Ryu Izakaya

For residents of Virginia, particularly those in Arlington, the quest for a Japanese dining experience that offers more than just the usual sushi rolls can be a delightful journey. Ryu Izakaya, nestled on Columbia Pike, aims to bring the vibrant and authentic atmosphere of Japanese street food right to your neighborhood. More than just a restaurant, Ryu Izakaya endeavors to be a new favorite spot to experience a unique blend of flavors, fun, and hospitality, reflecting the true izakaya spirit.

Ryu Izakaya positions itself as a destination for Japanese small dishes, tapas style, alongside a diverse menu that includes sushi, fusion food, classic meal sets, and ramen bowls. While some customer feedback points to inconsistencies in the quality of certain items, particularly some happy hour appetizers and the thinness of salmon in nigiri, the restaurant is praised for its "great service and environment." Patrons particularly recommend the chicken thighs yakitori and find some dishes like the chicken curry donburi flavorful, even if the protein portions might be smaller than expected.

The concept of an izakaya, a casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks, is all about creating a relaxed and social atmosphere. Ryu Izakaya strives to capture this essence, offering a full-service bar with a sake list and drink selection to complement your meal. This focus on the overall dining experience—the "vibe"—is a significant draw for locals looking for a place to unwind and enjoy good company.

Despite some mixed reviews regarding specific food items or portion sizes, Ryu Izakaya consistently receives positive remarks for its ambiance and the attentiveness of its staff. The restaurant is a relatively new addition to the Columbia Pike scene, having moved into the former Rincome Thai location after extensive renovations. This fresh start indicates a commitment to establishing itself as a beloved local spot. For those in Virginia seeking to explore a broader range of Japanese culinary delights beyond typical sushi, with an emphasis on a social and authentic atmosphere, Ryu Izakaya offers a compelling reason to visit. Let's explore what makes this place a suitable choice for locals.

Ryu Izakaya is conveniently located at 3030 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204, USA. This address places it directly on Columbia Pike, a major and bustling thoroughfare in Arlington, Virginia. Its strategic position ensures excellent visibility and accessibility for residents throughout Arlington, including neighborhoods like Pentagon City, Shirlington, and Clarendon, as well as commuters from surrounding areas.

Being on Columbia Pike means Ryu Izakaya is easily reachable by various modes of transport. For those driving, street parking spaces are available on Columbia Pike and on side streets. Additionally, garage parking is available on-site, with the first hour often being free, which is a significant convenience in a busy area. This makes it a practical option whether you're heading out for a quick bite or a more extended dining experience.

The restaurant's location within a lively commercial corridor also means it's surrounded by residential areas and other local businesses, making it a convenient stop for a meal after work, during errands, or as a destination for an evening out. Its central placement on Columbia Pike solidifies its appeal as an accessible and desirable Japanese dining spot for the local Virginia community.

• Diverse Japanese Menu: Ryu Izakaya offers a wide array of Japanese dishes, from classic sushi and sashimi to traditional ramen, donburi (rice bowls), and various stir-fried noodle and rice dishes.
• Izakaya-Style Appetizers & Tapas: A significant part of their offering is a selection of small plates perfect for sharing, including Bao Buns (Pork Belly, Soft Shell Crab), Beef Gyoza, Edamame, Takoyaki, Chicken Karaage, Fried Octopus Leg, Fried Brussel Sprouts, Shrimp and Veggies Tempura, Grill Whole Squid, and Ube Fries.
• Yakitori Skewers: They feature a range of grilled skewers (yakitori), including popular options like chicken thighs, pork belly, gizzard, asparagus, and eel, providing a true izakaya experience.
• Sushi & Sashimi: The sushi menu includes various nigiri (e.g., Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Scallop, Uni, Fatty Tuna) and maki rolls (e.g., Hawaiian Roll, Mexican Roll, Spicy Tuna, Shrimp Tempura). They also offer sashimi appetizers and platters.
• Ramen & Udon Soups: Hearty soup options include Spicy Miso Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Kimchi Ramen, Curry Ramen, and Bulgogi Udon Soup, providing comforting and flavorful choices.
• Donburi Bowls: A selection of rice bowls with various toppings such as Japanese Curry with Chicken/Shrimp Tempura, Unagi Donburi, Bulgogi Donburi, Teriyaki Donburi (Salmon, Beef, Chicken), Sake Oyako Donburi (Salmon Sashimi on Rice), and Sanshoku Toro Donburi.
• Full-Service Bar: Ryu Izakaya boasts a full bar with a selection of beer, wine, sake, and expertly crafted cocktails.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a comfortable and engaging dine-in experience, designed to provide an authentic izakaya "vibe" with good service and environment.
• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, online ordering for pickup and delivery is available, allowing customers to enjoy Ryu Izakaya's offerings from home.
• Catering Services: They provide catering options, including individually packaged Bento Boxes (Chicken, Salmon, Shrimp & Veggie Tempura, Beef, Sashimi, Veggie) and various sushi/sashimi platters (Vegetarian, Ryu Sashimi, Ryu Signature, Classic Maki Roll platters), suitable for events and corporate lunches.

• Authentic Izakaya Vibe: Ryu Izakaya aims to capture the spirit of Japanese street food and casual dining, focusing on a fun, authentic atmosphere and delicious food, complemented by a full-service bar.
• Diverse Culinary Offerings: Beyond standard sushi, the menu is extensive, including a wide array of small plates (tapas), various types of ramen, hearty donburi, and grilled yakitori skewers, catering to diverse Japanese food cravings.
• Recommended Yakitori Skewers: The chicken thighs yakitori, in particular, comes highly recommended by patrons for its flavor and preparation.
• Great Service and Environment: Customers frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the overall ambiance of the restaurant, which contributes to a positive dining experience.
• Happy Hour Deals: Ryu Izakaya offers a daily happy hour from 4-6 PM, which includes special pricing on nigiri (e.g., $1 nigiris), select sushi rolls, appetizers, tapas, beer, sake, and wine, making it an affordable option for early evening dining.
• Convenient Location with Parking: Situated on Columbia Pike in Arlington, with on-site garage parking (often with the first hour free), it's highly accessible for locals.
• Catering for Events: Their comprehensive catering menu, featuring individually packaged bento boxes and large sushi platters, is a convenient solution for office events, parties, or gatherings.
• Newer Establishment with Modern Feel: Having recently moved into a renovated space, the restaurant offers a fresh and modern dining environment.

Ryu Izakaya is known for its inviting promotions, particularly its highly popular Happy Hour, which offers excellent value for locals in Arlington:

• Daily Happy Hour: Ryu Izakaya offers Happy Hour every day from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (for dine-in at the bar area). This includes special prices on:
  • Nigiri: Often advertised at $1 per piece (though quality notes suggest it’s an entry-level option, it provides great value for the price point).
  • Sushi Rolls: Special pricing on select sushi rolls.
  • Appetizers and Tapas: Discounted small plates like Edamame, Gyoza, and other popular starters.
  • Drinks: Special prices on beer, sake, wine, and certain specialty drinks.
• Columbia Pike Happy Hour Events: Ryu Izakaya has participated in community-based happy hour events, such as the Columbia Pike Happy Hour series, which provides a monthly opportunity to connect with the community while enjoying food and drinks at the restaurant. While specific dates might vary (e.g., a past event was March 13, 2025), this indicates their involvement in local community promotions.

For the most current details on happy hour offerings, specific menu items included in promotions, or any other special events, locals are highly encouraged to visit Ryu Izakaya's official website, check their social media channels, or call them directly at (703) 399-9052. Given that happy hour details can change, it's always best to verify before your visit.

Address: 3030 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204, USA

Phone: (703) 399-9052

For the residents of Virginia, particularly those in the diverse and bustling Arlington area, Ryu Izakaya on Columbia Pike presents a compelling and suitable option for Japanese dining. Its primary appeal lies in its commitment to offering a true izakaya experience, which means more than just a meal; it's about a fun, authentic atmosphere, and a variety of delicious small plates perfect for sharing and socializing.

Ryu Izakaya's diverse menu is a significant draw, extending well beyond typical sushi to include hearty ramen bowls, flavorful donburi, a wide selection of Japanese tapas, and expertly grilled yakitori skewers (with the chicken thighs yakitori receiving particular praise). This variety caters to different tastes and cravings, ensuring there's something for everyone in a group.

Furthermore, the attractive daily Happy Hour from 4-6 PM provides exceptional value, with discounted nigiri, sushi rolls, appetizers, and drinks, making it an ideal spot for an early evening outing. While some items, particularly from the happy hour menu, might be of a more entry-level quality, the overall "great service and environment" consistently noted by patrons contributes to a positive and welcoming dining experience.

Its convenient location on Columbia Pike with accessible on-site parking makes Ryu Izakaya an easy choice for locals. Coupled with its dedication to creating a lively social atmosphere and its comprehensive catering options, Ryu Izakaya is well-suited for both casual weeknight dinners and larger gatherings. For anyone in Arlington looking to explore authentic Japanese flavors in a vibrant and welcoming setting, Ryu Izakaya is a valuable and promising addition to the local dining scene.

Ryu Izakaya

3030 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204, USA