Apr 6, 2025

Donburi Washington DC

Japanese restaurant

""Donburi" in Washington DC is a Japanese restaurant that makes my mouth water before I've even had a taste of the food! It's my comfort food in DC..."

If you like excellent food at reasonable prices and in a no fuss environment, then Donburi is for you. What I really like about Japanese food is the attention paid to every aspect of the dish, however simple it is. Donburi is one of those places where I enjoy watching the making of the food as much as the resulting plate of food.

Donburi is a common Japanese food – basically a rice bowl with meat, vegetables, sauce. The namesake restaurant is a small 14 seat space with an open kitchen, and everyone sits around the kitchen watching the deliciousness being made.

Every step of the cooking process is given meticulous attention, from cooking the meat, fish or vegetables, the caramelizing of the onions, putting the rice in, adding the sauce and the condiments. All in all, a mouthwatering experience even before you have even tasted the food! Of course, the food itself is delicious. I'm not Japanese, didn't grow up eating Japanese food, but I have to say this is definitely my comfort food in DC.

Given that they don't serve any alcohol but are in the heart of Adams Morgan, you can have a drink or two nearby while you wait for a spot to open up.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

2438 18th St NW

Rice bowl from:

US$

9

2026291047

Find your way with 101 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Washington DC guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC

Woodrow Wilson House

Home of the 28th President

"Woodrow Wilson House" in Washington D.C. is the only presidential museum in the city. It's made for history buffs, like me!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 27, 2025

Hains Point

Perfect day by the water

"Hains Point" in Washington DC is the perfect place to spend a sunny weekend afternoon. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day by the water with beautiful views!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

Un je ne sais Quoi

French pastries

"Un je ne sais Quoi" in Washington DC is my go-to place for a sweet fix with a French twist - it's the most authentic French bakery in the city!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

Oak Hill Cemetery

Peaceful retreat

I come to "Oak Hill Cemetery" in Washington DC whenever I am walking through Georgetown on a slow afternoon and have some time for myself...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

Roosevelt Island

Outdoor monument to a president

"Roosevelt Island" in Washington DC is an 88-acre natural reserve area. How fitting it's dedicated to Teddy Roosevelt, a big nature conservation advocate.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

The REACH

A living theater

Described as a living theater, "The REACH" in Washington D.C. is a performance hall, education center, and rehearsal space rolled into one...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

Dumbarton Oaks Museum

Art and research

"Dumbarton Oaks Museum" in Washington D.C. is a historic estate that holds a rich collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Also visit the garden!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

Tudor Place

America's story lives here

"Tudor Place" is the only property in Washington DC connected to George & Martha Washington and has a collection of objects that detail American history...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

O St. Mansion

The wackiest place in D.C.

The "O St. Mansion" is one of the wackiest places I have been to in Washington D.C.! It's truly the embodiment of sensory overload... What a fusion!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

Dumbarton Oaks Garden

Garden of beauty

"Dumbarton Oaks Garden" in Washington DC is the work of love of Beatrix Farrand, who worked on this beautiful, colorful garden for 30 years...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Katya

Barannik

Apr 25, 2025

Trusty's

A neighborhood bar

If you want to find a local bar in DC that does not have a tourist vibe, "Trusty's" is the place you're looking for do check out the school bus (!) inside!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

JR

Denson

Apr 24, 2025

The Perfect Liar's Club

Interactive game

"The Perfect Liar's Club" in Washington DC takes the game 'Two Truths and a Lie' to a whole new level of fun... It offers a show that's not to be missed!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

JR

Denson

Apr 23, 2025

Heading to Washington DC?

101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Washington DC?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

101 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants

Our team loves Washington DC

Get to know our other Spotters from Washington DC

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
65
Filters