Hinata Sushi Carry Out

Restaurant · Bethesda

Hinata Sushi Carry Out

Restaurant · Bethesda

2

4947 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

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Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null
Hinata Sushi Carry Out by null

Highlights

Locals hit this colorful stop with outdoor tables for straightforward sushi & Japanese groceries.  

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4947 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 Get directions

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4947 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 Get directions

+1 301 656 1009
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hinatabethesda

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Last updated

Mar 11, 2025

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@eater

"This cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda is a local favorite for made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price. Call ahead or shop for grocery items from Japan while waiting for takeout orders. Note: There is a small fee for using credit cards for purchases under $10." - Claudia Rosenbaum

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bethesda
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@eater

"This cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda is a local favorite for made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price. Call ahead or shop for grocery items from Japan while waiting for takeout orders. Note: There is a small fee for using credit cards for purchases under $10." - Missy Frederick, Tierney Plumb

Where to Find the Best Sushi Around D.C.
View Postcard for Hinata Sushi Carry Out

Jihoon Park

Google
Looks a real japanese supermarket, however their sushi was so fresh and delicious. It’s not that cheap, but worth it. There is no seat inside it. All menu should be taken out. Also they’re selling so many japanese groceries (sometimes korean’s too). And decent real japanese product with good price. I like this kind of small store.

Bethesda Bike and Ski

Google
It is a small shop packed with all sorts of excellent Japanese foods and other items and they also have great fresh handmade sushi. It is run by a Wife and her Husband and they are super friendly and it really feels quite homey in there while also being a store. Lots of family mementos on the wall and usually some classical music on the speaker but you cannot help but want to keep going back there everything is really good and some stuff is even cheaper than other places (not everything) Take some time and look around you won't be disappointed.

G

Google
Well-stocked and dependable. Great place to buy Japanese grocery staples like miso as well as snacks. Small but has the essentials. Owner is bilingual and always happy to help you find something or offer product advice. So if you aren't sure what to get just ask.

Jane Jing

Google
We were too anxious to eat the sashimi and forgot to take a photos. Every piece of sashimi were super fresh and delicious. We ordered sashimi deluxe and added scallops and another fish as extra. Highly recommend the scallop sashimi, creamy! Will come back to order more.

Ace S.

Google
Go no further for the best sushi in Bethesda. No gimmicky rolls with over-powering toppings or sauces, or outrageously large rolls that no one can swallow. Just good old authentic Japanese cuisine freshly made to order. Hinata is about well- balanced (aka not overly seasoned) sushi rice and really fresh fish made with care. It’s about celebrating one’s pride of one’s 出身 and share that love. If you want a real taste of Japan in Bethesda, this is the place to go. You can also pick up some amazing Japanese snacks while you’re there!

Irene Solaiman

Google
Fresh fish and super kind family run spot! Sushi carryout takes 20-30 minutes so call ahead.

JA KP (JAKP)

Google
I hadn't been to this Market since precovid. It was great to visit.The Management/Owners and front staff were helpful and friendly. Very accommodating. There was an hour wait for the sushi order but there are many things to do in Bethesda so we didn't mind. The sushi is worth waiting for, so if you are hungry call ahead. I love there are so many authentic items in this shop. The staff is helpful and assist in finding items or questions about products. This is a jewel of a market in Bethesda.

Valerie J

Google
Delicious, fresh sushi probably the best ive had in maryland so far. very friendly staff plus japanese grocery store is always fun to shop and experience japanese snacks and drinks absolutely love it! Cheap prices too really appreciate that

Anne C.

Yelp
This is my go to sushi place in Bethesda. Tucked inside a small Japanese grocery store is a sushi counter which sells a variety of fresh sushi and sashimi dishes as well as sushi grade fish by weight which you can take home to prepare your own feast. The best deal is probably the daily special which offers a selection of different nigiri. Make sure you call ahead to place your order the day before because quantities are limited and I've often walked out empty handed in disappointment hoping for better luck/planning next time. Take out only, there is no in store seating. The Japanese grocery shop itself is lovely with a variety of packaged dried goods and snacks. There's also a small selection of local Japanese fresh vegetables, some frozen prepared foods and refrigerated pickles, as well as some baked goods. There's a small section near the front of the store where expired or almost expired foods are on clearance for cheap (read the labels and use your own judgement). The family who owns the shop is very friendly and welcoming. Remember to bring your own bag to avoid the bag fee, and there is a small fee for using credit cards for purchases less than $10. Overall extremely happy to have this shop in my neighborhood.

Hannah H.

Yelp
Hinata is a combination of a Japanese market and a carry-out sushi place, and it seems as if they are pretty popular with the locals. We were walk-ins, and didn't know that there was already a queue for the sushi - we were quoted about 45 minutes, which we thought was a bit extreme, but since we were in the area, we decided to wait. Their menu is pretty extensive, offering rolls, sashimi, vegetarian options, and combos. We ordered: +the Sushi Deluxe - this came with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, flounder, omelet, squid, shrimp, eel, clam, and shad roe in nigiri form; there were also 6 pieces of California roll +a Sashimi Deluxe - 3 pieces of tuna, yellowtail, flounder, and salmon, and 2 pieces of octopus and purple clam Sushi could have been more fresh; some of the fish had an odor to it, and the octopus, especially, was way too fishy in both odor and taste. The sushi rice was a little too loose and kept breaking apart; we felt that there could have been more quality control in preparing these, especially with the long wait time and the high price points. The mart is super small and kind of tight, but I was surprised at the selection and some produce that they had available. Staff were friendly. Metered street and garage parking available in the area. +not-so-fresh sushi +call-aheads are encouraged +friendly service +metered street and garage parking available

James W.

Yelp
A hidden gem that is easily passed by a busy intersection in Bethesda. If you don't know about it, you would pass right by without any idea. Truly one of the best and freshest sushi joints in the DMV area. Very small in space and tight between the aisles, there is a counter in the back with a traditional menu of Sushi choices. If you want to order larger cuts, you must order ahead of time like the day before for larger uncut portions, a pound at a time! I really enjoyed their Toro and Uni sashimi to go. There are no seats so it is togo and standing room only. Snacks and some Japanese frozen foods are lined up along the walls and aisles. Make it a trip, and get some of the freshest sushi to go, and enjoy!

Cole H.

Yelp
Make sure you call ahead. The sushi was ok, but definitely not up to the hype. Partially it wasn't my style, and partially it was a long trip for me to try it. It reminded me of the "street tacos" of sushi. Sort of quick and dirty, and not quite the flavor of something more refined. Rolls are fairly priced but are small. Served in plastic. The spicy tuna for example wasn't like anything I've ever had on the east or west coasts, and I've eaten a lot of sushi over the years! Now that doesn't mean it was bad, it's just different. The rice seemed a little less than fresh. I don't intend to knock them at all, it's a nice little store and they were very kind. Just putting this out there for others like me!

Eric B.

Yelp
Hanata is THE place for sushi if you work in our around the Bethesda Marketplace! The freshest sushi in the area by far. Quick service, pre-order and pick up. Enjoy!

Charles L.

Yelp
Still a fav. It's a bit of a travel but well worth it. Recommend calling ahead to place your sushi order.

Stephen T.

Yelp
Take out only restaurant - very nice people and fresh sushi. They used real crab in the sushi. Rice texture and rice to protein ratio is spot on. They have neat stuff in the grocery area to check out.

Jonathan A.

Yelp
Delicious. Ordered the day before and it was seamless and quick pickup. Make sure to call to check hours over the summer as they're taking vacation. No website so you'll need to order over phone or in person.

Rachel W.

Yelp
This cute little carry out in downtown Bethesda seems to have the hearts of many residents as they are constantly busy! When you enter, you will see three narrow aisles of various Japanese snacks, rice, sauces and other goods. As you make your way to the back, you will see the counter where you can place your order - I would HIGHLY recommend calling ahead and placing your order early in the day or the day before. Both times that I have come here their lunch orders are already lined up and there isn't much flexibility on pickup times. There is only one chef making the orders, so patience is key. On the right back wall, you will also see a proud display of one of the women's daughter's ballet performances and a bulletin of various advertisements. The sushi here is SO fresh and SO good - I usually get the sushi appetizer or sushi regular (Depending on how hungry I am hahahah). I usually add on some toro or other nigiri pieces a la carte. I wish that I could order a combo that didn't have tamago or shrimp since they aren't my favorite pieces but thems the rules! Overall, the price for the fish itself is going to be more than other sushi places in the area, but I think it is well warranted due to the freshness of flavor, the enthusiasm of the small business owners and the fact that I can grab some snacks to complement my meal!

Gohanchan S.

Yelp
Small but jam packed with everything you need from a Japanese grocery store. Carryout sushi is available ; but need to order ahead or wait . They have been in business for 3 decades .. which tells you something . Public parking garage is a few doors down !

Mickey T.

Yelp
This is my go to place for all thing sushi. Very small yet authentic. I normally buy fish by the lb here. I call in advance and come pick up. Order from them numerous time and never disappoint. If you tell them 5:00, they will not make it earlier. The service is phenomenal and cozy feel. It's not for everyone. If you like japan you will appreciate this. Thank you Hinata!

Claire B.

Yelp
Best kept secret in Bethesda! Amazingly fresh sushi-best carry out you will find in the area, and they have a fantastic Asian market inside with lots of goodies.

Chris G.

Yelp
Great quality sushi but I think the sashimi is a much better value than the sushi rolls. The sushi rolls were fine but lacked much fish, whereas the sashimi was great quality and freshly made. I'd stop by again if I was in the area. Pro tip: there's a number of great parks nearby for a cute sushi picnic.

Jess C.

Yelp
The quality of fish is wonderful. I enjoyed the chirashi and sushi special. Hinata is known for their quality, and it does not disappoint. However minus one star because we tried ordering the past two weeks and it is just incredibly difficult to get takeout. They must have a really high demand. One time I called during early dinner and they already sold out for the day, the next day I called at noon and they were busy and could not pick up until 7PM that evening. If you already know you want sushi, go ahead and order a few days out or you'll may not have luck the day of. They are very precise with their pick up time so I would not try to get there early.

Trisha C.

Yelp
Walking into the store, you are greeted by a lot of imported snacks. For someone who was deprived of Asian snacks going to college, this was heaven for me. The prices are decent, and it is definitely a good place if you want to splurge a little bit on snacks or drinks. They also have some kitchen tools that can be purchased. In the back, there is a very small sushi bar. Many rolls are $5 for 6 pieces, and the nigiris are sold individually. I bought unagi roll and salmon roll (total $10). I went with a couple of friends, and they got similar things. It was a really cold morning, so we were so happy when we got hot water! We were the only one at the store at that time (it was a bit early for lunch), and the time it took to make it was roughly 10 minutes. When the plate was brought out, I knew it wouldn't fill my stomach (I probably needed to order 2 more rolls to do so). Nevertheless, it was a nice snack to have as I chatted with my friends. Don't expect one of the employees to come up and ask you how is the food though! They are primarily a small shop, and the food is take-out! There are only three tables at the front of the store. Honestly, I did not taste much of the salmon or the unagi. I mainly tasted the rice. However, given the price and the quantity, I did not expect the roll to be bursting with fresh fish. Nevertheless, I would come here again if I am craving sushi and don't want to go far to a fancy restaurants or want some snacks to bring along for a trip. I really do love this place though, and for a small shop like this, they deserve the praises. Also, can I just say how patiently they were when we were trying to decide what to eat??? It actually surprised me how patient they looked, I changed my rating to a 5. :)

Jim K.

Yelp
I was skeptical because who wants carry out sushi? Boy was I wrong. Once I walked in the store I knew it was legit. The "market" is small but has all the essential authentic Japanese grocery items. This place has the best sushi in Bethesda at the best price. Everyone knows it so order in advance. If you snooze, you lose and that's on you not them. I was tempted to rate low to dissuade others from finding out about this hidden gem but that would be unfair to the amazing family running it. Absolutely love Hinata.

Ann S.

Yelp
Hinata's sushi is soooo good, the owners are exceptionally nice, and it's also fun to explore products in their small store.

Crystal Y.

Yelp
As authentic Japanese as it possibly gets. You walk in and they will automatically greet you in Japanese. They did a good job of compacting a massive selection in a miniscule space without it looking bad either-it's very Japanese in that sense. What's cool is that they will make fresh sushi to order for you, in addition to being a mini Japanese grocer. They also have some fresh asian vegetables-which is good if you need something like a kabocha and you live in the area.

Joshua J.

Yelp
After reading some of the other reviews, I was prepared to wait a while. I went in to order at 12:10 on a Wednesday and was told it would be a 30 minute wait because there is only one sushi chef. No problem, worth the wait! This is some of the best sushi I've had, better even than many sushi restaurants I've eaten at in Japan. Everything I ordered was incredibly fresh and delicious. The staff are so friendly and gave me a menu to take and recommended calling in advance to order to avoid waiting. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you get. I happily paid $47 for this meal. Currently take out only.

Deanna D.

Yelp
I think I may have just found my take out sushi spot! I have passed this place many times and decided to give it a try and I am glad I did. First the parking. There are meters in front of the restaurant and around the neighborhood as well as a parking garage a few feet away from it. Next the restaurant. It is pretty small with very limited seating, meaning only 3 tables, I believe. So if you want a sit down place to eat sushi, this may not necessarily be the place for you unless the tables happen to be free. Also what is great about this restaurant is that it also has a Japanese grocery section with a lot of items to choose from. Now the sushi. I will preface this by saying I didn't try any of the items with fish so I cannot attest to the quality/freshness of the fish they use. But I did order the Vegetable Combo(spinach roll, cucumber roll, avocado roll) and a California roll with real crab meat. Man, it was DELICIOUS! The pieces were small, but $14.75 for 24 pieces was a pretty good deal. They have a nice selection of didn't combos and other types of sushi and they also have a daily special. Finally the customer service. Very nice, polite and I also didn't have to wait very long. All in all, this place is great all around. Check them out if you are wanting so great, inexpensive take out sushi.

Lee Z.

Yelp
The sushi here is always fresh and the prices are very reasonable. They service was friendly and courteous.

Art H.

Yelp
Can't ever get an order in for a reasonable time. Called at 11:30am...they said I could pick up at 4pm???!!! I've gone in before earlier than that and they've quoted 3 hour wait. Sorry, not one to order my sushi a day in advance.

Beth R.

Yelp
I stopped by and they were sold out of sushi so I tried again. They are closed temporarily. Their seaweed salad was great though and the service was good. I would note there is a minimum for credit use.

Ann C.

Yelp
Adorable jam-packed Japanese grocery store and carry out sushi place - and a great place to pick up small (if a bit pricey) Asian goods. Parking is a challenge in the area immediately around the store but parking garages and limited street parking are in easy walking distance.

Brandon G.

Yelp
The price per sushi roll was higher than I saw on their site but still well below the average in the area, meanwhile the quality was the best I've ever had. It's actually less expensive than you'll pay for most supermarket sushi and about 100x better.

Vivian T.

Yelp
I can't say enough good things about Hinata. Supporting a local business with simple and fresh sushi as well as East Asian grocery items you can't find at Target, Safeway, etc. Their toro and salmon rolls are simple and a great snack that doesn't kill your wallet. I always ask for both rolls to be spicy and they put this spicy soy sauce mix on top that is to die for. I would suggest asking for spicy mayo ($1 upcharge) but don't expect your typical orange spicy mayo that you find at any generic sushi restaurant. Instead, it's the same magical soy sauce mix that is placed on top of the spicy sushi rolls mixed with Japanese mayo and you'll find me licking the plastic container clean because it's so good. Great sushi and there's so enough grocery items there to keep you occupied while you wait for your order.

K K.

Yelp
Friendly staff, amazing selection (especially of the JDM coffees), and top notch sushi. What's not to like?

Eric L.

Yelp
This is my favorite local sushi spot, for when I don't want to park in DC or drive to VA. This family owned Japanese convenience store has a small sushi counter in the back preparing some solid traditional sushi. No caterpillars or dragon volcanos here, just simple nigiri and maki with one or two additions like sprouts, cucumber or avocado. Simple, delicious, very affordable. Their daily specials are a great deal with 12 pieces maki and 3 nigiri for 12$ or so. I also buy ingredients for my home made sushi and ramen here. Atmosphere: 4/5 Food/drink: 5/5 Price: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Overall 5/5

Amy C.

Yelp
I've been coming to Hinata for their sushi since 2016 and it's still my go-to for the best sushi in the area. The sushi is always fresh and made to order. The staff is the sweetest. While I wait, I love browsing their selection of Japanese groceries and teas. It's always a challenge not to over spend here!

T S.

Yelp
Was in Bethesda for the week and this place came up highly recommended for sushi. Quality of the rolls were superb. I tried the yellowtail roll first and the fish basically melted in my mouth. Every element, from the fish, seaweed, and rice was distinct but played well off of each other. I usually do not analyze sushi this much but this roll made me stop and savor each piece. The spicy tuna roll was different from any other variation I have had-the seasoning of the tuna was dark brown and had a peppery flavor. I actually thought the flavors adulterated the fish and I NEVER say that about my beloved spicy tuna rolls. But I think the fish was too good for that seasoning and would have been better without it. Next time will try a plain tuna roll. Overall pleased with this unassuming sushi spot. Will definitely come back to get the yellowtail roll and try some new ones too.

Lina T.

Yelp
This is a cute Japanese grocery store located in Bethesda. They offer alot of unique items such as tools to create cute bento boxes, Japanese snacks and sweets. Hinata offers sushi, seating is very limited so I usually carry out. There are 2-3 tiny tables inside and 2-3 tiny tables outside. The sushi portions are very small, but the fish they use is very fresh. If you are starving and just want to stuff your face, I would not recommend this spot. If you actually want to taste your food and savor each bite, you need to try the sushi here :) I usually order the tuna roll, fatty tuna roll and salmon roll. The staff are always friendly, making all of my visits here a pleasant experience. There is street parking and a garage nearby, this store isn't located in the super busy, bustling area of Bethesda so parking shouldn't be an issue.

Anthony W.

Yelp
Some of the highest quality sushi available carry out in the DC area. True sushi check knife work, not the typical basic tuna, salmon, California roll on every block. Call ahead, order the deluxe combos. You can also order blocks of sashimi and rarer seafood with their weekly shipments from Japan

Justin S.

Yelp
This family owned restaurant has some of the best sushi in DC. The wait times for carry out can get a little lengthy so get those orders in early! They also have a good variety of Japanese dry goods, frozen foods and fresh Japanese produce. The fresh salmon rolls and spicy tuna rolls are my favorites!

Scott R.

Yelp
When they said in the back of a small market they were not wrong. I was in the mood for sushi and found Hinata listed in a article. Order my sushi and had to keep changing my location as to not be in the way of other customers. Lots of items packed into the small market. Would be a cool place to shop. The sushi was fresh and very good. Better than I was expecting and happy I tried it.

Kevin B.

Yelp
Japanese market PLUS sushi??!! What would be better??!!! Oh wait, the sushi could be better. One of my clients who is Japanese and is here on Visa from Japan recommended this place and said it was her favorite. Family owned by a very nice Japanese couple. I'm surprised I haven't heard about this place earlier. Grocery price is higher than the norm, for example, eel is $15.95 when you can get it for like $10 at hmart and it's the same thing. They did have Anago (sea eel) which you don't see often. On to sushi- ordered their daily special- tuna, white tuna, and clam nigiri, lettuce roll, and asparagus roll. Plus A shrimp tempura roll, o-toro nigiri, and aji nigiri. Sadly the best fish was the tuna (very good tuna), the o-toro was kinda chewy, and my goodness that should never happen, I must have had bad luck and got a shitty cut or something but still, everything else was mediocre at best. White tuna and clam is just white tuna and clam, they're never good no matter where you get them, but the aji tasted like the $1 piece of aji that you could get at sastuma. Rolls were very small. $26.75 for lunch. Disappointed with the food but definitely would give it another try if I'm there for groceries.

Mel H.

Yelp
What's with all the hype!? Nice staff but I'm not as impressed as yelpers have mentioned. Such a small amount of fish in the tuna roll and shrimp roll had barely any shrimp. Nigeri was a decent size piece of fresh fish with a lot of sticky white rice. For $11 however I'm not impressed. The pinch of ginger and roll sizes are so tiny. The lady was nice/friendly. I had called my order ahead of time and she said 20 minutes... when I came 20 minutes later there was no one there and the rolls were just starting to be prepared. I'm spoiled by good sushi from California so I feel a little let down by the hyped up yelp reviews (not bad for an East coast sushi place but definitely not worth driving out of my way for) Extra ginger is 50 cents and a bag is extra too... at least I got to peruse the cute Japanese grocery store as I waited waited for my lunch to be ready. They sell organic tofu for $1.85 which is a deal compared to other grocery stores in the area.

Andrew H.

Yelp
I know Hinata has gotten plenty of accolades and love from the local community, and I really want to follow suit and give them a full five-stars, but I just can't. Granted, I love the little store front and their tiny little kitchen in the back cranking out some sushi. And the family run shop comes with all the pluses and warmth of family run service. All good things in my book. But my issue was just that the food - two regular chirashi bowls to-go - was just not good enough to make up for the extremely long wait. Yes, they did ask if we were okay to wait about 20 mins. Yes, I did say I was. But I was not okay that it took a good bit longer than estimated. Sushi was good. Rice was decent. Just nothing exceedingly special that made up for the wait. I don't live in the neighborhood so don't know if I'd make it over again, but my issues aside, I hope Hinata continues to be a mainstay in the community.

John N.

Yelp
I love this little market!! With the small amount of space they have, they sure do pack a lot of stuff in this place! They have everything you could possibly every want to make and assemble your own Sushi. I had been looking for a place that sells Sushi Grade Fish, and since this place serves its own sushi, they have every kind of fish imaginable for your home rolled and hand formed rolls and nigiri. Located right on St. Elmo Ave across from Old Georgetown Grille, this shop is tiny, and I almost missed it walking past. I came into the store, worked my way to the back and perused the selection of fish that they were selling for homemade sushi. I told them the fish I wanted and how much of each, and I waited as they prepared the fish. While I was waiting, I got to take stock of everything in the market, which included some nice small produce, typically accompanied with sushi. After picking out several other ingredients, my order was up and I was ready to pay. The very nice lady behind the counter was nice enough to offer some packed ice so that my fish stayed cold on the ride home. I was very impressed with the quality of fish that they provide. The price seemed a little steep, but then again I got way more than I needed. I ended up making a ton of sushi for the amount that I got. Definitely recommend this place for all your sushi and Japanese cuisine needs.

Edward H.

Yelp
Cute place, nice staff BUT I have repeatedly been told there's 30 minute wait for take out sushi (after I have stood in line for more than 5 minutes) at lunch time. What's the point? When I have had their sushi, it's just OK - rice has too much vinegar.

Eri K.

Yelp
Cute little Japanese grocery/marketplace located in Bethesda by the parking garage. Being Japanese in Maryland, I love going here and seeing all the goods from my homeland. It's nothing like Mitsuwa or Marukai in LA, but it does have all your basic necessities to make you feel a little closer to "home." I think the sushi chef and the wife (?) are Japanese and this is a family run business. Don't quote me though. I've ordered their sushi before and I've also bought some fresh fish from them to do temaki at home. It's not cheap, but it's quality. And you know you're not going to get food poisoning so I think it's worth it.

Sebastian g.

Yelp
I think this place has a lot to offer, but I want to write about my recent negative experience in hopes they improve. I purchased some sashimi-grade fish from them, but they gave me the worst cuts of the fish they had, probably thinking I would not notice given that I am white. The salmon cut had about 1/4 of it mushy and discolored (tasted terrible) and had to be thrown away. Also, when they packaged the salmon they left a large piece of skin on the bottom (could not be seen at the store) that also had to be thrown out. The 'good' part of the piece they cut for me was also not good at all, with very little fat content (the white stuff), giving it a dull taste. This is unfortunate because they charge $40/lb for the salmon, which is much higher than H Mart ($25/lb). I also got a cut of sashimi grade red snapper that also was disappointing. Instead of giving me the chunky part of the fish, they gave me the thin sides, which is not good for sashimi. This piece also had a fair amount of skin that was tough and I had to be removed delicately with my knife, which inevitably led more of the fish to be thrown away. This is unfortunate because they charge something like $55/lb for this fish. I expected much better quality. The yellowtail I got from them was pretty good. They gave me a good cut and was fresh. One thing to note, they coat their fish in a lime tasting sugar substance that gives the fish more kick. I think this does improve the flavor, but it could be a surprise if you are not expecting it. Obviously what happened here was that the guy behind the counter thought he could unload some subpar cuts on an unsuspecting white guy. I am no sushi expert, but I have been making sashimi meals at home for many years and have tried pretty much all of the vendors in the region. I have also traveled throughout Japan. My Asian wife and MIL also tried the fish and came to the same conclusion. I will give this place one more chance, but I will explain to them in person my poor experience and report back to whether they improved.

Veronique L.

Yelp
Friendly and quick service. I am giving it three stars because while the rolls (priced from $3.75-4.50 or so) were relatively inexpensive, they were small and didn't have much fish. I do agree with others that the place is on the small side with the sushi bar in the back of the store. There are Japanese items such as condiments, candies, sauces, and noodles. The fruits and vegetables were located in the back and not labeled with prices. The sushi did taste delicious and they obviously know how to make sushi. The rolls were nice and tightly wrapped but I really wish they were bigger and had more fish.

Janet L.

Yelp
3.5-4 stars. Small little store on St. Elmo. There's a Mont. co. public parking lot next to the shop & street parking... and it's close enough to the metro (walk/circulator). The front of the store is the grocery store and the back is the sushi bar. Staff - the staff are super friendly and nice. Very very helpful and explained their menu to me after the look of my utterly confused face. Sushi - The sushi is TINY! I was confused where the food went after I ate it because I did not feel it in my stomach. But if you get their combos (if you're facing the register, look to your left and you'll see a poster of all the combos... pick something off that menu), it's cheaper. You can substitute any roll in the combo for a different one, as long as it's of something that's priced the same. They also have a special of the day that changes (I believe ~$9.00). Despite being small, their sushi was delicious, ingredients pretty fresh. :) Grocery store - I'm so happy that I can now stock up on my Asian groceries even if I'm too lazy to go all the way out to Rockville. That being said, there isn't a large selection of fresh veggies and such. I did grab some green onions that were wilted a bit. They have a little frozen food selection. Most of the seasonings and ingredients that you need can be found here with a pretty good selection of Ramen also. If you're looking for Japanese face products (Shiseido's face/hair care), you can get them here! Overally, I'm a fan of this little shop! The only thing is that it's a little pricier than if I were to go to my usual Asian grocery shop in Rockville... but it's a trade-off I'm willing to take for the convenient location.

Sarah L.

Yelp
An overdue review, but I dined here on 10-03-08. This place is a really small grocery store with a sushi counter in the back. When I came in, I maneuvered my way through a narrow aisle, talked to the sweet Japanese proprietress, placed my order and paid. Then I went back to the front of the store, where there are about 3 tables with about a foot's worth of distance between them. When my order was ready, a server brought the plate of sushi over to me. The store is handicapped accessible, but be warned: the aisles are jammed packed full of stuff. It is more of a place to pick up and go than browse and shop. If you are looking for a light snack, by all means, dine at this mom 'n pop joint. If you are hungry, I recommend you find another place to eat! While the sushi is fresh, the portions are ridiculously small. We're talking about sushi rolls that are about the diameter of a half-dollar coin, or maybe smaller. This may be great if you are one of those people who actually eats the correct portion size and not the typical American supersized meal. I fall in between. I got 6 unagi/eel rolls ($3.75), two tamago/egg maki ($2.00/each), two tuna maki ($2.75/each) and a bottle of Japanese iced green tea ($1.85). With tax the meal totalled $16.01. After I ate my meal, I was still famished, so I went to ANOTHER Japanese restaurant, where I paid about the same price for a bento box lunch that had a greater quantity of food. Thus, my hunger was satiated but left me $35 poorer for the day.

Natalie B.

Yelp
The sushi here is so, so good. The rice is seasoned perfectly. The fish is fresh. They have a great selection of Japanese grocerys which is impressive for such a small space. And the owners are very kind and helpful. Highly recommend this place!

Tiffany L.

Yelp
We didn't get to try their food but their little grocery section is so cute and has so much to offer. We spent 45$ on a bunch of snacks and ingredients. All the prices seem fair which is surprising to see at a small business location. Can't wait to come back for more snacks.

Norry H.

Yelp
What a pleasant surprise! I had visited Hinata several times in the past but never eaten there until yesterday. I had Chirashi regular and what I really liked is the freshness of fish. I think the chef actually sliced each fish for my order unlike other bargain restaurants where they had sliced all fish in advance for quicker service. But if you do that the freshness and moisture of fish get lost. I will go back there again for more fresh fish from now on.

Johnny W.

Yelp
This place has no concept of business. There posted hours say they are open after 6pm. Came here at 4:30pm on a Tuesday. We ordered our food and everything seemed fine. As they were taking our money they said we would need to wait until 6pm. Are you serious? You are not nobu. You are a convenience store with sushi.

Chordy R.

Yelp
So good !!!! I have been to japan quite often due to work and have developed a taste for sushi and finding this gem in bethesda is amazing!!!! Its so authentic and even reminds me of the slither sized stores in Kyoto . Lovely people and great products and food!!!! I walk nearly a mile from NIH often to go to lunch there twice a week.