
Kuramoto
Japanese · Tustin · $$$

Omakase · Washington, DC · $$$
What began as Sakedokoro Makoto in 1994 under the late Chef Yoshiaki Itoh, and later stewarded by his son Gene Itoh, is now thoughtfully reimagined by his colleague Minoru Ogawa as Kappo. Kappo is an intimate, 21-seat restaurant with a chef’s counter and three tables, presenting an eight-course tasting menu centered on Japanese wagyu beef. The menu highlights renowned prefectures, seasonal fish and seafood from Japan, and thoughtfully sourced seasonal vegetables and ingredients, each artfully prepared. In the tradition of kaiseki and izakaya, kappo dining is a multi-course experience entrusted entirely to the chef. Meaning “to cut and cook,” kappo reflects the precise, expressive craftsmanship guests witness directly across the counter. By design, kappo restaurants cultivate loyal, word-of-mouth followings. Kappo embraces this spirit with a warm, dinner-party atmosphere that invites guests into the rhythm of the kitchen. Kappo is reservation-only, with seatings offered: Tuesday through Thursday: 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM Friday: 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM Saturday & Sunday: 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 9:00 PM The experience is complemented by an extensive sake, wine, and cocktail program curated by Ari Wilder.
“We had such a great experience here for my friend’s birthday. The chef’s are talented and personable. We felt taken care of by our wait staff. Drinks were delicious and the sake pairing was excellent. I’ve never had an experience like this, and I look forward to trying more. Would love to come back to Kappo again!”
“This is one of my favorite restaurants worldwide and definitely in DC! I went here twice last year, once in January and once in June, so I was able to try two menus. Multiple friends have tried it too. The food is delicious and creative— you will leave happy and full! The service is attentive but gives you space to enjoy each course. I can’t wait to come back!”
“We had a wonderful experience at Kappo DC. We’ve been fortunate to enjoy omakase dining in many places over the years, and this one truly stood out. The chef was incredibly thoughtful and precise, and it was a pleasure watching each course come together. The entire staff was genuinely friendly and welcoming, and the service throughout the evening was excellent. Every detail felt intentional, from the pacing of the meal to the warm hospitality. We’re very grateful to the team for such a memorable night and look forward to coming back.”
“We had a delightful meal at Kappo DC! My friend and I were celebrating the holidays a little early. At first, I doubted whether the 8-course menu would be enough to fill me up — but trust me, it was super filling! I even had to pack one of the dishes (the katsu) to take home. Every course was delicious and beautifully prepared. The service was excellent — our server was kind, polite, and attentive. We got a last-minute reservation, so we were seated at a table this time, but next time we’ll definitely book the counter for the full experience. If you’re a beef lover, Kappo DC is absolutely worth a visit!”
“The best meal I’ve had in my entire life. It’s a small, intimate environment; I’d recommend the chef’s counter. The wait staff was terrific; explaining every dish and answering questions. (The chef is also happy to talk too.) Every dish in the tasting was terrific, particular highlights were the wagyu two-ways entree, the ravioli with uni butter, and the soup at the end. Of course, it’s a seasonal menu, so you’ll probably be seeing something different—but I’m confident it’ll be excellent. Also, the cocktails were terrific. We didn’t add the caviar, as it felt kind of like a hat on a hat, but hey… live your best life. I will also say, with omakase menus, we often worry that we won’t be full at the end. That was not an issue. It was the perfect amount of food for us.”
4822 MacArthur Boulevard Northwest, Washington, DC 20007, US
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