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Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visitors and transplants from around the world. But recent years have made the fifth or sixth banana of American haute cuisine into a foodie town in its own right. You can find almost any cuisine here, from Salvado
Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visitors and transplants from around the world. But recent years have made the fifth or sixth banana of American haute cuisine into a foodie town in its o
Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visi
Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visitors and transplants from around the world. But recent years have made the fifth or sixth banana of American haute cuisine into a foodie town in its own right. You can find almost any cuisine here, from Salvadoran to Ethiopian, despite the lack of true ethnic neighborhoods in the city. You can now also sample cooking from some of the country’s hottest new chefs, find already established celebrity chefs who have just made their D.C debuts, and sip craft cocktails on par with some of the world's best.
Although most neighborhoods lack a unified culinary flavor, make no mistake: D.C. is a city of distinctive areas, each with its own style. Chinatown, for example, is known for chic small plates of various origins. You'll find Japanese noodle shops next to Mexican taquerias and Indian bistros. These spots wax and wane on the popularity scale with each passing season; it's worth taking a stroll down the street to see what's new. Downtown, you'll find many of the city's blue-chip law firms and deluxe, expense-account restaurants, as well as stylish lounges, brewpubs, and upscale eateries that have sprung up to serve the crowds that attend games at the Verizon Center.
Wherever you venture forth in the city, there are a few trends worth noting: artisanal cocktails, charcuterie-and-cheese plates, and back-to-basics new American cuisine are in vogue. You'll find tapas-style portions pervasive, whether you're at a Greek, Asian, or American restaurant. High-end restaurants in town also have begun to add bar menus with smaller plates that are much less expensive than their entrées, but created with the same finesse.
Though Italian, French, and fusion spots continue to open at a ferocious pace, Washingtonians are always hungry to try something new, whether it's Chinese smoked lobster, fiery Indian curry, or crunchy and addictive Vietnamese spring rolls.
A darling of both diners and the media, Rose's Luxury lives up to the hype as one of the city's most welcoming and groundbreaking dining destinations. The dishes are as delightful as they are shocking, and cause visitors to wait in line for hours to visit the supremely stylish re-creation of a hipster's dream dinner party. Reservations are available only for groups of six to eight, so smaller parties should arrive early to get their names on the list or plan to eat at the upstairs bar.
717 8th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
With an open kitchen firmly committed to artistically crafted American cuisine, this high-end neighborhood tavern in the Park Hyatt Washington D.C. hotel uses the region's freshest seasonal ingredients to create rustic dishes such as wood oven–roasted bone marrow and roasted Rohan duck breast. The apple pie is probably the most iconic dish of this popular restaurant, so make sure to save room for dessert if it's on the menu.
1201 24th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, USA
An ultramodern take on the old-school farmhouse, Founding Farmers has been a popular choice for both tourists and locals. The restaurant is known for its sustainable and local sourcing. The wide-ranging menu includes everything from handmade pasta to burgers oozing with a variety of toppings. Farms from all over the country provide most of the fresh vegetables, beef, poultry, and fish. Bonus: it's one of the few standalone restaurants in the city offering breakfast from Monday to Friday.
1924 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20006, USA
The brainchild of veteran chef Ris Lacoste, RIS serves elevated but comforting seasonal New American fare in an earthy-chic, light-filled space—the sort of place you'll find locals, the after-work crowd, and even a celebrity or two. You should definitely try the daily and seasonal specials, but you can always count on the mainstays, including onion soup, mussels, and RIS's "famous meatloaf."
2275 L St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
Charcuterie is more than just salami at this wood-paneled homage to all parts of the pig. Sample servings of meat under headings like rich + earthy, herbal + floral, and boozy, and complement the taste with one of the vibrant small plates like grilled octopus and Brussels-sprout slaw. Other standouts include the braised pork arepas and the sun-dried duck. The hazelnut mud pie leads a delightful dessert menu.
709 D St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
The culinary team focuses on Americanized versions of bistro classics created from regional ingredients in this modern-style West End restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C. In warmer months, the patio is popular with guests and locals alike, and innovative cocktails please the happy hour crowd.
1190 22nd St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, USA
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