Eater DC has unveiled its list of ‘Standout Sushi Around DC,’ which highlights top sushi spots across the region, including several in DC, one in Northern Virginia, and two right here in Montgomery County.
Hinata (Bethesda):
Hinata, located at 4947 St. Elmo Ave in Bethesda, started as a Japanese grocery store in the mid-90s, founded by Waka Sakita, who previously worked at Tokyo’s renowned Tsukiji wholesale seafood market. Known for its carryout sushi, Hinata has been a local favorite for years, though it remains a hidden gem for those unfamiliar with the Downtown Bethesda area.
Eater describes it as “a cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda [that] is a local favorite for made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price point. Call ahead or shop for grocery items from Japan while waiting for takeout orders.”
Sushiko (Chevy Chase):
Sushiko, which opened its doors in 2008 in Chevy Chase at 5455 Wisconsin Ave, is part of a legacy that began in the 1970s as D.C.’s first sushi restaurant in Glover Park. While the original location closed in 2013, the Chevy Chase branch has become a staple of Montgomery County’s sushi scene.
Sushiko’s executive chef, Piter Tjan, began his career at Raku in Bethesda before opening Sushiko in 2008. After gaining further experience working under Tyson Cole at Uchi in Austin, Tjan returned to Sushiko in 2013 and has led the restaurant ever since.
According to Eater, “This venerable Japanese restaurant, led by creative director Daisuke Utagawa and executive chef Piter Tjan, is a Chevy Chase standby. Seeking traditional hand rolls and sashimi? This place has plenty to explore on the regular menu, including a sweet and spicy roll, soft shell crab roll, and crunchy shrimp roll. Chevy Chase’s raw fish scene recently grew with the arrival of Doki Doki Sushi inside the Heights food hall.”
