DC finally gets the sushi restaurant it deserves.
James Beard Pedigree Meets DC
Uchi DC opens May 12 at 1700 M St. NW — steps from the Mayflower Hotel and the historic National Geographic Society building. The Austin-born concept redefined Japanese dining in America. Now, it comes to Washington for the first time. Founded by Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award winner and rare American-born sushi master, and operated by Hai Hospitality, Uchi delivers creative cool and hot tastings, sashimi, makimono, yakimono, and tempura. Reservations open today via SevenRooms, OpenTable, and Resy.
A Kitchen Led by DC’s Own
Chef de Cuisine Rob Drennan brings exceptional local credibility to Uchi DC’s kitchen. He trained at Rose’s Restaurant Group — Rose’s Luxury, Pineapple and Pearls — and later at three-Michelin-starred Maeemo in Oslo. Earlier this month, Drennan and the Hai team hosted a sold-out preview pop-up at Casamara. The buzz has been immediate. The menu includes DC-exclusive dishes alongside Uchi signatures. The iconic Hama Chili delivers cool yellowtail with Thai chili ponzu. Meanwhile, the Wagyu Hot Rock arrives tableside on sizzling Australian beef. Finally, the legendary Fried Milk — vanilla custard, salted fudge, toasted blondie — closes every meal on an unforgettable note!
A Space Inspired by DC’s Golden Era
Islyn Studio designed the 185-seat interior alongside Hai Design Studio, channeling 1960s Washington glamour. The inspiration? The martinis-and-espionage era that defined the city. Specifically, Edward Durrell Stone — architect of both the nearby National Geographic building and the Kennedy Center — shaped the design vision. As a result, the space layers rich color and cinematic atmosphere throughout. Private dining rooms seat intimate groups or larger gatherings up to 150, wrapped in plum tones and blossom-flecked wallpaper nodding to DC’s most iconic Japanese connection.
Happy Hour Worth Planning Around
Happy hour runs daily from 4–6 PM and is already shaping up to be one of the best in the city! It features exclusive bites, sake cocktails, and a nine-course omakase tasting for two. In short, Uchi DC delivers on every level. The Washington Lobbyist keeps DC readers ahead of every opening and every reservation worth fighting for. Book your table now — before everyone else does.
1700 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20036. Sunday–Thursday 4–10 PM | Friday–Saturday 4–11 PM | Happy Hour Daily 4–6 PM.
Photo credit for Uchi DC venue photos: Sophie Macaluso.
