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Welcome to Ryu Izakaya

Ryu Izakaya, located in Arlington, VA, embodies the spirit of Japanese izakaya dining with its vibrant, casual atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on serving authentic, delicious dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. From the delightful sushi rolls to the flavorful yakitori, each dish promises a unique gastronomic experience. Highlights include the Seared Salmon Salad and creative specials that keep diners coming back. With options for outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe, Ryu Izakaya is not just a place to eat; it’s a community hub where food lovers gather to indulge and enjoy exceptional service.

Ryu Izakaya: Reviews & Ratings

Christy Patron P.
Christy Patron P.

Great food, great service! The dishes are authentic and tasty, and our server was friendly and helpful.

Ameena A.
Ameena A.

My partner and I found this place to be delicious, cute/clean, and it had good service! We got both sushi and curry, and we preferred the sushi over the curry (although both were still good). It is slightly slightly pricier than our typical sushi spot - however, it was nice to go somewhere new and try it out. Definitely a spot to check out, and although we have our typical sushi spot still, we'll probably return here when we want another nice place to go to!

Terry G.
Terry G.

Food is good. Service kind of slow. Like the yakitori selection but wish they came out on the grill to stay warm. Been here twice and definitely recommend

Tara L.
Tara L.

This spot is definitely a gem! Reasonable prices, cozy and casual atmosphere, great service and delicious sushi is definitely a winning combo. I ordered a roll that was a special, so I can't remember the name because it's not on their standard menu. But basically it was some kind of crunchy salmon roll, topped with more salmon, avocado and served with a special dipping sauce that had a tangy, spicy zip to it. Seriously, it was so good! I'm still thinking about it and might just begin to crave it. All of the ingredients were so fresh, so I immediately knew this was a good mark of their sushi quality. I also ordered the grilled squid appetizer. I honestly figured it was a dish that would be impossible not to like since I love grilled squid in even its most simple form. Unfortunately, it was a miss for me. The squid was so tough it seemed perhaps it has been over cooked. Either way, presentation of both dishes as well as every dish I saw being ordered around me looked amazing and I'm already very eager to return!

Arianna P.
Arianna P.

Similarly priced to Genki although i don't think the quality is on the same level. The eel yakitori had an off taste & was not deboned. The beef yakitori needed salt. The chicken was nothing special although the pork belly was good. We also ordered the Oryu roll(not pictured) and it was decent, although the paired sauce was a nice touch. Out of everything, the spicy tuna tartare was our favorite. I'd recommend for a lunch date or gathering and to go seemed popular as well.

Brian C.
Brian C.

Unexpectedly nice and upscale yet casual Japanese restaurant in south Arlington. Came for lunch in July 2024. *Food: All excellent given the price. They offer a $1 nigiri/sashimi deal (with some types costing $2-5 per piece). Excellent value given the price, as all the fish were fresh and flavorful. Also had the chicken karaage and skewers, both would recommend. *Service: Phenomenal. The waiter we had was incredibly attentive. Brought extra napkins when he saw our newborn spitting up. *Ambiance: Nice, clean, quiet, and cutely decorated.

Ailun H.
Ailun H.

My friend and I stopped by for dinner yesterday since we wanted Japanese food that we both have yet to try. Ryu Izakaya's been on my list ever since they opened, so I was pretty excited to try! The service was quick and we were able to get our food within a reasonable amount of time. YAKITORI ASSORTMENT For ~22.00, we got six yakitoris: bacon wrapped asparagus, zucchini, beef, chicken gizzard, chicken thigh and chicken wing. My favorite were the chicken gizzard (great texture and flavor) and the bacon wrapped asparagus (juicy and also contained a piece of leek). Everything was just aight. Flavor was decent. The beef was really tough. Overall, I would get it if you wanna try a variety of yakitori. Otherwise, I'd skip and go with a couple you know you'd like. QUAIL EGG YAKITORI My friend and I love quail eggs, so we got one of these to try. Not much flavor, though so that was a bit disappointing. CHICKEN GIZZARD YAKITORI We enjoyed it so much we got two more so we could each have one. Very crunchy texture with smoky flavors. Chicken gizzard is not one to skip. SPICY TUNA AVOCADO TARTARE A good amount of spicy tuna wrapped around delicately sliced avocado formed in a shape of a flower almost, then topped with some crunchy flakes on top. This was a great item to share and the spicy tuna was well seasoned with some sweetness, too. CHIRASHI The chirashi bowl was pretty sizable which my friend and I split. I don't think a lot of the fish here was that fresh as there were a few pieces in there that I did not enjoy and found really fishy (tuna and this other lightly seared fish). Overall, not a huge fan. I rather get a bowl of raw fish where I'm able to pick my favorites (even if it's as basic as salmon and yellowtail). YUZU CHEESECAKE WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM This was a delightful dessert to end our meal. The cheesecake had a strong yuzu flavor that we both really enjoyed. There was a strawberry that's been thinly sliced on the side, a pile of whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream that sat on top of a bed of graham cracker bits. Great combination of sweets, we'd recommend. Overall, everything was fine/above average, but nothing phenomenal. Also, the prices are pretty $$$ given that we paid about 50pp (after tip and tax) and not too full either. 3.5/5 but will bump to a 4/5.

Location

  • Ryu Izakaya
    3030 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204 United States Hotline: (703) 399-9052

Welcome to Ryu Izakaya, an authentic Japanese culinary haven located at 3030 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA. Known for its hipster vibe and casual dress code, Ryu Izakaya seamlessly blends traditional flavors with contemporary aesthetics, making it a perfect spot for groups or a cozy date night.

This izakaya offers an impressive array of culinary choices, from tantalizing donburi sets to a diverse selection of yakitori skewers and sushi rolls. The New Ryu Valued Donburi Set includes mouthwatering options like the Beef Teriyaki Donburi and Chicken Yakitori Donburi, priced between $22.99 and $24.99, showcasing the authentic Japanese comfort food that warms the soul.

  • Beef Teriyaki Donburi Set: Grilled beef drizzled with teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of rice.
  • Japanese Curry with Chicken Set: Fried chicken served with house-made curry, bursting with flavor.
  • Yakitori Assortment: A delightful mix of grilled skewers including chicken, beef, and even unique options like bacon with enoki mushroom, ideal for sharing.

Additionally, the signature sushi rolls—like the Super Crab Lava Roll—are not to be missed. With its fried soft-shell crab and a medley of toppings, this dish is an explosion of flavor that exemplifies Ryu Izakaya’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Reviewers rave about their experience, noting the friendly service and the cleanliness of the establishment. Many have mentioned the cozy atmosphere, making it more than just a dining experience; it’s a taste exploration.

Despite some critiques about pacing, customer feedback reflects a passion for the food, with enthusiasts expressing a desire to return for both lunch gatherings and romantics dates alike. The inclusion of a happy hour, military discounts, and versatile dining options, including outdoor seating, only adds to the allure of this culinary jewel.

Ryu Izakaya caters to both local residents and visitors alike, thanks to its convenient location, accessibility features, and flexible dining options like takeout and delivery. So whether you’re craving a hearty donburi or a refreshing sushi roll, Ryu Izakaya is surely a gem worth discovering.

For reservations and inquiries, you can reach them at (703) 399-9052. Dive into the delightful offerings of Ryu Izakaya today—your palate will thank you!