Image: Rollin’

Last Updated: September 2025

Overview:

The underappreciated Sushi Gakyu closed downtown, but the team, with a slight name change, has moved into snazzier digs in Georgetown.  As we noted in our write-up of the predecessor location, “Chef Yoshi Ota is serious about his craft and worth trusting.”  That remains true.

The food is relatively straight-forward.  No over-the-top rolls loaded with sauce here.  Rather, it is carefully crafted pieces supported by attention to details.  Ota, a native of Hokkaido has four decades of experience guiding his knife and kitchen (he was a founder of the legendary Kushi).  As with Gakyu, one of the choices is an Edo-style assortment that gives the fish some treatment and seasoning before serving with akazu (red vinegar) seasoned rice.  A handful of entrees, such as grilled fish and even a couple meat dishes, round out the menu. 

The space is the former Donovan bar with minor alterations, but retaining the stairs going up and then down to get to the restaurant from the street from the inconspicuous door on Wisconsin Avenue.  The large dining room and some outdoor seating can be found past the bar as you enter.  The drink list is limited, but there are about twenty sake options.  Ota, in addition to being head sushi chef, was the sake sommelier at Sushiko in Chevy Chase.

Other Guidance:  A good nice, but not too fancy spot. 

Summary:

Cuisine: Japanese
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Address: 1338 Wisconsin Ave NW Basement, Washington, DC 20007
Website: https://www.sushigaku.com/
Reservations: Toast on website.

Other Critics/Voices:

Washington Post: No coverage yet. Tim gave Gakyu 2.5 early on.

Washingtonian: Preview