Let’s be real – the first thing you want to know about Daikaya is “is it as good as Toki Underground?” and so let’s just go ahead and cut to the chase.
YES. It is as good as Toki. But it’s different, so shake loose the picture of ramen you’re carrying around from my favorite H Street eatery. Led by ramen expert Sakae Ishida, Daikaya serves up a different style of ramen than our old friend, so go in without expectation.
I’m a huge fan. In fact, just writing this makes me crave a round of dumplings and a bowl of the miso or shoyu ramen. But out of all of the bowls we ordered, the shio ramen made me the happiest. The very definition of umami.
Located next door to Graffiato, Daikaya’s exterior looks like it’s covered in wifi symbols. It’s walk-in only, and for three on a Friday night we waited a little more than 30 minutes. They’ll text you when your table is ready, so you can grab a drink elsewhere while you wait.
Daikaya is located at 705 6th St NW, accessible from the Chinatown and Judiciary Square metro stations.
