Sushi Gaku

Restaurant · Georgetown

Sushi Gaku

Restaurant · Georgetown

5

1338 Wisconsin Ave NW Basement, Washington, DC 20007

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Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by Michael Butcher
Sushi Gaku by Eater - Lists + Maps
Sushi Gaku by Eater - Lists + Maps
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null
Sushi Gaku by null

Highlights

Sashimi, pufferfish, omakase, and zen patio dining  

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1338 Wisconsin Ave NW Basement, Washington, DC 20007 Get directions

sushigaku.com
@sushi_gaku_dc

$50–100 · Menu

Information

Static Map

1338 Wisconsin Ave NW Basement, Washington, DC 20007 Get directions

+1 202 770 7753
sushigaku.com
@sushi_gaku_dc

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 27, 2025

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@eater

Where to Find the Best Sushi Around D.C. | Eater DC

"A parade of sashimi, Japanese plates, and ever-elusive pufferfish await in the depths of Wisconsin Avenue NW. After closing downtown Sushi Gakyu earlier this year, talented sushi chef Yoshi Ota moved on to Georgetown with the May opening of Sushi Gaku. Traditional nigiri and maki, an omakase menu ($180), affordable sushi “sets” starting at $28, and a $100 prix fixe option round out the new menu. Dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. every night except Tuesdays. A zen patio out back is framed in stone and greenery." - Tierney Plumb

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-sushi-restaurants-dc
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@infatuation

DC's New Restaurant Openings - Washington DC - The Infatuation

"Sushi Gaku is the latest project from Yoshi Ota, whose previous spot, Sushi Gakyu, closed earlier this year. The new restaurant, located in a Georgetown basement, will feature a $100 okimari prix-fixe and, later this summer, a $180 omakase. Pufferfish, rarely seen in DC, will be on the menu." - omnia saed

https://www.theinfatuation.com/washington-dc/guides/dc-new-restaurant-openings
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@eater

The Best New Restaurants in D.C., July 2025 | Eater DC

"A parade of sashimi, Japanese plates, and ever-elusive pufferfish now have a home in the depths of Wisconsin Avenue NW. After closing downtown Sushi Gakyu earlier this year, sushi chef Yoshi Ota moved on to Georgetown with the May opening of Sushi Gaku. Traditional nigiri, maki, and an omakase tasting featuring fermented ancient-style sushi round out the new menu. Dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. every night except Tuesdays. A zen patio out back is framed in stone and greenery." - Eater Staff

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-heatmap-dc
View Postcard for Sushi Gaku
@infatuation

Sushi Gaku - Review - Georgetown - Washington DC - The Infatuation

"Sushi Gaku is the latest project from Yoshi Ota, whose previous spot, Sushi Gakyu, closed earlier this year. The new restaurant, located in a Georgetown basement, will feature a $100 okimari prix-fixe and, later this summer, a $180 omakase. Pufferfish, rarely seen in DC, will be on the menu. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Omnia Saed

https://www.theinfatuation.com/washington-dc/reviews/sushi-gaku
View Postcard for Sushi Gaku
@eater

Step Down Into Georgetown’s Hot New Basement Sushi Destination | Eater DC

"Occupying a subterranean Georgetown space at 1338 Wisconsin Avenue NW (the former Donahue cocktail lounge), this modestly small counter aims to blend modern elegance with traditional Japanese artistry: delicate orchid plants atop polished wooden counters, minimalist wall panels with ink-brushed calligraphy, bamboo accents, stone plateware and tailored mood lighting create an intimate, softened setting just blocks from busy M Street. Chef Yoshi Ota — born in Hokkaido, whose career began at ANA International Tokyo and who spent decades honing knife skills (notably at New York’s Sushi Den) — has returned to D.C.; he holds one of the area's few preparation licenses for fugu (pufferfish). In his words, “I am so honored to join this historical area in Washington,” says Ota, in a statement. “I am planning to serve traditional sushi as well as a different style that our guests have never seen before.” The menu mixes recognizable fare and inventive rolls: a signature traditional edo-style nigiri made with akazu (dark vinegar), sushi rice, and fish, alongside regular nigiri on white sushi rice, maki and casual Japanese plates. Sashimi is offered in bulk plates of at least 10 or smaller four-piece portions (featuring mackerel, tuna, squid, scallop, fatty tuna and other cuts); nigiri comes in two-piece platters. Starters include edamame, green salad, seaweed salad and spring rolls, while cooked proteins run from grilled eel and grilled black cod to shrimp tempura, fried oyster and hamachi kama. A reservation-only omakase (not launching for at least two months while the team readies it) is planned as a very fermented ancient-style sushi tasting, starting at $180 per person and featuring four appetizers, 12 pieces of premium nigiri and dessert. The beverage program includes four opening cocktails (notably the Royal Fizz: rum, lime juice, umeshu, saline and prosecco; and the Gaku Breeze: tequila, almond liqueur, lime juice, cucumber syrup and mint leaves), sake by the carafe and bottle, wine and Sapporo beers. Developer Bethany Kazaba of Neighborhood Retail Group was tapped to help realize the space." - Vinciane Ngomsi

https://dc.eater.com/2025/5/23/24434920/inside-sushi-gaku-georgetown-new-dc-restaurant-openings
View Postcard for Sushi Gaku

Cecilio Sandoval

Google
Went here for opening day and had a really nice time with friends! The staff was very excited to have us here and recommended drinks for us to try. We had miso soup, gyoza, crunchy spicy salmon, crunchy shrimp, and shrimp tempura avocado roll. The food was 10/10 + service and ambiance was amazing. Our new favorite spot to grab sushi in Georgetown.

Lilian Kong

Google
We opted for the $100 prix fixe. Miso soup was tasty. The tuna carpaccio was disappointing. The tuna had no taste and the ponzu overwhelmed the whole dish. The nigiri tasting was pretty good, but we have had better esp at the price point. 1. Rice was prepared at the temperature, taste and texture we prefer 2. The fish and any seasoning pair was thoughtful. However, the variety was lacking. Lastly, the dessert was a choice of mango or strawberry mochi ice cream. The taste was so artificial and it was terrible. Service was friendly, however, slow, and somewhat inattentive. However, we were displeased with how they generalized so many kinds of fish as "white fish". We are always eager to know the exact kind of fish, parts and origin, and Sushi Gaku failed so badly in this department. We had to ask and only for all 3 wait staff to come by with an incomplete/ inaccurate description of what fish we were being served.

Jordan Wise

Google
The service, ambiance, food & drinks were incredible from start to finish! We got a few different nigiri orders and rolls (salmon, fatty tuna) all incredible. We just moved right around the corner, and we already can't wait to come back! Bonus points for Dua Lipa on the playlist :)

Claudia Leon

Google
This sushi spot is a hidden gem! It’s very hidden and the staff are excellent. They’re so nice, and very hospitable. The food is good, but I have had better. Still, this place is an amazing sushi spot, and I would recommend it! I shall come again!

Alyssa Ainsworth

Google
This sushi spot is fantastic! Our server was absolutely great, and the patio was great as well! The food was absolutely delicious and we could continue to order as the night went on!

Kimberly Anderson

Google
A delightful gem, unexpected beauty and excellent quality food. The hosts, server and chefs were superior. This is a fine establishment. I will visit again. Miso and Mochi were my favorite bits. I had the Rainbow Roll. 👌

Emma Poplin

Google
Wonderful hidden gem. Welcome addition to the sushi scene in Georgetown. The menu was varied and thoughtful. The service was warm and welcoming. Our server provided personalised and genuine recommendations. The sake selection was thoughtful and enjoyable. We look forward to returning to our new favorite Georgetown spot.

Rachel Sufczynski

Google
The servicee was phenomenal- but sadly that was the best part of the meal. The drinks were bizarre - with a martini coming in a wine glass with ice and a lemon wedge - the sashimi was decent however the rolls were underlining to say the least: the shrimp tempura roll came sitting on som sort of brown gravy that made it inedible. The rainbow roll, spicy crunchy tuna and eel were all subpar to say the least. I definitely will not be returning
google avatar

Jordan W.

Yelp
The service, ambiance, food & drinks were incredible from start to finish! We got a few different nigiri orders and rolls (salmon, fatty tuna) all incredible. We just moved right around the corner, and we already can't wait to come back! Bonus points for Dua Lipa on the playlist :)
google avatar

Hannah H.

Yelp
Welcome to Georgetown, Chef Ota and Sushi Gaku! Fun fact: Chef Ota is one of the only chefs in the area to hole a fugu preparation license! Making a dinner reservation on their online platform was a breeze and seamless. Try their Okimari Prix Fixe, as it comes with miso soup, a choice of a sashimi carpaccio, 10 pieces of premium nigiri, a choice of maki, and ice cream. There is also Gakyu Omakase specialties, where one is a sushi course and one is a fugu course (that is seasonal). They also have Signature Sushi Sets, in which the Edo Style Nigiri and the Gaku Sushi Assortment are recommended! We enjoyed the Chef's Langoustine Lobster roll and the Chef's Crunchy Spicy Tuna roll, several nigiris (Aburi-style), and the sushi sets. Other options include various soups, apps, and a la carte items. Service was kind, friendly, and attentive. Look for the Sushi Gaku sign/plaque, and go downstairs. The space is bright and clean, and I liked the 'sparkly' fabrics they used for the furniture. Metered street parking can be found in the area. +omakase +sushi sets +online reservations available
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Catalina M.

Yelp
Thrilled to have an authentic sushi option so close. The menu included chef designed pre-fixe meals, but also allowed you to order a la carte from an impressive selection of sashimi, sushi and maki rolls. The yellowtail sashimi carpaccio is absolutely worth trying. The soft shell crab rolls were perfectly crisped. The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive. Beautiful mini orchids adorned all the tables. And even though it was raining today, their back courtyard looks like it will eventually be a delight for outdoor dining. Looking forward to my next visit.

Joey R.

Yelp
Visited Sushi Maki on a Sunday night with my partner. We both got the Okimari Prix Five Course and it was delicious! The fish was so delicious and they accommodated our allergies. We sat at the bar and were able to watch the chefs demonstrate their masterclass. We also got a few drinks that were very good. The service was fast and there was quiet background music. Definitely would come back!

El C.

Yelp
If I could give this place negative stars, I would. The service was honestly the worst I've experienced in at least 10 years. There were a total of 10 tables of patrons (2-6 tops) and 4 servers, and it took 70 minutes to get my drink. Our seaweed salad took 5 requests and came out after 90 minutes, after all the sushi had already been consumed. Water refills similarly took repeated requests and were achingly slow. Despite the staff acknowledging the problems, we were charged for everything plus an automatic 20% service charge. The fish was actually tasty, but I will never go here again. Avoid, avoid, avoid!!

Suzanne B.

Yelp
An authentic sushi restaurant. The chef is Japanese and, as is required in Japan, he had ten years of training before starting his 25 year career. After his training, he had a restaurant on the Ginza (the equivalent of 5th Ave. NYC) and elegant, expensive, and famous street in Tokyo. In our opinion, the sushi/sashimi is far the best in the DC area. Fresh, perfectly flavored, perfectly sized for a mouth. If you're used to super market sushi, you will find a world of difference here. It is what sushi should be. The ambiance is good, outdoor area as well as indoor available, acoustics are good and service is excellent.