SHŌTŌ Washington DC

SHOTO is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is incredibly inviting, the service was top-notch, and the food arrived promptly. I was particularly impressed by the exquisite cocktails. Highly recommended for a delightful dining experience!"

I had such a great experience at Shōtō! The service from Taj was excellent, attentive and friendly. A friend and I stopped by for lunch. The tuna tacos were the absolute star of the show and the lychee martini was super refreshing. I also loved the beautiful interior decor. Be sure to dress in something swanky and chic. I’ll definitely be coming back!

I chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner, and it delivered an experience that exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked through the doors, it was clear this would be a meal to remember. The lobster was nothing short of extraordinary. Cooked to absolute perfection, it was tender, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Every bite was a reminder of why this crustacean is considered the crown jewel of seafood. The preparation showcased both technical skill and an understanding of how to let the natural flavors shine through. It's rare to find lobster executed with such precision and care. The service was impeccable throughout the entire evening. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about every dish and wine pairing, and genuinely seemed to care about making our celebration special. The timing between courses was flawless, and every need was anticipated before we even realized we had one. This is the kind of service that transforms a good meal into an unforgettable experience. In a city filled with incredible restaurants, this establishment stands out as something truly special. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between elegant and comfortable, creating an environment where you can celebrate life's important moments. The attention to detail in every aspect of the experience from the presentation of each dish to the ambiance of the dining room demonstrates a commitment to excellence that's becoming increasingly rare. This birthday dinner ranks among the best dining experiences I've had in Washington, DC. When you're looking for a place to celebrate something meaningful, somewhere that will create lasting memories through exceptional food and service, this restaurant delivers on every front. The lobster alone is worth the visit, but the complete experience is what makes this place truly special. Highly recommended for special occasions, romantic dinners, or any time you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

The place is very elegant and aesthetically beautiful. The DJ was really good, the beats were really fluid (1 touch lower volume would have been better). The bar is nice, people are friendly. The bartenders are nice but not pros. Had the espresso martini, no —don’t know what liqueur they’re using but, no, and the French martini, also no —too sweet. The omakase is not an omakase it’s a tasting menu. It was a lot of food (it was tasty but not haute). Too much sauce for classical Japanese. The standouts were the lamb is Excellent (and I make lamb chops, so they get my blessing, they are cooked perfectly and the flavor was a touch heavy but yumyum the salmon teriyaki was also cooked to perfection as a medium rare -nomnom the churros were not warm to the touch (offensive!) but the caramel inside was warm so I got over it quick Overall everything was pretty basic (sorry) and saucy, (which i love on rice but…) they even had an nice orange sauce on another sashimi (gimme rice) This is a good intro to a Japanese menu if you are not familiar with the cuisine and this is your city. But yes I will go chill at the bar there…

We chose Shōtō D.C to celebrate our anniversary, knowing my husband’s love for wagyu and Japanese whisky, and it absolutely delivered. From the expertly crafted cocktails to the mouthwatering appetizers, sushi, and mains, every dish was a hit. The food comes in hot whenever it is ready from the kitchen. Made it feel like we had food on our table at every given time. Food was so good, I forget to take pictures after our appetizers came in. My husband was so impressed he’s already planning a return visit to explore more of the menu. A perfect blend of elegance and flavor. Shōtō made our special night unforgettable.

Had a lovely dinner at the bar, wonderfully crafted cocktails with perfect menu to enjoy small bites throughout the night. Enjoyed a variety of crafted cocktails, tempura, skewers, sushi & mini tacos. Huge shoutout to our bartender: did not catch her name but Asian with a crimped ponytail. She was super helpful, kind and attentive in the perfect balance! Our reservations were for 9 but arrived at 8 and stood at the bar until bar seats opened up. We decided to enjoy our night at the bar as that met our vibe more. For anyone arriving early, it’s def doable if you like the bar and are willing to be patient but if not it looked like they were seating tables on time. Parking: across the street in the alleyway there is $10 parking which is a great hidden gem for dining in DC!

​⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Precision is the Name of the Game ​In Japanese, "Shoto" refers to a short sword, symbolizing commitment and precision. It is a bold name to live up to, but after an evening at this DC izakaya, I can confirm: the execution here is razor-sharp. ​The vibe is super chill. It's a perfect blend of high-energy dining and a relaxed lounge atmosphere. ​The Litmus Test: I judge a bar by its Old Fashioned, and SHOTO’s was incredibly smooth. Balanced, cold, and devoid of that harsh bite you get at lesser establishments. It set the tone for the rest of the meal. ​The Culinary Plot Twists: The menu is designed for sharing, but you might find yourself fighting over the SHOTO Tacos. Forget corn or flour; these come in a delicate, homemade potato chip shell. It sounds like a novelty, but the crunch is the perfect counterpoint to the fresh fish. -​The Maguro (Tuna) with yuzu chili miso was vibrant and spicy. -​The Sake (Salmon) with wasabi mayo was rich and creamy. ​From the Fire: You can taste the difference in the grill. They cook over Binchotan (Japanese white oak charcoal), which imparts a clean, smokey flavor you just can't fake. The Negima no yakitori (chicken and scallion) was simple, juicy, and perfect. ​But the heavyweight champion of the night was the Black Cod (Gindara no saikyo-yaki). Marinated in shiro miso, it was buttery, flaky, and dissolved on the tongue. ​SHOTO isn't just dinner; it's a sensory experience. Whether you're there for the robata or just a smooth drink in a great atmosphere, this place cuts through the noise of the DC dining scene.