A star sushi chef brings $40 omakase to downtown D.C.
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Chef Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino sources premium fish like this bluefin tuna for Kiymomi. Photo: Scott Suchman for The Washington Post via Getty Images
One of D.C.'s star sushi chefs just opened a 16-seat omakase counter downtown: Kiyomi by Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino.
Why it matters: Uchino built his reputation on luxe omakase at Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa. Now, he's flipping the script with a wallet-friendly $40 lunchtime tasting.
Dig in: The restaurant at 1895 L St. NW is a spinoff of his (now-closed) counter inside The Square food hall.
- It's open for lunch to start — walk-in only — with a nigiri or hand roll omakase ($40) that includes homemade miso soup.
- Also: a la carte offerings in both categories, and maki rolls.
On the menu: Look for classics like fatty or lean tuna, seasonal fish (e.g. seared porgy) and dressed hand rolls like spicy salmon or yuzu-garlic yellowtail.
To drink: Extensive sakes, once a liquor license comes through.
What's next: Dinner starts soon. A regular omakase — around 15 courses for $120 — and a premium option (20-24 courses), offered Thurs-Sat, for $200.
- Uchino, who's also a partner in Takumi on 14th Street, tells Axios he's planning a lunchtime to-go menu with DIY handrolls and cooked dishes like beef gyudon or kashiwameshi, a savory chicken rice from his native Kyushu region.
Fun fact: Uchino guest-starred on "Billions" back in his Nakazawa days, but now he's more about creating flexibility than catering to the bromakase crowd.
- He still sources premium Japanese fish and obsesses over his sushi rice. But "I want people to have different options," he tells Axios.
If you go: Kiyomi by Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino. 1895 L St. NW