Shinwa Izakaya in District of Columbia

"Love this place! It’s absolutely beautiful and the staff is incredibly friendly. I came once and sat at the bar, and now it’s become my weekly spot for fresh sushi and handcrafted cocktails! Helen is amazing—always smiling and giving off such positive, welcoming energy. She really makes you feel invited and appreciated. And Vanessa is SO sweet! She always checks in to make sure I’m doing okay. Highly recommend!"

"Stopped into Shinwa Izakaya tonight and had an amazing experience. I was greeted right away and seated at the bar, and the staff were super friendly and patient with all my questions. The ramen was a full 10/10 — great presentation, rich flavor, and honestly one of the best bowls I’ve had in a while. They walked me through anything I didn’t understand on the menu, and the portion and price felt completely worth it. I’ll definitely be back and can’t wait to bring my family next time."

"Shinwa Izakaya absolutely deserves five stars. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and the service was outstanding. Our server, Helen, was amazing—she was so kind, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the entire meal. She truly made our experience even better. The chefs were also incredibly friendly and passionate about their food, which made the experience feel special and personal. You can tell a lot of care and effort goes into every dish. The food was delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Overall, this was an unforgettable dining experience. Between the excellent service, warm staff, and incredible food, this is definitely a restaurant I would recommend to anyone. I will 100% be coming back and encouraging others to try it as well!"

"We came in for the soft launch. The main thing we liked was that there are non sushi options so sushi lovers can bring their sushi hating friends. Also there are a bunch of veggie rolls for vegetarians. I had the crazy crab roll and a regular eel avocado. It was all good but the crab was unique with a different kind of texture and a sesame based sauce that was good. My friend had one of every skewer and said the beef was a little dry she loved the pork and chicken was just okay but not well butchered. The fried chicken app was exceptional and Brussel sprouts awesome."

"I had the pleasure of experiencing the chef’s omakase at this Japanese restaurant, and it was truly outstanding. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, showcasing the chef’s incredible skill and attention to detail. The ingredients were of the highest quality — the sashimi was unbelievably fresh, and each course flowed perfectly into the next. From the delicate balance of flavors in the appetizers to the melt-in-your-mouth toro and perfectly seasoned rice, everything was flawless. The uni and wagyu courses were particular highlights. What made it even more special was the chef’s presence throughout the meal. He explained each dish with passion and took time to engage with guests, which made the experience feel both personal and memorable. If you’re looking for an authentic and refined omakase experience, this place is a hidden gem. I’ll definitely be returning for another unforgettable meal."

"A new, clean, and beautiful spot! The atmosphere is cozy and modern, and everything feels fresh. The rolls are absolutely delicious — full of flavor and perfectly made. The skewers were a pleasant surprise — juicy, well-seasoned, and grilled to perfection. Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in the area!"

"The decoration of this restaurant is very Japanese, making people feel like they are in Japan. Their sushi ingredients are very fresh, and the Japanese skewers are tender and juicy. My daughter love it so much.The waiter is also very nice. We will come again."

"Oh my gosh!! Seriously SO GOOD! I came on a Friday lunch and the food was tasty, fresh, and beautifully prepared. The Japanese skewers were mouthwatering and the sushi is of course incredible. The miso soup even tasted fresh and well prepared. The ambiance is amazing. The staff wonderful and kind. 100/10 experience for my first time here. Thank you!"