendly, although the tables are quite close together leading to a cozy feel. I ordered the unagidon along with some sashimi; both were excellent, though I wish the portion sizes were a bit larger considering the price point. Nonetheless, I plan to return soon to explore more of their menu. Overall, this is a must-try if you appreciate authentic cuisine! " (*Curated Review*)

" I stumbled upon Kotobuki while exploring the Palisades and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food. I ordered the chirashi bowl and was impressed by the generous portions of fresh sashimi. Each fish was flavorful and nicely presented. The atmosphere is intimate, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. The only thing that could improve is their menu clarity; as a first-timer, I found it a bit overwhelming. Nonetheless, I’ll definitely be back to try more items. " (*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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