The food: Chef Miguel Choy fuses Latin American and Asian flavors in his sushi and small plates. Edamame comes two ways—traditionally salted, or seasoned with chili, garlic, and black-bean sauce. There’s sashimi, but also ceviches and tiraditos. The dining room is perhaps best known for its rolling conveyor belt, which holds small plates of maki (fillings include seared tuna with chili sauce, and avocado with tempura peppers) and nigiri, mini-servings of tempura, calamari, and even dessert. Sushi and salads are also available for carryout in the market area up front.

The scene: Sit down at one of about 40 seats at the narrow wood counter and serve yourself from the dishes on the conveyor belt. Each plate is color-coded by price ($2 to $5) and labels explain the contents. Servers pitch in to answer questions, pour sake, or grab a side of rice. Red cone-shaped lights dangle from the ceiling, highlighting wasabi-green walls. The informality of the conveyor belt makes Wasabi fun for lunch, eating by yourself, and low-key dates. At night, candles orbit the room by the same means as the food.

What’s nearby: Farragut Square is across the street, putting both the Farragut North (Red line) and Farragut West (Orange and Blue lines) Metro stops within sight. Walk south on 17th Street to get to the White House and Corcoran Gallery of Art. Head north on Connecticut Avenue for shopping and entertainment around Dupont Circle.

Insider tips: Sake is always available, but on Thursdays from 6 to 9 it floats by on the conveyor belt in two-ounce glasses, perfect for sampling different varieties (prices vary based on the sake).
Wasabi offers happy-hour specials weekdays between 5 and 7. Wines and beers are $2, and sake pitchers are $5 to $7.