Nagomi Izakaya - Washington DC

I had to give this little Japanese spot some love. While the name suggests an Izakaya it wasn't decorated as a traditional Izakaya like some in Japan but definitely more modern. Having said that, the environment is casual and clean. We came and ordered almost entirely off of their happy hour menu which were some great deals $2-3 off many apps/maki rolls). We ordered the edamame, the karagge chicken, shrimp shumai and two maki rolls each. Everything was brought hot and fresh out of the kitchen in a timely manner. Definitely great service and we enjoyed this hidden gem!

Nagomi Izakaya [NI]. (3.75 stars). Teishoku. That is what I wanted. My ignorant mind thought my meal would be delivered in a traditional bento box. I realize Teishoku equates to a complete meal (set) with salad miso soup but my 3 main criteria for any meal is taste, texture, presentation (in that order). Lol. My friend 's meal came in the nice pretty box!! Faceplant... I had heard about NI from a coworker also from searching Yelp a few months ago so I added it to my bookmarks. I wanted to go when my friend was visiting me because I knew she would be willing to try NI with me. Forget about parking. It 's crazy. But street parking is available . I ordered a few items was happy with most of them... Chicken Karaage. (4 stars). Only 1 of the many pieces that I ate was slightly dry. The Karaage is seasoned fried nicely was tasty. I would definitely recommend trying NI 's version. The salad was fresh the ginger vinaigrette was flavorful. Not overdressed! Ikura. (4 stars). Oh those fiery orange popping balls are addicting! I was happy that NI 's Ikura was tasty. Unlike other places in the DMV that serve me deflated, salty, in some cases downright rancid balls. I would definitely order Ikura from NI again. Tonkatsu Teishoku (add curry sauce). (3 stars). I was expecting my beautiful black red lacquer box. Sad face. My meal came on separate plates the pork was disappointing. Slightly jerky-ish in texture the batter was thicker than I prefer. It looked slightly dry when it arrived so I asked for a side of curry sauce to drizzle atop my pork. The curry sauce has a nice flavor but I 've always enjoyed curry with vegetables so needless to say, I wouldn 't order this item again... I 'm not a huge fan of just curry sauce. However NI 's curry sauce seems to have ground chicken or some sort of protein in it. The katsu sauce is one of the better ones I 've had in the DMV. It 's not terribly sweet. Fried oysters. (4 stars). Short sweet. Plump juicy. Fried nicely. I would 've liked the katsu sauce on the side but would still order these mollusks again. Having lunch with my friend was definitely the highlight of my meal. I 'm glad NI was better than I expected. I 'm sure I 'll come back when I 'm in the area. I wish NI well. Service was friendly. Beer adult beverages are available. Lunch specials are generous in portion size quite affordable!!

Smack in the center of downtown Washington DC is unassuming Nagomi Izakaya. This review is for the lunch menu and service. Preface to say they close at 2:30 pm and reopen again letter in the day for their dinner schedule. Food was surprisingly good. They do have an assortment of beers on tap like Asahi or Sapporo. The service was great; one gal left to serve us late comers as we got to the restaurant with about an hour to spare before they close in the afternoon. I had the Everything Salmon Bento lunch box $14) which was all by itself pretty in serving and presentation. The salmon salmon was actually good and FRESH and the salmon belly was fried, not Deep fried. My dining partner had the Chicken Katsu.... didn't look as pretty as my salmon so she decided to cover it up with a side order of curry. I'd definitely go to Nagomi again; if the opportunity presents itself. Maybe, I'll try them for dinner next time

Thoroughly enjoyed my dinner here. Being a New Yorker this was a very pleasant surprise. The service was wonderful and the food outstanding. A real treasure. Will be back on my next trip to DC.

Most authentic Japanese izakaya that I've been too. Great staff, takoyaki, noodles, and fish.Happy hour specials are also pretty great!