As fall arrives, the city celebrates the season with fresh menus and new restaurant openings.
New Menus
Oribu has introduced a new curated omakase experience that highlights seasonal seafood through a blend of Japanese technique and Mediterranean flavors. Each course is crafted around the freshest ingredients available that day, offering a custom dining experience.
Chef Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss of The Popal Group’s Pascual, recognized as one of North America’s 50 Best,introduced new dishes to the restaurant’s Sunday brunch menu. Highlights include the concha torta,rice bowl, and Buñuelos ice cream sandwich.
Eunoia, the Mediterranean restaurant in Union Market from Iva and Alex Gotsev, has launched a new brunch menu featuring a variety of toasts, sandwiches, smoothies and bowls. Standout dishes include shakshouka, quinoa salad and bananas foster French toast, while classic brunch drinks such as mimosas, Bloody Marys and sangrias round out the offerings.
The Fountain Inn has launched a new five-course vegetarian tasting menu featuring rotating seasonal dishes daily, with optional wine or spirit pairings. New offerings include ratatouille-stuffed Bobo Farms chicken and chocolate baked Alaska, while the DC Local Heroes-inspired cocktail menu features the “Vanilla Beane Highball” and “Marvin Gaye Hot Daisy.”
What’s New
Husband and wife duo G. Bradley Shorten and Meg Schmitt bring a taste of the Midwest to Dupont Circle with La Merna. The Chicago-inspired tavern-style pizza joint has an in-house cheese program, pasta made from scratch and a curated list of Italian wines and local beers.
Croix brings the spirit and flavors of the Virgin Islands to the Navy Yard with its botanical bar and an open-air terrace for sunset dinners and brunch. Next door, Croix Veranda offers a club vibe and hosts themed DJ nights, creating a lively Caribbean-inspired escape.
Located on the upper level of Union Station, the Continental Club puts a modern spin on classic American cocktail culture, pairing a retro-inspired design with a lively atmosphere overlooking the main train hall. Its blue velvet lounge adds an elevated touch, while the drink menu draws inspiration from American history and heritage. The popup will be open through the end of September.
Bernadette channels the glamour of Europe’s iconic supper clubs with a candlelit, basement-style setting featuring red velvet, golden light and a grand piano. The restaurant offers live music Thursday through Saturday, an extensive Champagne program, classic cocktails and a menu of elevated favorites.
A DC native, Chef Rob Sonderman offers a fresh take on chicken with Little Engine. The concept focuses on rotisserie chicken and wings, combining classic roasting techniques with creative sauces and bold seasonings to create unique flavors like Sticky and Chipotle Ranch Dust.
Sanjay Mandhaiya, the Executive Chef of Pappe and Karravaan, introduces The Grace to the Shaw neighborhood. The restaurant puts a Midwestern spin on the classic American tavern, offering elevated takes on comforting favorites in a warm, inviting space. Menu highlights include local oysters, slow-roasted chicken and classic Reuben.
New York-based Palestinian restaurant Ayat made its debut in Foggy Bottom, bringing its popular halal Palestinian dishes to Pennsylvania Avenue. The menu features popular favorites including chicken shawarma, mezze platters and wood-fired pizzas.
The Capitol Hill community has come together to reopen Motts Market after a four-year closure, bringing the beloved neighborhood spot back with groceries, coffee, sandwiches and essentials. The refreshed space also features a community gathering area and weekly programming for neighbors to enjoy.
Virginia-based Jon's Joint has expanded to DC, serving fresh halal beef burgers in the city. The fast-casual spot offers hand-smashed burgers, fries and hand-spun milkshakes with an emphasis on quality and community.
A high-end American grill, The Oak Room, has arrived in Georgetown. Inspired by the private clubs of Gilded Age New York and London, the space is designed with oak paneling, leather seating and candlelight, creating an intimate atmosphere.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts opened a new Museum Café in partnership with local coffee shop Slipstream. Located on the mezzanine, the café serves specialty coffees and teas, light bites and pastries, with a menu of creative seasonal drinks. The café also offers catering and event packages.
Coming Soon
Chef Carlos Delgado of Maru San, Causa and Amazonia will open his latest venture, Brisa, this year. The restaurant will bring a Tulum-inspired waterfront dining concept to Buzzard Point. The menu will focus on seafood and Latin cuisine with a detailed cocktail program.
Chef Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani is bringing Botiwalla to Tenleytown, offering a taste of India’s iconic Irani café culture. The menu centers on charcoal-grilled kababs, served with naan, salads or rice bowls, alongside favorites like lamb burgers and vada pav.
Known for Bun’d Up, Cheff Scott Chung is bringing Major Yum to Columbia Heights this fall. The new Chinese-Korean concept will blend the flavors and traditions of both cuisines to create an innovative menu.
Indochine is coming to H Street in September, bringing Vietnamese cuisine and the flavors of historic Indochina to the neighborhood. The family-owned restaurant will feature traditional dishes such as pho, bánh mì, shaking beef and Hanoi-style steamed rice rolls.
The beloved Baltimore-born artisan bakery from the Paterakis family, Kneads Bakeshop & Café, is set to bring its signature breads, pastries and all-day café experience to The Thompson Hotel. The new outpost will mark the brand’s first full expansion into the District, offering a full-service menu with grab and go options in addition to sit down dining.
Puree Juice Bar is opening at 1511 Wisconsin Ave. NW in Georgetown, replacing the former Solbiato space. Located near Q Street, the shop will offer organic, cold-pressed juices and plant-based foods.
Known for Lucky Buns, Chef Alex McCoy is bringing back Alfie’s this year. The Isaan-style spot will return in a cozy 25-seat Georgetown location, featuring dishes like beef-rib khao soi, plus natural wines and cold beer.
Taki Taki is expected to open later this fall on Capitol Hill, bringing a fresh take on Indian fine dining. The restaurant will showcase regional flavors, a warm and inviting ambiance and timeless, rich Indian traditions.
Photo Credit - Oribu