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Nara-Ya, Washington, DC

Nara-Ya

4.3
4.3
1164 Reviews
$50 and over
Japanese
Nestled at the heart of the District Wharf, NaRa-Ya offers traditional Japanese Cuisine with modern inflections. Featuring an elegant a la carte menu and available tasting menus, we take pride in the culinary artistry of the traditional Japanese kitchen while advocating a personal responsibility to environmental demands. It is our practice to source local produce, offer sustainable, farm raised, and wild caught global marine products while maintaining an unparalleled dining experience. NaRa-Ya boasts an extensive sake & Japanese whisky list, including exceptional offerings rarely seen outside of the islands of Japan.

We recommend allowing extra time for parking.

5:30pm-7:00pm and Friday (4pm-7pm).

Reservations must be canceled 3 days in advance. Late cancellations and no-shows will be $35 per guest fee. On holidays cancellation and no-show fees will be $50 per guest.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Regional Japanese
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 5:30 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 301-8145
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    South Asian/Indian
  • Executive chef
    Chef Juan Rivera
  • Private party facilities
    Nara-Ya is delighted to host your private event or corporate function. Please inquire at info@nara-ya.com.
  • Neighborhood
    Southwest Waterfront
  • Cross street
    9th and Maine
  • Parking details
    While visiting Nara-Ya, located at 88 District Square, Washington D.C. 20024, it is strongly recommended to utilize Uber/Lyft. Parking is extremely limited on the street and in the garage.
  • Public transit
    Near: DC circulator, 54 Bus line; L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian Metro stops
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,164 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Japanese

1,164 Reviews
  1. JenniferM

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    The crab tacos were good; however, I don’t suggest ordering the smoked tuna. The presentation was amazing, but it had zero flavor. We split the lobster fried rice, and didn’t think it was that great for the price. The lobster came split in the tail and was impossible to remove from the shell. Half of the lobster stuck in the shell. We ordered drinks at $22 each, and we weren’t impressed.

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  2. ChrisK

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience at Nara-Ya. I read a lot of bad reviews but decided to go anyways, before a show at the Anthem. It was fun! I had lamb chops and my wife had sea bass, both were very tasty. The waitress was amazing, she asked the cook to modify some items on my plate (different veggies), and she moved us to a better table upon request. It could be pricey for sure, depending on what you get. But I liked it. And the 20% service charge is fine - that's the tip, and what I normally give anyways. Really nice views, trendy decor.

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  3. AndyB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Sushi menu is innovative and the quality is very good.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    Food was mid. I’ve had better versions of everything I ate here all over dc. Mussels were rubbery, the only good thing were the drinks

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  5. Kdsims

    Baltimore

    21 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience5
    This is my 4th time here and i was completely disappointed i spent $500 on sub par food. The only item we ordered that was at the same high level i am used to was the wagyu bone marrow. Everything else was either too sweet A5 sushi Chefs Choice sushi was boring or flavorless fried Chicken the Wagyu Tataki was the saddest excuse for the dish I’ve seen and it was flavorless. There was no point in complaining to our waiter because we could barely understand him. Too expensive to be so pitiful you need to do better.

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  6. Geezmom

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Brunch is great food with great service. The restaurant was both mindful and accommodating to food allergies. Mimosas are only available in orange juice without an upcharge. This was my second visit and I will be back! Highly recommend!!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very accommodating and great food and atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back 🤤

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  8. Chris

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good sushi! Happy hour is a reasonable price if the full menu seems too expensive. The drinks were good!

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  9. LisaW

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    The food was excellent, although very, very pricey. The cocktail list was a bit of a disappointment; multiple signature cocktails with little to distinguish them from each other. The wine list -- which is never a strong suit in a Janpanese restaurant -- was nevertheless very limited and rather overpriced.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing time at the Sunday Brunch! The food was delicious! The portions were reasonable and the ambiance was phenomenal!

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  11. Trevbow

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great service and food but very noisy, would have preferred a more ambient restaurant. The restaurant decor was pretty cool.

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  12. ChelsieM

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated a friend's birthday. Staff was considerate by allowing us to check in late when some of our guests were late. We really appreciated that. Food was delicious and beautiful. Great service. Mentioned in our reservation that we were celebrating a birthday and they surprised the birthday girl with a sparkly dessert so we definitely appreciated the service.

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  13. Brianna

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The lobster fried rice was exceptional! I would cut down on the citrus in the beef gyoza.

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  14. NickO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nara-Ya not only had great food but provided a great experience! Some of the best sushi I’ve ever had! You can tell the ingredients are quality and fresh!

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  15. RashmiJ

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food here never disappoints. I have been here a few times and keep coming back. The sushi and drinks are so delicious! The view of the water is beautiful. Highly recommend; especially if you are celebrating a special occasion.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nara-Ya is undoubtedly a hidden gem in the world of sushi restaurants. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a world of exquisite culinary delight and impeccable design. The interior boasts a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics, featuring natural wood tones, subtle lighting, and elegant Japanese art, creating a tranquil atmosphere that perfectly complements the dining experience. The star of the show, however, is the sushi. Nara-Ya offers a wide variety of expertly crafted sushi, made with the freshest, highest quality ingredients. The chefs exhibit a mastery of their craft, presenting each dish as a work of art. The flavors are incredibly authentic, yet innovative, showcasing a perfect balance of traditional sushi flavors, mixed with modern culinary techniques. Service is impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or a first-timer, Nara-Ya is a must-visit. A gastronomic journey of delight that you'll remember long after you've left.

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  17. terrancep

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service , food, table location, drinks, no complaints.

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  18. DanaN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    had my birthday dinner there with 3 girls and everyone was super kind and brought out a complimentary birthday dessert❤️ service was 10/10

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  19. SusanG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were so impressed with the cool vibe of the entire restaurant. Definitely one of the more unique atmospheres in the DC food scene. Then we were not disappointed with the creativity of the kitchen and the deliciousness of the food and drinks. Overall, a great night and we will be coming back again and again!

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  20. AbMen

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Tasty food; although wish portions could be slightly bigger given the price of entrees.

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  21. Jeff

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    The lamb was decent otherwise sushi options were basic.

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  22. Kurt

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience3
    The food was ok but not great. Drinks good but a little pricey. The ambiance was loud.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    I didn’t particularly like the brunch menu items, but the service was very good.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely incredible! A delight for the tastebuds of these two foodies. My girlfriend and I came to Nara-Ya for our anniversary and got a table with a great view of the wharf. We got the Chef's Omakase menu and we also got some cocktails like the Haikus are Hard. It was so delicious, it made it easy to drink two :) We were blown away from the Edamame Hummus to the Sea Bass with sweet potato and mango sauce. Everything was perfectly prepared and plated. It was an unforgettable experience and I will be returning soon!

    1 person found this helpful

  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    the people sitting next to us either seem like regulars or like friends of one of the employees. The group was VERY loud and obnoxious and despite one of their friends working there, they didn’t quiet down at all. Then one of the people in the group bit a jalapeño pepper and threw it in one of my guests HAIR. When I asked the waiter denis for his manager to report his rude friends, it took 10 minutes for the manager to come to our table and when he did he asked me way he should do for me. All of this was on my birthday and I will never come back, nor recommend.

    1 person found this helpful

  26. ImaginaryFriend

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friend and I came to celebrate her birthday. Everything was truly lovely... the ambiance, the service, the food. As we were too full for a dessert, our server brought over a birthday treat from the bar. Much appreciated. My favorites were the seaweed salad and the scallops while her's was the tuna zuke and the District Spice roll. But we ordered a few things and everything was delicious. I will definitely return.

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  27. ReneaC

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience5
    The waitress seems overwhelm, because she had room many tables to attend to. And the food was cold. My first experience at Nara-Ya was better.

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  28. TiffanyI

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This was such a nice place to have brunch at. It’s aesthetically pleasing. The food was delicious! And to be unlimited was even better. The only thing my table disliked was the soufflé. Our server was really nice and sent different things out for us to try. You will leave satisfied and happy. A bit pricey but definitely worth it!

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  29. giselle

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience5
    Was turned away because we didn’t have a reservation. Come to find out they had availability online but failed to share or accommodate us. We ended up booking a reservation online 1 hr later. Our server was great, delicious food and the view was okay. Overall food was good but over priced with sub par service.

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  30. HR128

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    All dishes were priced about double what they should have cost for the quality and portion sizes. Entree was oversalted. Sushi was brought out with a sweet marmalade not mentioned in the description, and no soy sauce was brought to the table.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was amazing!! Our server was great, she was very helpful

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  32. LynnC

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to Nara Ya for my bday and everything was amazing. It was delicious, everyone loved the ambiance and the food. They gave me a nice dessert for free along with a glass of champagne for me and the whole table. Everyone had a great time and the food was delish! We will definitely be back!

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  33. RodrigoE

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice but overpriced. 20% gratuity mandatory plus surcharge which they removed on request. Will not come back

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Great atmosphere if you’re ok with a lot of noise. Very nice ambiance with beautiful decorations. But for the price and the amount of food, I would NOT recommend. The menu does not do a good job of describing the foods and taste. My boyfriend had 4 lamb chops (one of them wasn’t even cooked properly), one carrot slice, and a smear of sweet potatoes for $40. The 3 lamb chops that were cooked properly were good, just not enough. I had the lobster fried rice ($45) which was very good but it was unexpectedly spicy (the menu didn’t describe that) and only had two pieces of lobster meat within the rice. Our server wasn’t attentive or friendly and did not help with recommendations since the menu does not describe a lot. Not to mention there was a 20% service charge fee with a party of two people smh. Overall just very over priced and still left hungry 🫤

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food . Love the restaurant music and everything

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  36. ShaunT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere! My fiancée and I will definitely come back!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Very overpriced. Food was too salty. We had Japanese pancake, district spice roll and lobster fried rice. Rice was way too salty, pancake had too much sauce

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  38. NicholeB

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved celebrating my birthday here. The food & service was top tier. Will definitely be back!!

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  39. AnnaB

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Complaint regarding poor service and billing discrepancy at my boyfriend's birthday party Dear Nara Ya, I am writing to express my utmost disappointment and frustration with the experience my party had at your establishment this past Saturday, which was intended to be a memorable birthday celebration for my boyfriend. Unfortunately, our first visit to your restaurant left us deeply dissatisfied due to several issues that significantly marred the occasion. To begin with, the waiting time for our food was incredibly long. We patiently endured an hour of anticipation, only to be served two rolls. This extended delay in service was highly inconvenient and unacceptable, especially considering the simplicity of the dish. Adding to our dismay, our waiter displayed unprofessional behavior throughout the evening. Without any prior notice or consultation, he brought two additional cocktails to our table and included them in our bill. This action not only surprised and puzzled us but also left us feeling exploited as customers. We strongly believe that these cocktails were mistakenly added to our bill. Furthermore, the quality of one of the rolls we received was far from satisfactory. It was over salted to the point of being nearly inedible, which was disheartening, especially considering this was meant to be a special celebration. The lack of attention to detail in the preparation of this dish further contributed to our overall disappointment. As first-time visitors to your restaurant, we had high hopes for an exceptional dining experience on such a significant occasion. Regrettably, our experience fell far short of expectations. I implore you to address these concerns urgently. It is crucial for your establishment to take customer feedback seriously, rectify the situation, and make the necessary improvements to ensure the satisfaction of future patrons. We sincerely hope that you will investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate steps to

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  40. MattW

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friends birthday dinner on Saturday was wonderful! Party of 6. We ordered several apps, sushi and mains and ate in family style courses! Highly recommend sharing amd tasting as there are so many awesome dishes to try. Will be back!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Nara-Ya using the Order Online button. Nara-Ya also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 301-8145.

Nara-Ya is rated 4.3 stars by 1164 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Nara-Ya

88 District Sq SW, Fl 3, Washington, DC 20024-2491

Additional information

  • Cross street
    9th and Maine
  • Neighborhood
    Southwest Waterfront
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 5:30 pm–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Regional Japanese
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    While visiting Nara-Ya, located at 88 District Square, Washington D.C. 20024, it is strongly recommended to utilize Uber/Lyft. Parking is extremely limited on the street and in the garage.
  • Public transit
    Near: DC circulator, 54 Bus line; L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian Metro stops
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    South Asian/Indian
  • Executive chef
    Chef Juan Rivera
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (202) 301-8145
  • Private party facilities
    Nara-Ya is delighted to host your private event or corporate function. Please inquire at info@nara-ya.com.
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