Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
O-Ku - DC, Washington, DC

O-Ku - DC

Visa logo badge

Visa Dining Collection

4.8 (1910)
$30 and under
Japanese
1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Make a reservation

A photo of O-Ku - DC restaurant

O-Ku - DC

4.8
$30 and under
Japanese
Washington

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 p.m.
Booked 70 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
  • Charming
O-Ku DC invites guests to explore rare and unique dining options -traditional sashimi and sushi, innovative Japanese specialties and wood-fired robata-style dishes from the Kitchen's Binchotan grills. The fish and other ingredients are sourced from the highest-quality purveyors around the world and is committed to using sustainably sourced ingredients when possible.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Washington
  • Parking details
    Street and lot parking in union market. Pay attention to parking signs in the area for more information on street parking.
  • Public transit
    NOMA-Gallaudet metro on the red line is a couple blocks away
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 1,910 people are saying

O-Ku - DC reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Japanese

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
O-Ku DC offers an upscale yet comfortable dining experience, known for its "best sushi spot" reputation in DC. The restaurant consistently delights with "phenomenal" service and thoughtful touches for special occasions. Standout dishes like the "melt in your mouth sushi" and "sticky ribs" are highly praised, alongside a fantastic happy hour menu.
1,910 Reviews
  1. Kira

    Washington DC6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was absolutely perfect as a special treat! We might have spent more than we were intending, so do keep an eye on that when you go, but I would say that the prices match the quality. Everything that we had was phenomenal, not only fresh, but some of the most unique flavor combinations I've ever had—definitely not just another sushi restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Amanda

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Belle and Melissa were fantastic. We had a delicious meal - can’t wait to dine again at Ok-u.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kay Gold

    Washington DC12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 4, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Oku is always a 10 out of 10. Started with the Lychee Martini and the Sticky Ribs which are always a must. For sushi we had the Spider Roll Surf and Turf Mt Fuji and Firecracker Roll and honestly everything hit. Angel was amazing with recommendations and super attentive. Best sushi spot in DC hands down.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Cristina

    Washington DC2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 3, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful date night at OK-U in DC. The food was incredible and the service was amazing too. Atmosphere/music and ambiance was perfect. Highly recommended! We loved the Snow Crab Roll the best!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Gomez

    San Francisco5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was exceptional. All dishes were delicious! Will return soon.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jorge

    Monterrey1 review

    5.0

    Dined on December 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, amazing dining experience and overall a great atmosphere. Our servers were very eager to help us with recommendations regarding our likes, Great drink suggestions, food was amazing and an overall friendly staff. Would definitely come back for more!!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Elizabeth

    Washington DC1 review

    5.0

    Dined on December 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We chose to come to O-ku to celebrate my husband’s birthday and was pleasantly surprised with small gestures from the staff like a birthday card, small souvenir tokens, and a Happy Birthday frame at our counter. The 7 course omakase was an adventure of great tasting dishes we wouldn’t have otherwise ordered. An overall great tasting dinner and experience, and one my husband felt was very special and memorable. Thank you, Oku-DC!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Uniii

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined on December 29, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent customer service and food! Love the interior decoration

    Is this helpful?

  9. Georgia

    Orlando4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    O-Ku was the highlight of our DC trip! We were served by Christine and Jo and they were a wonderful team and treated us like family. The food was incredible, and exactly the type of sushi that we love. Also, huge plus that their happy hour menu is extensive and a great deal. We would easily decide to go out of our way for O-Ku DC anytime we are in the area.

    Is this helpful?

  10. janice

    Pittsburgh2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    O-Ku never disappoints. We were originally looking to go elsewhere, but reservations were scarce. We brought our friends from Maryland and their daughter and they raved about every dish. We were a little disappointed that our favorite menu item was sold out ( the sticky ribs) but it gives us an excuse to come back. We rarely go out in DC anymore ( high food prices, mediocre food, terrible service,sadly) but O-Ku continues to be a happy exception to this!

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Washington
  • Parking details
    Street and lot parking in union market. Pay attention to parking signs in the area for more information on street parking.
  • Public transit
    NOMA-Gallaudet metro on the red line is a couple blocks away
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

FAQs

O-Ku offers a variety of seating: a sushi/chef’s counter where you can watch preparation, a lively bar, and upstairs dining rooms for table service. The space is described as large and versatile for groups, and the restaurant accepts larger parties (though private-party bookings are not offered). If you prefer a specific spot (counter, upstairs dining, or bar), request it when you reserve.

Yes, guests reference other O-Ku locations, including a Jacksonville, FL location, suggesting O-Ku operates multiple branches beyond the DC spot. If you’re curious about other locations or travel plans, contact the restaurant or check their website for a full list of locations and details.

Family-friendly: yes, guests frequently bring kids and families, and staff often go out of their way to accommodate children (special fruit trays, party bags, birthday gestures). There isn’t a kids’ menu noted, so staff will adapt choices for younger diners when possible. Accessibility specifics (ramps, ADA seating) aren’t mentioned in the available information, so call ahead to confirm any accessibility needs before your visit.

Families do dine at O-Ku and staff are generally accommodating, guests have celebrated birthdays with toddlers, received kid-friendly fruit trays and party bags, and enjoyed chef interactions. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu commonly noted, so plan to share plates or call ahead to discuss kid-friendly options. Early seating or a chef-counter table can make the visit easier with young children.

Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are typically the best bet for a slightly quieter meal and easier reservations, while happy hour on weekday evenings offers good deals. Weekends and prime dinner slots are busiest and more celebratory. If you want a lively scene, a weekend night is ideal; if you prefer a calmer dinner, pick a weekday evening.

Not explicitly stated, but guests report waits during busy times and occasional check-in/host stand hiccups. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend evenings or celebrations. If you arrive without a reservation, be prepared for a possible wait; calling ahead or confirming your reservation helps avoid issues like being marked a no‑show.

Yes, O-Ku is a popular choice for date night and special occasions. Guests praise the stylish, intimate atmosphere, fresh sushi, creative cocktails and attentive service that often includes celebratory touches for birthdays and anniversaries. Consider booking the chef’s counter or a bar seat for a more engaging experience, or reserve a table upstairs for a cozier vibe. Expect a slightly upscale casual dress code and prices that match the quality for a memorable evening out.

Yes, O-Ku frequently accommodates special requests. Guests report the team arranging birthday surprises, personalized desserts, gifts and even reaching out before visits to tailor celebrations. Staff also handle dietary needs (gluten-free options and GF soy sauce, vegan accommodations). Call ahead to confirm details and ensure the team can prepare for allergies or celebration requests.

Busiest: weekend evenings and peak dinner times, guests often mention crowded nights and longer food waits. Quietest: weekday early evenings or non-peak times before prime dinner hours. Happy hour can be busy but offers good value if you don’t mind a livelier atmosphere. For a quieter visit, choose a weekday or an early dinner reservation.

Portions are generally sushi-sized and built for sharing, expect a mix of nigiri/sashimi, small plates and grill items meant to be ordered family-style. Many guests recommend ordering a few items per person or trying omakase to get a full experience. Opinions vary: some guests find portions generous, while others note rolls and sushi are on the smaller side, so plan to order multiple plates if you’re especially hungry.

Early evening weekdays or happy hour are great times: you’ll find good happy-hour deals and a lively but more manageable crowd. If you want the full chef-counter experience, consider arriving when reservations open for dinner or booking bar seats. Weekends and prime evening slots are busiest, so plan ahead or expect waits during peak nights.

O-Ku - DC is open daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. If you’re planning a celebration or need a specific seating (chef’s counter, bar, large party), it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance since evenings can fill up.

O-Ku has a modern, sexy, vibey atmosphere that many guests call intimate and stylish, great for date nights and celebrations. The space balances upbeat energy with areas that feel more cozy (chef’s counter and upstairs dining). Expect lively background music and occasional higher noise levels; a few guests mentioned seating near the restrooms can be less ideal, but most praise the décor and overall vibe.

O-Ku - DC does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. O-Ku - DC also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 888-8790.

O-Ku - DC is rated 4.8 stars by 1910 OpenTable diners.

O-Ku - DC does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. Virginia - DC Suburbs
  5. Washington

Make a reservation

A photo of O-Ku - DC restaurant

O-Ku - DC

4.8
$30 and under
Japanese
Washington

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 p.m.
Booked 70 times today
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo