I’m at all times grateful when individuals ask me the place they need to eat. But additionally panicked. My psychological rolodex goes bonkers — flipping by longtime favorites, updating with current finds, after which cross-tabulating by no matter schlepping, dietary, or different restrictions I used to be given. I freeze in place for what appears like perpetually — possibly half-a-McConnell — earlier than my mind can formulate a response.
I’d wish to spare myself additional trauma. This web page is a one-stop store for my favourite eating places within the DC space. It’ll be a dwelling doc that I’ll replace as usually as I can. The High 25 is my present checklist of favorites, no matter delicacies or value. The focused lists under the top-25 are further choices inside specific cuisines or classes.
1. Moon Rabbit, 927 F Avenue NW, Washington DC (Penn Quarter)
I’d observe chef Kevin Tien wherever — and I’ve, from Himitsu, to Emilie’s, to Moon Rabbit #1, and now to the recently-opened Moon Rabbit #2. And that’s simply previously 5 years. The newest incarnation of Moon Rabbit occupies a stunning Penn Quarter house that when housed CoCo Sala, DC’s first — and hopefully solely — chocolate-themed restaurant. Tien’s cooking at MR2 is grounded in his Vietnamese heritage punctuated with riffs from his Louisiana childhood and different influences. As at all times, Tien’s meals is advanced and artistic — there’s at all times so much occurring — however unfailingly scrumptious. If I needed to choose one DC chef to make my final meal, I’m going with Tien. However earlier than I get overly fan-boy — too late, I do know — don’t miss Beard-nominated pastry chef Susan Bae’s choices. They’re the right complement to Tien’s savory dishes and mirror the identical creative-without-sacrificing-deliciousness sensibility.
Shrimp Thermidor with shellfish sabayon, nice herbs, Meyer lemon (somebody prompt getting an order of Bae’s annatto bread to sop us the chic sauce and I’m all for it)
Squid Boudin with charred eggplant puree, crispy chickpeas, herbs
Inexperienced Curry Sponge Cake with avocado sorbet, soursop mousse, fish sauce caramel, finger lime
2. Queen’s English, 3410 eleventh Avenue NW, Washington DC (Columbia Heights)
Like Moon Rabbit, Queen’s English is a extremely private restaurant delivering one-of-a-kind Asian flavors reflecting the chef’s roots. My common reader (hello, mother!) gained’t be stunned to see them each main the pack. Queen’s English is run by husband-and-wife workforce of Henji Cheung and Sarah Thompson. Henji’s cooking is predicated on the Cantonese and Hakkanese flavors he grew up on, whereas Sarah runs the entrance of the home and the top-flight wine program (Sarah was named Michelin’s DC Sommelier of the 12 months for 2023). That is the place to strive substances that could be much less acquainted or that some could also be squeamish about (strive the pig-ear salad). Veggie dishes just like the Mushroom Mushroom and the Truffle Dumpling are so good you gained’t miss the meat (which is a trope I hate as a result of it’s not often true; so you’ll be able to belief me on this).
Crispy Pig Ear w watercress, lychee, goji French dressing
Mushroom Mushroom w royal trumpet, pickled shimeji, tofu ranch, dill
Truffle Dumpling w edamame, shallot, corn espuma
3. Albi/Yellow, Albi 1346 4th Avenue SE, Washington DC (Navy Yard); Yellow 1524 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC (Georgetown)
Chef Michael Rafidi is one other native treasure who hit his stride by channeling his roots. Rafidi grew up in Maryland however the cooking on the upscale Albi and the extra informal Yellow is impressed by his household in Ramallah and what his grandparents cooked at house. Albi showcases a wood-fired open fireplace, which not solely imbues lots of the dishes with smoke and char however elevates the entire vibe of the place. Like Maydan — and to a lesser extent The Dabney and Centrolina — Albi’s open fireplace creates a primal feeling of security and group in gathering round a hearth to eat. Yellow is a good spot for breakfast or lunch (test it out within the DC episode of Any individual Feed Phil on Netflix). Each spots have wonderful hummus, baba ganoush, and felafel to fill out your order. And don’t miss Yellow’s Batata Tots (stacked potato squares) or the stacked potato column known as Batata Harra at Albi. They’re culinary and architectural marvels. (June 2024 Replace: Chef Rafidi gained the James Beard award for Excellent Chef!)
Hummus (Yellow Cafe)
Felafel w pickled onion (Yellow Cafe)
Wooden-Grilled Branzino w Batata Harra (Albi)
4. Lutece, 1522 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC (Georgetown)
There’s a lot to like at this jewel-box French spot that helped cement the re-foodie-fication of Georgetown. Signatures just like the charred Napa cabbage, duck breast, Parisian gnocchi, and honey semifreddo are constants, though the particular preparations fluctuate and many of the menu modifications with the seasons. Seize a seat inside in case you’re into close-quarter conviviality. I often go for a desk on the sidewalk, which tends to be extra peaceable apart from the periodic Metrobus or when Yellow subsequent door is working a wait.
La belle farm duck w beets, kumquats, sauce bigarde
Parisian Gnocchi w inexperienced garlic, tomato
5. Bar Spero, 250 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC (Capitol Crossing, between Union Station and Chinatown)
Bon Appetit named Bar Spero one of many nation’s greatest new eating places of 2023 and also you gained’t get any pushback from me (though BA misplaced me when it described Bar Spero as an “ode to Basque nightlife”). What I’m certain of is that there are lots of good issues popping out of the kitchen, usually seafood- and veggie-forward and cooked over an open fireplace. I’ve solely been as soon as however all the pieces was a success — the hearth-grilled bread from Manifest Bakery (with the rooster liver mousse), grilled oysters, beef tartare, the burger (which Spero initially made well-known at Reverie), baked potato with smoked egg, Jonah Crab Rice, Beef Rib, and Burnt Cheesecake ice cream. If that is what I’m lacking late at night time in Basque Nation, I could need to e-book a visit to San Sebastian and keep up previous my bedtime.
Jonah Crab Rice with Carolina gold rice and crab fats custard
Russet potato dusted with smoked egg
Burnt Cheesecake Ice Cream
6. L’Ardente, 200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC (Capitol Crossing, between Union Station and Chinatown)
Chef David Deshaies (additionally of Unconventional Diner) educated below the late-great Michel Richard at Citronelle, so it’s no shock that the dishes he places out might be beautifully-executed and sometimes comprise a contact of caprice. However don’t let the whimsy idiot you. These are critical dishes which have the boldness to not take themselves too significantly. A few of them chances are you’ll know from social media — the 40-layer lasagna could also be DC’s most Instagrammed dish ever — however they style nearly as good as they appear. By the best way, in contrast to many prime eating places, L’Ardente can also be nice lunch spot. My go-to is likely one of the wonderful salads or possibly a pasta, after which casually ask my table-mates if we should always order a funghi pizza for the desk. I don’t expressly say that my day might be ruined if they are saying no, however possibly they’ll sense it. To date nobody’s stated no.
Lunchtime Salad Verde with Prawns
Funghi Pizza w morel mornay and wild mushrooms
The 40-layer lasagna with short-rib sugo, truffle mornay
7. St. Anselm, 1250 fifth Avenue NE, Washington DC (Union Market)
St. Anselm is my favourite steakhouse in DC and the closest factor we’ve to a certain factor. Nobody doesn’t get pleasure from consuming there. The menu is stuffed with crowd-pleasers like the enduring biscuits with pimento cheese, blue-crab deviled eggs, salads that don’t attempt to reinvent the wheel, the sleeper salmon collar, and properly-cooked steaks starting from the butcher’s lower to the ax-handle ribeye. It appears like a recent, bumped-up tackle what’s comforting and acquainted with out shedding what made them comforting and acquainted within the first place. See Caruso’s Grocery, under, for an additional profitable instance of updating the classics.
Biscuits with Pimento Cheese
Salmon Collar
Ax-Deal with Ribeye
8. Thip Khao, 3462 14th Avenue NW, Washington DC (Columbia Heights); Baan Mae, 1604 seventh Avenue NW, Washington DC (Shaw), Padaek, 6395 Seven Corners Heart, Falls Church, VA
There are such a lot of nice dishes within the DC space. But when I needed to choose my absolute favourite, it’d need to be Chef Seng Luangrath’s Naem Khoa (Laotian crispy rice salad). It’s at all times on the menu at her flagship Thip Khao and Padaek in Falls Church (though it’s not on the current opening menu at Baan Mae, I hope it’s only a matter of time). The salad begins with coconut rice, frivolously crisped and a bit heat (take-out sadly loses the crisp) after which tosses it with peanut, lime, scallion, cilantro, bitter pork, mint, banana blossom, pink onion, and a sprinkling of pixie mud. It comes with lettuce leaves for wrapping. It’s crunchy, nutty, candy, bitter, porky, salty, spicy, herbaceous, heat, cool, and funky. In the event you’re somebody who hates it when completely different meals contact in your plate, it is probably not for you. However in case you’re like me and also you’re continuously forking dibs and dabs from completely different sections of your plate in search of that good chew, that is your holy grail.
ps – There are many different nice decisions to fill out your order. Simply know that a lot of it’s spicy, and after they say spicy, don’t be like me — imagine them:
Nevertheless it’s a superb form of ache
Naem Khao — Crispy coconut rice salad, preserved pork sausage, banana blossom, mint, scallion, cilantro, onion
Tapioca dumplings, preserved radish & peanut caramel, cilantro
Crab Curry with lychee and snap pea
9. Namak, 1813 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC (Adams Morgan)
Namak, the brand new eastern-Mediterranean restaurant within the previous Mintwood house, is an effective reminder that execution is likely one of the most underrated points of consuming out. We fetishize the sourcing of native substances. We pore over menus on the web. However we not often deal with the precise cooking course of — the kitchen’s capability to squeeze the utmost deliciousness out of no matter substances they’re given. The Namak kitchen, led by Turkish-American chef Tolgahan Gulyiyen, will get the cooking half proper. Take the Adana kabob, a Turkish floor lamb skewer just like the Persian kubideh. Too usually, floor meat kabobs are overcooked — you, Moby Dick — however I nonetheless get them organized as a result of hope springs everlasting and yogurt sauce can do wonders. Namak’s Adana kabob is juicy and succulent by itself; no yogurt sauce wanted (ditto for the shrimp kabob, one other protein that’s simple to overcook). Or take one in all my favourite bites of the yr — the feta saganaki — through which the kitchen deep-fries sesame-coated feta to a greaseless golden brown whereas bringing the interior feta temperature to an ideal ooze. The substances could also be top-quality, but it surely’s the execution that makes the dish.
The one caveat I’d have on Namak is that it’s not for the dill-averse. Contemporary dill makes an look in most dishes. You could possibly, after all, ask that they go away the dill out so long as you’re not consuming with me.
Feta Saganaki – sesame-crusted fried feta w honey
Roasted Cauliflower w turmeric, tahini, and garlic
Adana Kabob — spicy floor lamb w lavash
10. Anju, 1805 18th Avenue NW, Washington DC (Dupont Circle)
Anju, with its mixture of conventional and up to date takes on Korean homestyle dishes, stays a troublesome reservation virtually 5 years after its opening. And it’s a favorite of the meals cognoscenti as effectively — Washingtonian named it the #1 restaurant within the DC space for 2020. Anju’s starters are all wonderful, particularly the craveable fried rooster with gochujang glaze and white bbq drizzle and the meat tartare (I do discover myself wanting a greater conveyance for the tartare than pretty-but-fragile lotus chips). For the primary course, I beeline for no matter variations of fried rice and/or rice desserts are on the menu after which decide on a protein (or two). At brunch, it’s onerous to withstand the consolation of the Shrimp Juk. Until it’s the decadence of the PB&J French Toast.
Yukhoe — Beef tartare with palm sugar, chili basil seeds, pine nuts, lotus crisps
Chikin — Half-fried rooster with spicy gochujang glaze, white bbq drizzle
11. Centrolina, 974 Palmer Alley NW, Washington DC (Metropolis Heart)
Chef Amy Brandwein by no means seems a nasty dish. Not as a result of she doesn’t take dangers. She does, usually defying settled expectations. I can’t think about what number of occasions her waitstaff has needed to clarify that, sure, the Bolognese sauce is white. Her dishes really feel each grounded in elemental strategies — charred, pickled, burnt, or confited parts are frequent — and but utterly elevated. It’s what our ancestors may need aspired to out on the savannah with higher product and a little bit of approach. Put in another way, Chef Brandwein could be nice on a tenting journey.
Roasted Chanterelle with Parmesan creme brulee
Squid Ink Fusilli with octopus ragu
Merely Grilled Sea Scallops
12. Pastis, 1323 4th Avenue NE, Washington DC (Union Market); Le Diplomate, 1601 14th Avenue NW (Washington DC) (14th Avenue hall)
Not since Staff Edward and Staff Jacob have Washingtonians been compelled to decide on sides like this. We have now dueling Stephen Starr productions designed to move you to the Parisian culinary setting of your goals — the quintessential bistro (Pastis) and the quintessential brasserie (Le Dip). So which is healthier? My wishy-washy take is that they’re roughly equal and you need to go along with what sort of “crowded” you’re in search of — the comfy form (Pastis) or the bustling form (Le Dip). The extra nuanced reply is it relies upon what you’re within the temper for. In the event you ‘re a bread-head, it’s benefit Le Dip for its bountiful basket over Pastis’ sliced sourdough. In the event you care about frites, it’s Le Dip once more for its thinner/crisper fries, though the Pastis fries are properly salted. As for the steak accompanying these frites, I like Pastis’ succulent bar lower higher than Le Dip’s hanger steak that may be good one go to and gamey the following. Each do wonderful inexperienced salads however the leeks French dressing at Pastis offers it the sting from the backyard (I do just like the Heat Shrimp Salad at Le Dip however that’s extra of a lightweight meal than a starter). For dessert, Pastis’ textbook creme caramel will get the nod over Le Dip’s been-there-done-that creme brûlée. I do know some individuals swear by the profiteroles at each spots, however I’m not a fan of pate a choux, the identical dough that’s used for different unlucky concoctions like creme puffs. So that you’re by yourself there.
Bar Steak Frites at Pastis
Creme Caramel at Pastis
Bread Station at Le Dip
Steak Frites at Le Dip
13. Seven Causes, 931 H Avenue NW, Washington DC (Metropolis Heart); Imperfecto, 1124 twenty third St NW, Washington DC (Foggy Backside)
I fell for Venezuelan-born Chef Enrique Limardo’s vibrant cooking the primary time I went to Seven Causes and tried his arepitas, latin felafel, ceviche, bomba rice, and entire fish. The restaurant just lately relocated from its 14th Avenue townhouse to Metropolis Heart (the place DBGB was) and it appears to be like like my favorites survived the transfer. Imperfecto is Limardo’s fancier soak up a hovering house with a buzzy Miami vibe. Like Seven Causes, no matter you order at Imperfecto can have fascinating, cross-cutting flavors and look lovely on the plate. The crudos, pastas, tiger prawns, and tartares (each tuna and steak) are winners, and the lamb terrine combines the standard (lamb shoulder) and the luxe (truffles) right into a unified yin-yang entire.
I ought to notice that Pleasure, owned by the identical Seven Causes group, is positioned in Friendship Heights actually blocks from my home. It didn’t make my prime 25. It appears like my nook of the DMV at all times appears to finish up with a restaurant group’s weakest choices. We get Pleasure, Q by Peter Chang, and Black’s Bar & Kitchen. The remainder of you get Seven Causes/Imperfecto, Mama Chang/Chang Chang, and Black Salt/Black’s Market. However am I bitter? As bitter as a ten year-old jar of Folger’s Crystals.
Tiger Prawns “a la diablo” Lemon-butter sauce, Imperfecto Cholula, house-made sourdough (Imperfecto)
Lamb Terrine Robuchon’s pomme purée, pink cabbage confit, lamb jus, truffle (Imperfecto)
Complete Fried Fish (Seven Causes)
14. 2Fifty Texas BBQ, 4700 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale Park MD; 414 Okay Avenue NW, Washington DC (Mt Vernon Sq.)
Sometime I’ll inform my grandkids how onerous we had it again within the day, when locations like Pink Scorching & Blue and Rocklands have been state-of-the-art DC barbeque and catered each company summer season outing. You’ll by no means know such hardship, I”ll reassure them; you’ll be able to stroll right down to 2Fifty BBQ any day of the week and get brisket nearly as good as something in Texas. I’ll ignore the budding logician who factors out they’re not allowed to even cross the road and ask if any of them can inform me what particular factor occurs at 2Fifty each Thursday. That’s when little Tommy, my favourite, whom I’d been drilling for simply this second, raises his fist within the air and shouts “Thursday is pastrami day, grandpa! And it’s the very best on the town!” That’s once I often get up. I don’t marvel what all of it means or whether or not I’d be a superb grandpa. My first thought is whether or not it’s Thursday.
Extra excellent news. I used to say that the pork ribs don’t reside as much as the brisket at 2Fifty. Now not. I simply had some scrumptious St. Louis-style pork ribs from 2Fifty that have been meaty and superbly smoked. As for the edges, the beans, cole slaw, and mac & cheese are all properly finished, as is the potato salad if, like me, you get pleasure from a potato salad that’s mustard-forward.
Beef Brisket, pork ribs, and burnt ends
Pastrami Sandwich (Thursdays solely)
15. Caruso’s Grocery, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC (Capitol Hill), 11820 Commerce St, N Bethesda, MD (Pike & Rose); Cucina Morini, 901 4th Avenue NW, Washington DC (Mt Vernon Sq.)
Chef Matt Adler is the frequent thread right here. Caruso’s Grocery is Adler’s homage to basic Italian-American cooking like his dad’s restaurant Scoozi in upstate New York — remember to strive the calamari, the spicy neapolitan ragu, the veal francaise, and the parm (I agree with Adler’s view that veal parm > rooster parm). Lately-opened Cucina Morini, in contrast, is grounded in Adler’s love of Italian regional cooking and the flavors of Sicily and its shoreline — strive the tomato focaccia, the crudos, the paccheri alla norma, and the pollo all diavola. What I really like about Adler’s method to cooking is that whereas he values and appreciates custom — there’s a purpose classics grew to become classics — he’s additionally a tinkerer who takes dishes aside and places them again collectively utilizing strategies and substances that enhance on the unique. A number of weeks in the past Adler posted an image on X of a house-baked cornetto full of pistachio cream he’d been engaged on for Morini’s new brunch service. He requested individuals to weigh in on whether or not his prototype had an excessive amount of cream filling. The clear consensus was you could by no means have an excessive amount of cream filling, which might have been a fair larger landslide if I may’ve considered extra pretend X handles.
16. Bar del Monte, 3054 Mt Nice St NW, Washington DC (Mt Nice)
Bar Del Monte is for individuals who know and demand high quality however don’t wish to present it off. So whereas the substances are pristine and top-notch, the plates are small and the compositions are easy. The set menu has however seven gadgets of stuff you’d think about an Italian farmer consuming for lunch, if the Italian farmer had a full-time procurement division — together with plates of Chistorra (“a really fatty Spanish sausage”), l’Escala anchovies, and bottarga (salted fish eggs). The quick checklist of present specials contains dishes like Sardinian Sheep Ricotta grilled in fig leaf (I’ll now solely eat sheep ricotta from Sardinian terroir) and a plate of house-cured Capicola (gabagool in Sopranos-speak). And at last there are pizzas — which is smart since Bar del Monte was opened by the oldsters from 2 Amy’s — together with your selection of toppings (so long as these toppings are prosciutto, anchovies, olives, arugula, or buffalo mozz).
It sound like I’m making enjoyable, and I’m — the aggressive lack of pretension can really feel a bit pretentious. However the joke’s on me as a result of the meals and the service have been each wonderful. I really favored the pizza at Bar del Monte higher than 2 Amy’s — the crust was thinner and smokier (I additionally order my pies well-done, which may have contributed to the smokiness). I’ll undoubtedly be again with different non-bling-y associates.
Sardinian Sheep Ricotta grilled in fig leaf w charred eggplant
Manila Clams w garlic, chili, tomato, and saffron
Sausage Pizza w pink Florentine onion & shishito pepper (ordered well-done)
17. Perry’s, 1811 Columbia Highway NW, Washington DC (Adams Morgan)
What a change a chef could make. Earlier than chef Masako Morishita confirmed up, Perry’s was the place with the good roof deck that’d pop into my head the three days a yr Sonia declared the climate too good to sit down inside. Now I don’t await the climate report and depend myself fortunate once I can snag a desk wherever on the premises. Sushi and different uncooked fish preparations are beautiful but it surely’s chef Morishita’s cooked dishes, just like the grilled avocado, udon carbonara, and shrimp katsu burger, that maintain me coming again and answering “first obtainable” when the host asks if I favor exterior or inside. (June 2024 replace: Chef Morishita simply gained the James Beard award for Rising Chef of the 12 months!)
Grilled Avocado with shiso chimichurri & tamari-cured egg yolk
Shrimp Katsu Burger
18. Pascual, 732 Maryland Ave NE, Washington DC (Capitol Hill)
Pascual doubled their seating capability after they opened their out of doors patio, but it surely’s nonetheless one of many hardest reservations on the town. And make no mistake — it’s actually good, upscale Mexican cooking. Is it schlep-across-town to eat at 5 pm as a result of that’s the one reservation I may get good? Most likely not, however not many locations are. If I lived on the Hill, I’d undoubtedly be a daily. My favourite dishes fall-off-the-bone lamb neck barbacoa, which comes with corn tortillas for wrapping, the refreshing chayote salad, and the scallop aguachile.
Lamb Neck Barbacoa w ayocote beans, salsa crudo, herbs
Chayote Salad w sunflower seeds, guajillo oil, asian pears
Tomatoes w avocado, squash blossom, hierba buena
19. Cielo Rojo, 7211 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park MD
Maya Angelou stated that individuals will overlook what you stated, and so they’ll overlook what you probably did, however they’ll always remember the way you made them really feel. I’ve by no means left Cielo Rojo not feeling higher than once I confirmed up. The husband and spouse workforce of David Perez and Carolina McCandless do issues proper, from cautious product sourcing and processing, to Perez’s well-conceived dishes (I at all times begin with the terrific pozole), to the welcoming vibe McCandless creates within the entrance of the home. And now that they’ve moved into lovely new digs a stone’s throw down Carroll Avenue, Perez and McCandless have a greater platform to do their factor. Hospitality sounds simple — simply feed individuals effectively and make them really feel taken care of. But when it have been, everybody would do it.
Guacamole & Tostadas + Herbs
Pozole Rojo
Tres Leches
20. Ellē, 3221 Mt. Nice St NW, Washington DC (Mt. Nice)
Ellē is a real neighborhood restaurant. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and maintains a relaxed bakery/espresso store/haunt vibe that occurs to have some tables within the again. The guts of the place stays baked items, so whether or not you come for a morning bagel, a noon pastrami sandwich, or begin your dinner with grilled sourdough, you’ll really feel such as you’re seeing the restaurant at its greatest. At dinner, toasted bread and pasta usually function the clean canvasses for fascinating toppings, like the present springtime toast with snap peas, whipped ricotta, pickled rhubarb, and burnt strawberry.
The growth within the Mt Nice eating scene appears like a mixed-bag for Ellē. It not will get the thrill and the eye it as soon as did, however that additionally means it feels much more of the neighborhood. Hopefully that connection to the area people is what’s going to maintain it over time.
Grilled Sourdough with cultured butter and whey caramel
XO Caesar Salad with charred broccoli, pickled daikon, sesame breadcrumbs
Roseda Farms Hanger Steak with confit potatoes, aleppo crema, salsa verde
21. A&J Restaurant, 1319-C, Rockville Pike, Rockville MD; 4316 Markham St, Annandale VA
I’m a sucker for anyplace with a workers desk within the eating room the place servers on break are scarfing down dumpling and noodle dishes. For me, there’s no higher commercial for A&J than the gusto and the ability that the workers brings to the duty. I research their approach — do they choose up the bowl? do they take a chew of the dumpling or pop all of it of their mouth? — and attempt to determine what they’re consuming on the menu for subsequent time. For sure, I’m not nice firm and attempt to go alone. By now, I’ve tried a superb chunk of the handmade noodles and different dim sum choices on A&J’s lengthy menu and there’s nothing I wouldn’t be comfortable to eat once more. Sheets of fried pork potstickers, fused collectively like King’s Hawaiian Buns, make an look at most tables. Simply keep in mind it’s money solely (these strips of paper in your pockets subsequent to the receipts you forgot to throw away).
Cucumbers with garlic sauce
Pork Potstickers
Beef Noodle Soup
22. The Duck & The Peach, 300 seventh St SE, Washington DC (Capitol Hill)
A lot of the cooking at TD&TP revolves across the French Rotisol gasoline rotisserie. That’s proper, all the pieces at TD&TP revolves round a financial institution of revolving spits. Until, that’s, somebody fired their Smith & Wesson on the Beatles album enjoying on the turntable. Then all the pieces would revolve round a revolver apart from the revolver taking pictures Revolver.
But when the rotisserie is French, the meals at TD&TP is decidedly American. It’s the form of trustworthy, easy cooking that I think about discovering at just a little farm-to-table place simply exterior Woodstock, Vermont on a crisp fall day. There’s nothing fussy or tweezered, simply clear, seasonal meals, merely ready. And a particular notice of appreciation for the well-spaced tables within the eating room. The last word luxurious as of late is having the ability to go to the restroom throughout dinner with out apologizing to neighboring tables.
Rotisserie Duck with citrus French dressing and scallions
Rotisserie Sea Bass
Caramel Apple Cake
23. Alfreda, 2016 P St NW, Washington DC (Dupont Circle)
There’s at all times room for an additional good pizza place on the town, particularly one which makes pizzas the best way I like them — skinny, crisp crusts with no flop (so Neapolitan, Detroit-style, and deep-dish are nice however I’d reasonably have New Haven-style, tavern-style, or NY/NJ pizza each time). Fortunately, Almeda’s sourdough pies are proper up my alley. Strive a Tomato pie (I believe it’s a Jersey factor?) with crushed tomato, garlic, chili and a sprinkle of pecorino romano — the slices go down simple with out all that mozzarella weighing issues down. In the event you order your pizza well-done, like I do, you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully-charred undercarriage that made me take a knee when it was delivered to my desk.
Tomato Pie with pepperoni and sausage
Take a look at the char
Alfreda Chopped Salad
24. The Pink Hen, 1822 First St NW, Washington DC (Bloomingdale); Aventino, 4747 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda MD
I nonetheless favor Chef Mike Friedman’s extra laid-back Pink Hen to his upscale, Roman-inspired Aventino, however bonus factors for planting his newest flag in Bethesda and instantly changing into the hardest reservation on the town. Whichever one you select, there might be terrific pastas, beautiful salads becoming the season, and a brief checklist of mains that every one sound good.
ps – I ought to point out that Pink Hen is house to an iconic DC dish — the Rigatoni with Fennel Sausage Ragu — that’s so well-liked that President and Jill Biden each ordered it after they ate at Pink Hen in 2023. Now, I often assume Biden is fairly level-headed and Jill can do no unsuitable. However not on this one. This crosses a line that ought to by no means be crossed. {Couples} merely can not order the identical primary course. {Couples} ought to at all times share tastes of their meals, so there’s no threat of lacking out on one thing actually scrumptious. Then again, repetitive ordering forfeits the upside of different scrumptious menu prospects. Possibly one other dish was higher than the rigatoni, however the Bidens won’t ever know. What if it’s worse you say? They’d nonetheless each get to eat the rigatoni — and scientists have discovered that after the primary few bites any dish has diminishing returns. Consider the science. Anyway, I hope the Bidens acquired the assistance they want.
Shaved Snap Pea Salad with spring radishes, toasted almonds, meyer lemon dressing, pecorino (Aventino)
Tortellini with ricotta, sunchoke cremosa, preserved black truffle, parmigiano, sunchoke chips (Aventino)
Mezzi Rigatoni with tomato, garlic, fennel sausage ragu, fennel pollen, pecorino romano (The Pink Hen)
25. Convivial, 801 O St NW, Washington DC (Shaw)
Convivial is a kind of eating places — I’d throw Obelisk, Corduroy, and Chez Billy Sud in there as effectively — which can be usually unfairly missed by these searching for the brand new, new factor. Chef Cedric Maupillier by no means disappoints. Each dish popping out of the kitchen might be well-executed and extra fascinating than you have been anticipating, whether or not it’s his Poireaux French dressing (steamed leeks, mustard French dressing, croutons, egg, capers), beef bourguignon, or no matter rooster dish is on the menu (a few of chances are you’ll recall that Maupillier created a stir when Convivial first opened together with his fried rooster coq au vin, a French-American mash-up that grew to become a runaway hit).
ps – I’m not a brunch individual however they do it effectively — strive the cinnamon rolls — and on a pleasant day you’ll be able to often get a seat on the patio.
Poireaux French dressing — steamed leeks, mustard French dressing, croutons, egg, capers
Lyonnaise Rooster with vinegar and garlic
GROUPINGS BY CUISINE
Pizza
Alfreda, 2016 P St NW, Washington DC (Dupont Circle)
Nice new addition to the DC pizza scene. Skinny, crisp sourdough crust, no flop. The tomato pies have only a mild sprinkle of cheese and go down very simple. And take a look at that under-char (I at all times order my pizzas well-done).
Frankly…Pizza!, 10417 Armory Ave, Kensington MD
Frank Linn’s pizza doesn’t fall neatly into any pre-determined type. The crust has a number of the billowiness of a Neapolitan pie however has extra structural integrity and crisp. The White Scorching Mess with pickled jalapeños, caramelized onions, house-made bacon, and Gruyere/Romano/mozzarella cheeses is a signature (actually, it’s been featured on WETA’s “Signature Dish”).
Pepperoni, Mushroom, and Contemporary Garlic Pizza
Martha Pricey, 3110 Mt Nice St NW, Washington DC (Mt Nice)
Blistered sourdough crust that delivers with hits of smoke, salt, and tang. The undercarriage is crisp however nonetheless tender to the chew.
Pepperoni Pizza
La Casina DC, 327 seventh St SE, Washington DC (Japanese Market)
Roman-style pinsa-style pies that incorporate three flours — rice, soy, and 00 wheat — and a protracted fermentation time to create a fragile, ethereal crust. Gentle and craveable.
Carbonara Pizza
Andy’s Pizza (a number of areas)
Mexican
Maiz 64 (see above)
Cielo Rojo (see above)
Taqueria el Mexicano, 7811 Riggs Rd, Adelphi MD
Naked-bones storefront however the rooster mole is top-notch.
Rooster Mole
Amparo Fondita, 2002 P St NW, Washington DC (Dupont Circle)
Pozole Rojo (wonderful model)
Chicatana, 3917 14th Avenue NW, Washington DC (Columbia Heights)
Al Pastor Taco with onion, pineapple, and cilantro
Quick-Informal
Kuya-Ja’s Lechon Stomach, 5268-H Nicholson Lane, Rockville MD
After all get the luscious lechon stomach, however don’t sleep on different dishes like Papa B’s Fried Rice with house-made candy pork longanisa and crab fats
Lechon Stomach
ChiKo, 423 eighth St SE, Washington DC; 2029 P St NW, Washington DC; 7280 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda MD; 4040 Campbell Ave, Arlington VA
Shrimp Toast with XO Sauce
When you may have a gaggle with completely different tastes
Buck’s Fishing & Tenting, 5031 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC (Higher NW) (see above)
Ruthie’s All-Day, 3411 fifth St S, Arlington VA
Rad Double Burger
St. Anselm (see above)
Unconventional Diner, 1207 Ninth St NW, Washington DC (Conference Heart)
Rooster Parm
Woodmont Grill, 7715 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda MD
My favourite french dip sandwich on the town (order the horseradish and further jus). Additionally don’t sleep on the cheeseburger.
French Dip
Vegetable-Ahead
Oyster Oyster, 1440 eighth St NW, Washington DC (Shaw)
Celery Root w/ Smoked Tofu Puree
Seeking to Splurge
Imperfecto (see above)
Reverie, 3201 Cherry Hill Lane, Washington DC (Georgetown)
Crab Custard w/tomago tofu, black walnut, and caviar
Kappo DC, 4822 MacArthur Blvd, Washington DC (Palisades)
Sashimi Course #1 in eight-course wagyu tasting menu
Italian
L’Ardente (see above)
Pink Hen/Aventino (see above)
Caruso’s Grocery/Cucina Morini (see above)
Thompson’s Italian, 124 N Washington St, Falls Church VA; 1024 King St, Alexandria VA
Olive Oil Cake
Ethiopian
CherCher, 3608 14th St NW, Washington DC (Columbia Heights); 4921 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda MD
Betsebeb, 8201 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring MD
Tsehay Restaurant and Bar, 2429 18th St NW, Washington DC (Adams Morgan)
French
Pastis/Le Diplomate (see above)
Convivial (see above)
Chez Billy Sud, 1039 thirty first St NW, Washington DC (Georgetown)
Duck Confit
La Piquette, 3714 Macomb St NW, Washington DC (Glover Park)
Steak Frites
Sandwich Retailers
Soko Butcher, 7306 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park MD
Steak and Cheese
Bub & Pops, 1815 M St NW, Washington DC (Golden Triangle)
Tuna Soften
Chinese language
A&J (see above)
Mama Chang (see above)
Sichuan Jin River, 410 Hungerford Dr, Rockville MD
Chinese language-Fashion Kung Pao Rooster (keep away from American model made with chicken)
Cuban
Mi Cuba Cafe, 1424 Park Rd NW, Washington DC (Columbia Heights)
Roast Pork with black beans/rice, and candy plantains
Bakery
Manifest Bakery, 6208 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale Park MD
Bread Furst, 4434 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC (Van Ness)
