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Daikaya

Ramen Restaurant, Noodle Restaurant, and Japanese Restaurant$$$$

Chinatown, Washington

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Daikaya

8.6^/10

1,116

ratings

Ranked #1 for ramen restaurants in Washington
Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Washington Post
"Always crowded, but the spicy miso ramen was really delicious!"(14 Tips)
"I vote Ship + egg (you must add an egg) + spice bomb on the side."(13 Tips)
"Get the shoyu ramen with pork belly - delicious!"(8 Tips)
"The izakaya upstairs is really great for gluten free diners"(5 Tips)

281 Tips and reviews

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ramen
spice bomb
pork belly
casual
trendy
good for dates
gyoza
spicy food
great value
eggs
happy hour
good for singles
bar
spicy miso
desserts
crowded
French toast
off-menu items
hipster
beef tongue
(15 more)

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Amanda BethJanuary 28, 2018
Delicious Ramen! Loved the flavor of the chasu and ground pork, and couldn't get enough of the dark, bold broth. With perfectly made noodles, this substantial meal will make you leave happy and full!
Kaz K.February 15, 2016
Always crowded here, get here early or expect to wait at least 30-60 mins. Ramen is pretty good. Great atmosphere. My fave on the menu is the gyoza, though.
Behrad EatsMay 2, 2016
After ordering the Grilled Avocado with housemade ponzu, fresh wasabi, you'll never go back to eating non-grilled avocadoes!
OmÂr PêrèzJanuary 19, 2019
One of the best ramen places in DC. They do not accept reservations, so you would be there with all your parties and wait between 20-40 mins (avg) to be seated. It is worth the waiting, believe me!
Juliana MatsugumaSeptember 10, 2017
If you like Ramen, this place is mandatory in DC. Great place, decoration, food and price. The service is exceptional as well. There's usually a waiting list, but it's worth the waiting.
Behrad EatsMay 2, 2016
The Chilled Cucumberhas a crisp taste with a bit of heat, prepared with rayu vinaigrette, crispy garlic, ground sesame seed, and chili thread.
Behrad EatsMay 2, 2016
Want eggs on eggs on eggs? Order the Rocky made of Onsen egg, sea urchin, salmon roe, sweet dashi broth.
Erin MerchantSeptember 7, 2015
Ramen is wait list only. Get there early, otherwise expect to wait. Pretty legit Sapporo style miso, but the regular is good too. Add a spice bomb and get a 22oz Sapporo Reserve. Eat it hot and quick.
Behrad EatsMay 2, 2016
You can't leave without ordering the Pork and Brussels Sprouts “Okonomiyaki-style” with Kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, and aonori.
EaterJanuary 17, 2017
On the ground floor: Sapporo-style ramen in a bustling setting. Upstairs, an izakaya specializing in Japanese bar food, whiskeys, shochu and Japanese beer. Read more
Mikey ZJuly 1, 2018
Best ramen in the DC area. Downstairs doesn’t take reservations, but shouldn’t be hard to get a seat. Vegetarian ramen option. Make sure to try the ice cream for dessert if you like soft serve!
EaterNovember 21, 2016
Japanese whisky is the star spirit at Daikaya izakaya. The menu lists the usual expressions from Suntory and Nikka, along with two choices from Mars. Read more
Howard J. LeeNovember 10, 2013
Everything is amazing. The hash brown nachos (sounds odd, but, trust me) is so amazing! Friendly bartenders and amazing staff. It feels like home every time I go!
Behrad EatsJanuary 25, 2015
Lives up to the hype! You'll have some of the best ramen here! I recommend the Spicy Miso Ramen with chashu and egg add-ons.
Kei HarrisSeptember 7, 2015
First time having authentic ramen and it was delicious. I was even able to stomach nori and nitamago which I had never been able to before.
Alexa ScordatoAugust 11, 2013
Put your name in then head upstairs to Izakaya for a drink or appetizers. Brunch on weekends is a unique experience - small Japanese plates inspired by brunch classics like chicken and waffles.
Bryant BalatbatFebruary 9, 2016
When the line up is long to to the izakaya upstairs instead. Also that brunch menu is amazing. Try as much as you can, it's all good.
Lucille FisherNovember 9, 2015
Daikaya Izakaya is my favorite Japanese restaurant in DC. Never fails to please, amaze & satisfy. Reservations recommended.
İlkay CivanoğluNovember 20, 2017
First try for Gyoza and when it is hot yoh cannot get the flavors. So you should wait couple minutes for cool !
KatieDecember 12, 2013
Great ramen & they don't skimp on the meat portions. In addition to the tasty food, the vibe is way trendier than most of the places in Chinatown & they played awesome music. Worth the visit.
AdnaMarch 25, 2015
Great service. The beansprouts were sautéed before being put in the soup, which added a unique flavor to the broth. The soft boiled egg was amazing.
ChrisApril 14, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The choice and volume of the music left me unsure if this was a restaurant or a club. Regardless, tasty ramen - albeit long seating wait times - with a trendy quasi-secret "izakaya" bar upstairs.
Jessica PlacenciaJune 19, 2016
Culinary heaven. The chef is a genius. The staff is well versed on the food. Go with a group of friends that like to try and share so you can tackle the incredible menu.
İlkay CivanoğluNovember 20, 2017
This one is Shio but Spicy ramen was better for me. Also dont forget add as topping egg and butter to your ramen.
Ruth PuiOctober 21, 2014
The beef tongue is tender and spicy, the chicken Kara age is superb. Fried garlic is yummy and unique. So happy I made the stop, and loved the improved old fashioned!
Mohan BergAugust 5, 2016
Been here 10+ times
The miso based soups are excellent. The spicy isn't as spicy as you might expect so don't be scared away. Be prepared to drink lots of water because this food is salty by design. Eat it hot!
Kareema NahavandiOctober 25, 2018
The vegetable ramen was delicious. We got a spice bomb added but the broth was already a bit spicy so unless you like super spicy food would not recommend doing that. Overall was great!!!
Yera HaDecember 3, 2014
Great ramen-- try the spicy miso. Tender, new noodles in refreshing broth. If they have pork belly, get it. It has a hint of ginger and it melts like butter.
David DyTangNovember 2, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Possibly the best ramen in DC, as long as you add the pork belly and soft boiled egg to your bowl. Stick to a max of two people and go early to keep your wait times down.
Washington PostApril 10, 2014
Ramen purists might blanch at the thought of a noodle bowl without pork, but they've probably never had chef Katsuya Fukushima's vegan ramen Read more
Brian MateOctober 18, 2013
I won't give to much away but look for the bartender with the monogram "pimp" on his sleeve and a stylish bow tie. Not only does he make one of the best old fashioned in the game he also had great req
JiJune 19, 2018
Delicious ramen & home made iced tea. Great value for money, filling meal that will warm you up :)
Washington PostOctober 16, 2013
There are two ways to experience this restaurant: Stay on the ground floor to sip the broth and slurp the noodles of Sapporo-style ramen or go upstairs to order from a menu small plates.
Mimi NguyenNovember 19, 2013
Shoyu ramen was pretty good. Broth is lighter than it looks. Be sure to ask to add pork belly to your bowl! It's not listed on the menu. You'll thank me later :)
Paige CSeptember 20, 2014
The best ramen I have ever had. Also try their amazing potstickers. My brother used to be a chef here and I will always love this place!
Ruth KFebruary 21, 2016
Best ramen in DC. Best egg. Looking forward for a decent competition to come around to offer up other styles e.g., tonkatsu
Rebecca BrownOctober 24, 2017
Loved the ramen here. Kirin beer in the bar upstairs. Nice gyoza. Book as it's busy!
Lewis WilkinsSeptember 18, 2018
Tasty ramen and stupid waitlist policies. Informed of 30 minute waitlist, Daikaya texted at 25 min, refused to sit us at 36 minutes. Did you know Masala 6 right across the street has delicious dosas?
ErikaMarch 26, 2017
Spicy miso THE BEST!!! This ramen is the best I've ate in my life. If you are near from chinatown you must go!
Acacia HenryFebruary 26, 2014
Delicious food and friendly staff. They recommended the not on the menu pork belly which was delicious!
Bitches Who BrunchJanuary 11, 2014
The Bitches Say: B+. Daikaya is definitely worth the trip for brunch. We’d like a little more consistency, but overall we loved it. Awarded with the Best French Toast and Best Veggie Dish of 2013!
Juli JakuFebruary 19, 2015
Ramen are great, but be ready for a wait and a crammed and loud environment. Upstairs has a ramen special on Fridays- best if you want to avoid the crowds
Serious EatsApril 23, 2014
Ramen on the bottom, izakaya on top. Grab a drink upstairs while waiting for a seat to open up at the ramen shop.
Thaís SoaresFebruary 14, 2019
Always crowded, but the spicy miso ramen was really delicious! The gyoza was amazing as well. It's worth the wait.
EricJune 3, 2015
They have an app that arranges reservations and seating. Note that the open table is for the Bar upstairs with no ramen
Behrad EatsJanuary 25, 2015
Gyoza is their only appetizer but it's a delicious starter while waiting for the amazing ramen.
Spoon UniversityOctober 18, 2016
The noodles themselves here are what makes Daikaya stand out. They have a perfect al dente bite that is unmatched — probably because they import them from Sapporo for prime quality. Read more
Jeffrey RNovember 25, 2018
Great service and fast and large portions. Great flavor and soothing with a beer.
Carsten SchmidtNovember 3, 2015
In my book the best of the ramen places in DC. The noodles are amazing way better than at that h street ramen place.
P JSeptember 7, 2015
So many things to drink, so little time. The menu isn't bad either. I recommend the octopus.

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