Oya, a pleasant surprise!
So i tried Oya on Saturday night based on some reccomendations on this board. I have been by there several times in the past and always thought it was a great looking spot, but due to so-so reviews and disinterest in the menu i have previously decided to stay away. The menu however has changed for the better, the asian fusion and sushi is something that is desperately needed in DC. My first impression upon walking into the space was that it is really great looking. the decor is one of the coolest places in town. It almost didnt feel like you were in DC. We had an 8:30 reservation and were seated around 8:45, no biggie. The strangest part of the meal is the bread they serve, its similar to the popovers at BLT and the cheese puffs at Central, but thought they were delicious, they kind of felt odd in an asian inspired restaurant. The menu is very large, almost too lrage as i was a little overwhelmed, but our waitress gladly guided us through it. Its divided into sushi, small plates, and big plates. I am a big eater and i can say the small plates are big enough for a meal. I got the Miso Sea Bass small plate and the Short Rib Terrine small plate, both were large and delicious. My wife got a spicy, crunchy shrimp roll to start and the ramen noodles with shrimp. all the dishes were excellent. For desert we got the Blueberry Cheescake, and though it was served with blackberries, it was delicious. The service was great and overall it was a fantastic experience. i would definitely go back. thanks for the advice!!
elegantelliot
Oct 15, 2007 08:21AM
Glad you liked it. I had a good experience at Oya as well and was almost 1/2 expecting to be quite disappointed. When I went though they were having their anniversary special--3 courses for around $30/person plus a glass of champagne.
I'm curious how much a regular meal there would cost. (Mainly because this would determine whether or not I would return more often considering some of my favorite restaurants are also in that area.) What was your total for the night?
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they have a $30 price fix right now, 2 courses and a desert. I thought it wouldnt be enough food, but in hindsight it probably would have. With drinks, desert and tip it was about $115. Pricey but not too bad in comparison with the other trendy spots in town.
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Seems like they always have this $30 promotion going...which is perfect for me. Looks like I will be returning.
$115 actually doesn't seem too bad these days. Seems to be the norm at a lot of restaurants...especially in the area. For what you ordered I probably spend the same amount with my boyfriend at Cashions, Poste, Zola, PS7 (not in the lounge of course) etc. It's still more then I can afford week to week in DC but it's about right for a nice night out in a cool environment.
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i would definitely include it in the category with zola, poste and the other you mentioned above. Its definitely a scene there so you pay a little for the ambience.
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I agree the prix fixe deal is quite good. Honestly it's been running so long (for various reasons - spring special! restaurant month! celebrate fall!) that I've never paid full price, and probably never will. I found the service pleasant too, if a bit scattered. But overall, it's a very nice dining experience.
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Ditto. We always go saying maybe we'll just get sushi or an entree but the $30 meal is one of the best deals in town!
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It's also beautifully portioned. I had a shrimp roll, the scallops, noodles and hen of the woods, and sorbet, and left feeling perfectly satisfied, not terribly full. The husband, of course, went for the foie gras, the beef, and the chocolate cake, but even he polished his plate and wasn't uncomfortable.
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I think I had the exact same meal as you...although my scallop dish didn't come with noodles but with gnocchi and hen of woods. It was delicious!
And you are right...they don't skimp on the food like some restaurants do during Restaurant Week or during certain promotions, but it's just enough that with a drink or glass of wine you feel full and satisfied.
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CHers, you've done it again - after coming across this thread, how could I NOT go to Oya this weekend?! :o) Hope the prix-fixe menu isn't too different from what they have online right now, because I am already planning on what to get, haha
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They actually have the Fall Pre-fixe lunch and dinner menus listed on their website (www.oyadc.com). I'm almost positive this is the up-to-date menu because it was different then their "Anniversary 3-course Menu" this summer.
I think I'll have to be checking it out soon as well because the updated menu looks awesome, in particular the duck with hazelnut gnocchi, 5-spice and chocolate as an appetizer...how interesting.
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Yes, current menu is up to date. We went a few weeks ago. Recommendations on current menu items (from most recent as well as past trips) include:
Firsts: Spicy Crunchy Salmon, Sirloin Nigiri (my husband's favorite), Duck (my fave), Tuna Tempura Roll
Seconds: Grilled Beef Sirloin (this was better the way it was presented for their Anniversary Dinner though) and Scallops. Someone at the table next to us had the Sea Breem, which I had never heard of, but it looked delicous and they seemed to enjoy.
Desserts: my suggestion is to share the banana bread pudding and the 3 sorbets (particularly the mango, passion fruit, and strawberry). While the Chocolate dessert sounds appealing I've tried it and wasn't impressed.
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What is the duck like? It sounds really interesting with a lot of flavor going on. The description online is pretty vague (as is their menu usually). Is it sweet from the chocolate? Is it like a spicy mole sauce? That dish alone makes me want to give the restaurant a visit soon. :)
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There were three little "piles". The gnocchi was on the bottom and on top of each stack was a slice or two of the duck. The chocolate is like a sweet sauce on top (I think it was on top). While I like their sushi I would definitely get the duck again.
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Oya also has a great happy hour special - $5 sushi (for 3 pcs. of nigiri or a roll - all but the most expensive rolls are $5) and some drink specials at the bar from 5-7 (I think - it has been a while!)
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I actually think their HH goes until 8--one of the later ones in the area...
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