Nama Ko

4.6

323 Reviews

$31 to $50

Japanese

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Good for groups
Lively

Nama Ko is a Japanese-inspired restaurant and craft cocktail bar by James Beard award winning chef Michael Schlow and executive chef Derek Watson, where honored Japanese techniques and innovative twists live side by side in perfect harmony. The dinner menu includes creative appetizers and entrees, along with a full sushi offering of nigiri, sashimi, signature maki rolls & more. Check out Nama Ko's collection of Japanese whiskeys and sakes, and craft cocktails. Brunch hosts DJs, singers and live music and includes bottomless drinks, dimsum-ish appetizers and entrees. Finish your meal with Nama Ko's soft serve ice cream & desserts from pastry chef Alex Levin.

Happy hour includes gratis dishes from the kitchen!

Join us on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights for a special 10+ course tasting menu at the Omakase Bar. Seating is extremely limited. Reservations are available https://bit.ly/nama-ko-omakase.

Valet parking is now offered Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings from 5-11pm

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Creative Japanese
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 815-9203
Website
http://www.nama-ko.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Derek Watson

Location
1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4431
Area
U Street Corridor
Cross Street
14th between T/U. Valet Parking is on Thursday, Friday & Saturday night
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
We are located one block away from the Green line's U Street Corridor stop.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Miso SoupUSD 10.00
Home made miso soup, fresh silken tofu, shiitake mushroom, wakame, scallion.
Pork GyozaUSD 9.00
Pan seared heritage pork gyoza, served with Japanese curry sauce made from caramelized onion, sweet fuji apple, and roasted sweet potato.
Wagyu DumplingsUSD 18.00
Hand made wagyu dumplings with a house blend of 3 different cuts of wagyu beef. Served with a truffle soy dipping sauce.
Shrimp TempuraUSD 12.00
Double crunch tempura fried shrimp, served with a chili yuzu dipping sauce.
ShishitoUSD 12.00
Blistered shishito peppers, house made vegan 'mapo dofu' style Szechuan sauce, cripsy onion.
Hamachi SashimiUSD 22.00
Fresh Japanese hamachi sliced sashimi style, served with house made yuzu ponzu, chili crunch, daikon, shiso, and micro cilantro
EdamameUSD 8.00
Steamed edamame, seasoned with cherry wood smoke sea salt.
Spicy Tuna TacosUSD 16.00
Fresh mixed spicy tuna blend wrapped in a crispy wanton 'taco' wrapper. Finished with pickled chilis, sesame, and cilantro.
Chicken DumplingsUSD 13.00
Lemongrass chicken dumplings, topped with hot oil scallion relish, house made yuzu ponzu, fish sauce, cilantro, and basil.
Broccolini GomaeUSD 14.00
Char grilled broccolini, sweet and rich sesame miso dressing, crispy shallot.
Avocado TempuraUSD 13.00
Tempura fried avocado, warm and creamy avocado in a crisp tempura batter. Served with smokey pickled vegetables, wasabi aioli, and sweet and tangy Nanban or 'Barbarian' style sauce.
Kani CroquetteUSD 15.00
Crispy crab croquette, stuffed with fresh Maryland blue crab. Served with Aji Amarillo aioli, scallion, and togarashi.
Fire EntreeUSD 0.00
Pork Belly Fried RiceUSD 22.00
Shima Aji CrudoUSD 18.00
RamenUSD 19.00

Sushi & Sashimi

MaguroUSD 7.00
bluefin tuna
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
HamachiUSD 6.00
Fresh yelllowtail
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
Hamachi ToroUSD 8.00
Fresh yellowtail belly
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
SakeUSD 5.00
Ora king salmon
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
Sake ToroUSD 8.00
Ora king salmon belly
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
Uni (CA)USD 9.00
Sea urchin
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
Uni (Japan)USD 14.00
Japanese sea urchin
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
Botan EbiUSD 6.00
Sweet Japanese shrimp
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
EbiUSD 5.00
Cooked sweet shrimp
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
IkuraUSD 5.00
Salmon roe
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
TobikoUSD 5.00
Flying fish roe
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
HotateUSD 6.00
Japanese scallop
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
MadaiUSD 7.00
Japanese sea bream
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
UnagiUSD 5.00
BBQ eel
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
HokkigaiUSD 5.00
Red surf clam
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00
Side of RiceUSD 5.00
Koshihikari sushi rice
- NigiriUSD 0.00
- SashimiUSD 4.00

Signature Maki Rolls

Almost ParadiseUSD 18.00
spicy tuna, avocado, spicy mango sauce, tempura flakes
Candy CaneUSD 20.00
shrimp tempura, avocado, tuna, yellowtail apple, jalapeno, tobiko
DebutanteUSD 16.00
cucumber, asparagus, avocado, tempura bits, eel sauce, black tobiko
Orange CrushUSD 17.00
salmon, cucumber, aji amarillo, jalapeño, ikura, masago arare
Flamingo RoyaleUSD 22.00
torched kind salmon, shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, ponzu, sweet onion dressing
NamasteUSD 20.00
maryland crab, spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, crunchy sweet potato
Pink LadyUSD 22.00
tuna, avocado, salmon, soy paper
Rainbow RollUSD 20.00
maryland crab, tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp
Vegetarian RollUSD 14.00
avocado, cucumber, asparagus, carrots, shiso, kanpyo, daikon
Big KahunaUSD 26.00

Classic Rolls

Classic Tuna, Avocado, Cucumber RollUSD 14.00
Fresh tuna, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber
Spicy Tuna and Avocado RollUSD 14.00
Spicy mixed tuna roll with creamy avocado
Yellowtail, Spicy Aioli, Green Onion RollUSD 13.00
Fresh yellowtail, spicy aioli, scallion
Salmon Skin, Cucumber, Tempura, Ikura RollUSD 12.00
Crispy salmon skin, fresh cucumber, tempura crunch, and marinated ikura.
Florida Roll - Tuna, Fresh Crab, AvocadoUSD 14.00
Tuna, Fresh Crab, Avocado
Crunchy Shrimp Tempura, Avocado RollUSD 16.00
Crispy fried shrimp tempura, creamy avocado.
Spicy Salmon, Shiso, & Jalapeño RollUSD 12.00
Fresh mixed spicy salmon, aromatic Japanese shiso, green jalapeno.
Salmon and AvocadoUSD 12.00
Fresh salmon and creamy avocado
Scallop, Spicy Aioli, Tobiko, Tempura RollUSD 12.00
Fresh Japanese scallop, house made spicy mayo, tobiko, and tempura crunch.
Eel, Cucumber RollUSD 12.00
Classic sweet and savory eel with crisp and refreshing cucumber.
Cucumber RollUSD 10.00
Avocado RollUSD 10.00
California RollUSD 14.00

Soft Drinks

Coca Cola - CanUSD 3.00
Diet Coke - CanUSD 3.00
Ginger Ale - CanUSD 3.00
Sprite - CanUSD 3.00

What 323 people are saying

Nama Ko reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nama Ko offers "amazing food" and "great service" with a "romantic atmosphere" perfect for date nights. The sushi is "phenomenal," especially the "wagyu dumplings" and "tempura shrimp." The seasonal tasting menu is a "great value," and their happy hour is "extraordinary." However, service can occasionally be slow, and prices are high.

323 Reviews

AJ
AJil
New York City4 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 April 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious sushi and crazy good desserts. Very attentive service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
San Francisco1 review
4.0
Dined on 13 April 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great sushi. Kitchen was running behind, but the servers were very kind
Is this helpful?
RP
RonPhillips
Houston6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 12 April 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
WOW...the food here was and is amazing!!! Will definitely come back when in DC...a hidden gem!
Is this helpful?
RG
RaitisG
Washington DC1 review
5.0
Dined on 11 April 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We split the omakase sashimi and some a la carte sushi and sashimi. Expensive but top notch and worth the expense IMO. We will be back.
Is this helpful?
AR
AlexisR
Washington DC3 reviews
3.0
Dined on 6 April 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Our experience was good the service was great! The wagyu dumpling were great and the the ribeye fried rice was good! I would recommend getting the egg cooked instead of sunny side on top of the rice.
Is this helpful?
CF
CamFung VIP
Salt Lake City13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 April 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Their happy hour menu and pricing are extraordinary! Kudos for serving such amazing sushi fare. We also ordered off the dinner menu which was equally sophisticated. Their 5-eats tuna special consisting of high fat to low fat tuna was something super special. A must if you ask me. Thank you to Cesar for attentive service and wonderful suggestions. We will be back the next time we visit DC.
Is this helpful?
CD
ChefDC VIP
Washington DC18 reviews
4.0
Dined on 23 March 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very nice atmosphere and the service was very good. I recommend the brunch. The mimosas have fresh squeeze juices.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Washington DC4 reviews
2.0
Dined on 22 March 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
service staff seemed disjointed and uncoordinated. Took very long for anyone to acknowledge us after being seated. One didn’t seem aware what the other was doing. Price too high for what it is
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 March 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food, great service! Good ambiance even for a special occasion. We did a date night and it was perfect. Drinks are 10/10.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Washington DC1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 March 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server was amazing and I hate that I forgot his name! The dinner menu is phenomenal and I highly recommend this place.
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FAQs

Nama Ko offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 815-9203.

Nama Ko is rated 4.6 stars by 323 OpenTable diners.

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

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4431

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
14th between T/U. Valet Parking is on Thursday, Friday & Saturday night
Area
U Street Corridor
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Creative Japanese
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
We are located one block away from the Green line's U Street Corridor stop.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Derek Watson
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.nama-ko.com/
Phone number
(202) 815-9203

Nama Ko

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

There’s more to explore

Dining areas

Additional information

Wagyu Dumplings

Crispy Shrimp Tempura

Crunchy Shrimp Tempura Avocado Roll

From The Kitchen

Miso SoupUSD 10.00

Pork GyozaUSD 9.00

Wagyu DumplingsUSD 18.00

Shrimp TempuraUSD 12.00

ShishitoUSD 12.00

Hamachi SashimiUSD 22.00

EdamameUSD 8.00

Spicy Tuna TacosUSD 16.00

Chicken DumplingsUSD 13.00

Broccolini GomaeUSD 14.00

Avocado TempuraUSD 13.00

Kani CroquetteUSD 15.00

Fire EntreeUSD 0.00

Pork Belly Fried RiceUSD 22.00

Shima Aji CrudoUSD 18.00

RamenUSD 19.00

Sushi & Sashimi

MaguroUSD 7.00

HamachiUSD 6.00

Hamachi ToroUSD 8.00

SakeUSD 5.00

Sake ToroUSD 8.00

Uni (CA)USD 9.00

Uni (Japan)USD 14.00

Botan EbiUSD 6.00

EbiUSD 5.00

IkuraUSD 5.00

TobikoUSD 5.00

HotateUSD 6.00

MadaiUSD 7.00

UnagiUSD 5.00

HokkigaiUSD 5.00

Side of RiceUSD 5.00

Signature Maki Rolls

Almost ParadiseUSD 18.00

Candy CaneUSD 20.00

DebutanteUSD 16.00

Orange CrushUSD 17.00

Flamingo RoyaleUSD 22.00

NamasteUSD 20.00

Pink LadyUSD 22.00

Rainbow RollUSD 20.00

Vegetarian RollUSD 14.00

Big KahunaUSD 26.00

Classic Rolls

Classic Tuna, Avocado, Cucumber RollUSD 14.00

Spicy Tuna and Avocado RollUSD 14.00

Yellowtail, Spicy Aioli, Green Onion RollUSD 13.00

Salmon Skin, Cucumber, Tempura, Ikura RollUSD 12.00

Florida Roll - Tuna, Fresh Crab, AvocadoUSD 14.00

Crunchy Shrimp Tempura, Avocado RollUSD 16.00

Spicy Salmon, Shiso, & Jalapeño RollUSD 12.00

Salmon and AvocadoUSD 12.00

Scallop, Spicy Aioli, Tobiko, Tempura RollUSD 12.00

Eel, Cucumber RollUSD 12.00

Cucumber RollUSD 10.00

Avocado RollUSD 10.00

California RollUSD 14.00

Soft Drinks

Coca Cola - CanUSD 3.00

Diet Coke - CanUSD 3.00

Ginger Ale - CanUSD 3.00

Sprite - CanUSD 3.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Nama Ko offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Nama Ko restaurant rated?

Is Nama Ko currently accepting bookings?