In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas, the art of sushi continues to captivate and delight. The recent inclusion of two Maryland sushi restaurants in the 'Where to Find the Best Sushi Around DC' list by Eater DC in May 2026 is a testament to the region's thriving culinary scene. However, what makes this list particularly fascinating is the diverse range of sushi experiences it showcases, each with its own unique story and loyal following. Personally, I think this highlights the incredible depth and variety of culinary options in the DMV, where hidden gems like Hinata and Sushiko thrive, offering everything from cozy family-run carryouts to culinary powerhouses with a rich history.
Hinata: A Cozy Family-Run Carryout
One of the standout restaurants in this list is Hinata, located in the heart of Bethesda. What makes Hinata so special is its cozy, family-run atmosphere and its commitment to fresh, affordable sushi. The restaurant, opened in the mid-1990s by Waka Sakita, a former worker at Tokyo's Tsukiji wholesale seafood market, has quietly built a devoted customer base over the decades. Hinata's small shop, known for its made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi, offers a delightful contrast to the larger, more upscale sushi restaurants in the area. What many people don't realize is that Hinata also doubles as a Japanese grocery store, allowing customers to browse and shop while waiting for their takeout orders. This unique blend of grocery and sushi carryout makes Hinata a true hidden gem, offering a delightful and affordable sushi experience that has stood the test of time.
Sushiko: A Culinary Powerhouse with a Rich History
Another standout restaurant in this list is Sushiko, located in Chevy Chase. Sushiko carries a much longer history tied to the region's sushi scene, being widely recognized as D.C.'s first sushi restaurant. The original location, first opened in Glover Park in the 1970s, has since closed, but the legacy lives on through its Montgomery County location. Executive Chef Piter Tjan, who got one of his first sushi chef jobs at Bethesda's Raku before eventually opening Sushiko in 2008, has become a major part of the restaurant's reputation. Tjan's culinary prowess, combined with the restaurant's rich history, makes Sushiko a true culinary powerhouse. What makes Sushiko particularly fascinating is its ability to blend tradition with innovation, offering a sushi experience that is both timeless and cutting-edge.
The Growing List of National and Regional Attention for Montgomery County's Dining Scene
The recognition from Eater DC adds to the growing list of national and regional attention for Montgomery County's dining scene. This is particularly notable as local restaurants continue to draw visitors from across the DMV for everything from omakase experiences to longtime neighborhood staples. The inclusion of Hinata and Sushiko in the 'Where to Find the Best Sushi Around DC' list is a testament to the region's culinary diversity and the hard work and dedication of its chefs and restaurateurs. It also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and the joy of discovering hidden gems in the culinary landscape.
A Thoughtful Takeaway
In my opinion, the inclusion of Hinata and Sushiko in the 'Where to Find the Best Sushi Around DC' list is a celebration of the region's culinary diversity and the hard work and dedication of its chefs and restaurateurs. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and the joy of discovering hidden gems in the culinary landscape. If you take a step back and think about it, the DMV culinary scene is a microcosm of the broader trends in American cuisine, where innovation and tradition coexist, and where the art of sushi continues to evolve and delight.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the way in which these two restaurants, despite their different approaches and histories, share a common thread of quality and dedication. Whether it's Hinata's cozy family-run atmosphere or Sushiko's culinary prowess, both restaurants offer a unique and memorable sushi experience. What this really suggests is that the DMV culinary scene is a vibrant and dynamic place, where innovation and tradition coexist, and where the art of sushi continues to evolve and delight.
