"A wall of softly illuminated, rare Japanese whiskeys serves as the entryway to SHŌTŌ, a no-expenses-spared izakaya in downtown D.C's gleaming new Midtown Center development. This offshoot of high-end global brand Zuma aims to bring a bit of Miami glitz to dinner in D.C.. The design is lavish, from the Japanese volcanic rock hanging from the ceiling to the very zen bathroom. For all the attention to the design and the scene, the food here is way more than an after-thought: it's legitimately delicious. Here, "tacos" feature made-in-house potato chips that sub in for a tortilla as a crunchy contrast to fillings like salmon with wasabi mayo, fried eggplant or yuzu-dressed tuna. You'll want to hop all over the pricey menu, which includes skewers cooked on a robata grill, sushi, and Wagyu steak. (There's an omakase menu, in case you can't handle making decisions.) The dessert platter loaded with fresh fruit and ice cream is a sight to behold." - Adele Chapin
