Jun 6, 2025

Izakaya Seki Washington DC

Big taste & small plates

""Izakaya Seki" in Washington DC is the restaurant I go to when I want authentic but unfamiliar Japanese food, a place for somewhat adventurous diners!"

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.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

1117 V St NW

Small plates:

US$

7

2025885841

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

The Phillips Collection

Modern and contemporary

"The Phillips Collection" in Washington DC praises itself as America’s first museum of modern art, which encompasses art from the 1800s to today.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Katya

Barannik

Jul 1, 2025

Timber Pizza

The best pizza in D.C.

This is the best pizza place in Washington D.C. You don’t have to take just my word for it: Bon Appetit named Timber Best Pizzeria 2017...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Katya

Barannik

Jul 1, 2025

Hillwood Estate

Art collector’s museum

"Hillwood Estate" in Washington D.C. is one of the best art collector's museums I have been to - I even love the gardens and greenhouses...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Katya

Barannik

Jul 1, 2025

AU Museum

Art from around the world

"The AU Museum" at the Katzen Arts Center in Washington DC is the region’s largest university facility for exhibiting art - it has a unique philosophy...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Katya

Barannik

Jun 30, 2025

Spanish Steps

Lovely secluded spot

The "Spanish Steps" in Kalorama, Washington DC, are surrounded by trees and the sound of falling water. A lovely, secluded spot to catch up with a friend!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Katya

Barannik

Jun 30, 2025

Mitchell Park

Green space for hanging out

"Mitchell Park" is a much-welcomed green space within the Kalorama neighborhood in Washington DC. It's the perfect spot to bring a book and read for hours!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Katya

Barannik

Jun 30, 2025

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

Jun 27, 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

Jun 25, 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

Jun 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

Jun 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

Jun 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

Jun 25, 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

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