Okay, Bethesda’s sushi scene just leveled up, and Sushi Masato is already one I want you guys to know about. I got invited in to check out Sushi Masato, a brand-new spot that just opened on Hampden Lane, and I left happy and full, which is exactly the kind of report I love giving you guys. It’s run by a husband-and-wife team, Amy and Raymond Yu, and you can feel how much they care the second you sit down. The dish that stole the show for me was the Osaka-style pressed sushi, which I’d never had before and really enjoyed. If you’re anywhere near downtown Bethesda and you love sushi, this one’s worth adding to your list. Their whole thing is quality and hospitality, and it shows on every plate. Here’s everything I got and what I’d order again.
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What Makes Sushi Masato Special…
Sushi Masato took over the old Tako Grill space in the Shoppes of Bethesda and split it into two concepts, so there’s a whole dessert side (more on that in a bit) opening right next door. What sets it apart for me is the range: you’ve got Osaka-style pressed sushi, which you honestly don’t see much out in the burbs, alongside nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls, and even a slow-simmered beef gyudon. From what I’ve read, chef Raymond Yu spent years behind sushi counters around the DMV before opening this, and it shows in the precision. It’s a small, brand-new spot that feels personal, not corporate, and that’s exactly the kind of place I love putting you guys onto.
What to Order at Sushi Masato
Osaka-Style Pressed Sushi ($22)
This was almost too pretty to eat, and it was the dish I’d tell anyone to order first. It’s pressed sushi rice layered with tuna, avocado, and spicy tuna, cut into these clean little blocks. The chef handed me pieces of nori to wrap each bite, which was such a fun, hands-on way to eat it. If you’ve never tried pressed sushi, start here.
Miso Black Cod ($35)
The fish here was cooked SO beautifully, and the wok-charred miso marinade came through on every bite. My one honest note: it came with seasonal veggies that were just steamed and a little plain, so I kind of wished they’d been seasoned too. Still, it makes for a lighter, healthier order if that’s what you’re after.
Coconut Shrimp Roll ($20)
Amy recommended this one, and I get why. It’s shrimp tempura, cream cheese, and cucumber, topped with mango, avocado, spicy mayo, and toasted coconut, so it’s on the sweet-savory side. I liked the pressed sushi better overall, but this was still yum and a good pick if you like a fully loaded roll.
Kale Salad ($13)
Don’t sleep on this one. Fresh kale tossed in a sesame miso vinaigrette that I’d go back for on its own. It was really tasty, and I low-key wish I could buy the dressing by the bottle.
For dessert, I got to try their Hokkaido soft serve (so yummy) and a 28-layer mango crepe cake that was amazing, one of the best crepe cake slices I’ve had in a while. FYI, all dine-in guests get a free soft serve through the end of August, so take advantage. If revolving-belt sushi is more your speed for a casual night, my Uzu Revolving Sushi review in Rockville is a totally different but fun vibe.
What Is Osaka-Style Pressed Sushi?
It’s sushi that’s pressed into a firm, rectangular block instead of hand-shaped like nigiri. In Japanese it’s called oshizushi (or hako-zushi), and it comes from Osaka, where a little wooden mold is used to press vinegared rice and toppings together, then the block gets sliced into neat bite-sized pieces. Because it’s pressed, the texture’s denser and holds its shape, which is part of what makes it so pretty. You can read more about the Osaka pressed sushi tradition here if you want the deep dive.
The Vibe and Experience
It’s intimate and brand-new, the kind of spot where the owners are right there caring about how your meal’s going. Amy and Raymond clearly built this around the guest experience, and little touches like the chef handing me nori to wrap my own bites made it feel special. The adjoined space next door’s opening soon as a separate concept called The One Cake, where Amy (a fantastic pastry chef) will do housemade soft serve with rotating flavors, Japanese chiffon cakes, crepe cakes, and more. It’s a great fit for a date night or a nicer sushi dinner in Bethesda.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍4914 Hampden Ln, Bethesda, MD, in the Shoppes of Bethesda (the former Tako Grill space).
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30AM to 9PM (closed Mondays).
- Free dessert: all dine-in guests get a free Hokkaido soft serve through August 31.
- Beyond what I ordered, the menu also has nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls, chirashi bowls, and beef gyudon, plus omakase-style tasting menus (per local coverage), so there’s range for every kind of eater.
- Parking: downtown Bethesda has plenty of public garages that are free on Sundays and county holidays, and the Bethesda Metro (Red Line) is walkable.
- Reservations: it’s a hot new opening, so I’d book ahead, especially on weekends. You can see the menu and order on their website here.
Is Sushi Masato Worth A Try?
Short answer, yes, especially if you love sushi and want to try something a little different. The Osaka-style pressed sushi and that miso black cod are the moves, the kale salad’s a sleeper hit, and the only real miss was the plain steamed veggies. For a brand-new spot, it’s already dialed in, and Once The One Cake opens, that side of the space is going to be worth the trip on its own. If you want another longtime Japanese favorite nearby, Niwano Hana in Rockville is a classic worth knowing.
Have you guys made it to Sushi Masato yet?! Let me know what you order in the comments, Nomsters, and save this or send it to your sushi-loving friend so you can go try that pressed sushi together.