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Moto Azabu Sushi Bar & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Moto Azabu Sushi Bar & Grill
8.2
Moto Azabu combines a full sushi bar with izakaya-style plates and a lively second-floor dining room overlooking Washington Boulevard. It’s where groups mix sashimi, rolls, and grilled bites with cocktails, turning dinner into a longer night out near the water.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll, Baked Crab Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: A second-floor sushi and izakaya bar with cocktails and marina-adjacent views.
Who should go: Groups wanting sushi, small plates, and drinks together.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full bar energy and later seating.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Roll, Baked Crab Roll, crispy rice with spicy tuna.
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats if you want faster pacing and more interaction with the sushi chefs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Washington Blvd and neighboring residential streets is available but competitive after 7pm; metered spots open up later in the evening. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly dressy lean; jeans and a nice top work fine, but many guests dress up for weekend nights.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially on weekend evenings; conversations are doable but expect a steady bar buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups or sushi bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the sushi bar can fill first when the weather is nice.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options across rolls, veggie tempura, salads, and grilled vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly vegetable rolls, seaweed salad, and select sides. Hot dishes may include non-vegan broths or sauces.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly items including sashimi, nigiri, and some grilled plates; soy sauce alternatives available upon request, but no fully separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its lively but polished atmosphere works well for an upbeat first date, and sharing rolls and small plates creates natural pacing and conversation moments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can, especially early evening or late night, but prime weekend windows fill quickly. Walk-ins often get bar seating faster than tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi or Japanese small plates; less ideal for toddlers due to noise, tight tables, and late-night energy.
Best For
Better for: Groups looking for a high-energy sushi night with cocktails, shared plates, and a scene-driven dining room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional omakase or strictly minimalist sushi experience—more serene counters nearby may be a better fit.
Moto Azabu Sushi Bar & Grill
8.2
Moto Azabu combines a full sushi bar with izakaya-style plates and a lively second-floor dining room overlooking Washington Boulevard. It’s where groups mix sashimi, rolls, and grilled bites with cocktails, turning dinner into a longer night out near the water.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll, Baked Crab Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Second-floor sushi and izakaya bar with cocktails and marina-adjacent views.
Who should go: Groups wanting sushi, shared plates, cocktails, and upbeat energy.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full bar buzz and later seating.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Roll, Baked Crab Roll, crispy rice with spicy tuna.
Insider tip: Ask for patio-side tables to lean into the second-floor views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot and street parking along Washington Boulevard; the lot fills up on weekends, so expect light circling after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight nightlife lean; jeans are fine, but many diners dress up for weekend evenings.
Noise level: Lively, especially upstairs; conversations are doable but expect a noticeable bar buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups or patio-adjacent tables.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; early evenings remain the easiest for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of veggie rolls, salads, and cooked dishes, though most standout items revolve around seafood.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable rolls and sides, but not a strong fit for fully vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options; sashimi, certain rolls without sauces, and grilled items work well, but communicate needs to the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively energy, cocktails, and a fun setting. The upstairs room adds atmosphere, though it’s not ideal for extremely quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and early evenings. On weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait, especially for larger groups or prime seating areas.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy sushi; the energetic upstairs environment may be too loud for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting a mix of sushi, izakaya dishes, and cocktails in a lively setting with marina-adjacent views.
Skip if: You want a quiet, omakase-only experience or need extensive vegan or gluten-free choices.