By Sophie Oberstein

Many people are familiar with Sushi JIP because of its prominent location at the busy intersection at the corner of Washington Boulevard and 10th Street. They’ve seen the sign as they’ve walked past, or the lovely outdoor seating area, but maybe never been inside the spacious dining room. Still others are familiar with the Japanese restaurant that occupied this spot before its current incarnation as Sushi JIP. 

In September 2024, a local Virginia family took over the management. Their new website proclaims, “Our story begins with a profound love for authentic flavors and a vision to redefine sushi dining.” That new definition includes some unusual Signature Rolls (like the Too Too Funky (with mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, crab, avocado, bacon bits, sour cream and cinnamon honey)) and what my neighbor, who joined me there for lunch last week called, their “flair.” Beautifully decorated dishes arrive adorned with rocks, branches, flowers, and, in the case of my sashimi platter, flashing lights.

At lunch on a Wednesday, my neighbor and I, at first, had the large indoor space (about 50 seats) to ourselves, though more people trickled in as we ate. Weekdays are not busy here, we were told, but weekends, especially for dinner, are more crowded and a reservation is a good idea. 

Tables are set with cute chopstick holders and a buzzer that can be used to summon wait staff when you are ready to order or need something. Though, even without the buzzer, staff was very attentive and food was delivered quickly.

The menu for rolls, sushi, sashimi, poke, and combination platters is extensive – almost overwhelming. And if raw fish isn’t your thing, you can order from the Kitchen/Noodles, Hibachi (food grilled over an open flame), or Vegetable Roll sections of the menu. We tried Shrimp Shumai as an appetizer, Bulgogi Fried Rice, and one of their Signature Rolls, the Double Salmon (The aforementioned flashing sashimi dish was from a prior visit). There was a special lunch menu because we happened to be there during Restaurant Week, but there aren’t usually the more traditional Japanese lunch options, like a bento box. 

The fish was definitely the standout, even if, as my companion pointed out, there is no elegant way to eat some of the towering rolls (so maybe not the best place for a first date). Portions are large and the fish fresh and delicious. The manager explained that they are committed to keeping the fish fresh by only ordering a certain amount daily and having it delivered by a local trading distributor.

It’s on the expensive side, but that seems par for the course for this cuisine. They also provide catering and host private parties. If you are a sushi lover, Sushi JIP will not disappoint.

Sushi JIP (3000 Washington Blvd): Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Sunday. Phone number is 703-243-7799. Visit the website: https://sushijip.com/ for more information.