Washington DC’s newest sushi destination is already packed, and it earns every seat.
A James Beard Legacy Lands in Dupont Circle
Uchi, meaning “home” in Japanese, began in 2003 inside a little red bungalow in South Austin. Founder and Chef Tyson Cole trained for more than a decade in Tokyo, New York, and Austin, earning the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2011.
Now his nontraditional approach to Japanese dining has arrived at 1700 M St NW, steps from Dupont Circle and next door to the newly revamped National Geographic Museum. On a recent evening, Cole himself flew in from Austin to host, and by 6:30 not a table sat empty. The room hums. The bar buzzes. The sophisticated decor frames every carefully crafted plate of sushi, and the energy tells you this restaurant already belongs to Washington DC.
Chef Rob Drennan Leads a Kitchen Built on Craft
Chef de Cuisine Rob Drennan brings serious pedigree to the DC kitchen. His journey with Hai Hospitality began nearly 15 years ago at Uchiko Austin, and his career has carried him from Norway to Hong Kong, most recently as senior culinary manager for the team behind Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple and Pearls. He is leaning hard into seasonal, local ingredients, and it shows.
His favorite dish to make is the chawanmushi, cooked until just set for a remarkably silky texture. His favorite to eat is the madai crudo, clean, balanced, and precise. And DYK? Drennan holds a black belt in tae kwon do and shares his home with two cats, Mazzy and Miro. Follow the kitchen’s work on Instagram for a preview of what awaits.
The Nine-Course Signature Tasting Is the Best Deal in Town
Here is the insider move: the happy hour exclusive Signature Tasting delivers nine courses for two people at $120. Happy hour runs every day from 4pm to 6pm, and the bar alone is worth the visit! A $6 non-alcoholic Sapporo proved just as refreshing as anything with spirits. That said, Uchi rewards the splurge too. A full dinner with seasonal tastings and sushi specialties can easily reach $300 to $350 for those celebrating something big. Consequently, this is a restaurant that works both ways: a bargain-friendly happy hour hangout on a Tuesday, or a special occasion showstopper when you deserve something extraordinary.
Reserve the private dining room for receptions and intimate dinners, and let the team build the evening around you.
Why Washington DC Should Hold Uchi Close
Uchi is one of those “if you know, you know” places, yet clearly a lot of Washington DC already knows! Come for a celebration, bring out-of-town friends, or simply claim a bar seat during happy hour.
Hold restaurants like this close, make them precious, and great openings will keep coming our way. The Washington Lobbyist champions the people and places shaping DC’s hospitality scene, and we invite you to join us at the table. Subscribe, share this story, and tell us where you’re dining next.
Address: 1700 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036 Hours: Sun–Thu 4pm–10pm, Fri–Sat 4pm–11pm; Happy Hour daily 4pm–6pm. Average Cost: $120 for the nine-course Signature Tasting for two; $300–$350 for a full tasting dinner; $20 valet via Colonial Parking.
