Latest news with #SushiGaku
Axios
4 days ago
- Axios
Georgetown guide: What's new and next in D.C.'s trendy-again neighborhood
On the hot topic of whether Georgetown is cool again, we'll throw our weight behind "yes." Why it matters: An influx of trendy attractions and waterfront revival means one of D.C.'s most charming and historic neighborhoods is also among its most happening. 🚣 What's new on the water: A public boathouse is coming to the Potomac near Key Bridge — the result of a major land deal between Georgetown University, the city, and the National Park Service. More waterfront will become publicly accessible, and the Capital Crescent Trail will finally connect through the neighborhood. Two residential-retail projects at 1000 Potomac Street and 3333 K Street promise more upscale housing and retail by the harbor. 🌮 Bonus float: A taco-themed party boat now sails weekdays from Washington Harbour. The big picture: With nearly 7 million visitors in the first half of the year, Georgetown is one of the most popular D.C. destinations — but there's plenty to draw locals, too. What's new 🍣 Restaurants: Japanese restaurants are flocking here — and it's not just sushi, though Sushi Gaku is among them. Two Nine: A chirashi cafe with matcha and sweets by day. Omakase at night. Koryouri Urara: Cozy kaiseki restaurant with homestyle dishes. 🍨 Plus, cool off with a sweet treat from Yala Greek Ice Cream shop. 👗 Shops: Fashion girlies welcome LA's Staud. 🛎️ Sleep: Marriott's boutique hotel Canal House just opened with a cozy lounge and Mid-Atlantic restaurant. Or if you have $25,000 (a night) to burn, this ultra-luxe private villa. What's next All slated to open this year. 💐 Restaurants: Argentina's lauded cocktail bar Florería Atlántico and sister restaurant Brasero Atlántico make their U.S. debut along the C&O Canal— both accessed, speakeasy-style, through a flower shop. (ETA: late Aug./early Sept.) We're also excited for: Flor Coffee + Books: Argentinian cafe culture in a zen-like space. Dutch Darlings: Stroopwafels! Amorino Gelato: Parisian pedigree, rose-shaped scoops. 🐶 Shops: Gtown's cat cafe will have a canine counterpart at Milo and Mav, a dog-friendly retailer and coffee shop. 💻 Also huge: D.C.'s first Google store, one of only a few. Tech, gadgets, gear and merch.
Eater
23-05-2025
- Business
- Eater
Step Down Into Georgetown's Hot New Basement Sushi Destination
D.C. isn't exactly starving for sushi — with sleek omakase counters, Michelin-starred places, and quiet hole-in-the-walls in just about every neighborhood, the city's raw fish game is strong. But, there's no such thing as too much of a good thing. Enter Sushi Gaku, the latest contender to roll into the District that hopes to slice, dice, and impress its way into your weekly dinner rotation. Occupying the subterranean Georgetown space formerly held by cocktail lounge Donahue (1338 Wisconsin Avenue NW), Sushi Gaku is the newest installment from chef Yoshi Ota — but it's not his first pass at the D.C. restaurant scene. Sushi Gakyu was a longtime favorite of Washingtonians, serving up similar rolls in a sleek spot near the White House until its closure this year. Its newest D.C. iteration, named Sushi Gaku, sits blocks away from always busy M Street, nestled along the less crowded corridor of Wisconsin Avenue NW. 'I am so honored to join this historical area in Washington,' says Ota, in a statement. 'I am planning to serve traditional sushi as well as a different style that our guests have never seen before.' Born in Hokkaido Japan, Ota's culinary career began at ANA International Tokyo restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. He took his talents across the globe, spending the last four decades perfecting his knife skills across his home country and the U.S., notably at New York's legendary Sushi Den. He is one of the only in the area to hold a preparation license for fugu, or pufferfish — the Japanese delicacy that contains a poisonous toxin. For this new-look sushi spot in the nation's capital, chef once again called on Bethany Kazaba, CEO and Managing Principal at Neighborhood Retail Group, for help. The space is modestly small, but the decor is on brand — striking a cultured balance between modern elegance and traditional Japanese artistry. Delicate orchid plants sit atop polished wooden counters, while minimalist wall panels adorned with ink-brushed calligraphy evoke a quiet sense of comfort. Bamboo accents and stone plateware add texture, all brought to life under tailored mood lighting that softens every corner and sets the tone for intimate conversations. On the menu is a mix of recognizable fare and perhaps new-to-you rolls and sashimi. One signature dish is its traditional style nigiri sushi, prepared edo style with akazu (dark vinegar), sushi rice, and fish pieces. He will also serve regular nigiri with white sushi rice, as well as maki, and other casual Japanese plates. Sashimi arrives in bulk by plates of at least 10 or smaller portions of four pieces per serving, featuring mackerel, tuna, squid, scallop, fatty tuna, and plenty more cuts. The same offerings are available for nigiri, except two pieces per platter. Starters consist of the classics: edamame, green salad, seaweed salad, and spring rolls. Cooked protein are pickings of grilled eel, shrimp tempura, fried oyster, grilled black cod, and hamachi kama. Though not coming for at least two months, given it needs ample time for preparation, diners have an omakase course to look forward to. Chef plans to serve a very fermented ancient-style sushi. The reservation-only tasting, which starts at $180 per person, features four appetizers in addition to 12 pieces of premium nigiri and dessert. To accompany the aforementioned options is a sprawling beverage program headlined by four opening cocktails. The cheeky Royal Fizz combines rum, lime juice, umeshu, saline, and prosecco while the refreshing Gaku Breeze blends tequila, almond liqueur, lime juice, cucumber syrup, and mint leaves for garnish. And it wouldn't be a proper Japanese establishment without sake by the carafe and bottle. For the simpler palates, there is plenty of wine and Sapporo beers. Over on M Street NW, Georgetown is home to another great downstairs sushi cave called Kyojin, named Eater DC's 2023 Restaurant of the Year. And more raw fish is on the horizon across the city, with all-you-can-eat Sushi Sato coming to H Street in the next month. Sign up for our newsletter.
