Image: Rolled
Last Updated: June 2026
Overview:
The owners of Bar Japonais rolled over the same spot – the old Estadio space on 14th – to something that has more of a lounge feel, though they are still playing with the concept and the giant window throw off the effect to a degree. Thankfully, they kept the chef. Just like at Bar Chinois (the other restaurant they own), the food is surprisingly good for a place going for a vibe.
The aforementioned chef is executive chef, Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino, who joined the team last year when the concept was a mix of French and Japanese. Now it is just straight Japanese. A large selection of sushi is available, but it is paired with a long izakaya-style list of choices. The vegetable tempura is light with large stalks of things like eggplant and sweet potatoes. The garlic sauce edamame is better than any bowl of nuts to snack on. Classics like cucumber salad and thin envelopes of beef-filled gyoza are good, as is the thinly-pounded pork katsu. The fried mushrooms with a creamy honey sauce struck the right balance between batter and plant and might be the unsung hero of the menu. Uchino’s primary gig is his own sushi place (recently opened on K Street), and the sushi here is basics plus some big and well-sauced rolls. His resume includes Michelin-starred places like Sushi Nakazawa (first in New York, then in D.C.), but this is a bit more populist in approach than trying to show off pedigree.
Cocktails are a key element in the revamped restaurant. The general manager is the well-regarded A.J. Johnson who previously ran La Serenata among other places. The sake list is about 20 choices, as is the beer and wine list.
It doesn’t feel too stuffy, it is more old school 14th Street in setting a relaxed, fun tone even if the new décor is a bit sleeker. The room can get a bit loud depending on how loud the music is playing, though it appears the DJ stand that was installed at the opening has been put in storage.
Other Guidance: One small step at entrance. GF can do well. Vegetarians can do okay.
Summary:
Cuisine: Japanese
Neighborhood: 14th Street
Address: 1520 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Website: https://katsumidc.com/
Reservations: Resy
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: No coverage yet.
Washingtonian: Ann Limpert review. Preview