Restaurant Finder

Kaz Sushi Bistro

Cuisines: Sushi Japanese Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom

Based on 11 reviews.

Address	1915 I St., Washington, DC 20006
Phone	(202) 530-5500
Fax	(202) 530-5501

Rater Comments

These comments express the opinions of individual Restaurant Raters, not those of Washington City Paper.

Review by Lulu on January 20, 2008

After reading several highly positive reviews for KAZ, I decided to give it a try during Restaurant Week. My experience was incredibly disappointing. Not only was the Restaurant Week Menu posted on their website inaccurate, the sushi turned out to be mediocre at best. Although the ingredients were fresh and of high quality, there was a lack of originality, generosity, and distinction. The texture and taste of the tiny amount of fish in the rolls was definitely lost. The nigiri, on the other hand, featured more satisfying cuts of fish. Still, it was nothing spectacular. I don’t think I remember anything that stood out in my entire meal enough to make me want to return to KAZ other than my appetizer, which wasn’t even sushi (grilled kobe beef). I truly believe that DC foodies must not have very high standards for sushi to rate this place so highly. If you think KAZ is good, try Niwano Hana in Rockville and I'm confident that sushi at KAZ will cease to impress you.

Review by DCGrrl on June 8, 2007

One odd bit of our experience began before our meal. We called to make reservations for Thurs. 7pm, and were told that our table would be held for only 5 minutes. To be sure we didn't miss this window of opportunity at this obviously very busy restaurant, we hustled over to have a couple of drinks before our meal. At 6:45 there were maybe 3 tables seated, in a mostly empty restaurant. We introduced ourselves (3 of our total 6 diners) and were immediately seated while we waited for the rest of our party.
Past that weirdness, a great experience. We were immediately served drinks (very good specialty martinis). And two thumbs up, for the table for 6 that was prepared for us in a private-ish corner.
Appetizers were tasty, and sushi was as well, although the lack of a typical check-off sheet was a bit unnerving for most. The sake tasting (3 varieties served together) was fun for us, and the place is very cozy with a nice atmosphere.

Review by amt1018 on April 22, 2005

I really wish I could have given better scores, since it is a good restaurant. The food was 'good,' and everything (except service, more to follow) was 'good.' The presentation was very good, which was a hallmark of the evening.

The service left much to be desired. We were promptly seated (we had a early dinner). Our host was nice, but the waitress seemed to really know how to work those who would have bought or did buy higher-priced items/wines. It was unfortunate that not all customers were treated that nicely. This perhaps dulled any other noticible aspects of the space or staff.

Given a miscommunication with how we reserved the table (which was fine), a restaurant staff person/manager said that we would be able to have a free dinner. That was never honored, unfortunately. So, service before (and after) the evening was the worst part. I only hope that it improves, because it does have some potential.

Review by hoopak on December 29, 2004

Kaz is one of the few *excellent* sushi places in DC. But if you go for the standard sushi and sashimi that you know and love, you're truly missing out on the fun (that would be the "bistro" part, folks). The reason why Kaz is so outstanding is because of the unique house creations - the plum wine infused foie gras, the marinated salmon belly, the seared sea scallops. Tonight featured an outstanding smoked ankimo pate and several other new, fantastic, and exciting specials. Go for the adventure and you'll walk out impressed.

Review by stacelaine on September 4, 2004

Kaz is a cut above the collection of quite good sushi choices in the city. The menu is more creative, the experience more authentic. The sake samplers are a great way to go, and the signature tuna with foie gras is as good as everyone says. We were particularly pleased with the ceviche and gazpacho experiments. Don't miss the fresh wasabi - only $3 extra and well worth it. The Japanese ice cream dumplings were not memorable, but the tempura bananas were a crowd-pleaser. An added bonus was a Bush twin sighting - good to know they've strayed from their dad's monotonous pursuit of chicken enchiladas. All in all, a lovely evening, one we will repeat in the future.

Review by rozpie on July 26, 2004

The sushi at Kaz is excellent: fresh and sometimes quite inventive. They have the old standbys likes spicy tuna rolls and California rolls, but also make excellent spicy scallop rolls and tasty treats like seared bonito nigri. The atmosphere is pleasant, yet understated and the waitstaff is efficient though not always attentive. Our meal, including tip, which consisted of 4 or 5 rolls, about 6 pieces of nigri, a beer, and 3 small sakis cost around $70 excluding tip. Kaz is not cheap but the quality is excellent and well worth every penny.

Review by veg-gal on July 15, 2004

Kaz Sushi Bistro may be a little hard to find-- I've had people stop me on the street looking for it-- but the intimate restaurant tucked in an office building in Foggy Bottom is well worth the effort of finding it. As soon as you step inside, the hustle and bustle of city living melts away into the quiet Zen atmosphere. In large print on the menu, you are asked to turn off your cell phone. Of course, it only takes one table of rowdy businessmen to disrupt the ambiance-- and this is a problem on weeknights.

The food is amazing-- Kaz is in my top three favorites for sushi in DC. For a starter, try the inventive wilted spinach and mushroom salad-- the spinach wilts in front of you as the hot soy dressing soaks in. The sashimi are the best melt-in-your-mouth cuts of fish I've found locally. The rolls, while on the small side, are inventive and sure to please. The chef's choice assortment is a great option for the adventurous soul, but there are basic California rolls and spicy fish rolls for the more timid.

Review by mfavila on June 29, 2004

Kaz probably has the best sushi in the area. The texture of the rolls were really smooth and very fresh. We also got the non poisonous blowfish appetizer, which had a distinct kick to it.

Review by loulazz on May 18, 2004

This is one of the better sushi restaurants in DC. They have house specialties on the menu that are highly recommended. Everything they serve is excellent. If you are a sushi fan come one come all.

Review by gken69 on May 4, 2004

I love this place!! Kaz has long been a personal favorite of mine; the unique pairing of tuna & foie gras is truly transcendent.

Review by ronnalandy on April 23, 2004

As a big sushi fan, Kaz often disappoints me. The highlight must be the seaweed salad, covered with tasty and unique mayo. The softshell crab maki (spider rolls) are also tasty. What is troublesome are the lunch specials. Priced right, but quite short on the food. The fish pieces are more than a little slight, and I have always left still hungry. The quantity that fills me at other sushi places, leaves me wanted more from Kaz. Also, some of the creativity is a miss. I do not want olives with my tuna or mango with my salmon. I've had creative sushi that worked at other restaurants (not in D.C., sadly), but it doesn't work here. Good for a business lunch, but not a dinner destination.