Seating for Two: Flavor Roundup

Check out the restaurants that made the first edition of Seating for Two so special—a food review series that highlights standout restaurants while featuring interviews with the founders to spotlight the stories that make each place unique. From thoughtful menus to the people behind them, these are the spots that deserve a place on your foodie roster.

Kura Sushi

614 H St NW Suite #100, Washington, DC 20001

Bringing the kaiten (conveyor-belt) sushi experience to the U.S., we have our first restaurant: Kura Sushi. What makes Kura Sushi special is its ability to make authentic Japanese sushi feel fun, accessible, and inviting without losing its roots. While they’re best known for their expertly crafted nigiri, what I loved most was how Kura pushed me beyond my usual sushi order. I have been craving their Spicy Popcorn Shrimp Roll since I walked out the door and I would be lying if I said that I haven’t been thinking of an excuse to visit again. Kura Sushi introduces visitors to unexpected flavor combinations that feel both innovative and thoughtful–an experience that’s playful, exploratory, but unmistakably Japanese.

Seoul Prime

106 Founders Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046

Coming in hot we have Seoul Prime, a spot setting a higher standard for Korean barbecue. The Falls Church restaurant focuses exclusively on premium beef, complete with an in-house dry-aging system that reflects its commitment to quality. The most memorable thing for me was how intentional everything felt, from the intimate, art-filled space to the carefully crafted cocktails. They even use an in-table venting system so you don’t leave smelling like your meal. The Old Fashioned Flight was a standout, especially the Filibuster Rye, while the Crispy Bossam was so good I’d gladly relive that first bite. Seoul Prime, you will be seeing me soon.

Dok Khao Thai Eatery

6000 Merriweather Dr Suite B155, Columbia, MD 21044

Last but not least, Dok Khao Thai Eatery. The food here reflects deep care, intuition, and cultural pride–a place that feels less like a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. As someone who loves Thai food and is fairly certain my local Thai spot knows my order by heart, Dok Khao stood out immediately. The atmosphere alone makes me want to return, but for more of their Crabmeat Fried Rice and Soft Shell Crab Curry, I will definitely be back. Rooted in Chef Pat’s life in southern Thailand and recipes passed down from her mother, this is the kind of place where meals feel shared, moments feel meaningful, and being around the table feels a lot like being with family.

That closes out the first installment of Seating for Two, and with that, a huge thank you to all the restaurants that welcomed us, shared their stories, and made the first edition so special. Your hospitality, passion, and craft are what made this series possible. Stay tuned for the second installment—there’s so much more to explore! If you visit any of these spots, let us know what you think, and don’t forget to share any restaurants you think we should check out next.