Bar Japonais, a French-Japanese izakaya just opened in Logan Circle in the old Estadio space with everything from sashimi to matcha cocktails. The bar is from the same owners as the popular French-Chinese Bar Chinois in Mount Vernon Triangle. We had to try it out to see if it lives up to the hype.
What’s a French-Japanese Izakaya?
Chef Lucas Irwin described it to us as neo-Japanese food with a French flare. “We use Japanese ingredients and French techniques. I am classically french trained and grew up in a Japanese family. So it comes natural to me to combine those two cuisines,” said Irwin.
You can see both influences in dishes like the teriyaki bavette steak with miso uni butter or the Ode To Estadio cocktail with vermouth and yuzu. Most of the menu is small shareable plates like skewers, hand rolls, and tempura, however there are some large traditional plates like Katsu Kare and Okonomiyaki.
Bar Japonais. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
What To Eat:
The Ebi – prawns with miso-honey aioli – is a must get, as is the Agadashi Tempura Tofu with black garlic tsuyu and bonito flakes. But if you get one thing, Irwin says to make sure it’s the Okonomiyaki.
What To Drink:
The cocktails are gorgeous, creative, and mostly under $15 which is already a win in our book. Try the Japanese Melon Highball, or for something smokier get the Peaty Luau which comes topped with a piece of roasted pork belly. They also have an oat milk matcha cocktail, which wasn’t our favorite, but would be perfect for before a long night out.
Stuck On Oki cocktail at bar Japonais with Coconut, Okinawa Rum, Rancio Sec, and Roasted Pineapple Sesame. (Nina Palazzolo/Bar Japonais)
The Logistics:
Right now, Bar Japonais is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight. But they are opening for brunch soon.
😋 DC Inside Scoop: Where is Japonais Chef Irwin Eating?
“I loved Duck Duck Goose and Malbec, but they’re both closed right now,” said Lucas. His other all-time favorite is Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien.
