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O-Ku - DC, Washington, DC

O-Ku - DC

4.7
4.7
1753 Reviews
$30 and under
Japanese

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2 people
19:00
Booked 39 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for happy hour
  • Neighbourhood gem
O-Ku DC invites guests to explore rare and unique dining options -traditional sashimi and sushi, innovative Japanese specialties and wood-fired robata-style dishes from the Kitchen's Binchotan grills. The fish and other ingredients are sourced from the highest-quality purveyors around the world and is committed to using sustainably sourced ingredients when possible.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Location
    1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
  • Area
    Washington
  • Parking details
    Street and lot parking in union market. Pay attention to parking signs in the area for more information on street parking.
  • Public transit
    NOMA-Gallaudet metro on the red line is a couple blocks away
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Menu

Small Plates

  • PokeUS$16.00

    premium sashimi, seaweed, garlic soy, mango, sesame

    • Tuna CrudoUS$16.00

      togarashi spice, shredded daikon, orange supreme, garlic soy

      • Yellowtail Serrano CarpaccioUS$15.00

        truffle soy, cilantro, serrano

        • Salmon UsuzukuriUS$16.00

          pickled wasabi stem, truffle ponzu, black volcanic salt

          • Scallop KunUS$18.00

            cucumber, yuzu juice, lime supreme, crispy fried chiles, black volcanic salt

            • Dumpling Dim SumUS$12.00

              crispy pork gyoza dumplings, black vinegar garlic soy

              • WingsUS$14.00

                organic french boned, Korean style, maytag yuzu bleu cheese

                • Rock ShrimpUS$15.00

                  spicy aioli, cilantro, sesame

                  • Garden House SaladUS$10.00

                    Chef's seasonal preparation, local vegetables

                    • Cucumber SaladUS$5.00

                      garlic, chili oil, szechuan peppercorn

                      • Seaweed SaladUS$8.00

                        traditional style

                        • Miso SoupUS$6.00

                          red & white miso

                          • EdamameUS$5.00

                            tossed with sea salt

                            O-Ku Dc Makimono Sushi Rolls

                            • Spicy Crunchy TunaUS$14.00

                              scallion, shiso, cucumber, spicy aioli, eel sauce, crunchy onion

                              • Spicy Crunchy SalmonUS$14.00

                                scallion, shiso, cucumber, crunchy tempura, spicy aioli

                                • Unagi SanUS$16.00

                                  avocado wrapped, broiled eel, cucumber, serrano peppers, crunchy onion, eel sauce, spicy tobiko

                                  • The HerbivoreUS$12.00

                                    carrots, beets, avocado, pickled ginger, cucumber, Asian salsa

                                    • Tuna TatakiUS$16.00

                                      Aburi torched Tuna, avocado, tempura shrimp, sweet soy and spicy aioli

                                      • The Harvest RollUS$14.00

                                        Fried Sweet Potato, avocado, cucumber, goat cheese mousse, sweet soy, crispy fried ginger

                                        • Snow KingUS$18.00

                                          kani crab, Rakkyo, cucumber, avocado, seared king salmon, miso truffle aioli, micro cilantro

                                          • Salmon Skin RollUS$16.00

                                            crispy fried Salmon skin, cucumber, arugula, avocado, japanese mayo, sliced cherry tomatoes, ikura

                                            • Yuzu FuegoUS$18.00

                                              yellowtail sashimi, serrano peppers, spicy tuna, shiso, cucumber, yuzu glaze

                                              • O-Ku Spider RollUS$14.00

                                                Crunchy soft shell crab, kani crab, avocado, yuzu tobiko, sesame seeds

                                                • Firecracker RollUS$14.00

                                                  spicy salmon, cucumber, serrano peppers, spicy aioli, sweet soy glaze, crispy fried roll

                                                  • Scally Wag RollUS$16.00

                                                    fresh scallops, pickled beets, cucumber, scallion vinaigrette, yuzu kosho sauce, crispy fried roll

                                                    • Crunchy Prawn RollUS$14.00

                                                      tempura shrimp, avocado, coated with crunchy rice pearls, sweet soy, spicy aioli

                                                      • Crab CrunchUS$13.00

                                                        kani crab, cucumber, avocado, yuzu tobiko, sweet soy glaze, crunch onions

                                                        Premium Makimono Sushi Rolls

                                                        • Western Wagyu RollUS$75.00

                                                          tempura fried Lobster tail, avocado, negiyaki, aburi A-5 Wagyu Beef, fresh grated wasabi, black garlic tare, fried garlic chips

                                                          • The Emperor RollUS$90.00

                                                            Hamachi Kama, pickled wasabi relish, cucumber, truffle soy, uni, sturgeon caviar, gold flakes

                                                            Tableside Toban Yaki

                                                            tableside grill/sizzle for your pleasure

                                                            • Lobster KinokoUS$38.00

                                                              8oz lobster tail, assorted wild mushrooms, yuzu miso butter

                                                              • A-5 Wagyu Beef

                                                                highest quality Japanese black cattle; 2oz Minimum

                                                                • per ozUS$25.00

                                                              Omakase

                                                              • Chef's Creative Multi Course Tasting MenuUS$150.00

                                                                inquire about availability

                                                                From the Robata Grill

                                                                Binchotan Charcoal: Petrified White Oak from Japan

                                                                • Niku-DangoUS$8.00

                                                                  Asian-style meatballs, scallion, garlic, soy

                                                                  • Wild MushroomUS$11.00

                                                                    local selection, mirin soy, sea salt

                                                                    • Citrus KaiUS$16.00

                                                                      shrimp, scallop, yuzu-miso butter

                                                                      • YakitoriUS$12.00

                                                                        teriyaki glaze

                                                                        • Hanger SteakUS$18.00

                                                                          Wagyu hanger steak, grated wasabi

                                                                          • Pan Asian SausageUS$7.00

                                                                            lao style, garlic, lemongrass, galangal

                                                                            Entrées

                                                                            • Cauliflower KaraageUS$15.00

                                                                              sticky Korean style, crushed peanuts, scallions

                                                                              • Chicken TeriyakiUS$18.00

                                                                                traditional teriyaki glaze, stir fry veggies, steamed rice

                                                                                • BulgogiUS$18.00

                                                                                  spicy fire roasted shaved pork, white rice, Asian slaw

                                                                                  • Curry NoodleUS$16.00

                                                                                    Coconut curry sauce, chili, fresh herbs, winter udon

                                                                                    O-Ku Signature Nigiri

                                                                                    • The Big EyeUS$7.00

                                                                                      lean tuna, miso mustard, chives, togarashi dust

                                                                                      • Drop It like It's HotateUS$9.00

                                                                                        torched scallop, orange sepreme, crunchy garlic, chili oil, micro greens

                                                                                        • Sake DreamsUS$8.00

                                                                                          salmon, truffle creme, citrus zest, ikura

                                                                                          • Kobe StyleUS$9.00

                                                                                            torched wagyu beef, kbbq glaze, shoyu mushrooms, crispy shallots, chives

                                                                                            • Creme de La CremeUS$19.00

                                                                                              Bluefin otoro (fatty tuna belly), sea urchin, fresh wasabi, uni, sturgeon caviar, gold flake

                                                                                              • Baller StatusUS$18.00

                                                                                                miyazaki A5 wagyu, black garlic tare

                                                                                                Nigiri Sushi 1 Pc & Sashimi 2 Pc

                                                                                                • AnagoUS$6.00

                                                                                                  salt water eel

                                                                                                  • UnagiUS$4.00

                                                                                                    fresh water eel

                                                                                                    • Shima AjiUS$9.00

                                                                                                      striped jack

                                                                                                      • IkuraUS$4.00

                                                                                                        salmon roe

                                                                                                        • UNI

                                                                                                          sea urchin

                                                                                                          • MP

                                                                                                        • HotateUS$7.00

                                                                                                          scallop

                                                                                                          • SabaUS$4.00

                                                                                                            mackerel

                                                                                                            • FlukeUS$9.00

                                                                                                              flounder

                                                                                                              • HamachiUS$5.00

                                                                                                                yellowtail

                                                                                                                • KanpachiUS$9.00

                                                                                                                  amberjack

                                                                                                                  • SakeUS$5.00

                                                                                                                    salmon

                                                                                                                    • Chutoro

                                                                                                                      medium fatty tuna

                                                                                                                      • MP

                                                                                                                    • Bluefin Otoro

                                                                                                                      Fatty tuna

                                                                                                                      • MP

                                                                                                                    • MadaiUS$9.00

                                                                                                                      snapper

                                                                                                                      • Zuke MaguroUS$7.00

                                                                                                                        Ginger soy marinated tuna

                                                                                                                        • Yuzu TobikoUS$3.00

                                                                                                                          citrus smelt roe

                                                                                                                          • MaguroUS$6.00

                                                                                                                            lean red tuna

                                                                                                                            • EBIUS$4.00

                                                                                                                              shrimp

                                                                                                                              Last updated: 1 February 2022

                                                                                                                              What 1,753 people are saying

                                                                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                                              4.7
                                                                                                                              4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                              • 4.7Food
                                                                                                                              • 4.6Service
                                                                                                                              • 4.8Ambience
                                                                                                                              • 4.5Value

                                                                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                              Loved For

                                                                                                                              • Washington, D.C. Area

                                                                                                                                Japanese

                                                                                                                              Review summary

                                                                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                                              O-Ku in DC offers an exceptional dining experience with "phenomenal food," "great ambience," and "attentive service." Guests rave about the sushi, cocktails, and creative dishes. The rooftop setting is a highlight, and staff go above and beyond for special occasions. It's a "must visit" for sushi and drinks lovers.

                                                                                                                              1,753 Reviews

                                                                                                                              1. OpenTable Diner VIP

                                                                                                                                Jacksonville7 reviews

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                Our dinner was fantastic. The happy hour deals on drinks and sushi were so great and the fish tasted so fresh. The menu was really diverse which intimidated us at first but everything we tried was delicious. We can’t wait to go back!

                                                                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                              2. Aash

                                                                                                                                Washington DC1 review

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                Amazing experience! Made it really special for my friend who just got a job - got her gifts including a candle and card.

                                                                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                              3. Maddie

                                                                                                                                Washington DC1 review

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                We had a lovely time celebrating our 6 month anniversary and my partner achieving 3 interviews to highly competitive grad school programs (we found out this morning he got into one of them and got the scholarship he applied for!). O-Ku surprised us with a beautiful Orchid and a special gift for him for his achievements. The service was amazing, the food was divine, we are already talking about when we can go back! Highly recommend and have been encouraging my friends to add it to their date-night/celebration spots.

                                                                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                                                                              4. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                Washington DC1 review

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                As good as always! Great vibes and great food. Cannot go wrong to sit at the bar.

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                                                                                                                              5. Next

                                                                                                                                Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                                                                                2. Food 2
                                                                                                                                3. Service 2
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                                The happy hour menu has changed a great deal since my last visit. It feels very paired down and signature items like wings and sangria or drink of the day is not on menu. The place could serve to have a singular menu with just happy hour items only. The food was okay but lacked flavor. Our sever was not energetic. He never mentioned the noodles special. We all felt the response to our group was fair. We also provide grace because he was a bartender too. Kudos to the hostess for helping us. Overall this isn't the same Oku. We weren't pleased. I hope you consider our experience.

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                                                                                                                              6. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                Chicago1 review

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                O-ku does not disappoint. Christine was an excellent server and the food outstanding.

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                                                                                                                              7. Michael

                                                                                                                                Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined on 6 March 2025

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                Excellent food with quality presentation. Would recommend for a nice date night

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                                                                                                                              8. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                Washington DC1 review

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined on 5 March 2025

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                Our server, Angel, was incredible! So attentive and kind. From the moment you step in, the folks at the host stand are welcoming and friendly. We celebrated our anniversary and not only received a special dish, but also a hand written card. Hands down our best sushi experience in DC. Do not skip this spot!

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                                                                                                                              9. David

                                                                                                                                Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined on 4 March 2025

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                Food & service was incredible! The HH is the way to go.

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                                                                                                                              10. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                Washington DC8 reviews

                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                Dined on 4 March 2025

                                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                                I love O-ku. Kyle and Aileen are the greatest managers ever. They made sure I had a wonderful experience as always. This is a must go to spot in DC. I will be back!

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                                                                                                                              FAQs

                                                                                                                              O-Ku - DC does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. O-Ku - DC also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 888-8790.

                                                                                                                              O-Ku - DC is rated 4.7 stars by 1753 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                                              O-Ku - DC does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

                                                                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                                              Make a booking

                                                                                                                              2 people
                                                                                                                              19:00
                                                                                                                              Booked 39 times today

                                                                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                                              Google Map for O-Ku - DC

                                                                                                                              1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

                                                                                                                              Dining areas

                                                                                                                              Additional information

                                                                                                                              • Area
                                                                                                                                Washington
                                                                                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                                                Daily 17:00–22:00
                                                                                                                              • Price
                                                                                                                                $30 and under
                                                                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                                                                Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
                                                                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                                                                Casual Dining
                                                                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                                                                Business Casual
                                                                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                                                                Street and lot parking in union market. Pay attention to parking signs in the area for more information on street parking.
                                                                                                                              • Public transit
                                                                                                                                NOMA-Gallaudet metro on the red line is a couple blocks away
                                                                                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                                                                Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                                                              Gift card

                                                                                                                              Gift card

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