Image: And so it begins…
Last Updated: May 2024
Overview:
Tucked in the back of the Ben Franklin Post Office Building, currently occupied by the Waldorf-Astoria, Sushi Nakazawa operates a serene room where the background music is barely heard above the tap of chopsticks on porcelain platters as diners lift twenty pieces of nigiri to their mouths in moderately-paced succession. The small platoon of chefs in white and floor staff in black appear to nearly equal the number of diners. That may be an optical illusion, but in an era of staff inconsistency it is almost jarring to be enveloped in such service.
The sushi is classic in style, just a small brush of sauce, dollop of concentrate, or sprinkles of tiny crystals to adorn the piece of freshly cut fish and formed rice. Daisuke Nakazawa, who is the namesake of this place and the flagship in New York City, apprenticed with Jiro Ono, of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. There is no tempura, no miso soup, and no bowl for dipping into soy sauce. Most of the fish comes from Japan, including a deep, rich, sweet uni, and a mackerel of restrained punch. One of the exceptions is a cube of blue crab topped with “crab mustard” using the leftover from the crab. On our visit, the courses went through themes. Salmon, shellfish, tuna, uni and roe all got more than one version grouped together.
The drink list is a book with lots of sake, sparkling, red and white. There are no cocktails, but there is whiskey. Like the rest of the meal, beverage prices are not for the faint of heart.
As you enter, there may be a moment of humor as you wait and the staff direct you to the lounge, which is nothing more than a two-person seat next to the door. Seating at the bar is done in groups and costs a little more than table service. If being able to talk to one of the chefs and watch as the meal is prepared is something you value, then it is probably worth the bump.
Other Guidance: It is a small space to navigate. There is a light dress code cited on its webpage. As for dietary accommodations the website also includes this caveat: If you are averse to douchy NYC restaurateurs, then keep in mind co-owner Alessandro Borgognone has been called the “most hated restaurateur in America,” and has dumped on the D.C. dining scene.
Summary:
Cuisine: Japanese
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Website: https://www.sushinakazawa.com/washington-dc
Reservations: Resy
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: 3 Stars and 2019 Dining Guide. “With drinks and extras thrown in, the outing approximates the cost of dinner at the Inn at Little Washington or Komi, two of the area’s priciest propositions.” Ahh….Komi.
Washingtonian: Big 3.5 stars in 2018 review from Limpert. Made Top 100 at #4 in 2019, #3 in 2020, and #9 in 2023; listed in 2024.
Michelin: One Star