FAQ

Are reservations required?
Yes and no! All of our tables for Dear Sushi and Beloved BBQ are booked through RESY. If you don’t see any availability for the date and time you’d like to book, that means we cannot accommodate your party at that time. We take walk-ins at Dear Sushi and Beloved BBQ based on availability. Our energetic Japanese bar, Hiya Izakaya, and our upscale fast-casual concept, Love on the Run, are both walk-in only.

Can I add guests to my reservation?
We are often fully booked but will do our best to accommodate changes to party size. Please email hello@lovemakoto.com to request changes before the day of your reservation. Giving us plenty of notice is the best way for us to find space for your expanded party. If your party size changes on the day of your reservation, please chat with us via the confirmation text RESY sends for the fastest possible answer.

What’s the difference between Dear Sushi, Beloved BBQ and Hiya Izakaya?
The Japanese culinary collection’s three full-service concepts consist of the following:

Dear Sushi, an omakase experience that celebrates both traditional and envelope-pushing takes on sushi. The omakase starts with seasonal snacks, moves into several sushi courses that showcase both traditional and Chef Makoto’s modern takes, then ends with a dessert. Beyond the omakase menu, diners can order optional upgrades and add-ons to enhance the experience.

Beloved BBQ is a high-end yakiniku (Japanese steakhouse) with smokeless grills at the center of each table where diners can grill their own Japanese Wagyu and American-raised beef. Yakiniku omakase includes several side plates, either Japanese or American beef, and a dessert. As with sushi, diners can order optional upgrades and add-ons to enhance the experience.

Hiya Izakaya, a high-energy Japanese bar with whisky highballs and other inspired cocktails plus sake, beer, wine. Japanese bar foods on offer include skewers and bites prepared over a robata grill.

But I was promised ramen, dumplings and donuts!
Love on the Run at Love, Makoto is now open and serving Chef Makoto’s takes on Japanese favorites, including ramen, salads, maki rolls, fried chicken sandwiches, coffee and sweets. Enter on the plaza at 3rd and G Streets NW. You can order ahead of time by clicking HERE. Guests who don't order in advance can use the kiosks or QR codes found throughout the space to place orders.

Why can’t I book a party of seven (Beloved BBQ) or nine (Dear Sushi) or more through RESY?
Parties of nine or more at Dear Sushi and seven or more at Beloved BBQ are handled by our private events team. Please click here to learn more about booking larger parties.

Do you offer gluten-free and vegetarian options?
At Dear Sushi, we offer a vegetarian omakase experience priced at $65 per person. Beloved BBQ features both omakase and à la carte options, so vegetarian guests can order à la carte from the menu items marked with a (v) for vegetarian or a (v+) for vegan. In addition, we offer several vegetarian dishes at both Hiya Izakaya and Love on the Run. All of our concepts can accommodate gluten-free dietary restrictions; please alert your server to any allergies or sensitivities.

Do you offer valet parking?
We do not offer valet parking at this time. Guests can self park or use the garage under the building next door, 250 Massachusetts Ave. NW. The entrance to the garage can be found at 3rd and G Streets Northwest.

What is your policy for late arrivals?
We hold tables for 15 minutes, and then the table is released. We will seat you based on availability when your full party has arrived.

What is your cancellation fee?
Guests can cancel their reservation through Resy up to 24 hours before their expected arrival time. No-shows and those who try to cancel within 24 hours of their reservation are charged $35 per person.

Is the tip included?
Yes. We include a 20% service charge for all parties of 8 or fewer; 25% for groups of nine or more at Dear Sushi and groups of seven or more at Beloved BBQ. Guests can choose to tip more in recognition of outstanding service, but it is fully optional.

Do you have a dress code?
We don't observe a formal dress code but appreciate when our guests take each concept’s individual vibe into consideration when they dine with us! If you’re looking for guidance, Dear Sushi and Beloved BBQ skew a bit more upscale. Anything goes at Hiya Izakaya. :-)

What is your corkage fee?
We charge $35 per bottle for up to two bottles. If the bottle is on our list, the fee is equal to the full menu price of the bottle. Magnums count as two 750ml bottles.

Do you allow outside food or balloons for parties?
Not at this time.

Got another question?
Please email hello@lovemakoto.com, and a manager will get back to you ASAP!