Izakaya Seki Washington DC
Big taste & small plates
Izakaya Seki is where I go when I want authentic but unfamiliar Japanese food, and is a place for somewhat adventurous diners. It sits in a nondescript building on a quiet residential street, with a red lantern being the only indication if the place is open!
Run by a Japanese chef and his daughter, the first floor of the 2-level space has 10 stools overlooking Chef Seki's counter, and the second floor dining area accommodates up to 30 people. Yes, it's pretty small and is always packed with "foodies". They do not take reservations, but once they have your name on the list, they will call you when the table is ready. Until then, there are plenty of options in the area to grab a drink and wait, and believe me, it will be worth it.
The menu is exciting, grouped into sections such as raw, grilled, fried etc and they also offer an extensive sake selection. Almost everything I have had here has been a hit, but some of my favorites are the fried meat skewers (fried pork belly on a skewer!), monkfish liver, yellowtail sashimi, crab and corn croquettes and the garlic fried rice. Honestly though, the food shines and the options are delicious. Definitely be adventurous at this place and take the staff's suggestions.
If you like Japanese food, then this is definitely a must-go in DC.
About this spot
Find your way with 101 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC
Jolt 'n Bolt
Morning Jolt! Coffee and juice bar
"Jolt 'n Bolt" in Washington DC has all-day breakfast that's cheffed up on sight and a great menu of smoothies, like the Mood Boost or Morning Detox.
by
Lydia
Strohl
Bar Charley
Craft cocktails cool vibe
"Bar Charley" in Washington DC is famous for its cocktails. Great creations - and the food is even better!
by
Lydia
Strohl
Lapis
Afghan in AdMo
The menu hosts a bevy of dumplings and small plates, heavy on veg - we loved the eggplant-based buranee bademjan as well as the gulpee!
by
Lydia
Strohl
Ambar
Bottomless brunch
"Ambar" in Washington DC is a beloved bottomless brunch spot. It's my go-to birthday celebration spot and I always make a reservation a month in advance...
by
Kelley
Smith
Boundary Stone
Offbeat outdoor brunch
"Boundary Stone" is my go-to, no-reservation-needed brunch spot in Washington DC. My favorites are the Huevos Rancheros and the egg and chorizo sandwich...
by
Kelley
Smith
Taco City D.C.
Tacos deliciosos
As far as I'm concerned, "Taco City D.C." makes the best tacos I've had anywhere. The fact it's so close to my house is dangerous for my bank account...
by
JR
Denson
Miracle Theatre
Oldest theater in the city
"Miracle Theatre" in Washington DC is the oldest (second-run) movie theater in the city. They also host private events - I once performed theater there...
by
JR
Denson
National Building Museum
Good gift shop
I love going to the gift shop of the "National Building Museum" - very reasonably priced items, Also, I like what they do on Saturday mornings...
by
JR
Denson
Sticky Rice
The best sushi
"Sticky Rice" is honestly one of my top five favorite places to eat in DC. My go-to dish is the Drawn and Buttered sushi roll... Impossible not to like!
by
JR
Denson
Surfside
Late night Tex-Mex
I always stop at "Surfside" whenever I go out dancing or hanging out in the Dupont Circle area for a late-night taco, enchilada or quesadilla...
by
JR
Denson
Ala
Bottomless Turkish brunch
"Ala" is a beloved Turkish restaurant in Washington DC. Recently, they started offering bottomless brunch for great value! Also try the drinks...
by
Kelley
Smith
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
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:
