DAIKAYA
✨ Vibe
A high-energy, dual-level destination that masterfully pairs a bustling Sapporo-style ramen shop on the ground floor with a sophisticated, moody, and intimate Japanese izakaya upstairs.
🍸 Best For
Pre-game meals near Capital One Arena, solo dining at the ramen counter, late-night craft cocktails, and creative Japanese small plates.
🔥 Highlights
- Authentic Sapporo Ramen: Savor world-class noodles imported from Japan’s Nishiyama Seimen Company, served in rich, aromatic broths that utilize a traditional "wok-charred" technique for depth and flavor.
- Elevated Izakaya & Sushi: The second floor offers a creative menu featuring decadent Cacio e Pepe udon and DIY beef tartare rolls, plus a newly launched sushi program featuring premium nigiri and maki.
- Expert Beverage Program: Complement your meal with an extensive selection of Japanese spirits, including a curated sake list, shochu, and inventive cocktails in a dim-lit, stylish atmosphere.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- The first-floor ramen shop is designed for fast-paced dining and does not take reservations, making it perfect for a quick, high-quality meal before a show or game.
- Reservations are available for the second-floor Izakaya, which offers a more relaxed, sit-down experience with an expanded menu of small plates and sushi.
🔄 Weekly Events
🎧 Weekend Live DJs
The second floor Izakaya features live DJs on the weekends to provide cool vibes alongside their craft cocktail and whisky program.
Live DJs at the Izakaya 🎧
The second-floor Izakaya features live DJs on the weekends to complement its Japanese tavern atmosphere.
Happy Hour
The second-floor Izakaya offers happy hour deals featuring craft cocktails and unique Japanese small plates.
📰 In the News
The Best Ramen Spots In DC
Daikaya serves authentic Sapporo-style ramen featuring thick noodles and marinated eggs in a casual Chinatown setting. The restaurant is an ideal spot for solo diners or quick meals before events at the nearby Capital One Arena, though guests should plan for potential waits as the venue does not take reservations.
An Asian garden cafe just opened on the National Mall
Konbini by Daikaya has opened at the National Building Museum in Chinatown, offering a selection of Japanese snacks, candies, and matcha ice cream. The new convenience store concept also features heat-to-order Daikaya ramen for visitors.
Expert Tips: 5 Things to Know About Ordering Sushi
Daikaya owner Daisuke Utagawa provides expert tips on sushi quality, highlighting the izakaya's recent addition of sushi to its menu. The guide emphasizes the importance of properly aged fish, seasoned rice, and high-grade nori in delivering an authentic Japanese dining experience.
Daikaya restaurant's split personality boosts business
DAIKAYA offers a dual-concept dining experience in Washington, D.C., featuring a fast-paced Sapporo-style ramen shop on the ground floor and a sophisticated, small-plates izakaya upstairs. The venue balances authentic, broth-focused noodle dishes with an extensive Japanese beverage program that includes sake, shochu, and creative cocktails.
D.C.’s Ramen Pioneer Daikaya Serves Sushi for the First Time
Daikaya’s upstairs izakaya in Chinatown has introduced sushi to its menu for the first time, featuring a selection of eight types of nigiri and six maki rolls. Led by chef Toyoaki Kitamura, the new offering is complemented by an expanded sake list and follows the modern trend of Japanese izakayas serving sushi.
Recent Reviews from Google
I normally don’t write reviews, but my experience at Daikaya was so awful that I have to. We requested a table for 4 adults and 2 toddlers (total of 6 people). They told us it would be a 25-minute...
The food was absolutely delicious! The bean sprouts cooked with the meat is genius! I enjoyed it so much! And the open kitchen concept to watch how your food is prepared made it all taste better in a...
Review is for izakaya upstairs. Really delicious unique small plates. Initially service was slow but the waitress was very kind and made up for it with drinks on the house. The cacio e pepe udon...
Disappointed with my experience at Daikaya. Our host and waiter did not seem happy to be there and we were provided with the absolute bare minimum service. While I appreciate getting a pitcher of...
Absolutely great ramen spot. Welcoming staff made us feel right at home—even with four kids in tow. Loved the cozy group table in the back and the fresh, modern vibe throughout. The broth was the...
