Step Down Into Georgetown’s Sizzling New Basement Sushi Vacation spot

D.C. isn’t precisely ravenous for sushi — with modern omakase counters, Michelin-starred locations, and quiet hole-in-the-walls in nearly each neighborhood, the town’s uncooked fish sport is powerful. However, there’s no such factor as an excessive amount of of a very good factor. Enter Sushi Gaku, the newest contender to roll into the District that hopes to slice, cube, and impress its manner into your weekly dinner rotation.

Occupying the subterranean Georgetown house previously held by cocktail lounge Donahue (1338 Wisconsin Avenue NW), Sushi Gaku is the latest installment from chef Yoshi Ota — however it’s not his first cross on the D.C. restaurant scene. Sushi Gakyu was a longtime favourite of Washingtonians, serving up related rolls in a modern spot close to the White Home till its closure this yr. Its latest D.C. iteration, named Sushi Gaku, sits blocks away from at all times busy M Avenue, nestled alongside the much less crowded hall of Wisconsin Avenue NW.

“I’m so honored to affix this historic space in Washington,” says Ota, in an announcement. “I’m planning to serve conventional sushi in addition to a distinct fashion that our company have by no means seen earlier than.”

Born in Hokkaido Japan, Ota’s culinary profession started at ANA Worldwide Tokyo restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. He took his abilities throughout the globe, spending the final 4 a long time perfecting his knife expertise throughout his dwelling nation and the U.S., notably at New York’s legendary Sushi Den.

Pleasure Asico-Smith/Asico Photograph

Pleasure Asico-Smith/Asico Photograph

Pleasure Asico-Smith/Asico Photograph

He is without doubt one of the solely within the space to carry a preparation license for fugu, or pufferfish — the Japanese delicacy that accommodates a toxic toxin.

For this new-look sushi spot within the nation’s capital, chef as soon as once more referred to as on Bethany Kazaba, CEO and Managing Principal at Neighborhood Retail Group, for assist.

The house is modestly small, however the decor is on model — putting a cultured stability between trendy class and conventional Japanese artistry. Delicate orchid crops sit atop polished wood counters, whereas minimalist wall panels adorned with ink-brushed calligraphy evoke a quiet sense of consolation. Bamboo accents and stone plateware add texture, all dropped at life underneath tailor-made temper lighting that softens each nook and units the tone for intimate conversations.

Pleasure Asico-Smith/Asico Photograph

On the menu is a mixture of recognizable fare and maybe new-to-you rolls and sashimi. One signature dish is its conventional fashion nigiri sushi, ready edo fashion with akazu (darkish vinegar), sushi rice, and fish items. He may even serve common nigiri with white sushi rice, in addition to maki, and different informal Japanese plates.

Sashimi arrives in bulk by plates of at the least 10 or smaller parts of 4 items per serving, that includes mackerel, tuna, squid, scallop, fatty tuna, and lots extra cuts. The identical choices can be found for nigiri, besides two items per platter. Starters include the classics: edamame, inexperienced salad, seaweed salad, and spring rolls. Cooked protein are pickings of grilled eel, shrimp tempura, fried oyster, grilled black cod, and hamachi kama.

Although not coming for at the least two months, given it wants ample time for preparation, diners have an omakase course to look ahead to. Chef plans to serve a really fermented ancient-style sushi. The reservation-only tasting, which begins at $180 per particular person, options 4 appetizers along with 12 items of premium nigiri and dessert.

Pleasure Asico-Smith/Asico Photograph

To accompany the aforementioned choices is a sprawling beverage program headlined by 4 opening cocktails. The cheeky Royal Fizz combines rum, lime juice, umeshu, saline, and prosecco whereas the refreshing Gaku Breeze blends tequila, almond liqueur, lime juice, cucumber syrup, and mint leaves for garnish. And it wouldn’t be a correct Japanese institution with out sake by the carafe and bottle. For the easier palates, there may be loads of wine and Sapporo beers.

Over on M Avenue NW, Georgetown is dwelling to a different nice downstairs sushi cave referred to as Kyojin, named Eater DC’s 2023 Restaurant of the Yr. And extra uncooked fish is on the horizon throughout the town, with all-you-can-eat Sushi Sato coming to H Avenue within the subsequent month.