@movernie
Before my Washington DC Press Trip, I was researching new restaurants and bars that interested me to visit. And Love, Makoto was on top of my list. Why? Coz this recently opened Japanese Food Hall serves my favourite Japanese cuisine.
From its website, it states, “Love, Makoto is a culinary love letter from Celebrity Chef Makoto Okuwa. Featuring full-service and quick-service options, this culinary collection offers Washington, DC residents and visitors a taste of Japan in the heart of the nation’s capital. Unique in its single-operator approach, Love, Makoto is the first of its kind in the US.“.
With just a short 17-minute walk from my hotel (Riggs Washington DC), I had already arrived at Love, Makoto. I really like the surroundings around this area. Everything seems new and fresh. There are a number of new condos and residential area, along with new business buildings and commercial offices.
Love, Makoto is like a chic, modern Japanese Food Hall offering its customers a variety of Japanese cuisine.
The moment I walked inside, I saw the nice red sharp interior design and decor. This venue space has a deep space with a corridor that stretched all the way to the back.
Dear Sushi:
At the front of Love, Makoto is where “DEAR SUSHI” is located. In this space, patrons get to indulge the sushi omakase experience. Omakase means “Chef’s Choice”, the chef will serve the freshest fishes, seafood and ingredient for the day and make all kinds of amazing sushi for its guests to enjoy. Pretty much, the chef calls the shot. I personally had many Omakase experience in my life and I enjoyed all of them coz I don’t have any dietary restrictions and I am open minded, and I pretty much good surprises. But if you have religious reasons or dietary restrictions, do mention it to your server so they could relay to the chef and let the chef makes something else that would fit your palate.
Click here to check out Dear Sushi menu.
Beloved BBQ:
The next section along the corridor, I saw the Japanese BBQ. You could hear and smell the fresh ingredients on the sizzling plate by just standing outside.
Although I didn’t dine there, the friendly hostess explained to me how this Japanese BBQ works, what it offers and letting me take a short tour of the place.
This place looks good.
Click here to check out the Beloved BBQ menu.
Hiya Izakaya:
Hiya Izakaya was where I visited as it was afternoon time and I wanted some small bites and beer. Located at the back of the food hall, you will see a very nice semi-circular bar counter with high stools that wraps around the counter. Bartenders serve drinks and snack bites here.
If you prefer lower tables and chairs or you are in a bigger group, no worries, there were a number of short tables and chairs on both sides of the bar counter.
On one end, you could even see the chefs cooking up some Japanese BBQ skewers.
Prices were super reasonable and affordable during happy hour, I highly recommended you check out Hiya Izakaya.
Please note that Happy Hour at Hiya Izakaya is from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Daily.
Click here to check out Hiya Izakaya menu.
Love On The Run:
If you are in a hurry and can’t dine at the food hall, no worries, there is the casual, fast take out option at the back of the food hall. You can sit and eat there and get out quickly. Or you can grab and go by ordering via the touch screen machines.
As I checked out its menu, it serves items such as house made noodles, freshly baked buns and gourmet donuts. You can also order sushi rolls or salads and more.
Overall Summary:
Although I only checked out the Hiya Izakaya, I was impressed with the vibe, the atmosphere, the decor and the variety of dining options this place offers. It’s all-in-one under the same roof service. I highly recommend to check this place out. You don’t always get a chance to visit Japan but Love Makoto can provide you a very close dining experience that as if you are actually in Japan!
Love, Makoto – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: 200 Massachusetts Ave NW Suite 150, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Phone: +1 202-992-7730
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6JETxb1DqrSNcghW7
