15 Sep 2022
Washington, DC is not only the political heart of the United States – it is also home to a dining scene as colourful and eclectic as the country itself. Washington, DC's reputation as a culinary destination has grown from strength to strength, thanks to an unmatched collection of innovative chefs and mixologists. Four more restaurants in DC earned Michelin stars in 2022, bringing the total across the city to 24 stars, proving the Capital's worth as a culinary haven. With a fresh crop of new openings from celebrity chefs and restaurateurs and a selection of internationally-inspired watering holes with local charm, Washington, DC is the ultimate city for foodies.
Capital New Openings
Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen – Opening Fall 2022
Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay is bringing Hell's Kitchen to The Wharf. Drawing inspiration from the global hit reality television show starring the world-renowned chef, guests will feel like they are on the studio set. Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, a staple in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, is known for its steak and seafood offerings including its Beef Wellington showpiece and lobster risotto, and the excitement builds as these mouth-watering dishes make their way to the East Coast of the United States for the first time. The waterfront restaurant will be located in a two-story over-water building, opening later this year.
Minetta Tavern by Keith McNally – Opening Late 2022
Originally opened in 1937 in New York City, this big city staple is set to make its DC debut in the latter half of 2022. Now headed by London-born restauranteur, Keith McNally, Minetta Tavern has been described as “Parisian steakhouse meets classic New York City tavern”, a narrative the team is ensuring remains true. In its new Union Market location, Minetta is sure to provide a slice of French luxury within the nation's capital.
The Bazaar by José Andrés – Opening Late 2022
DC legend José Andrés' hotly anticipated new restaurant is now set to open in the historic Old Post Office Pavilion – the iconic location is in Federal Triangle, neighbouring both the White House and the U.S. Capitol Building. After seven years of delays and a global pandemic, Andrés is making a triumphant return. His latest project is due to open in the heart of the capital – its location is symbolic to Andrés who is committed to creating an upscale and inclusive environment within the city's culinary scene.
Pastis by Stephen Starr – Opening Late 2022
East Coast hitmaker Stephen Starr (Le Diplomate, St. Anselm) will duplicate the Meatpacking District's scene-y bistro in DC's Union Market. The new site will get all dolled up for its new life as Pastis, providing a glamorous backdrop for a French menu filled with beef bourguignon, sardines, escargot, and weekly specials like decadent dover sole and duck confit.
In the thick of it – can't miss dishes and drinks
From the team that created popular Caribbean eatery Canes, comes the new St. James, now open on buzzing 14th Street in North-West DC. The Trinidadian inspired restaurant, named for a district of the island's capital city, serves Caribbean street-food that pays homage to its namesake city and an expansive menu of rum-forward cocktails.
Centrally located and yet still shielded from the hustle of Pennsylvania Avenue, Bottles Wine Garden is an oasis between Georgetown and Foggy Bottom for both serious oenophiles and casual wine enthusiasts. Walls bedecked with reused wine bottles create a cosy backdrop for the 50-seat indoor space that opens to a breezy patio surrounded with lush, foliage walls. Guests can order their preferred bottle from female Sommelier Erika Parjus' 43-bottle list. Offering an intimate selection of wines sourced from rising stars and established names, the list is curated with an emphasis on female winemakers who practice low-intervention winemaking throughout the process, from the vineyard to the cellar.
There are two levels to explore at this much-anticipated Mount Vernon Square restaurant, which celebrate the best of Peruvian ingredients and cooking techniques. Downstairs, minimalist Causa — set to open its doors in late August — will feature a six-course menu showcasing the cuisine of Peru's coastline and Andes Mountains. Upstairs, Bar Amazonia is the life of the party. Guests can enjoy meat skewers, classic ceviches and other street food snacks, washed down with aromatic cocktails, such as the gin and tonic made with Peruvian cinchona bark, or choose from their large selection of Pisco.
Famed DC restauranteur Hakan Ilhan has reactivated a glitzy space near the White House with a new Italian home away from home. Naples native and Al Crostino alum, Lina Nicolai, mans a comforting menu full of homemade meatballs, arancini, fettuccine alla Bolognese, ricotta gnocchi, eggplant parmigiana, and chicken Milanese. Happy hour starts early (2:30 p.m.) at its gold-plated bar, and weekend brunch brings “build-your-own” Aperol spritz kits to the table.
Opening a new location at The Wharf, Milk & Honey Café is a New Orleans-style eatery serving a Southern brunch that features award-winning shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, Rum Chata French toast, and other slow-cooked, mouth-watering favourites. Guests come for the food and stay for the abundant Southern charm and hospitality.
Set behind an unmarked, electric pink door, Alias is a sultry and sophisticated social club, offering signature handcrafted cocktails, the finest champagnes, and Executive Chef Elier Rodriguez's meze selection of Mediterranean fusion bites from Dolce Vita. Guests are encouraged to linger while enjoying beautiful cocktails and a bite to eat as the night evolves with music, mingling, and mystery, amidst masqueraded figures adorning the walls.
For more information visit washington.org.
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About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.
