Two Maryland restaurants, both in Montgomery County, are getting attention in Eater DC’s newly updated list of “Where to Find the Best Sushi Around DC,” released on May 14, 2026.
The updated roundup includes Bethesda’s Hinata and Chevy Chase’s Sushiko, with both restaurants earning praise for very different sushi experiences that have built loyal followings over the years.
Hinata, located at 4947 St. Elmo Ave in Bethesda, is a longtime local favorite that many still describe as one of Downtown Bethesda’s hidden gems. The Japanese grocery store and sushi carryout spot was opened in the mid-1990s by owner Waka Sakita, who previously worked at Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji wholesale seafood market. Known for its fresh fish, made-to-order rolls, and affordable prices, the small shop has quietly built a devoted customer base over decades.
Eater described Hinata as “a cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda” and praised it for “made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price point,” while also noting customers can browse Japanese grocery items while waiting for takeout orders.
Sushiko, located at 5455 Wisconsin Ave in Chevy Chase, carries a much longer history tied to the region’s sushi scene. The original restaurant first opened in Glover Park in the 1970s and is widely recognized as D.C.’s first sushi restaurant. While the original location closed in 2013, Sushiko expanded into Montgomery County in 2008 with its Chevy Chase location.
Executive Chef Piter Tjan has become a major part of the restaurant’s reputation. Tjan got one of his first sushi chef jobs at Bethesda’s Raku before eventually opening Sushiko in 2008. He later spent several years working under Tyson Cole at Austin’s acclaimed Uchi before returning to Sushiko in 2013, where he has remained ever since.
The recognition from Eater adds to the growing list of national and regional attention for Montgomery County’s dining scene, particularly as local restaurants continue drawing visitors from across the DMV for everything from omakase experiences to longtime neighborhood staples.
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