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Welcome to ZAO Stamina Ramen

ZAO Stamina Ramen, located in Bethesda, MD, offers an authentic Japanese dining experience that stands out in the D.C. area. Known for its traditional ramen and diverse menu, the restaurant captures the essence of Japanese cuisine with expertly prepared dishes. Diners rave about the meticulous presentation of sushi, the delightful Oden, and the rich flavors of the hot pot, enhanced by fresh ingredients. The warm atmosphere and attentive service create a welcoming environment, reminiscent of Japan. For those seeking a genuine taste of Japanese food, ZAO Stamina Ramen is a must-visit destination that promises satisfaction with every dish.

ZAO Stamina Ramen: Reviews & Ratings

Hiroshi Tsuda
Hiroshi Tsuda

The food was traditional Japanese which is hard to find in the DC area. - Kudos to Yuzu. Their appetizers, sushi, desert were superb. Even the draft beer made me feel like home (Tokyo). The staff must have been trained in a Japanese environment. Their atmosphere also makes me feel at home. There is parking right across the street, so should have no issues there. For those wanting an authentic Japanese experience should try Yuzu at least once.

Maureen Greenbaum
Maureen Greenbaum

We are staying at the residence Inn just around the corner. Using Google and yelp I determined probable restaurants for our proposed a visit. The menu showed reasonable prices and interesting dining choices.I really wanted to try that yellowtail teriyaki.I enjoy Salmon teriyaki I’ve never had yellowtail teriyaki. We got to Yusuf early and we were the first people there. I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful very Japanese choices on the menu and tried several. My husband ordered his standard which is chicken teriyaki. We were both very happy with everything we ordered and the service was excellent. We will certainly return on our next visit to Bethesda.

JA KP (JAKP)
JA KP (JAKP)

the authenticity of the Japanese food is fantastic. This is not just a sushi restaurant, but the sushi is presented culturally correct, No oversized nigiri & the wasabi is placed appropriately between the fish & rice. The Oden is first I've found in a restaurant. A delicate limited special. The grilled Hamachi jaw was a tasty dish. You could have s diffent dish every time 6ou visit.

Jacob
Jacob

(Keep reading till the end!) I've always been a little hesitant to go here mainly because it doesn't seem to be very busy after I get off of work. And just as it seemed, there wasn't anyone when I arrived, and only one other person came in during the 45min-hour I was there. All that said, I haven't the slightest idea why this place isn't packed from the moment they open. The service was great; right in the happy medium of making sure you're taken care of and checking in too much to enjoy your food. And on the plus side, our server was perfectly happy to be called on rather than the typical "attempt to use your superior mind powers to catch their gaze and wave them down" we're used to. The food was wonderful, too! We had the hot pot w/ kimchi (under the first page "soup and sides") and the assorted sushi (first on the second page). These were perfectly sized to accommodate both my dinner mate and myself, and the total price came out to about 45. This, in my opinion, is a really good collective price for a nice dinner date. The sushi was the perfect temperature, not too warm but also not too cold, and served with wasabi and ginger as one would expect The hot pot was made with the kimchi mixed in, and it too was just cool enough you didn't scald your mouth trying to taste it, and the ingredients mixed in tasted great as well. All in all, the next time I think about getting Japanese food for a great price, I'm definitely heading back here.

Susan
Susan

Visiting DC on a frigid winter day, we found Yuzu just around the corner from our hotel. We ordered Nabe Hot Pot, a holiday sashimi special, both the Hot Pot (with kimchi) and the sashimi were excellent. The dashi in the hot pot was spicy and perfect for the cold weather. The fish in the sashimi was tasty and very fresh. We ordered an extra eel/avocado roll which was also very good especially since you could taste both the eel and avocado because it wasn't drenched in sauce. For dessert try the black sesame and yuzu ice cream - yummy!

Liza M
Liza M

I lived in Japan for one year, and this food is absolutely perfect. Ordered all my favorite things: yaki tori, tekka maki, gyoza, tempura. I asked about sweet potato tempura, and they made it for me. Perfect. The pricing is very fair. Oishi des! (Delicious!)

Kai Murakami
Kai Murakami

Had a dinner here with my foodie friend. We ordered their gyoza, kakuni teishoku, and sushi assortment. Gyoza was brilliant as it was made with crispy wings -- I loved the slightly spicy sauce that came with it. My friend ordered kakuni, which was profoundly tasty and the pork meat was very soft. Last but definitely not least, we both loved their sushi. We both lived in Japan before, so we appreciated how neatly the sushi was made here. The rice was uniformly prepared and fish were beautifully cut. We enjoyed their Kirin Ichiban draft beer and Yuzu's staffs were very polite. We will be back for sure.

Melissa Stefun
Melissa Stefun

This place is rare. Everything we ordered was delicious and authentic. The udon, pork, edamame, miso soup and the sushi/nigiri were all excellent. There was a smokey sweetness to everything. Really unique and delicate flavor. The decor is nice and I loved all the old time artifacts. For some reason the back of the restaurant felt dank but everywhere else looked clean.

Location

  • ZAO Stamina Ramen
    7345 Wisconsin Ave unit b, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States Hotline: +1 301-312-8399

Welcome to ZAO Stamina Ramen, a culinary gem nestled in Bethesda, Maryland. This restaurant promises not only a meal but an experience straight from the heart of Japan. With its location at 7345 Wisconsin Ave, unit B, ZAO Stamina Ramen is a haven for those yearning for authentic Japanese flavors, a sentiment echoed by many satisfied patrons.

From the moment you step inside, the warm atmosphere envelops you, evoking the comforting essence of a traditional izakaya. The decor is minimalist yet inviting, allowing the food to take center stage. With a dedicated staff trained in authentic Japanese practices, diners can expect not only delectable dishes but also exemplary service that enhances the overall experience.

Diving into the menu, ZAO Stamina Ramen showcases an extensive variety that extends well beyond the typical sushi offerings. The ramen, a highlight of the establishment, stands out for its rich, savory broth and perfectly cooked noodles. Diners will appreciate the attention to detail: no oversized servings here, just beautifully presented dishes that honor the cultural significance of each meal. For instance, the hot pot with kimchi—a seasonal favorite—provides warmth and spice that are perfect for chilly days, aligning with customer favorites that highlight the culinary expertise present at ZAO.

But it’s not all about the ramen; the menu offers an array of traditional Japanese dishes that have left guests thoroughly satisfied. Take, for example, the exquisite yellowtail and salmon teriyaki, cherished for their authentic flavors and skillful preparation. Each plate is crafted to perfection, harmonizing taste and presentation in a way that reflects Japanese culinary artistry. As one reviewer noted, the restaurant even serves Oden, a rarity that showcases the depth of the menu.

The desserts, too, deserve mention—especially the unique black sesame and yuzu ice cream, which surprises the palate with its delightful balance of sweet and earthy tones. Coupled with expertly curated drinks, including thoughtful selections of draft beers, ZAO Stamina Ramen provides an oasis of flavors that feels like home, as many reviewers have attested to feeling during their visits.

With commanding flavors and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, ZAO Stamina Ramen makes its mark not just as a restaurant but as a beloved retreat for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts in the DC area. Be sure to visit ZAO Stamina Ramen for a taste of comforting, traditional dining that’s truly hard to find. You won't just leave satisfied; you'll leave with a lingering taste of Japan that beckons you to return.