Sushi By Bou- DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza Introduce
For Washington, D.C. locals seeking a sushi experience that transcends the ordinary, Sushi By Bou- DC at the CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza offers a truly unique and exhilarating culinary adventure. This isn't just a place to eat sushi; it's an intimate, timed omakase speakeasy set against a backdrop of stunning Capitol views, all infused with a vibrant disco theme. Known for its expertly crafted, fresh sushi and a high-energy atmosphere, Sushi By Bou has quickly become a must-try for D.C. residents looking for a blend of gourmet dining and playful vibes.
Sushi By Bou- DC is prominently located at 550 School St SW ROOFTOP, Washington, DC 20024, USA, specifically on the 12th floor of the citizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza. This rooftop setting provides an exceptional vantage point with amazing views of the Capitol Building and the D.C. skyline, adding a spectacular element to your dining experience. The location in the L'enfant Plaza neighborhood makes it highly accessible for District of Columbia locals. It's a very short walk from the L'enfant Plaza Metro station, which serves the Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, making it incredibly convenient for public transit users from across the city. Numerous bus routes also service the area. For those arriving by car, while street parking can be limited, paid parking garages are typically available in the vicinity of L'enfant Plaza. A unique aspect of accessibility is that you will need to "flag down someone who works there to have them operate the elevator for you" to reach the restaurant, adding to its speakeasy charm and exclusivity.
Omakase Dining Experience: The core offering is a timed, chef's-choice (omakase) sushi experience. Guests can choose between two main options: a classic 12-course Signature Omakase (typically 60 minutes) or a more extensive 17-course "Bou-gie" Omakase. Both feature a curated selection of fresh, high-quality fish, often including imported varieties from Japan and locally sourced options.
Chef Interaction: The intimate counter seating, typically with around 10-15 tables, allows for direct interaction with the talented and knowledgeable sushi chefs. They guide you through each course, explaining the fish and preparation, making the experience engaging and educational.
Add-ons and Extras: Guests can enhance their omakase experience with additional à la carte items and add-ons, such as a "Big Mac" nigiri (featuring uni, toro, scallop, and Wagyu), or a house special roll after the omakase concludes.
Sake and Cocktail Program: Sushi By Bou boasts an impressive selection of imported sake, craft cocktails, and other beverages designed to perfectly pair with the sushi. A sake flight is also available for tasting a variety.
Rooftop Lounge: After the timed omakase seating, guests are often welcome to stay and enjoy drinks at the rooftop lounge and patio, taking in the stunning views and the "disco-themed interior."
Private Dining & Events: Sushi By Bou offers options for personalized omakase experiences in exclusive, private settings, and can cater to private parties and events. They also have specialized event packages like "HOMEKASE" where chefs come to your home, or "TUNA SPECTACLE" for large groups featuring a live tuna carving.
Allergy Accommodations: The staff is attentive to dietary needs and allergies, typically asking about them at the beginning of the experience.
Unique Timed Omakase Format: The 60-minute omakase experience (for both 12- and 17-course options) offers a fast-paced yet incredibly satisfying culinary journey, allowing guests to experience high-end sushi without a lengthy commitment.
Stunning Capitol Views: Located on the rooftop of the citizenM Hotel, the restaurant provides an "amazing view of the Capital building" and a "great rooftop patio," making for a truly picturesque dining backdrop.
Disco-Themed Interior and High-Energy Vibe: The "disco themed interior" and "pop-culture visual wonderland" create a fun, "hip and savvy" atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional sushi restaurants. The "high-energy vibes" make it a lively spot.
Talented and Engaging Sushi Chefs: Reviewers consistently praise the chefs for being "very talented and professional," "knowledgeable, fun, and easy to chat with," enhancing the interactive omakase experience.
Exceptional Quality and Freshness: The sushi and drinks are consistently described as "delicious" with "freshness of the dishes" being "truly remarkable." The use of premium fish, both locally sourced and imported, is a key highlight.
Great Value for Omakase: Despite being a high-end experience, many find the pricing ($65 for 12 courses, $100 for 17 courses) to offer "very good value," especially compared to other omakase options in D.C.
Attentive Service: The staff is noted for being attentive and ensuring a "delightful experience" overall.
Sushi By Bou- DC primarily focuses on its unique omakase experiences, which are structured as set-price offerings rather than traditional promotions or happy hours. However, the pricing structure itself offers distinct value for D.C. locals seeking a high-quality sushi experience.
12-Course Signature Omakase: Priced at $65 per person for a 60-minute seating, this offers a streamlined yet comprehensive sampling of expertly crafted sushi. It's often highlighted as a very accessible entry point into the omakase world given the quality.
17-Course "Bou-gie" Omakase: For those looking for a more indulgent experience, the 17-course option is available for $100 per person, also within the 60-minute timeframe. This upgraded experience includes additional seasonal and premium fish selections, offering an enhanced "culinary elevation."
Sake Flight: While not a discount, the option to pair your omakase with a sake flight allows for a curated tasting experience that complements the meal.
Private Events & Buyouts: For larger groups, Sushi By Bou offers various private event packages, including "BOUGIE BUYOUT" for 8-15 attendees at $175 per person (potentially including the 17-course omakase + handroll and open bar options for an upgrade), and larger options for 2-hour cocktail and sushi parties, which can include plated omakase and open bar for specific pricing. These structured packages offer a bundled value for celebrations or corporate events.
Given the timed and intimate nature of the experience, specific daily happy hour specials on individual items are not typically the focus, but the set omakase prices are designed to provide consistent value for the high-end sushi presented. For the most current pricing and any seasonal additions, it's advisable to check their official website or OpenTable listing when making a reservation.
To reserve your unique omakase experience at Sushi By Bou- DC, please use the following contact details:
Address: 550 School St SW ROOFTOP, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Phone: (888) 670-5996
Sushi By Bou operates primarily for dinner, with timed seating reservations being essential. Their general operating hours are:
Monday - Sunday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Reservations are highly recommended due to the intimate seating and timed nature of the omakase experience. You can typically make reservations online via platforms like OpenTable or through their official website. It's always a good idea to confirm hours and availability directly.
For residents of the District of Columbia, Sushi By Bou- DC offers a uniquely compelling and highly suitable dining proposition that goes beyond a typical sushi restaurant. Its prime rooftop location at the CitizenM Hotel in L'enfant Plaza immediately sets it apart, providing stunning, Instagram-worthy views of the Capitol Building that elevate any dining experience from casual to truly memorable. This exceptional ambiance, combined with its accessibility via the L'enfant Plaza Metro, makes it a convenient and desirable destination for locals across the city.
What truly makes Sushi By Bou a perfect fit for the D.C. dining scene is its innovative approach to omakase. The timed 12- or 17-course "chef's choice" experience is ideal for busy urbanites who appreciate high-quality, expertly crafted sushi without a lengthy commitment. This focused approach ensures every piece is fresh, flavorful, and presented with precision by talented and engaging chefs. The disco-themed interior and high-energy atmosphere add a playful, modern twist to the traditional omakase, making it less intimidating and more inviting for a diverse range of diners. It's a place where you can feel equally comfortable in casual or fancy attire, embracing the "fun" and "savvy" vibe.
Moreover, despite its high-end quality and unique experience, many locals find Sushi By Bou to offer excellent value for an omakase experience in D.C. The combination of top-tier fresh fish, interactive chefs, a captivating setting, and the option to extend the evening at the rooftop lounge post-sushi, all contribute to an overall package that consistently exceeds expectations. For D.C. locals looking for an unforgettable sushi adventure that blends culinary excellence with a vibrant, distinctive atmosphere and breathtaking views, Sushi By Bou- DC is undoubtedly a must-try destination that delivers on all fronts.
Sushi By Bou- DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza Menu
12 COURSE SIGNATURE BOUMAKSE - $65, 60 Minute
Indulge in a culinary journey like no other with our exclusive 12-course Edomae style omakase experience. You'll be treated to a meticulously curated selection of nigiri that showcase the finest seasonal ingredients and the artistry of our skilled...
- Hamachi - Yellowtail
Yellowtail Amberjack is recognized by its bright yellow fin. A mild and sweet taste. Complemented with finely chopped chives
- Akami - Lean Bluefin Tuna
"Red" in Japanese. Rich and deep in flavor and a true taste of the ocean. Topped with fresh ginger
- Botan Ebi - Spotted Prawn
A Japanese delicacy with a unique soft crunchy texture, and hints of sweet and citrus flavors
- Ikura - Salmon Roe
Pop rocks of the sea that burst with flavor from our secret 48 hour marinating process. Complemented with Yuzu citrus skin
- Bincho - Albacore
Our Bougie chicken of the sea. White Tuna, gently torched and topped with daikon and scallion
- Maguro - Chopped Tuna
Blend of fatty and lean tuna, mixed with Japanese Pickled Radish, and toasted sesame oil
- Hotate - Scallop
Mild, sweet, and tender scallops, sourced from the cold northern waters of Hokkaido.
- Gindara - Miso Black Cod
Delicately roasted in a sweet miso marinade, and topped with creamy tofu sauce, and a dash of furikake.
- Toro - Fatty Tuna
Wagyu of the Sea! Almost white due to the heavy fat content, this piece melts with richness and is deeply flavorful
- Sake - Salmon
Topped with a zesty and spicy yuzu citrus to balance its fatty flavor and firm texture
- Wagyuni - Surf N' Turf
Our iteration of Surf and Turf. Lightly torched Wagyu beef topped with creamy sea urchin for an unforgettable combination
- Unagi - BBQ Eel
Don’t hurt the messenger but we have arrived at your last piece, but we leave you with a sweet and sumptuous bite of BBQ delight.
17 COURSE BOUGIE OMAKASE - $35 Upgrade, 60 Minute
Elevate your Signature Boumakase experience to our exclusive “Bougie” 17-course Omakase. Begin by donning a complimentary Hachimaki headband and joining in a "Kanpai!" toast with our chefs. This ceremonial tradition sets the stage for a captivatin...
- Bougie Upgrade
This upgraded experience offers a more extensive exploration of seasonal, imported fish from Japan and around the world, curated to provide a richer, more intricate tasting exploration, making this an exceptional culinary elevation from our 12-cou...
BOULICIOUS EXTRAS
Enhance your Omakase experience with one of our spectacular house specialties, available à la carte. Also ask your chef about our secret handroll menu featuring many of our seasonal creations wrapped in our imported Nori.
- Big Mac US$25.00
Quadruple stack of Toro, Scallop, Wagyu, and Uni! The ultimate Bou Bite.
- Toro Negi Handroll US$16.00
Rich and luxurious fatty tuna is chopped, mixed with scallion, and served with crisp seaweed and rice
- Spicy Salmon Yuzu Roll US$10.00
Chopped salmon ia mixed with a spicy and citrusy yuzu-jalepeno sauce, and wrapped with delicate rice and crispy seaweed
- Bou's Ocean Gold - Seasonal Uni US$18.00
Sourced seasonally from all over the world, our Uni is an ultimate luxury bite, a creamy and briney taste of the ocean
- Holy Tshili Handroll US$14.00
Salmon is mixed with Holy Tshili Everything Bagel Chili Oil, citrusy Yuzu, and a fresh shiso leaf. A perfectly bold and spicy combination.
- Bou’s Black Gold Caviar Indulgence US$100.00
1oz of Premium imported Caviar, accompanied by an assortment of accouterments. A truly upsclae way to finish your meal while you sip on champagne or sake.
- Uni Shooter US$24.00
Seasonal uni is served with sake, house ponzu, and chives
- Bou's Mochi Bliss Bites US$16.00
Mochi ice cream is a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese mochi and creamy ice cream. Bites of premium ice cream wrapped in a layer of soft, chewy mochi dough made from rice flour.
Sushi By Bou- DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeaway
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Trendy
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Sushi By Bou- DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza Photos










Sushi By Bou- DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza Location
Sushi By Bou- DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza
550 School St SW ROOFTOP, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Sushi By Bou- DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza Reviews
It's a great experience! Amazing view of the capital building, great rooftop patio, disco themed interior, casual or fancy dress is fine! We bought the 17 course experience and finished with the house special roll. We paired it with the sake flight. The chef was very talented and professional, a truly awesome experience.One complaint - the music is too loud and you can't hear the chef or have a conversation.
April 08 · sal diquattroGreat experience overall! The omakase and drinks were all delicious. Our chef was knowledgeable, fun, and easy to chat with. They asked about allergies at the start too which I really appreciated. The service was fast, reservations are 60 minutes, but after we are able to sit anywhere, including the roof. The only negative is getting up to the restaurant, you will have to flag down someone who works there to have them operate the elevator for you.
March 16 · Catherine HauckWhat an incredible omakase experience! The sushi was delicious, and the atmosphere was on point. The space had a total vibe, complete with an outdoor area offering a stunning view of the Capitol Building. From start to finish, the service was excellent. We had a dedicated host, servers, a bartender, and two sushi chefs, each serving just five guests. With only 10 spots available per hour, the experience felt intimate and exclusive. It was also really affordable. The only downside is the one-hour time slot. While I understand the format, it felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved a little more time to savor each course. Overall, though, it's a must-visit for sushi lovers looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in DC!
February 04 · Vi RodriguezI had an incredible experience at SBB!It’s a vibe and the food is top tier. The ingredients are so fresh and well crafted. The chefs are excellent. We did the 17 course menu and it was delicious except for 1 (which was the squid), it was a full bodied, head and all piece of squid, although we ate it, it was not pleasant. Everything else was divine. You won’t be disappointed!
March 18 · Serena Hampton YatesWe had absolutely great experiences here. Every single course was high quality food packed with great flavors. Chefs and servers were super friendly and knowledgeable. The fatty tuna and Surf-n- Turf were absolutely fantastic and my favorites. I I highly recommend it, it’s definitely a great date night for sushi lovers.
January 21 · Tommy Tang
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