Uchi is chef Tyson Cole’s acclaimed Austin sushi brand, now open in downtown DC’s Golden Triangle. It’s an upscale, date-night spot known for playful Japanese small plates like the A5 hot rock and the hama chili, plus multi-course tasting menus. Expect a splurge, with a la carte dishes running from about $17 to $65.
Full transparency first: their team generously hosted us, but as always, these are my honest thoughts. If the name rings a bell, that is because Uchi started as chef Tyson Cole’s James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Austin, and this brand-new DC location brings that same creative sushi energy to the Golden Triangle near Farragut.
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What Is Uchi DC Known For?
Uchi DC is known for inventive, non-traditional Japanese small plates, sashimi, and nigiri, not your standard sushi bar. Chef Tyson Cole built the original Uchi in Austin around bold flavor combinations (think citrus, chili, and smoke on impeccably fresh fish), and that DNA carries straight into DC. The fish here is flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu market, with some dry-aged options, and the kitchen is run by chef de cuisine Rob Drennan, who trained at Rose’s Luxury here in DC and at three-Michelin-starred Maaemo in Oslo.
If you’ve never had Uchi’s style before, the move is to order a spread of small plates and share. Some, like the hama chili, have been on the menu since 2003 and basically built the brand. Others are DC-specific, like a chawanmushi (a silky savory egg custard) made with Maryland crab, a nice local touch.
What to Order at Uchi DC
Here is everything we loved…
- A5 Hot Rock ($65): this was one of our faves. Thin slices of A5 wagyu that you sear yourself on a screaming-hot stone, finished with kosho tamari butter and a whiskey maple ponzu. Rich, buttery, and a whole experience. Pricy, yes, but it is A5 wagyu, so you already know.
- Hama Chili ($24): our other favorite, and it is easy to see why this one is a signature. Yellowtail with ponzu, thai chili, and orange supreme. Bright, a little spicy, a little citrusy, and so clean. If you order one thing here, make it this.
- Jasmine Cream ($15): do not skip dessert. This one is made with cilantro granita, pineapple, and honey crumble, and it is REALLY good. Light, refreshing, and unexpected in the best way.
Does Uchi DC Have a Tasting Menu?
Yes, and I think it’s the move if you want the full Uchi experience. The DC menu lists a seven-course Signature Tasting (Uchi’s greatest hits) around $120 for two. I did a la carte this time but I’d be down to go back for their tasting menu. If a more traditional chef-driven omakase is what you are after, my pick for the best omakase in Washington, DC is still Koryouri Urara in Georgetown.
For a completely different kind of DC tasting menu, Marcus DC by Marcus Samuelsson in NoMa does a 5-course New American menu that is seriously one of the best meals I have had in the city.
How Much Does Uchi DC Cost?
Plan for a splurge. A la carte dishes run from about $17 to $65, and the tasting menus land between roughly $120 and $350 for two before drinks. The smartest value here is the daily happy hour from 4 to 6PM, with $10 cocktails, $9 wines and sakes, and discounted bites, so you can taste the vibe without going all in.
Is Uchi DC Good for Date Night?
Absolutely, this is a date-night spot through and through. The room is big and buzzy (185 seats, an 18-seat bar, and a 14-seat sushi counter), sleek but not stuffy, and the pacing of small plates makes for a fun, share-everything meal. It sits right by the Mayflower Hotel in the Golden Triangle, so it is easy to make a night of it downtown and grab a nightcap nearby at a spot like Allegory. Sit at the sushi counter if you can snag it.
If you want something more laid-back to round out your DC night, Honeymoon Chicken in Petworth serves halal hot-honey fried chicken and has a caviar service that makes it feel a little special without the fine-dining price tag.
Good to Know
- Location: 1700 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036, at 17th and M in the Golden Triangle.
- Hours: Sun to Thu 4 to 10PM, Fri and Sat 4 to 11PM.
- Reservations: book ahead through SevenRooms, OpenTable, or Resy. Walk-ins are welcome, but this spot is popular, so a reservation is the safe bet.
- Happy hour: daily 4 to 6PM with discounted cocktails, wines, sakes, and food.
- Parking: valet is available through Colonial Parking for $20, and Farragut West Metro is about a block away. The Golden Triangle also has tons of garages if you would rather self-park.
- Dietary: there is a six-course Vegetarian Tasting and plant-based plates like the mushroom carpaccio. Takeout is available through their online ordering too.