NaRa-Ya

My friends and family dined with me here on 10/11 for my birthday brunch. It was everyone’s first time so there was a lot of chaos but it was the most delightful and savory experience ever.

I had the pleasure of speaking and working with Bilson to get this reservation squared away. He was so patient and kind. Very efficient. And our server, David, was so pleasant despite the confusion. He deserved every penny of his tip!

I cant say what I liked best because everything was immaculate! From the staff upon entry, to the decor, to the food and service! I found this place on TikTok and besides the all you can eat option, I was immediately drawn to the steak and eggs. And it did not disappoint!! There were so many options to share and we had not one complaint. I believe we tried almost everything. I can’t wait to come back.

Visited 4 months ago

My wife and I went to NaRa-Ya for their weekend bunch. It’s a pretty good deal. $45 per person for an all you can eat 2 hours brunch. We got the chance to try most of their food options. The service was decent. I personally felt like our server was short with us. They have an automatic 20% tip added to all bills so I guess there was not really an incentive to provide superior service.

Visited 4 months ago

Nara-Ya at the Wharf is an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly blends luxurious decor with a vibrant atmosphere. The stunning waterfront views combined with the posh, contemporary design create the perfect setting for a memorable meal. I had the pleasure of visiting for their all-you-can-eat brunch and bottomless mimosas with a friend, and everything was exceptional!

The food was not only beautifully presented but also incredibly flavorful, with each dish being a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The brunch menu offered a variety of options that catered to different palates, ensuring that every guest left satisfied. The bottomless mimosas were refreshing, never leaving our glasses empty, thanks to Wilson, the ever-attentive drink server.

Special mention goes to David, our server, whose exceptional service elevated the entire experience. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel genuinely welcomed throughout our visit. Both David and Wilson went above and beyond to ensure our brunch was perfect, striking the ideal balance between professional and personable.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that is as much about the ambiance and service as it is about the food, Nara-Ya is a must-visit. Whether for a special occasion or a relaxing brunch by the water, this restaurant sets the bar high for elegance and quality in DC.

Visited 7 months ago

Shout out to David and Crew! Excellent service, gorgeous views, unique drinks, and delicious food! Went here for my mother's birthday brunch and @ $45 a person it was a steal for the quality!

The atmosphere is great and there are enough varied options for picky eaters or those who want a "traditional breakfast". What I enjoyed was that it's family style. For our party of 12 we could order 3 dishes at a time and shared. Everyone was satisfied and the drinks were well worth it. My favs are the Why the Floor 3.1 drink & Matcha Pancakes! I will definitely be back!

Visited 9 months ago

Enjoyed the food but the SERVICE. Lewys was my server and definitely elevated the experience to another level. Will return and request him specifically💕 The restaurant could do well leaving salt/pepper on the tables, albeit the tables are small. GET THE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES, steak and eggs great (only if you request medium rare as medium came medium well) both better if the meat was salted. Was told the salmon roll and takoyaki were good. Dumplings (chicken and pork) both decent w pork being more flavorful but neither seemed salted enough.

Visited 5 months ago

Disappointed with the food, our server was nice but this is the first restaurant that the chef will come outside and say they used different types of seasoning so that’s the reason why the food was salty and will always come out salty, I have worked and dined at several Asian fine dining restaurants and not once have I heard that ,the lamb chops was salty but manageable, the mashed potatoes that came with the lamb chops was really nice, the lobster fried rice would have been great if it wasn’t so salty., spent $275 but left very unsatisfied. I will not recommend neither will I be back.

I don’t understand why you people will lie, we barely ate the rice either times, my friend and I split it both ways and my friend didn’t want I complain again so she said half of her lobster the second time, i already ordered a desert and another cocktail when you brought us the worst tasting champagne ever . We didn’t ask for either the complimentary dessert or champagne.

And when I asked you to remove the rice from the bill you said no you already gave a discount and made the rice the second time and so you can’t remove anything. So why lie that you offered to remove more items.

Visited 8 months ago

Unlimited brunch was $45 for two hours. We were very impressed by how quickly the food came out and the quality of the food. They brought enough of each item for everyone at the table to try everything. We loved everything we tried! The decor/vibe of the restaurant was very trendy.

Visited 9 months ago

Visited for Father's day brunch and was not disappointed. The service was fast and attentive. So many choices for food - we tried to sample as much as we could (& failed happily) - the small plates are perfectly shareable. Keep in mind, this is more like Japanese tapas, so don't get an attitude when you aren't served a giant, American - style heap of fried food. While not totally traditional Japanese cuisine, we found it fun and enjoyable. We will definitely return.

Visited 10 months ago

We celebrated my wife’s birthday at Nara-ya at the Wharf and had an incredible experience. The Omakase tasting menu was outstanding—each dish beautifully crafted with fresh, bold flavors. The ambience was elegant yet inviting, with stunning waterfront views that made the evening feel special.

The staff truly went above and beyond, offering exceptional service and thoughtful touches that made the celebration unforgettable. If you’re looking for an amazing dining experience, Nara-ya is a must. We can’t wait to return!

Visited 3 months ago

Just ate here and honestly service is abysmal. Server had too many tables and absolutely needed help and ignored all their two tops. He was extremely forgetful and especially being in dc he needs more training and he isn’t ready to work in a fast paced restaurant. If you didn’t order mimosas you were ignored even more. Food was ok, steak was pretty much overcooked and cold. Sushi wasn’t bad unless it was the spicy salmon and quality tasted like there were food safety issues. Everything else was pretty mid. If you expect fast quality service you’re wrong we were without refills for over 40 min and ignored and still didn’t get any refills. Honestly never come here. Also don’t forget because they don’t close their curtains the sun will get in your eyes. It is so loud in here you can’t hear the other person talk. There’s only two bathrooms as well so even if it smells like ass the wait is long too. I enjoyed my first experience but not this second one.

Visited 3 months ago

Everything was spectacular. The GM was engaging and we learned so much about Sake. We see now Sake converts! The whole staff, especially the GM, made our wedding anniversary truly special! Thank you and looking forward to coming again when we visit the DC area.

Visited 3 months ago

Really cute restaurant but that’s really it. Service was good but Everything we got was extremely mediocre and overly priced for the quality of the food. Lobster fried rice was under seasoned( had to ask for salt) and the lobster tail on top was over cooked. lamb chops were just ok, and the chicken katsu was just average. We went and got pizza afterwards :/ Definitely would not come back for dinner but heard their brunch is decent

Visited 3 months ago

Fantastic service everyone’s nice. Have a great personality. Had a great time.

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

My friends and family dined with me here on 10/11 for my birthday brunch. It was everyone’s first time so there was a lot of chaos but it was the most delightful and savory experience ever.

I had the pleasure of speaking and working with Bilson to get this reservation squared away. He was so patient and kind. Very efficient. And our server, David, was so pleasant despite the confusion. He deserved every penny of his tip!

I cant say what I liked best because everything was immaculate! From the staff upon entry, to the decor, to the food and service! I found this place on TikTok and besides the all you can eat option, I was immediately drawn to the steak and eggs. And it did not disappoint!! There were so many options to share and we had not one complaint. I believe we tried almost everything. I can’t wait to come back.

Visited 4 months ago

We ordered the $105 wagyu steak but the portion was tiny, there was only 8 small slices of steak. The green soba noodles were way too sour and not authentic. The pork gyozas tasted like lemon and the sashimi was small. The foie gras that costed $30 came in two small thin slices. The service was decent but the atmosphere was loud and the food was terrible.

Visited 4 months ago

NaRa-Ya is such a great find! The place has a cozy, vibrant vibe, and from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with friendly smiles and the amazing smell of spices. Their dishes, like the creamy tom yum and crispy tempura rolls, are so delicious. It’s a great spot for a date or a casual night out with friends, and their mango sticky rice is the perfect way to end the meal—I’m already thinking about my next visit!

Follow my IG account for Curated Google Maps list for brunch, happy hours, rooftops, parks, wineries & more in the DMV area: @yourdmvbestie

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

My wife and I went to NaRa-Ya for their weekend bunch. It’s a pretty good deal. $45 per person for an all you can eat 2 hours brunch. We got the chance to try most of their food options. The service was decent. I personally felt like our server was short with us. They have an automatic 20% tip added to all bills so I guess there was not really an incentive to provide superior service.

Visited 4 months ago

I can honestly say, without one bit of doubt, or even a question, that the sushi I just ate, made by very fine culinary artists, was the most elegant, refined and flavourful sushi I have EVER eaten in my entire life span of 51 years. what a true, literal hidden treasure on the wharf. I ain't kiddin about being hidden, lol, but I think the fact you have to slink down a hall and around a corner then take an elevator, with the interior covered in quasi, avant garde artwork, to an unknown level, adds a little VIP mysticism to the whole experience!! the bar serves well constructed and balanced cocktails, and the menu also has proteins that, like the sushi, are works of art and have incredible levels of flavor... I would most definitely insist that anyone who just read what I've said here, must go to this restaurant and leave it feeling the same way as I did!!

Visited 4 months ago

Went here for brunch with fairly low expectations since bottomless food is often subpar, but not at NaRa-Ya! The food was delicious, the drink pours were liberal, the vibes were amazing. Our server Diego took great care of us the whole time and went out of his way to ensure my husband and my friend were spoiled on their birthdays. Highly recommend for brunch!

Visited 4 months ago

I celebrated my mother's birthday, and she's usually hard to please. However, Naraya made it so special, starting with the gyoza and the lobster fried rice, and ending with a complimentary dessert. Shout-out to Kalitia for ensuring we had a great time. Definitely a fantastic location!

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

One of the best brunches in DC

Visited 4 months ago

Excellent sushi and very friendly service.

Visited 4 months ago

Nicely decorated restaurant and beautiful view overlooking the wharf waterfront. Food is not good especially for the price. All the staff are super friendly.

Sakura Hiramasa Sashimi is probably the best, beautifully arranged like a flower and hiramasa is great with ikura, avocado and Sakura ponza.

Green Soba Noodles is really salty, I normally love bok choy but is super salty and a bit hard to bite, serving the whole half of it. The green soba taste like any store bought soba. Honestly didn't like this at all.

Electric Eel and Tuna Truffle both the sushi rice is too wet and is not sushi rice, I couldn't taste the rice vinegar at all. Can barely any taste of the truffle in the tuna. For the eel, cream cheese pretty overpowering.

Jiggly Rabbit well it said jiggly and contains gelatin, I expected it to be jiggly? Is like shaved ice, completely left us disappointed 😔

Visited 5 months ago

Had my 22nd birthday at NaRa-Ya with a handful of my college friends, service and food were OUT OF THIS WORLD! We managed to get there right as the sun was setting over the Wharf, the view from the seating area was incredible. The manager himself even came out to wish me a happy birthday! Menu is a bit pricy, but honestly, the experience and food quality is 200% worth it!

Visited 5 months ago

A very beautiful location with great food! If you’re a sushi lover, I’d recommend. Cocktails were delicious too.

Visited 5 months ago

This was an incredible brunch experience! The food was so inventive, delicious, and unique! Plus you can’t beat the views of the water and the overall cool vibe! The staff was great and made me feel so valued! The brunch is an excellent price! You get so much incredible food for a decent price!

Visited 5 months ago

I observed that the manager distributed cards to guests celebrating special occasions, but it seemed that only certain individuals received them. As I was celebrating my birthday, I found it unusual and a bit concerning..

If I could take away stars for the rude and dismissive response to my feedback, I absolutely would. Celebrations-big or small—deserve recognition, and this was not just a birthday; it was also an anniversary. If the GM can't manage to treat all guests equally when it comes to acknowledging special occasions, maybe they should ditch the gesture altogether. Just a little something to think about. After skimming other reviews, it's pretty clear why this restaurant is stuck below 4 stars. The food? Decent. The service? Barely scraping "okay."

Visited 5 months ago

Enjoyed the food but the SERVICE. Lewys was my server and definitely elevated the experience to another level. Will return and request him specifically💕 The restaurant could do well leaving salt/pepper on the tables, albeit the tables are small. GET THE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES, steak and eggs great (only if you request medium rare as medium came medium well) both better if the meat was salted. Was told the salmon roll and takoyaki were good. Dumplings (chicken and pork) both decent w pork being more flavorful but neither seemed salted enough.

Visited 5 months ago

Lovely evening, good atmosphere. Food was good, all the sushi we ordered was hot which confused us a little. Overall good evening. I personally wouldn’t rush to go back especially since the check came to $315. our waiter was great!

Visited 5 months ago

David was so amazing. The atmosphere is so beautiful. The toilets are warmed from Japan. A hidden jam. A beautiful place. I want to be here everyday and all day. Texas to DC this is the place. Much respect.

Visited 5 months ago

This was such a good brunch. The food and vibe was AWESOME. BEWARE: The bottomless mimosa are Strong, dont stop flowing.
Although the food and vibe was great, the location is hard to find, look for the small sign within La Vie.

Visited 6 months ago

This place was great for lunch. Our server Kalisha (spell check) took great care of us and helped us pick a menu that was allergy free for myself and my friend.

I was a little concerned at first since they said I needed a whole different menu for my shellfish allergy, but there were still so many options for me to try.

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

They have Halal chicken and lamb options, the ambience and the food was great!

Visited 6 months ago

Great drink and very nice staff!

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

My husband and I had reservations for Friday evening, but we decided to leave shortly after being seated. Our waiter was extremely rude and only addressed my husband, completely ignoring me. He asked my husband for his drink and water preference, then turned and walked away without even acknowledging me. I cannot support an establishment that treats women in such a disrespectful manner.

Originally someone from the restaurant responded to this review that they were sorry and would investigate and send me an email. But they never did anything and have deleted their response.

Visited 7 months ago

3rd time dining at NaRa-Ya and it will be my last. For the absurd pricing, the food is not good, especially the sushi. Service is underwhelming, yet tip is included...probably explains the staff. Have sat in the main dining area twice and the view contributes heavily to the ambiance, which is good because service has actually only been mediocre. You have to be really engrossed in conversation not to notice, but your food orders will probably always be lacking. Additionally, the second time was supposedly a busy weekend, so I gave them thebenefit of the doubt. My last visit near the bar featured loud humming from various things behind the bar and the staff going back and forth about someone's drink for nearly 5 minutes before we were greeted. Evidently staffing was minimal, but clearly, the bartender was too busy to take care of our table. We asked no peppers/ spice and he forgot to inform the chef, but also why there was jalapeños on $80 sashimi to begin with was absurd. When we reminded the bartender we wanted plain for the next dish, we discovered that the sushi quality (without an excessively garnished seasoning of salt and hot olives or peppers/oil) was actually devoid of any flavor. If you spend this much money on sushi, it better not be dull or bland, but this place is definitely some sort of sham. Do not recommend it unless you like spending excessive amounts of money on mediocre food. Another annoying thing is this bartender literally brought 3 entire hot water kettles to the table at one time so instead of three people sharing a hot kettle, we all had murky lukewarm ones.. and $24 for 3...it came across as greedy, especially when our second visit the server had the sense to just bring one. Granted, none of our subsequent refills were hot, but at least we didn't have three giant kettles taking up space and getting cold at once...he also forgot a lamb order but we didn't remind him because my dad already had to eat all the food soaked by jalapeño oil that was not intended for him...

Visited 7 months ago

Went here before a show at the anthem. Food was excellent and very reasonable for a high end establishment. Excellent service. Dave, the manager, joined us at our table to explain sake and tour us through the selections and types. Wonderful experience and will definitely be back soon! Thank you

Visited 7 months ago

Nara-Ya at the Wharf is an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly blends luxurious decor with a vibrant atmosphere. The stunning waterfront views combined with the posh, contemporary design create the perfect setting for a memorable meal. I had the pleasure of visiting for their all-you-can-eat brunch and bottomless mimosas with a friend, and everything was exceptional!

The food was not only beautifully presented but also incredibly flavorful, with each dish being a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The brunch menu offered a variety of options that catered to different palates, ensuring that every guest left satisfied. The bottomless mimosas were refreshing, never leaving our glasses empty, thanks to Wilson, the ever-attentive drink server.

Special mention goes to David, our server, whose exceptional service elevated the entire experience. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel genuinely welcomed throughout our visit. Both David and Wilson went above and beyond to ensure our brunch was perfect, striking the ideal balance between professional and personable.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that is as much about the ambiance and service as it is about the food, Nara-Ya is a must-visit. Whether for a special occasion or a relaxing brunch by the water, this restaurant sets the bar high for elegance and quality in DC.

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Delicious food and atmosphere.

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Let me start by saying that this restaurants has one of the best esthetics in Dc. Upon entering the restaurant the your lady at the podium for LaVie was very pleasant. You make a right into the corridor for Naraya and the scenery is gorgeous but there was a stench as if someone vomited and then the floor was mopped with a dirty mop. After walking through a few rooms with gorgeous murals you come to the elevator. And go up to the restaurant. I was Seated immediately….. my server immediately comes over and asks are we drinking bottomless mimosas ……. I look at her and say no thank you…… she rolls her eyes and walks away as if she was disgusted. So we ordered a few things. The fried chicken Benedict, steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, the pork belly hash, matcha pancakes, matcha tiramisu, Fresh fruit and everything that was supposed to come out hot came out cold the fruit was wilted and the English muffins under my Benedict were stale…… the food is sooooo much better at night. I was sooooo disappointed. I wanted to love it so much.

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Your restrooms should have baby changing tables. Completely unacceptable for a restaurant in a family friendly area to be completely devoid of anything welcoming to families. I had to carry my infant daughter to another restaurant just to find a bathroom with a changing table. That’s ridiculous.

Visited 7 months ago

From walking into the most creative and beautiful entry to our unique food and amazing service from our wonderful waiters (thank you especially to Luis!), the five of us had the best time

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Most delicious food with great presentation and service.
Do go by 1 pm to enjoy the whole 2 hrs of uninterrupted food experience. It’s worth it all.

Visited 8 months ago

Great place for brunch!

Visited 8 months ago

Literally one of the best places I’ve ever had brunch in DC period. Amazing food. Great ambiance. Wonderful decor. Management was AMAZING. As was our phenomenal server Jose. Made my birthday the best!

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

I am not the one to give a review, let alone a bad one. I was at the restaurant with my friend Abi, and the feedback you gave is very far from what happened. Mistakes happen. It would be nice if you could take responsibility for it. The food was really salty both times, and there was no discount applied, nor did we eat a large portion of the food. Mistakes are inevitable. We all make mistakes,but not taking responsibility says a whole lot about a person or a brand

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Disappointed with the food, our server was nice but this is the first restaurant that the chef will come outside and say they used different types of seasoning so that’s the reason why the food was salty and will always come out salty, I have worked and dined at several Asian fine dining restaurants and not once have I heard that ,the lamb chops was salty but manageable, the mashed potatoes that came with the lamb chops was really nice, the lobster fried rice would have been great if it wasn’t so salty., spent $275 but left very unsatisfied. I will not recommend neither will I be back.

I don’t understand why you people will lie, we barely ate the rice either times, my friend and I split it both ways and my friend didn’t want I complain again so she said half of her lobster the second time, i already ordered a desert and another cocktail when you brought us the worst tasting champagne ever . We didn’t ask for either the complimentary dessert or champagne.

And when I asked you to remove the rice from the bill you said no you already gave a discount and made the rice the second time and so you can’t remove anything. So why lie that you offered to remove more items.

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

I like it more for the ambiance and less for the food. The sushi is ok, but it’s very obvious that the majority of the attraction is the glamour. The sushi isn’t very good or authentic.

Visited 8 months ago

Shout out to David and Crew! Excellent service, gorgeous views, unique drinks, and delicious food! Went here for my mother's birthday brunch and @ $45 a person it was a steal for the quality!

The atmosphere is great and there are enough varied options for picky eaters or those who want a "traditional breakfast". What I enjoyed was that it's family style. For our party of 12 we could order 3 dishes at a time and shared. Everyone was satisfied and the drinks were well worth it. My favs are the Why the Floor 3.1 drink & Matcha Pancakes! I will definitely be back!

Visited 9 months ago

Beautiful interior design and delicious food. Went for brunch which had a variety of options.

Visited 9 months ago

Amazing experience. Good vibes and the best food I've ever tasted at any restaurant. This was the perfect spot for my mom's 53rd birthday celebration.

Visited 9 months ago

Came with wife and some friends a couple weeks ago. The food was not bad and the drinks were good. I cannot however, recommend the lux chefs tasting. They allowed us to order this even tho the chef was not at the resaurant. Instead we just recieved 80% normal items ordered off the menu which we could have ordered ourselves. For the price would have rather went to another fine dining. Cant do a chefs tasting without the chef. The bus boys and server could barely explain any item we ordered, so the experiance was lack luster for the price we payed.

Visited 9 months ago

Unlimited brunch was $45 for two hours. We were very impressed by how quickly the food came out and the quality of the food. They brought enough of each item for everyone at the table to try everything. We loved everything we tried! The decor/vibe of the restaurant was very trendy.

Visited 9 months ago

Our server, David, made the experience! The food was incredible and delicious (more than expected even!) and the views are great. The place is so trendy, I will definitely be back!!

Visited 9 months ago

Appetizers are superb (esp shishito peppers and the shrimp kimchi roll), and the lobster fried rice is great, but the sushi rolls are unnecessarily complex and use hot peppers too much to create ‘flavor’ (*and waaaay overpriced at $20 each).

Stick to the entrees.

Cool atmosphere and great service.

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

I liked the risotto, one of the best but it’s a bit spicy. The electric eel sushi is good too.

Visited 9 months ago

I don't really get why this place has such a low Google rating. The brunch food was delicious. Service was quick, efficient, and friendly. And the price for a bottomless brunch at the Wharf was surprisingly affordable, especially given how diverse and tasty the menu options were. Highly recommend the French toast and chicken & waffles! Lovely ambience, setting, and view as well.

Visited 9 months ago

Nara-Ya's website indicates "traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern inflection." It is neither. This is Americanized Japanese with multiple combinations of different types of fish with sauces on rolls that create a NON - traditional, non-modern, non- neo experience. Call it what you want, you can do much better in DC for Japanese. The Lobster roll had minimal lobster, was salty, and infused with a hot Sriracha type sauce that completely detracted from the subtle flavor of the lobster. The Wagyu bone marrow dish was just not good - nothing else can be said. Two of the rolls were OK, but the multiple combinations of fish in each roll coupled with sauces and other ingredients creates a truly American experience for something that should not be called "Japanese." In addition, this is very expensive. $260 for two people - two cocktails and a small can of Sake with a Wagyu dish and three rolls. Really? That type of money would have been much better spent at multiple excellent Japanese restaurants in DC. You can do far better elsewhere.

Visited 9 months ago

I had a WONDERFUL time on Sunday for brunch. It was my birthday and they happily accommodated a group of 16. David and David (we affectionately called them "David squared"), our server and the manager on duty were PHENOMENAL. The food was DELICIOUS and they were not shy with making sure they brought it out at a reasonable pace. Some of our favorite brunch items were the watermelon mimosas (made with FRESH watermelon juice), tamago omelette, smoked salmon toast, avocado toast, roasted potatoes, and steak & eggs. On top of all of that, the restaurant is gorgeous! I will DEFINITELY come back again. Thanks for everything, Nara-Ya!

Visited 9 months ago

Visited for brunch and were very impressed! Loved the family style being able to try many dishes. The chef was also working on an experimental deviled egg dish which was offered to us for our feedback (it was delicious)! I am vegetarian and they had many dishes that fit the bill for me. The Matcha Pancakes were the best pancakes I have ever had, and I am usually not a big fan of matcha. Our server (Jose, I think) was attentive and helpful, really enjoyed his service. I will definitely return when I am back in town!

Visited 9 months ago

Came here with friends and it's definitely a beautiful spot. Would recommend the Wagyu for sure (it's expensive but absolutely delicious) and I also really enjoyed the masago nigiri. However, the yuzu edamame was not good and I wish we had not gotten it. It also came after our meal which was a mistake. I've heard their chili spice edamame is better. Our waiter was nice but rarely came over to check on us. Would go again for the atmosphere and wagyu.

Visited 9 months ago

Cute decor and our waitress Kalisha was attentive. The food was tasty for the most part. There are a few issues. If you come at 2 for a brunch reservation, the kitchen closes at 3, so you don’t truly get a 2 hour experience. So why not stop at 1pm with reservations? Less stressful. Also, we were a group of 4 and the pace of the plates comes out (only 3 at a time), was slow initially. 40 minutes in, we only had our initial 3 small plates. Also, no refills on sodas, so $6 coke was another $6 for another one. Unfortunately I won’t be back but we had a nice time trying the different foods. Also, because of small size, it can be noisy.

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Visited for Father's day brunch and was not disappointed. The service was fast and attentive. So many choices for food - we tried to sample as much as we could (& failed happily) - the small plates are perfectly shareable. Keep in mind, this is more like Japanese tapas, so don't get an attitude when you aren't served a giant, American - style heap of fried food. While not totally traditional Japanese cuisine, we found it fun and enjoyable. We will definitely return.

Visited 10 months ago

I did my birthday Brunch there 6/30 and it was 👐🏾 down the best brunch I had in a while.

Located at the wharf we took a brisk 4min walk over to Live-K karaoke which makes the experience elevated by 100x

I had a big party but they literally made no mistakes and everything was delish... Especially the chicken Benedict... Matxha pancakes and the mousse desserts.

It is family style so do be aware of thatm was fine for us because we came prepared to eat a lot.

Classic mimosas are $25 for bottomless and extra $6 if you want different flavor (pineapple, watermelon, cranberry and one more I forgot)

If you want a great dc brunch experience do come to NARA-Ya... And trust me I've tried a good amount in this here dc.

Visited 10 months ago

We had the best time here yesterday!! Everything was great from the beginning. Service was A1, food was A1 and the views were A1. You really can't go wrong with the brunch. It was almost too good to be true because everything we had was great! I'm writing this now and already planning my next visit. We celebrated a birthday here and the manager and staff really made this day special for the whole group, but especially for the birthday girl. Perfect ending to a birthday weekend.

Visited 10 months ago

Incredible food and great service. If you don’t get the sashimi, you are fully missing out.

Visited 10 months ago

I came here for my birthday brunch last weekend and we all really enjoyed this place. The place is cute, the endless food options overall were very good, and the staff kept the drinks flowing, which was great. It was a really nice view up there too. For what you get, the price also wasn’t bad. I’ll definitely be back!

Visited 10 months ago

overpriced. sushi very average rolls. service sucks, didn't refill water once. waitress had attitude, probably related to the automatic 20% tip, and the 3.5% service charge that jack's up bill. view beautiful though. place not busy. i now know why. will not return.

Visited 10 months ago

Really amazing place. The manager was supper kind and patient with us. We are a family of Africans with African grandparents, yet we left with full bellies and smiles on our faces.the lobster fried rice, lamb chops and everything else was great.

Visited 10 months ago

I tried this place for brunch. The entryway has become a famous photo opp, very beautiful! The food was delicious. However, they do brunch a little differently, nothing is single-served, and it would better serve a group of 4 or more. I'd still return!

Visited 10 months ago

Probably one of the best brunches I have had to date!

Everything we had was soooo delicious!
I really enjoyed the steak and eggs! The Takoyaki was to die for! All the waffles, pancakes, and French toast were made to perfection. The food was truly a 10/10

The service was a 4 because our assigned waiter was not very attentive of our table and It was obvious he was stretched thinly but because we order bottomless mimosas that made It very annoying and honestly they should have just left our table with a pitcher so we could refill It ourselves. But the team was excellent. I was able to order with anyone and no one had an attitude they were more than happy to assist and the manager came by twice to clear our table of dirty dishes. I really liked seeing the manager walking around to each table and making sure all the guests were comfortable and satisfied.

The restaurant itself was beautiful and clean. You get had an amazing view of the water and it’s nice and cool in there for warmer days.

I already told all my friends about It! We will definitely be back and bringing the whole gang with us!

Visited 10 months ago

Server was great!! First time here, took my hubby for Father’s Day and we loved the brunch! We literally tried almost everything on the menu. Will come back again

Visited 10 months ago

The restaurant itself is small but beautifully decorated. Right on the wharf so the views were nice. The food for brunch was a little disappointing. The pork belly hash was good. Small bits of pork belly with a spicy sauce. Brussel sprouts are good. We liked the matcha pancakes over the French toast. Chicken eggs Benedict wasn't good. The chicken was meh and the english muffin was hard so we didn't eat it. Salmon toast was so hot with whatever sauce they use so beware. Steak and eggs was ok. Steak needed a little more seasoning. Sushi was ok nothing special. Dumplings are fried and not steamed like I had hoped. Mixed greens salad had a good dressing on it but it was literally just a bowl of greens with a few other veggies. The Sakura drink was good. It was ok. Nothing amazing for that price. That bottle water is also $20 a bottle so get the tap if you want free water. It's ok to try the place out but one time is enough for us. Service was good 👍🏿.

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Visited a year ago

I went to celebrate my mother's birthday brunch here. The food was amazing and delicious. I recommend the steak and eggs. Our server David was awesome. I highly recommend

Visited a year ago

I love this sushi place. I’ve been 3 times and love the food. The service has also been impeccable. I’m taking stars off because I went in today and had a random 3.5% credit card charge. I asked the waiter if that 3.5% went to him or the staff? He said no. There was already a 20% charge added to the bill. So what exactly is this 3.5%???? The waiter was absolutely amazing and immediately took it off our bill. But shame on the restaurant for adding a completely incomprehensible random charge. Esp when the attorney general in dc is making comments and restaurants are being sued in dc for this exact reason of random nonsense charges.

Updating after the message from management: I want to be clear that I’m praising the staff and thought they were excellent. And I didn’t belittle anyone. I did ask if the 3.5% went to the staff (I’d be okay if the money went to them). They were courteous and said no and took the charge off. There was no altercation or bad words.

I didn’t see the signs posted on the door about a credit card charge so maybe that should be made clearer as soon as tables are seated or even before being seated. Also you share a door with La vie, so that also confuses things if there was a sign. The first 2 times I came, there was no credit car fee. I don’t think it should be a surprise when you get the bill…maybe more than a sign is necessary because my entire table didn’t see the sign.

Visited a year ago

Great food place, definitely recommend the fried Benedict. Brunch was amazing and the server. The hostess Aenoi was great

Visited a year ago

II always enjoy visiting this place. Each time I return, I'm greeted by a friendly hostess and receive excellent service. I will definitely be bringing my family here to share in the great experience.

Visited a year ago

NA-Raya is beyond exceptional. We came to celebrate my best friends birthday and our server Luis went above and beyond. Making sure that the food was timely and delicious to ensuring that we enjoyed the atmosphere. 10/10 would recommend. And thanks to Dave, the GM, for making sure we had a great time. One of the best restaurants in the city!

Visited a year ago

Super friendly and happy staff. The view especially during sunset is nothing less than amazing. The ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner or business celebration. I love the rolls there. My favorites are the Tuna Truffle and the Thai Red Curry Spider Roll. Lobster Fried Rice is my go to when I want to fill up. The cocktails will get you lit. I tried the Why Is It Floor 3.1 and it was strong but tasty. Always have fun there and the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable.

Visited a year ago

Gutes Essen. Sehr schöne Lage

Visited a year ago

Brunch was great!

Will be coming back with friends and family

Visited a year ago

There was an error in the reservation, and your staff made sure that we were able to be seated and make our flight on time and I’m very grateful.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Amazing, Kalitia was I have a shellfish allergy and somehow received the incorrect order, and she was amazing to take care the I did not eat anything that would be an issue. Thanks for a great experience!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Food is fantastic. Atmosphere is great, view even better.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

A5 Wagyu Tata is horrible with sweet and sour sauce overwhelming the flavor; lobster fried rice way too salty and lobster not that good. 20% tips enforcement. Interior design is also terrible. Not recommend.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Recommend Naraya dish which is the spicy salmon roll. ❣️

Visited a year ago

French Toast, French Toast, the French Toast!! If you go to brunch, the French Toast is the absolute must flavor experience. It is life altering. I don't know what they did to make it the most delicious French Toast I have ever eaten. It was super moist and gooey with a good crunch on the exterior. I am going to investigate exactly how to make this dish at home.

The rest of the brunch items were all very good too. Some more than others. The highlights were the steak and eggs, potatoes, grilled brussels sprouts, and the eggs benedict with chicken. The sushi was just ok. Not the best I've had but not bad. I was not a fan of the tofu on the stick but others at the table liked it. The bottomless bellinis were very good as well.

Overall, I highly recommend you try this place out for brunch at least once. The service was very good and the views of the river were nice.

Visited a year ago

The food was amazing , the staff are amazing !!! The food just kept coming for the brunch and it was all so fresh ... the staff are friendly , very attentive , and professional

Visited a year ago

Wife and I found this place on the Capital One dining site (side note: You get a free dessert that they automatically bring to you if you book through capital one. It's just a piece of cake, but it was good).

We were looking for a good date night spot, and we found this place overlooking the water. When we got there, we informed the waiter (Luis) that someone in our party has a shellfish allergy, and cross-contamination would be an issue. Unfortunately, the fryers aren't set up for that, so we couldn't get anything that had a fried item in it. However, Luis took the time to mark every item on the menu that we could eat. That's top line service. The service overall was incredible, especially for DC.

We got the edamame to start, as well as some mocktails. My wife found the mocktail a bit too sweet for her liking, but I liked it. We then got the salmon and the three rolls that were for a fact shellfish free. Some of the best salmon I had ever eaten, and pretty good sushi too.

I actually appreciate that the service charge was already there, and it's advertised very clearly on the menu what it goes toward. The one knock I have is that they have a 3.5% credit card fee. Just charge a dollar more for everything to cover that, don't do the 3.5% credit card fee.

We'd still go back in a heart beat!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

We saw this on TikTok and decided to check it out!

This place was bright and beautiful! There were variations of pinks and other colors from the entrance to the seating area. You will find yourself taking pictures when you first get in and forget to get seating! 😂😂

Here's the best part! The food was amazing! We went there for brunch and every thing we had on the menu was delicious!
The drinks were colorful and beautiful!
Thank you to an amazing staff!

Visited a year ago

Food was pretty good, service was okay, drink recommendations were absolutely fantastic. Value, probably not there. For 3 we were charged 20% gratuity plus a 3.5% credit card processing fee.

Visited a year ago

This is probably my favorite restaurant in town. It’s fairly expensive, but it has some of the best sushi and SOY SAUCE - they make it in house and you can taste the quality. Cocktail menu is pretty good as well.

Visited a year ago

This place is right next to the wharf and is really a cool place for brunch. We went there with a group of 4 with reservation so got seated right away. $40 each person BUT drinks are separate and NO refills. Menu is a blend of Japanese-inspired & American but nothing special or wow. Service was attentive & great though. Great place for the vibe & aesthetic but definitely not the food (with the price).

Visited a year ago

Great food but it's not enough for the service you receive. The server never submitted our main course order and informs about it when the kitchen closes. For a 20% service charge one would expect a better service. Additionally beware they charge 10% DC tax and 3.5% credit card service fee.

Visited a year ago

Me and a friend went to Nara-Ya for bottomless brunch and we really liked it. The food was good, I think we tried everything from the brunch menu! The view was amazing as we were seated by the window and you could see the water.
I didn’t take pictures of the food but I would recommend the steak and eggs, the octopus dish (can’t remember the name) and the tofu skewers.

Visited a year ago

Great for brunch!

Visited a year ago

To the right of La Vie when you enter. I've been to Nara Ya a few times and the service is always exceptional here. Everything we had was delicious, the only thing I didn't really like was the chicken. Just 4 pieces of fried chicken. I thought it would be a rotisserie chicken based on how the waiter was describing it but I was wrong. It wasn't terrible but would have preferred non fried food

A5 Wagyu was really good and in my opinion their best roll, the lobster dynamite may have only had 8 pieces but it is super filling!

Visited a year ago

Had a wonderful brunch with friends here. They have an all you can eat for $40 dollars and bottomless mimosa or bellini for $25. Everything we had for brunch was so good and after the 1st round we were stuffed but kept going. Service was excellent and very attentive and my friend enjoyed the French toast so much she called over the chef lol
Definitely plan to uber or metro and they charge automatic gratuity and a credit card processing fee FYi.

Visited a year ago

Love their wasabi calamari and Happy Hour specials. The sushi is always delicious and fresh!

Visited a year ago

Went for brunch with friends, it was a bottom less lunch, they have great food options to pick from, all the food we choose taste good except for the French toast, it was abit mushy, soaked in butter or something. Overall service was great, love the interior details, I will definitely eat here again.

Visited a year ago

Amazing service. Host took us to the rooftop in the sister restaurant to show us the amazing view. Will definitely be back

Visited a year ago

Unique spot. Kind of a maze through the building. Interesting techno music playing during my meal. Which was a first…

Visited a year ago

I went for brunch on a Sunday with 7 people. Our server was awesome and put in our order for us because we wanted to try everything. The food came out hot and fresh. The steak and eggs were great, the pork belly hash, and I enjoyed the chicken and waffles. Bellinis were delicious!!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Wonderful brunch, super trendy and cute atmosphere, and wonderful service by Rosetta! Looking forward to the next time!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Very nice cheek spot with great food and drinks.

Visited a year ago

Absolutely fantastic!! The food was well seasoned and fresh! Our server was beyond attentive!! I cannot wait to return!!

Visited a year ago

Cool vibe, good view of the wharf, food was ok, service was ok, seemed like a high end wharf place that may or may not make it. Very cool bidet toilets with heated seats in the bathroom. Might return but would probably try somewhere else.

Visited a year ago

Definitely made this one of my best birthdays! Awesome staff and the food was AMAZING. Recommending you guys to everyone!

Visited a year ago

This place was superlative in every regard. The atmosphere was beautiful, with a blend of traditional Japanese and modern decor, and low, warm lighting. It also overlooked the waters by the wharf, which were lovely. The service was very helpful and attentive. To drink, we shared the Hakutsuru Superior Sake, and for food we got the Salmon Sizzler and the Tuna Truffle sushi roles, together with the 8pc Nigiri Omekase, and every element of the dishes was stellar. Two of the best specialty rolls either of us had ever had. A phenomenal experience altogether. Go here if you get the chance.

Visited a year ago

Nara-Ya was a fun brunch spot that was welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. They do $40 all you can eat brunch until 3pm on the weekend. For $25 more, you can also do bottomless mimosas! We started off strong with the Steak & Eggs, which was so juicy and delicious! I highly recommend this. Otherwise, everything else left much to be desired- the miso pork belly mash was cold and not crispy as advertised, the dumplings were overcooked and crunchy, the sushi rolls were falling apart and lacked in flavor, the French toast was undercooked. Overall, a great time for a brunch, especially being able to look out onto the Wharf harbor, but the food is not their strong suit.

Visited a year ago

Good food and great service for a sunday brunch

Visited a year ago

Let me start by saying…phenomenal place! Located at the newly renovated Wharf in Southwest this place is definitely a charm. Went without some beautiful ladies on a mini brunch outing and I must say we fell in love with our visit . The dishes were lovely. Unlike other unlimited brunches, the staff brings you the brunch items according to your group. At first I said hmm but then realized that’s a great idea. Dennis our server(great service BTW) informed us on this. The best best we’re definitely the Roasted Potatoes, Matcha Pancakes, California Roll. Oh wait I said the best lol so yes those three for sure. They also offer the Steak n Eggs(10/10), chicken&waffles and so much more. Wasn’t a fan of the chicken that was with the waffle. If going for brunch and you want to be around less people definitely go before 1p. Only down part was we didn’t get to try other Salmon sushi ; they never brought it out to us which sucks because we requested twice. They had bottomless drinks but we just did the one because our guest was running late. Their policy is if one orders unlimited every one at the table has to do unlimited. So that takes a way the one star. Definitely will be going back for Dinner. So another review awaits soon. Thank you Nara-Ya for the lovely experience !

Visited a year ago

Every moment and bite at NaRa-Ya was amazing. We had a wonderful, attentive waiter. Everything we ordered was just as beautiful as it was delicious. Definitely some of the best sushi we have ever had.

Visited a year ago

I do not recommend Nara-ya, especially for the price. We got 6 different speciality sushi rolls and only really liked two. We got several appetizers and they were just meh (pictured are the crab tacos and dumplings - not impressed). When you are paying $600 for a sushi dinner, I just expected more.

Decor and atmosphere is nice/pretty.

Service was bad - waiter barely came by and then told us they had no more reservations so they were closing at 10:30 (we hadn’t even been there 1.5 hours at this point). They turned all the lights on and made us feel super awkward until we left.

Definitely spend your money elsewhere.

Visited a year ago

The food was Ok. Nothing special. A bit over priced and spicy. The service was good. The ambiance OK. Will not repeat.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

The ambiance was cool and the interior design set a fun vibe. I went for brunch and the drinks were amazing, especially the 3.1. Sadly, while the food had some really interesting and exciting flavor combinations it was below expectations. The steak in the steak & eggs was burned and charred. The eggs in the fried chicken Benedict were over cooked and the chicken was dry. The cottage cheese blueberry toast had almost no flavor. The French toast was very good, though the center was very undercooked and gooey. The service was great but the food didn't live up to expectations.

Visited a year ago

Veery nice in every way...it was an awesome experience 👍

Visited a year ago

It’s the most beautiful and amazing spot I have ever been so far!!!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Get the grilled Edamame! All of the food was delicious, but the grilled edamame was amazing. Get it! You won’t be disappointed.

Visited a year ago

This is such a cute place! The view is to die for and the sushi is amazing! Hands down my favorite sushi restaurant when home. The staff was super accommodating and friendly as well!

Visited a year ago

Great experience!

Visited a year ago

So accommodating!! ran late for a birthday reservation before closing. they waited for us and gave great service! Food was great and view was beautiful!

Visited a year ago

This place has the wow factor from the moment you enter. Beautiful decor. Gorgeous view of the Potomac river. It's all about the experience. Had sushi and a yummy drink called, Rythm by the River.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

I have eaten in the finest sushi restaurants in the world…and some of the worst. Stay away from this one! It’s not even really a sushi restaurant. The fish was terrible…the rolls heavy handed…the staff was not knowledgeable….the ambiance was awful…the pricing was ridiculous! And, they automatically add a 20% gratuity surcharge, regardless of party size. It was one of our worst sushi experiences … ever!

Visited a year ago

My experience was wonderful. I treated a guy on our second date, in which he was very impressed. The hosts and server were very personable. The food and drinks were aesthetically pleasing along with the ambiance of the venue. This is a great place to celebrate and engage during special occasions.

Visited a year ago

Food was absolutely delicious and amazing!!! Perfect place for a date night! I highly recommend!

Visited a year ago

Best sushi rolls I have had in years in the DMV. For a Sunday evening, the restaurant wasn't at all as packed as I expected it to be. The menu is straight to the point and although there are plenty of items, it's not over saturated with different versions of the same food styles(excluding sushi of course). The server was great and although my friend and I had plenty of questions, the server was patient and not overbearing.
For drinks I had the Yasuke/Yosuke which is a whiskey drink and it was good and not a smack to my tongue.
The sushi rolls I devoured were the Smoke Break, Green Dragon, and the signature Nara-Ya. Of these, the Nara-Ya was the best although each tray had there own uniqueness. I would put Smoke a break as second due to it being the warm role of the mix and had a crunchiness to it. The Green Dragon was good but could not compete with the rest.
The aesthetic of the restaurant upon entering is cool and definitely there for the photos ops. It's hard not to be in awe when entering and it sets the tone for once you get off of the elevator. The view of the Potomac River is nice and even though it's in The Wharf, you don't hear anything from the crowds outside.

Visited a year ago

Very loud. When did brunch become a clubbing experience? Better for taking selfies than dining. Floor was also slippery and dangerous.

Visited a year ago

Lamb chops, hummus and seaweed do not make Omakase. The service and atmosphere were great, but the Luxe Omakase was mediocre through and through. For a more authentic Japanese cuisine experience do visit Gordon Ramsay's fish and chips down the street

Visited 2 years ago

I don’t frequently leave reviews, but I went here on a date with my wife. Luis was our severer. We got the 12 piece Nigiri Omakase x 2 and drinks. Overall, they deserve 2 stars for the food quality. I wouldn’t go back here due to the service. BEWARE of the AUTOMATIC hidden fees they throw on your bill….. (Surcharge and 20% Gratuity).

Visited 2 years ago

Good brunch with views

Visited 2 years ago

Friendly waiter. The decor carried the restaurant 100%. But very slow service. Edamame took 20 minutes to come out. Will charge you $9 water fee without disclosing to the table. Our entree took 35 minutes to come out and we ordered it with the appetizer. You can find better restaurants for similar prices with a better experience. Also, the restaurant was at 20% capacity which is why the service time is heavily criticized. The food was mid, nothing special.

Visited 2 years ago

In my entire life I’ve never had a less worth the bill dining experience. A mediocre corner sushi spot has better food for 1/10th the price.

Visited 2 years ago

The sushi was okay. The reason why Nara-ya gets 2 stars is the $90 A5 Waygu was on par with a steak from diner (super tough and super disappointing). My wife and I have traveled to NYC and had Waygu, this is not it!

Visited 2 years ago

Food was decent and cocktails were just OK. I really liked the decor and the view of the warf. They have a 20% service charge on all checks which gets taxed so it's really a 22% service charge. They also have an additional 4% surcharge for some unlisted reason. Though the 4% surcharge will be removed upon request. After paying with a credit card you will receive a receipt that asks for additional gratuity. This just makes the dining experience weird. Overall, I don't need to go back to this place, but it wasn't bad.

Visited 2 years ago

This is the worst asian restaurant i’ve been . even you don’t like the service you have to pay the premium service charge.I got the fried rice with lobster and its so salty makes my stomach upset. They give us a small amount of Wagyu for $255😂😂

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

This is a trendy spot with a unique aesthetic. The atmosphere is quite loud and our service was a bit slow, but otherwise it was an enjoyable experience. We got the all you can eat brunch for $49. Most of the dishes we got were pretty good, but the French toast and steak and eggs were exceptional. We also enjoyed the yuzu cream.

Visited 2 years ago

I try to avoid giving negative reviews unless strongly motivated to do so. We came here for its mixed menu, which includes a variety of vegan options. Ambiance was great, beautiful view of the Washington Channel. Wait staff was attentive and polite.

The food, however, was mixed. Calamari, sea bass, cauliflower, lobster tacos were good. Tofu platter, soba noodles, a few others were not.

I'm not opposed to paying for quality, but this felt like one without the other.

Visited 2 years ago

A reason why this place is NOT 4 STARS. Waitstaff are incredibly sneaky, and will take any chance to charge you for the SMALLEST THINGS.

While this place is really bougie inside, the server hustled us constantly. When offering water only gave us two options “still or sparkling” without mentioning “tap” as a third option. There’s inconsistencies at restaurants calling tap water “still”, or more honest servers giving you all three options, or providing you details. Regardless this server did not. Instead forced us into a bottle of water, and then when offered a refill opened a second bottle, and of course charged us for two bottles of water, total $20 just for water.

The edamame hummus was delicious except they are stingy with the cracker and again our server hustled us by asking if we needed extra crackers to “let him know” - which we did and saw a $2 charge for extra crackers.

I would skip this place, they even tack on the service charge of 20%, so even if you disliked your service you still pay the premium fee. There are better sushi spots out there.

Visited 2 years ago

Dined there for brunch and I would not recommend, food was pricey for what it is , dry and overcooked steak and no flavor at all , the fried chicken with waffles were extremely dry and hard, the dumplings had a sour taste to it and there was no balance of flavors for the food or cocktails.

Visited 2 years ago

DON'T GO THERE!!! We are family of four went for the dinner and it was very disappointing. The restaurant is so called "Japanese Fusion" and it means adding cream cheese to majority of the sushi rolls, plus, the menu is poor if you just want to get some half way decent Japanese food. The service is terrible as the tall male server was not paying attention to our needs at all. Forgot about my drink, serving 1/2 of the table first while the other parties are watching and waiting for their food. After I asked for the food and he has completely forgotten our other orders!!! The atmosphere is also cheesy and cheap. I've got the bill and it charged 20% tips plus another 5% of restaurant surcharge. It's unbelievable!! We walked out hungry and searched for another place to grab a decent bite. This is one of the very worse places I've ever been to especially with the $$$$ they charge for food and service!!! BAD PLACE TO GO FOR JAPANESE FOOD AND SERVICES WITH HIGH PRICE!!!

Visited 2 years ago

Overall 5 stars. Food is amazing and atmosphere is unique. If anything, they could have filled up the mimosas faster, but they were polite when we asked

Visited 2 years ago

The vibe and music are great here, as well as the food. The food was so good i forgot to take photos ㅠㅠ
Brunch service is super busy, so alas during my visit the service was much less up to par when compared to the other high price point/gourmet restaurants at and around the wharf. (We didn’t get half the plates we ordered and our server was overall unpleasant, but he had such a busy day so we could understand.)

Visited 2 years ago

We went for dinner on a Tuesday night. The restaurant was beautiful. We ordered calamari, a bottle of wine, and three specialty sushi rolls. The food was tasty and plated very well. The service was a bit slow for a not so busy night. Our server was really accommodating and kept checking on us to make sure we had what we needed.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

This was such a nice place to have brunch. It’s aesthetically pleasing. The food was delicious! And to be unlimited was even better. I wish I took more pics but everything was so good, we immediately started eating! The only thing my table disliked was the soufflé. Our server was really nice and sent different things out for us to try. You will leave satisfied and happy. A bit pricey but definitely worth it!

Visited 2 years ago

The hostess was very welcoming. Our server; Micheal, was very polite and attentive. He made recommendations and ensured we were comfortable throughout our dinner.

Visited 2 years ago

My friend and I were starving and decided to eat here. The esthetic was nice from the pictures we saw. So we thought it would be a vibe.. However.. As we walked in we had a bad feeling. The musty air, the greasy floor, and the waiters looked unkempt.. conditions of the place overall made me wonder about the kitchen.. not a good sign. We both looked each other and knew we probably weren't going to have the best experience here. It's not authentic Japanese food AND it's overpriced but we were willing to settle because we were HUNGRY and wanted sushi in particular. We were rushed to order multiple times after we asked for time to look at the menu. Eventally we were waited on by a bald fellow who seemed nice. It didn't take long for the appetizer to get there, that was great. However, as we were about to take a bite from the appetizer, we discovered a hair throughout the dish. So we called our waiter over -who barely made it 5 ft from us- and showed him the hair. His whole demeanor changed. He took a look at each of us, the dish and then back at us and said "everybody in the kitchen is bald" he looked at our hair again. We knew what he was implying. We were going back and forth with him. Had every excuse but no apology. He asked if we wanted another dish, We said no. We just wanted to cancel our order. The waiters tone and how he handled the situation..  perhaps it would've ended differently. My friend asked for the manager, they didn't show, so we left. Can't rate the food, Who knows maybe it's good, but I guess I'll never know.

Visited 2 years ago

We had a reservation for 8.45 pm on a Wednesday which was an option provided by the open table app that needs to be used for making reservations. 9 pm being the last reservation. I get a call earlier that day at 5 pm saying that the restaurant is closing earlier and we need to change our reservation. I was also informed by another person from the restaurant that their kitchen closes at 9 pm on weekends and if we wanted to keep the 8.45 reservation we would have to order immediately. Since this is not a fast food restaurant I was very surprised to hear this.
The restaurant needs to update their information and open table to clarify that an 8.45 or 9 pm reservation is basically invalid and they will call up to cancel your reservation anyway. I did not expect this kind of service or lack of service from a “highly rated” restaurant such as NaRa-Ya.

Visited 2 years ago

Came for happy hour w a friend, sat at the bar and was helped out by “Mike” (receipt said Bryan L.). we specifically asked and were looking directly at the happy hour menu & asked him to make one of the cocktail selections on the happy hour menu. He recommended a drink which we asked for two and placed a order for two single rows of two different sushi’s as well as the gyoza to start off. Two of the same sushi’s came out & advised him we ordered one of two different ones. He apologized & told us to enjoy that extra roll on the house. The gyoza unfortunately never came out but we were full & didn’t mind if he missed adding it in. When we asked for the receipt we found out he ended up charging us for some off menu drink that ended up being $28 each drink. The next round we ordered, before asking for the receipt we asked for another one of his selections since we enjoyed the first and he ended up charging another price of $20+. The two star comes from the food quality which was great but the slick up selling service is a cheap tactic when we never even considered ordering off the happy hour menu that we specifically were ordering from. Maybe I’ll consider coming back for the happy hour since I clearly didn’t receive that today but not w the service from mike/Bryan.

Visited 2 years ago

Food is ok, portions are too small and the service was awful. Extremely rude and patronizing. Would not recommend and will never go back.

Visited 2 years ago

Great atmosphere if you’re ok with a lot of noise. Very nice ambiance with beautiful decorations. But for the price and the amount of food, I would NOT recommend. The menu does not do a good job of describing the foods and taste. My boyfriend had 4 lamb chops (one of them wasn’t even cooked properly), one carrot slice, and a smear of sweet potatoes for $40. The 3 lamb chops that were cooked properly were good, just not enough. I had the lobster fried rice ($45) which was very good but it was unexpectedly spicy (the menu didn’t describe that) and only had two pieces of lobster meat within the rice. Our server wasn’t attentive or friendly and did not help with recommendations since the menu does not describe a lot. Not to mention there was a 20% service charge fee with a party of two people smh. Overall just very over priced and still left hungry 🫤

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Food is amazing, full of subtle flavors that make for a great experience! Don't miss out on the Gyoza or their signature sushi dish. Atmosphere and view make the trip well worth it!

Visited 2 years ago

Omg this place was so so beautiful 😻 the food was perfectly delicious we got smoked tuna, some sushi and lobster fried rice! Absolutely amazing✨ and my friend really liked the drinks. The waitress was not really nice but we didn’t care much to be honest, we had beautiful view, great food and and an interesting conversation 🖤 thank you!

Visited 2 years ago

Super-trendy Japanese fare. The food is pretty good. The sashimi omakase was excellent and generous. The specialty rolls are not quite as good, the fish is overwhelmed by the heavy sauces. The views over the Potomac are spectacular and the decor is extravagant. The service is very, very good. The crowd here is extremely trendy and dressed up.

Visited 2 years ago

Extremely expensive for the quality. The service was slow, and the drinks were meh. It has a nice view. The fish was fresh but the oysters really weren't all that fresh.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

sushi is super fresh and delicious, the atmosphere and interior decor is beautiful, and the views (i recommend sitting by the window) overlooks the water and is especially stunning during sunset

Visited 2 years ago

Highly recommend their edamame hummus and mussels, they were unique and incredibly delicious !

Visited 2 years ago

This restaurant was really good, I got Lamb chops and a cocktail with butterfly pea tea in it. It has a very great view from floor 3.1? There was a weird room that you walk through to get to the restaurant, I don't know what that is. Anyways I'd definitely come back here.

Visited 2 years ago

Great spot. Food was fantastic. Drinks were great. View of the water made it all even better. Great vibe overall. We got the premium omakase and the select room were very good. Only qualm I have is I feel if you are getting a premium amassed it should not include a seafood salad. Other than than, great experience and I’ll be coming back for seconds.

Visited 2 years ago

The food was pretty good. No complaints there. The waiter was attentive and we got plenty of food for our buck. One of the few bottomless brunches left.

They did bring our food to the table next to us on numerous occasions, so that was a bit annoying.

Otherwise, great brunch option.

Visited 2 years ago

This place is just ok. The brunch food for the all you can eat special was hit or miss. I did like the octopus pancakes, French toast, steak/eggs, and dumplings. But everything else on the menu, was just ok.

Visited 2 years ago

Pretty place with great views. The food was so underwhelming and I really had high hopes. We ended up sending the mimosas back and canceling the bottomless bc they tasted horrible. We did the brunch and some dishes were good and some were old and not fresh. The regular cocktails were good and the service was just okay.

Visited 2 years ago

The lobster fried rice was amazing and the service was great!

Visited 2 years ago

This restaurant is extremely overpriced for the most underwhelming experience. The kaiba king roll was delicious. District spice was so ordinary. The drinks were fine. Walking into the restaurant, it’s picturesque but smelled really bad. I think overall it’s not worth it and there are other places to enjoy sushi than here.

Visited 2 years ago

My wife and I went to the Wharf for a date night dinner. NARA-YA was recommended to us, so we arrived to eat. We were seated quickly with a great view of the waterfront. Our waitress was nice and responsive. I ordered the Calamari and "4" lamb chops. My wife ordered the Japanese dumplings and a fish dish. Needless to say, the "4" chops had 2 bone stems, yes, but they were still connected together to a small piece of meat with asparagus accompanying. Don't get me wrong, the dinner tasted well, but I was still very hungry after eating my meal. I called the waitress over to state this and she let me know that the restaurant promotes flavor over quantity and had she known, she could have directed me to something more substantial from the menu. I found this absurd. Shouldn't my meal satisfy my palate as well as my hunger. My wife ordered an additional entree to take home, because she was still hungry too. Even the 4 beers I drank didn't satisfy. $300 later, we left and vowed never to return. I went to Shake Shack for an appetizing burger and fries. I can not in good faith recommend NARA-YA. Though we will most definitely return to the Wharf, NARA-YA will never be a destination for the return.

Visited 2 years ago

Family style all you can eat brunch and leaves you with no space for more! The Steak and French toast are favorites!

Visited 2 years ago

Although NARA-YA is in a scenic location, that's where any accolades end. My wife and I went to this restaurant on a date night. I hadn't been to the Wharf if years, and we wanted to check out the restaurants there. My wife heard about NARA-YA, so we went. We looked at the menu online before arriving, so I pretty much knew what I wanted to order. The "4" lamb chops seemed like a good selection along with the Calamari. My wife had the dumplings and a fish dinner. When the appetizers arrived, my first thought was that this is barely enough for one, let alone to share, but we did. When the main entrees arrived, to say that I was disappointed was an immense understatement!!! The "4" lamb chops were simply the 4 rib bones attached to a small piece of meat. I could hardly believe this miniscule portion of meat. 4 bites made short work of the "4" lamb chops. The 3 weak Sapporo beers I had didn't make up for the bite-fulls of food I ate. After consuming this, I was still very hungry and called my waitress over, not to complain, but to let her know that this scrawny meal did nothing to satisfy a grown man. She stated that the restaurant was "big on flavors" rather than adequate portion sizes. She said that had she known, that she could've suggested something that would've been more filling and that I could order another entree. My thought was, shouldn't my original meal do that without me having to order multiple items from the menu? My wife did order the lobster fried rice to-go because she was still hungry as well. I outright refused to spend another dollar to have a decent meal. After the $310 meal, I did tip my usual 20% because our waitress was quite nice and accommodating, I learned that NARA-YA was definitely all fluff with NO substance. We actually went to Shake Shack for a much more appetizing and filling meal. Needless to say, NARA-YA will never see me again!!!

Visited 2 years ago

We attended brunch. I absolutely loved the savory foods. I was a little disappointed with some of the actual breakfast foods. We tried the pancakes and a couple other items not pictured. Would not recommend the matcha pancakes or the French toast. One was super dry and I mean like 1 bite and your reaching for you drink so you don't choke. The other so googy it became gross in my mouth. I couldn't take more than 2 bites. But everything else was perfectly cooked and appetizing. All the food picture made the cut for flavor and presentation. I loved the atmosphere and the decor. The manager came by and spoke with us and was very pleasant. I gave it a 4 because of the awful heat on the first floor and the issues with the food mentioned above. Otherwise we would totally visit this place again for girls brunch.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago