Izakaya Seki

For those in Washington, DC, seeking a truly authentic Japanese dining experience beyond the typical sushi bar, Izakaya Seki is a name that often comes to mind. Tucked away in the vibrant U Street Corridor, this small yet highly regarded Japanese restaurant offers a genuine izakaya atmosphere – a place where friends gather to enjoy a variety of small, flavorful dishes alongside an excellent selection of drinks. Izakaya Seki prides itself on a menu that highlights traditional Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients, from perfectly crispy tonkatsu to tender grilled pork cheek and fresh sashimi.

What sets Izakaya Seki apart is its commitment to creating a cozy and pleasant dining environment. Despite its intimate size, the space feels comfortable and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. The attentive service, where staff checks in regularly without being intrusive, further enhances the dining experience. While some diners have noted that prices can be on the higher side for the portion sizes, the quality and unique flavors often leave a lasting impression, prompting many to consider a return visit. It’s a place where the love for Japanese cuisine is palpable, from the thoughtfully prepared dishes to the chilled beer served just right.

Izakaya Seki is conveniently located at 1117 V St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA. This address places it firmly within the lively U Street Corridor, a neighborhood renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, live music venues, and diverse culinary offerings. The restaurant benefits from being in an accessible part of Northwest DC, making it a viable dining destination for residents from across the city. For those utilizing public transportation, the U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro Station (Green and Yellow Lines) is within walking distance, providing a convenient option. Numerous bus lines also service the U Street area, ensuring good connectivity. For diners who prefer to drive, a notable advantage of Izakaya Seki's location is the relative ease of finding street parking in the area, a welcome bonus in often-challenging DC. While it's a small restaurant, its presence in a bustling and desirable neighborhood means it's well-integrated into the local fabric, making it a natural choice for those seeking quality Japanese food in a central location.

Izakaya Seki focuses on providing a genuine izakaya dining experience, emphasizing a diverse menu of small plates and an inviting atmosphere:

• Dine-In Service: The primary service offered is an in-person dining experience in their cozy, intimate restaurant setting. There are typically two floors: a sushi bar downstairs where you can watch the chefs, and a more traditional dining room upstairs.

• Varied Menu Formats: While traditional omakase might not be their sole focus, they offer a wide array of small plates that allow diners to create their own tasting menu, similar to how one would experience an izakaya in Japan. This includes sashimi selections, grilled items, fried dishes, steamed/simmered options, and various vegetable preparations.

• Beverage Program: Izakaya Seki is known for a notable and expertly composed sake list, along with other enjoyable drink options like perfectly cold beer, which complements the food offerings.

• Takeout Options: Based on public information, Izakaya Seki does offer "Food To Go" options, including sashimi platters, individual sashimi pieces, and various cooked dishes like tuna tataki, beef tongue, pork belly kakuni, and a range of skewers and tempura. They also offer sake to go.

• Online Ordering/Delivery: They facilitate "Same-Day Delivery" for orders through a delivery service like "SKIP THE LINE" (though specific platform partners should be confirmed, this indicates availability for off-premise dining).

• Reservations: Given its small size and popularity, it is advisable to check their current reservation policy. While some older information suggests walk-ins were possible for smaller parties or those willing to wait, it's always best to verify, especially for peak hours.

Izakaya Seki has cultivated a strong reputation in the DC dining scene, highlighted by several distinctive features:

• Authentic Izakaya Concept: Unlike many sushi-focused Japanese restaurants, Izakaya Seki truly embodies the spirit of an "izakaya" – a Japanese gastropub. This means a focus on a diverse array of small, shareable plates that pair well with drinks, providing a more comprehensive culinary experience than just raw fish.

• Diverse and Unique Menu: The menu extends far beyond typical sushi rolls. Highlights include crispy tonkatsu, perfectly cooked ebi fry, tender tontoro (pork cheek), and an extensive selection of grilled/broiled items like hamachi kama (yellowtail jaw) and kalbi (BBQ beef short ribs). They also offer traditional items like dashi-maki tamago (Japanese omelet) and various tempura options.

• Chef's Expertise: Helmed by owner-chef Hiroshi Seki, a seasoned chef with over 50 years of experience, the restaurant benefits from deep culinary knowledge and a commitment to traditional techniques. His daughter also plays a significant role in managing the establishment.

• Rotating Sashimi Selection: For sashimi enthusiasts, Izakaya Seki offers a seasonal and rotating selection of fresh raw fish, ensuring variety and adherence to peak freshness.

• Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Despite being a small establishment, the restaurant is praised for its comfortable and pleasant ambiance. The multi-level seating, including a bar area downstairs and a dining room upstairs, provides different dining perspectives.

• Attentive Service: Customers frequently commend the attentive and non-intrusive service, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

• Excellent Drink Selection: Beyond the food, Izakaya Seki is known for its well-composed sake list and perfectly chilled beer, enhancing the overall izakaya experience.

• Seasonally Driven Menu: The menu is often described as seasonal, with dishes based on what's fresh and available, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary offering.

Izakaya Seki, as a Japanese restaurant known for its authentic and quality-driven approach, typically does not engage in widespread, ongoing promotions or discount offers in the manner of chain restaurants. Their value is inherent in the quality of the ingredients, the skilled preparation, and the overall dining experience. However, based on past events, they have occasionally offered unique, limited-time specials. For example, on their one-year anniversary, they offered "all-you-can-eat tuna sashimi" for a set price as a thank-you to customers. Such events are rare and often tied to specific milestones or seasonal availability. Patrons should therefore not expect regular coupons or daily deals. Instead, the "special offers" at Izakaya Seki are more likely to be found in the form of unique, seasonal menu items or chef's specials that highlight specific ingredients. It's always best to check their website or social media channels for any announcements of such limited-time culinary features or events, rather than expecting traditional discounts. The pricing for their dishes is reflective of the quality and authenticity of the Japanese cuisine they offer.

For inquiries, reservations, or to place a takeout order, you can contact Izakaya Seki using the following details:

Address: 1117 V St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

While some older directories might list a phone number, Izakaya Seki's official website states: "We do not have a phone! Any need to contact the restaurant can be via email to sekidc@gmail.com." Therefore, for direct communication regarding bookings or specific questions, email is the preferred method.

Izakaya Seki is an exceptional destination for Washington, DC, locals who appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine beyond the mainstream. Its location in the bustling yet accessible U Street Corridor makes it a convenient choice for many in the city, with the added benefit of relatively easy street parking. What truly makes Izakaya Seki suitable for locals is its genuine izakaya concept, offering a diverse array of small, shareable plates that encourage exploration and communal dining. This isn't just a place for sushi; it's an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese flavors, from perfectly fried and grilled dishes to fresh sashimi and expertly crafted traditional items. The cozy, intimate ambiance provides a welcoming retreat, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or a quiet, thoughtful meal. While a few past reviews mention isolated incidents of food poisoning, the overwhelming majority highlight the amazing taste, professional service, and overall enjoyable experience. The attentive staff and the extensive, quality-driven menu curated by an experienced chef create a dining experience that feels both unique and truly Japanese. For those in DC seeking a culinary adventure and a taste of Japan that is both authentic and deeply satisfying, Izakaya Seki is a highly recommended and cherished local spot.

Izakaya Seki

1117 V St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA