Walking into the sushi house that is Takumi, it seems like the right move, the respected move, is to order raw fish. And of course, that is a good idea. A great idea, especially asking for species from the specials board out front, maybe like tai (Japanese snapper) and kinmedai (golden eye snapper), clean bites resting on rice. Otoro is a must. The fatty tuna is a dusty rose, luscious and the finest slice there is. The next line on the menu offers it seared. First thought: Why mess with raw perfection? The server explains because of its fat content, it’s basically pre-oiled for a mere lick of heat. She warns: No soy sauce needed. And could it be even better than its uncooked counterpart? It wears a dusting of char and a sprinkle of salt and it’s meatier, but also because the heat defines all of its crevices, it feels delicate, too. You won’t miss the soy sauce.
Takumi
Japanese | $$$
310-B S. Washington St., Falls Church
