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
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - 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
Open City at the Cathedral – Coffeehouse and café
"Open City at the Cathedrail" is a little cafe tucked in the shadow of Washington National Cahtedral & we love it! Try the house-made soup.
By
Lydia
Strohl
Julia's Empanadas – Delicious on-the-go snack
"Julia's Empanadas" is one of my favorite places in DC. While Latin food isn't hard to find in DC, empanadas can be, especially good ones...
By
JR
Denson
Smoke and Barrel – Delicious barbecue
"Smoke and Barrel" Washington DC is one of my favorite spots in the city for barbecue. The cozy rustic decor creates a warm summer feeling, even in winter!
By
Kelley
Smith
GoodWood – For a vintage-chic home
"GoodWood" in Washington DC looks like a general store, but it holds many vintage treasures. It's like an antique store that doesn't take itself too seriously.
By
Lydia
Strohl
Cafe Citron – Spanish conversation and dancing
Everyone's been to "Cafe Citron" in Washington DC - for the lovely South American food, the free salsa lessons & Spanish conversation practice happy hour!
By
JR
Denson
Bombay Street Food 3 – Spice it your way
"Bombay Street Food 3" in Washington DC features Indian and Indo-Chinese foods. Its street food versions have less heavy cream and more spice & herbs...
By
Lydia
Strohl
DC Writer's Homes – Follow In their footsteps
What do Langston Hughes, Tallulah Bankhead, Ezra Pound, Roald Dahl and John F. Kennedy have in common? Find out at "DC Writer's Homes"...
By
Lydia
Strohl
The Salsa Room – Dance all night
There are a lot of places to dance salsa in DC, but "The Salsa Room" is one of my favorites. I like how patrons who show up are really here to dance....
By
JR
Denson
East Potomac Golf Links – In the shadow of the Mall
"East Potomac Golf Links" in DC is probably my favorite place to play golf in the whole world. The view is amazing - and it's surprisingly affordable!
By
JR
Denson
Hill Center DC – Events on Capitol Hill(ish)
"Hill Center DC" is an events facility with all kinds of activities, from wine tastings to ASL & cooking classes. It's a real under-the-radar location!
By
JR
Denson
The Bullpen – Chill outdoor hangout
"The Bullpen" in DC is a great outdoor venue to go and hang out. I like going when they have special happy hour during Nationals home baseball games...
By
JR
Denson
DC Brau – The DC beer
Dublin has Guinness. New York City has Brooklyn Brewing. And DC has "DC Brau." It isn't just a local beer. It's the local beer...
By