Takara 14

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Washington D.C., where diverse flavors and dining experiences abound, Takara 14 has carved out a special niche as a beloved Japanese restaurant. Nestled on 14th Street NW, this inviting spot offers a refreshing take on Japanese cuisine, with a particular emphasis on incredibly fresh sushi and unique, flavorful rolls that truly stand out. Whether you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying Japanese meal, Takara 14 promises a delightful experience.

Takara 14 differentiates itself by combining a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative preparations. It's a place where you can explore traditional Japanese favorites alongside creative new dishes, all crafted with care. Locals consistently praise the freshness of the sushi and the thoughtful recommendations from the staff, making it a reliable choice for a memorable meal in the District.

Takara 14 is conveniently located at 1326 14th St NW 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20005, USA. Its prime spot on 14th Street NW places it in the lively Logan Circle area, a bustling corridor known for its diverse dining scene, vibrant nightlife, and eclectic mix of shops. This makes Takara 14 easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout D.C.

One important detail to note, as highlighted by customers, is that the restaurant is located on the second floor, and the stairs leading up to it can be steep. While this adds to its charming, somewhat hidden gem quality, it's something to be aware of for those with mobility considerations. Despite this, its central location ensures excellent public transportation access. The McPherson Square Metro Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines) and the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line) are both within reasonable walking distance, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city. Numerous bus lines also service 14th Street, offering additional transit options. For those driving, street parking can be competitive in the area, but there are often nearby parking garages available.

Takara 14 offers a comprehensive range of Japanese dining experiences, catering to both casual diners and those seeking a more curated culinary journey.

• Dine-in Service: The restaurant provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals. With a focus on quality ingredients and friendly service, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch or an enjoyable dinner.
• A La Carte Sushi and Sashimi: The main floor menu features an extensive selection of Japanese classics, including a wide variety of fresh nigiri, sashimi, and classic sushi rolls like California Roll, Spicy Tuna, and Salmon Avocado.
• Signature Rolls: Takara 14 is particularly known for its unique and creative signature rolls, often described with gemstone names. Examples include the popular baked Citrine Roll (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, green onion, spicy mayo, sansho, sweet soy), the Sweet Potato Sushi (a customer favorite and unique offering), and the Onyx Roll (shrimp tempura, black peppered seared blue fin tuna, avocado).
• Omakase Experience: For a truly special occasion, Takara 14 offers an unforgettable omakase experience on its top floor, known as "Raw Omakase DC." Led by Chef Johnny, who boasts over 16 years of experience, this exclusive, reservation-only tasting menu allows guests to trust the chef for a unique and memorable culinary journey.
• Rice Bowls and Noodle Dishes: Beyond sushi, the menu includes satisfying rice bowls such as Unagi Don (eel) and Salmon Don, as well as various ramen and udon noodle dishes, providing a wider array of Japanese comfort food.
• Small Plates and Hot Dishes: A selection of appetizers and hot small plates are available, including favorites like Seaweed Salad, Edamame, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Karaage, and Tempura Appetizers. They also offer hot plate entrees like Chicken Katsu and various Teriyaki options.
• Beverage Program: Complementing the food, Takara 14 features a selection of creative cocktails, a curated sake menu, beer, and wine, perfect for pairing with your meal or simply enjoying at their bar and lounge area.
• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Takara 14 partners with popular food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes from the comfort of their home or office.

Takara 14 stands out in the D.C. Japanese dining scene due to several key features and highlights that consistently garner positive feedback from locals.

• Incredibly Fresh Sushi: Customers consistently rave about the freshness and high quality of the sushi. This commitment to fresh ingredients is a cornerstone of their appeal, ensuring a delightful experience for sushi lovers.
• Unique Signature Rolls: The restaurant is celebrated for its inventive and delicious signature rolls, such as the baked "Citrine Roll" and the "Sweet Potato Sushi." These unique offerings provide exciting new flavors that differentiate Takara 14 from other sushi spots.
• Specialized Omakase Experience: The "Raw Omakase DC" on the second floor, led by Chef Johnny, offers an exclusive and high-quality omakase experience. This allows for a deeper dive into premium Japanese cuisine, making it perfect for special occasions.
• Cozy and Classy Ambiance: Despite being on a bustling street, the restaurant manages to maintain a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's often described as a "nice sushi place" with a "classy atmosphere," ideal for quiet conversations or romantic dinners.
• Good Recommendations and Fast Service: Many reviews highlight the staff's ability to provide good recommendations for "fast dishes," indicating efficient and helpful service, which is a significant plus for diners.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a highlight, Takara 14's menu extends to various hot plates, rice bowls, and noodle dishes, offering something for every palate, even for those who might not primarily be sushi enthusiasts.
• Hidden Gem Appeal: Being located on the second floor adds to its charm as a "hidden gem," providing a sense of discovery for new patrons and a familiar comfort for regulars.

Takara 14 frequently offers various promotions and special deals, making its delicious Japanese cuisine even more accessible to D.C. locals.

• Groupon Deals: Takara 14 regularly features attractive deals on Groupon. These can include:
  • Tasting Menus: Offers like a 6-Course Tasting Menu for one, two, or four people at a discounted rate, providing an excellent opportunity to sample a wider range of their dishes.
  • Food and Drink Credits: Discounts on specific dollar amounts towards food and drink, such as $40, $80, or $160 credits for a reduced price, offering flexibility for different dining needs.
  These Groupon deals often come with additional promotional codes for further savings, though it's important to note that they typically have terms such as "not combinable with other discounts," "limit 1 per table," and expiry dates.
• Happy Hour: Takara 14 has been known to offer Happy Hour specials, which often include discounted cocktails and sushi rolls. Checking their website or calling directly for current Happy Hour times and offerings is recommended.
• Seasonal Promotions: The restaurant may introduce seasonal promotions or special menus, such as a "Spring Wine Fling" menu, which could offer set prices for specific food and drink pairings.
• Delivery Platform Offers: Keep an eye on popular delivery apps like DoorDash and Grubhub, as they sometimes feature special promotions, discounts, or free delivery for Takara 14 orders.

It's always best to check their official website, social media, or directly contact the restaurant for the most current and active promotions to ensure you get the best value for your dining experience.

To make a reservation, inquire about menu items, or for any other questions, you can contact Takara 14 using the following information:

Address: 1326 14th St NW 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Phone: (202) 507-8973

Mobile Phone: +1 202-507-8973

For residents of Washington D.C., Takara 14 is more than just another Japanese restaurant; it's a valuable addition to the local dining scene, offering a blend of quality, variety, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its location on 14th Street NW makes it highly accessible for anyone in the District, whether they're looking for a casual weeknight dinner or a more special occasion.

What truly makes Takara 14 suitable for locals is its commitment to serving incredibly fresh and delicious sushi, alongside unique and creative signature rolls that you won't find just anywhere. The popularity of dishes like the baked Citrine Roll and the Sweet Potato Sushi speaks volumes about their inventive approach and ability to delight discerning palates. Furthermore, the option of a high-quality omakase experience caters to those seeking an elevated culinary adventure without leaving the neighborhood.

The "cozy and classy" ambiance makes it a comfortable spot for various occasions, from a relaxed meal with friends to a romantic dinner. Coupled with the often-praised efficient service and good recommendations, locals can count on a consistently pleasant dining experience. While noting its second-floor location with steep stairs is important for accessibility awareness, the overall charm and culinary excellence of Takara 14 firmly establish it as a recommended go-to Japanese restaurant for anyone in the District of Columbia.

Takara 14

1326 14th St NW 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20005, USA