Sushi at Sei

I don't mean to be harsh, but D.C. is not exactly a "sushi" town. When I lived in Manhattan, I could get amazing sushi on pretty much every corner. I was in a bit of a sushi-shock when I moved here to find so few options. I recently decided to meet my girls downtown for some sushi at Sei, on 7th St., NW in Penn Quarter.

When you walk in, you are surrounded by the warm glow of soft light, white walls and gold trim. The hostess was incredibly friendly. She led us to the dining area which was ultra-modern white and gold accented by red twigs in the room partition and a gold, ornate picture frame around a glass wall.

We were concerned at first when we looked around and saw that NO ONE was eating! I was worried that it was either bad food and a good place for drinks or a restaurant for hot anorexic types who want to give the appearance that they eat. We were delighted to discover that it was a huge coincidence that everyone had only recently been seated and hadn't ordered yet. Whew!

The model-like waitstaff was incredibly attentive and pleasant. We were seated and perused the menu. I took a look around and noticed the strong "naughty and nice" theme. Everything was so modern, clean and white, then I noticed the backs of the chairs being laced up tight like a corsets. This place is sex on rice!

Now for the food... we ordered a lot. Enough that I can't remember each roll or beautiful slab of sashimi, but it was ALL quite spectacular. The one that stood out to me would have to be the "Fish and Chips roll" which included a fried fish, vinegar, fries and wasabi tartar sauce. It was amazing! I was incredibly happy to find something unique on the menu other than the standard options of California Rolls, Philadelphia rolls, or rolls representing any other city or state for that matter. There were several unique options and everything we tried was magnificent.

The waiter was incredibly polite and attentive without being too intrusive. We didn't even feel rushed when we realized we were the last people in the restaurant keeping the poor staff from locking up and going home.

Sei was a great sushi experience and something I have longed for since I moved here about a decade ago. I wish there were more sushi restaurants like Sei in DC (although I also would love more that are this quality and more casual and budget-friendly. Sei is magnificent and hip, but you will pay for it.)

This is making me hungry. I think another girls' night at Sei needs to happen again soon! Ladies?

Sei
444 7th St., NW
Washington, DC  20004
202-783-7007
http://www.seirestaurant.com/