Sometimes Sushi Hachi runs out of fish. But if you’re a sushi connoisseur, you know that’s a good thing. The Barracks Row restaurant that quietly opened in October flies in fish from the far reaches of Japan, Canada, Spain, and California every morning. They only buy enough to make 60 slices of each species, guaranteeing the fish is fresh and guests experience variety from meal to meal.
“Hachi” means eight and refers to the fact that the restaurant is positioned on 8th Street SE. Owner Steve Yoon is also behind Sushi Rock in Arlington, a more casual eatery with a rock-n-roll theme and an emphasis on fusion food. Sushi Hachi, by contrast, is meant to feature “more authentic modern Japanese cuisine,” according to Jay Yang, the marketing director.
Munehiro Mori, who is listed on the restaurant’s website as the executive chef, is no longer with the company according to Yang. Cooking in his stead are Yoon and a team of chefs, many of whom have trained in Japan.
The menu offers several omakase experiences, or tasting menus, priced between $35 and $75. The most expensive menu includes a course that has you cook wagyu beef on a hot stone in addition to several courses of sashimi and nigiri sushi, hot appetizers, and dessert. A more budget-friendly option is the $35 hand roll course that comes with an appetizer, soup, five hand rolls, and dessert.
Nigiri sushi, sashimi, and hand rolls can be ordered a la carte and hot dishes are also available, including Japanese-style fried chicken ($9), agedashi tofu ($7), and miso soup made from red miso, adding depth of flavor ($5). For best results, stick with sushi, sashimi, and chirashi.
Drinks at Sushi Hachi include wine, sake, shochu, three cocktails, five canned Japanese beers, and Kirin on draft. Yang says they’re about to replace their summer cocktails with winter cocktails.
The restaurant is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. They’re planning a grand opening celebration in mid-December complete with food and drink specials. In the new year, they may consider opening for lunch.
Sushi Hachi, 735 8th St. SE; (202) 640-1881; sushihachidc.com
