Bar Japonais Introduces New Executive Chef, Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino
Japanese-French Restaurant to Debut 15-Course Omakase Experience
WASHINGTON D.C. (February 20, 2025) – Bar Japonais is proud to announce the appointment of Michelin-starred chef Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino as the restaurant's new executive chef. Chef Uchi will usher in a myriad of innovative additions to the menu, from a luxurious omakase experience to new beverage offerings.
Co-Owner, Dean Mosones says, “We are thrilled to welcome one of Washington’s finest sushi chefs to the Bar Japonais family. Chef Uchi’s talent and expertise will elevate our culinary offerings, bringing guests an exceptional, top-tier dining experience.”
From left: Dean Mosones, Chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino, Mark Minicucci
Credit: Bar Japonais
Chef Uchi brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record to Bar Japonais. As the executive chef at Sushi Nakazawa DC from 2018 to 2022, his creativity helped the restaurant earn a coveted Michelin star in 2020 and 2021. Under his leadership, Sushi Nakazawa also ranked third and fourth on Washingtonian Magazine’s “Very Best 100 Restaurants" list in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Following his tenure there, he launched his own venture, KIYOMI Sushi, at The Square in 2023 before joining Bar Japonais this month.
Chef Uchi says, “I’m very excited to join the team at Bar Japonais and share my passion for sushi with our guests. Through our menu, special events, and culinary creativity, I look forward to bringing joy to diners and deepening their appreciation for Japanese cuisine.”
Bar Japonais will expand their menu to include a wider selection of sushi to reflect Chef Uchi's style and focus while maintaining the restaurant's original blend of French-Japanese influences. Bar Japonais' new Omakase experience under Chef Uchi will include a 15 course, rotating selection of exceptional seasonal ingredients. The inaugural Omakase menu, launching on March 6, is a tribute to spring and the beloved Cherry Blossom season in Washington, DC. Guests will enjoy a meticulously curated selection of seasonal delicacies, including spring sea bream, cherry blossom-steamed sushi, firefly squid and cherry salmon. These offerings will also be available à la carte.
Seasonal sake will also be added to the already remarkable beverage menu, as well as US domestic selections and other unique sake. Guests can expect offerings to continuously update.
For additional photos or to speak with a member of the team or for any questions, please contact Alina Gorban at ali@lindarothpr.com or 240.338.0536.
About Bar Japonais
Bar Japonais is a sushi restaurant located in Logan Circle at 1520 14th Street NW in Washington D.C. With a stylish interior, vibrant Japanese-inspired dishes, and a French beverage program, Bar Japonais aims to create a remarkable dining experience that blends Japanese and French culinary and beverage cultures. Led by Executive Chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino and the team behind Bar Chinois, the restaurant promises energetic hospitality, intuitive service, and a remarkable experience. For updates, follow us on social media at @barjaponaisdc or visit our website barjaponaisdc.com. 1520 14th Street NW; 202-519-7666.
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