MAP IT
From food stall-hopping to elegant dining, you can live out your foodie dreams at this vibrant culinary haven.
Asian-style tacos? Sign us up. TaKorean started as a food truck and is now a Union Market favorite. Korean-style proteins (including beef, chicken, pork and tofu) and a soft-corn tortilla make up your base, unless you want to roll with a slaw or rice bowl. Topping options are mouthwatering, including cool lime crema, Sriracha chili sauce and salsa roja. TaKorean also does TaKo Tuesday, when you can get their creations for just two bucks each.
Founded by Priya Ammu, native of Bombay, India, DC Dosa doles out South Indian lentil crepes that can be stuffed with ingredients of your choosing. The street-food staple now has a strong presence in DC thanks to Ammu, who has been wowing taste buds at this Union Market locale. Browse the menu and daydream on all of the hearty combos, then find your way to this fast-casual gem.
Located just down the street, O-Ku (“Oak” in Japanese) wants you to get excited about sushi. While you’ll be able to enjoy traditional dishes nigiri, this hot spot rethinks what sushi can be with the creations like the Tasmanian king salmon with golden tomato confit. The restaurant’s robata grill also churns out wagyu skirt steak and chicken yakatori.
Former Top Chef finalist Marjorie Meek-Bradley has formed a dynamic team with restaurateur Stephen Starr (of Le Diplomate fame) to bring Union Market-goers the finest grilled dishes at St. Anselm. This sleek, 7,000 square-foot hot spot can be found just across the street. Start your meal off right with grilled oysters dressed in smoked herb butter or clams before choosing any number of grilled meats (think: ribeyes, flat irons, New York strips).
Spark the Southern in your palate with a visit to Puddin’, which is known for churning out some of the best shrimp ‘n' grits in the District. Owner/chef Toyin Alli started out as a street food vendor at Eastern Market, but her “divine comfort food” is now served through the Union Market location, two food trucks and other local markets. Beyond the S’N’G, Alli whips up amazing takes on chicken ‘n' beef sausage gumbo, po’ boy sandwiches and another crowd favorite, Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Puddin'.
A trip to Neopol Savory Smokery is a great idea any time, as the shop offers gourmet foods, including artisanal smoked salmon and outstanding bagels. We’re getting hungry just listing the choices: smoked salmon with cream cheese, tomato, capers and red onion; smoked whitefish salad with artisan greens, tomato and red onion; smoked bacon and tomato with cream cheese and red onion; we’d go on, but we imagine you’ve set a calendar appointment in your phone already.
Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s award-winning Italian restaurant presents one of the city’s finest dining experiences. With an menu consisting of four to six courses, each plate is equipped with loads of Italian flavor and pristine culinary style. Stefanelli’s menu guides you along the Italian coast, showcasing classic pastas, seafood and rare meat dishes like rabbit and squab. You’re in for an adventure.
Bidwell is a Southern-inspired home run of a restaurant, dealing in comfort food with more dazzle than you’d come to expect. The restaurant, which grows most of its produce on the market's rooftop, makes for a great value option in DC. A lobster taco, served with avocado-tomatillo salsa, is a fantastic shareable dish to kick off a meal, as are the crispy fried oysters with green chile buttermilk dressing. Of course, you can also get your comfort from herb-roasted half chicken or grilled hanger steak.
More About DC
