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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
The experts at Eater and Washington Post recommend this place
"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)

280 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!
Upvoted 4 weeks ago
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!
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.
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.
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
Behrad EatsMay 2, 2016
Want eggs on eggs on eggs? Order the Rocky made of Onsen egg, sea urchin, salmon roe, sweet dashi broth.
Behrad EatsMay 2, 2016
You can't leave without ordering the Pork and Brussels Sprouts “Okonomiyaki-style” with Kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, and aonori.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !
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.
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!!!
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!
Lucille FisherNovember 9, 2015
Daikaya Izakaya is my favorite Japanese restaurant in DC. Never fails to please, amaze & satisfy. Reservations recommended.
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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
Behrad EatsJanuary 25, 2015
Gyoza is their only appetizer but it's a delicious starter while waiting for the amazing ramen.
JiJune 19, 2018
Delicious ramen & home made iced tea. Great value for money, filling meal that will warm you up :)
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
LauraFebruary 18, 2013
Good food and they have a small hidden room at the back so good to know for a bigger group; they will soon open sth upstairs! And the sake was very good.
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 :)
Acacia HenryFebruary 26, 2014
Delicious food and friendly staff. They recommended the not on the menu pork belly which was delicious!
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.
Daniel GraysonMay 23, 2017
Good, but an awful lot of money for a bowl of ramen, and it's not *that* good. Though, I like the smoky added by the bean sprouts; it's a nice signature.
Rebecca BrownOctober 24, 2017
Loved the ramen here. Kirin beer in the bar upstairs. Nice gyoza. Book as it's busy!
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.
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
Jeffrey RNovember 25, 2018
Great service and fast and large portions. Great flavor and soothing with a beer.
AbMarch 25, 2016
Pick any. I vote Ship + egg (you must add an egg) + spice bomb on the side.
Washington PostFebruary 13, 2014
How long is the wait? Co-owner Daisuke Utagawa says it’s usually 45 minutes. Come after 9 p.m. and you likely won’t have a wait. On a recent Friday night at 7:45, the wait was 75 minutes. Read more
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?
Niels SwimbergheMay 10, 2015
I love this place, great ramen, great atmosphere, and it's being prepared before your eyes.

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