Image: Specialty roll with Shrimp Tempura
Last Updated: 6/5/2021
Current Status: Nama has re-opened on K St. They also opened a pop-up within Tico on 14th. They continue to do take-out and delivery. They are planning on outdoor seating soon.
Last Visit: July 2019
Nama is a good, neighborhood sushi spot that on some nights can outperform that category. Boston restaurateur Michael Schlow, who also owns neighboring Alta Strada, has the lease on this spot and kept trying out concepts. Some worked better than others, but none stuck. Now he seems to have found something that may last. It is a clean simple space bordering on sleek. Chef Young Oh took the kitchen over recently and is doing good work.
There are nigiri, sashimi, maki roll, and specialty roll options. The specialty rolls can swell in size (see photo above). There are a few hot dishes (praised by Tom in his review for the Post) and salads. There are also a handful of veggie roll choices. All of it is done well.
The drink list is limited. A few wines by the glass, a few beer choices and less than a dozen sake choices. The service can fluctuate but is generally friendly even if not always attentive. There are a few seats on the wide sidewalk for dining or drinking on a nice day.
If you are in that neck of the woods, it is a good option.
Other Guidance: The inclusion of vegetable-based rolls means vegetarians and GF can do alright here.
Rating: Worth Trying Out
Cuisine: Japanese
Neighborhood: Chinatown/City Center
Address: 465 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Website: https://www.namadc.com/
Reservations: Resy
Other Critics/Voices:
2.5. Tom: Unrated, but positive write up in Spring 2019 Dining Guide. “Nama’s sushi and rolls are fine, but the more compelling reasons to show up in this rich retreat are hot.”
Washingtonian: Preview (original chef has since departed)
Lori: She’s a fan.
