@movernie
Nama Ko, Washington DC is very spacious. That’s my 1st impression the moment I stepped into this Japanese restaurant. One side is the bar section, with another side with the kitchen serving Omakase.
And I sat at the farthest side where the sushi station was situated and the patrons sat on high stool overlooking and watching the chef’s making new sushi or hand rolls.
And the 4th side, patrons can enjoy the view of the outside with the windows open. All-in-all, I am quite impressed on how the designer maximize each side of the restaurant space serving an unique function/purpose.
When I sat down, I was greeted by the friendly server asking if I have any allergies (which I don’t) and then provided me with both the food & drink menu.
The server provided me with some great recommendations on the cocktails.
As I was watching both talented sushi chefs preparing sushi and handrolls for other patrons, I asked them what’s new or unique sushi roll that they recommended. They recommended the “Big Kahuna” Maki Roll as it’s new on the menu. Serving with fresh Spanish Bluefin Tuna with avocado, pickled ginger, wasabi aioli, micro cilantro made by sushi chef right in front of me.
The food menu offers sushi, hand roll, Omakase, cooked food, the type of food you find in a Japanese restaurant. But in particular, I was fascinated by the special promotion of a 4-course menu at $55 USD. I can choose an item in the appetizer section, 1 item from the second course section, 1 item from the main course section and 1 item in the dessert section. At $55 USD before tax & tip, I thought $55 was a super great value proposition. There were some food items in the selection that they charge $5 or $10 extra, as those are higher end ingredients or dishes, which I appreciate the flexibility to customize the set course.
Appetizer:
I chose the tempura shrimp that was $5 extra from the Appetizer section.
Second Course:
I chose the Chef’s Section Sashimi Platter, the plating was nice with a great visual presentation, the raw fish were fresh and beautiful. For extra $10 USD, that’s a great deal!
Main Course:
Waygu short rib – extra $10 USD
Dessert:
Trust me, both soft serve selections sounds so good on paper that it was very hard for me to choose one way or the other. The server was super nice as she saw how torn I was to choose one over the other that she brought both desserts over.
I am usually a very decisive fast thinker but this time, it was hard, and you can’t blame me for being indecisive in this situation.
- Honey Black Miso Truffle Ice Cream (dark chocolate and caramel sauces with chocolate toffee crunch)
- Creamy Black Sesame Ice Cream (fresh date caramel sauce with candied walnuts and amarena cherry)
I am glad I got to try both as both were super delish and I luv the texture between the two ice cream.
And the bonus surprise, it was so nice to see Executive Chef Derek Watson who came out of the kitchen and greeted me. We had a nice chat about our respective passion for food, traveling around the world and meeting the locals.
By the way, Nama Ko is a very young restaurant, recently celebrating its 1-Year Anniversary. Congratulations and for many more years of great food & drinks! Kampai!
Overall, I highly recommend Nama Ko. It has a very chic interior look that is modern & stylish. Luv the vibe and the ambience. In particular, I enjoyed the sitting area where you can watch the sushi chefs preparing sushi rolls fresh! Look for monthly special events as the restaurant consistently serves up brunch or special menu or occasions to bring new food items for periodic purposes so patrons can try and taste something different.
Special thanks to @namakodc + @visitwashingtondc for hosting me with this wonderful Japanese inspired meal.
MoVernie TIP: After dining at Nama Ko and if you are down to grab a nice drink or just chillin’, there are great bar selections along 14th St NW. 14th St NW was hoppin’ when I was roaming around the street. This is where the happenings are for nightlife and entertainment in Washington DC.
Nama Ko – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: 1926 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Phone: +1 202-815-9203
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eeUKZ6HGh4fu8NEm9
