O-Ku

Reviews

• SJ

  Sarah J.

  2 days ago
  1.0
  I came in for a solo birthday dinner and was left quite sad and uncomfortable. The male server at the upstairs bar was very dry and curt. I dropped water on one of my sushi rolls, and the waiter didn’t even offer to replace the roll, or give me a new napkin. This is small but just another addition to the generally unkind and subpar service. The hostess asked for my number and i politely declined (we don’t need more spam or marketing calls), and she was rude about it. Generally, just a really sad experience when I wanted a nice pick me up.
• LG

  Lennie Gayle

  2 days ago
  1.0
  The service from the beginning was atrocious I asked for water and was given water in a cup with no ice or anything just room temperature water and when I asked for as the waiter told me to drink some of the water first then she will add ice instead of giving me a new cup with ice water in it. The ordering was horrible the alcoholic drinks were horrible and didn’t taste like anything correct. The food was the only savior but even that had issues being I asked for firecracker entree and was brought MT Fuji instead, and when I informed the waiter she didn’t apologize for the mix up she simply grabbed the dish and walked away. I do not recommend this place at all worse sushi place in DC. Only go if you want to be treated horribly!!! Should really be rated .5 out of 10 stars
• JR

  Jessica Rothstein

  Jun 30, 2026
  5.0
  I had the absolute pleasure of dining at O-ku last night for my birthday celebration! I dined with a party of 8 and our server Sophie was a gracious and informative guide for the evening. She took great care of us and really made us all feel welcomed from the moment she came to the table. Our entire group truly wanted for nothing and felt that she did an excellent job! Service aside- the food was outstanding! Being that we were a large group, we got to try many different dishes. My favorites were the duck, the sticky ribs, rock shrimp and toro tartare! Not to mention that the drinks were also excellent, super well balanced and flavorful. Belle, the assistant general manager also really went out of her way to make my birthday special which I sincerely appreciated! I had gone into the evening expecting to be wowed and they truly exceeded my already high expectations. Looking forward to dining again soon- many thanks to the awesome team there!
• ST

  Shyen TM

  Jun 21, 2026
  3.0
  3/28/26 Zoe was very helpful. Food was decent, but not as impressive as I would’ve imagined across the board for the price. Course 1 Sashimi - Adzuki Maguro Tuna: super tender, 10/10. - Salmon, 6.5/10 fine - White fish, 5.5/10, too bland, just not my prefeeence Course 2 - Madai Crudo with calamari sauce 7.2/10, tender and very light and refreshing but too small Course 3 - Duck Negiyaki: flavor is fantastic, a little overdone and chewy; smoky, charred, fantastic taste. Green onion not done slowly enough, so bitter from the char without the sweetness from the onion coming out. Outer edge of duck slightly chewy. 8.7/10 Course 4 - Beef Tartare Crispy rice: very nice balance, crispy rice perfect and crunchy without being hard, beef tartare not the most tender but good enough, really well balanced flavor portfolio. Nice hint of spice at the end. Course 5 - Scallop Crudo w Basil Oil: amazing tender scallop, beautiful balance with gooseberry and microcilantro; basil oil overpowering though and drags the dish. Too much. 7/10. Course 6 - Hotate Scallop with orange supreme Course 7 - Wagyu Miso: really nice charred flavor, but could be done a little more. Nice balance of miso - Maguro w Chimichurri: maguro super tender, rice a little underdone but seasoned well; chimichurri doesnt really fit best for me 6/10 - Unagi: 9/10
• MB

  Morgan Brunson

  Jun 8, 2026
  3.0
  I just moved to the area and was really looking forward to checking this place out. I finally got to take a visit during happy hour, and unfortunately my experience did not live up to my expectation. To begin, the menu on the website prices are different than the physical menus at the restaurant., Upon receiving my bill and noticing that & informing the Bartender his response was “I know, it hasn’t been updated in over a year.” There was not a hostess to seat me, which was fine because I was going to sit at the bar, however, a group of three, then came to sit next to me where it was only room for two and management moved a chair there which caused me to be a bit uncomfortable, being squished by others. The food that I got is something I typically get at all Japanese restaurants for my first time going and it did not meet the basic standards. and my last point of dissatisfaction.. I understand how restaurants can get busy and Bartenders can get a bit overwhelmed, but hearing them vent to each other and express their frustration, while also giving subpar Customer Service didn’t help my experience either. Overall, would I go again? Possibly, but I’m in no rush to go back.

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