As fall arrives in DC, restaurants prepare to embrace the season with warm cocktails and autumn-inspired menus.
What’s New
Check out DC’s newest restaurant and bar openings.
Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsay, who already has two restaurants at the Wharf, Hell’s Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, has a new venture in Chinatown. Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza offers more than tasty pies. The menu includes a variety of pastas, salads, and “Hotter than Hell” wings.
Ama Restaurant, an Italian restaurant, café and bar, opened early June in the AC Hotel. The concept from restauranteurs Johanna and Micah Wilder, along with Andrew Limberg showcases chef Johanna Hellrigl’s North Italian background. The space is designed to be a cozy café by day and lively restaurant at night.
Apapacho, meaning “embrace the soul,” is the newest addition to Union Market. Husband-and-wife duo, Alam Mendez and Elisa Reyna, bring their culinary expertise to the taqueria, capturing bold flavors of Mexico. The restaurant is designed to offer an authentic and soulful dining experience.
Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Chef Hamilton Johnson opened Mallard early August. The restaurant offers a modern twist to classic Southern dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include duck wings, shrimp and grits, and southern fried green tomatoes.
River Club DC provides a fine dining experience, showcasing flavors of Lebanon, Italy, and Spain through mezze style service. Executive Chef Nate Berry and Director of Operations Joe Arroyo have curated a food and beverage menu that reflects the rich flavors of these regions. The space is designed for comfortable elegance with custom furniture and vibrant décor.
Opening Soon
Dōgon will open Sept. 9 in the Salamander Washington, DC. Inspired by DC surveyor Benjamin Banneker and the West African Dogon tribe, the restaurant will serve vibrant Afro-Caribbean cuisine and showcase Onwauchi’s diverse Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian and Creole heritage. The space is designed by Modellus Novus.
With six locations across the DMV, Colada Shop opens its newest spot in National Landing. The Cuban coffee shop serves more than coffee - it’s a gathering place for enjoying good food, socialization and indulging in an afternoon cocktail.
Press Club debuts in Dupont Circle later this year. The unique spot will be brought to life by mixologists and friends Will Patton of Bresca and Jônt, and Devin Kennedy, formerly of Pouring Ribbons in NYC. Inspired by a vinyl records theme, the intimate bar will feature a rotating two-sided menu, akin to the A and B sides of a record.
DC restaurateur Hakan Ilhan of Brasserie Liberté, Il Piatto and Ottoman Taverna is getting ready to open Alara, a Mediterranean restaurant in Georgetown later this year. The atmosphere will be cozy and European, and its seasonal menus will be inspired in the Turkish, Greek, Lebanese and Israeli cuisines.
Clyde’s is planning to open a new restaurant in Union Market later this Fall. Cordelia Fishbar will serve dishes made over a charcoal flame grill. The restaurant is expected to seat 250 guests and will have a private event space.
The team behind Enigma opens bar10 later this year on 14th Street. The bar offers top-tier nightlife without breaking the bank with European flair.
The highly anticipated F1 Arcade opens in Union Market in October. Spanning 17,500 square feet, the entertainment facility will feature 83 full motion F1 simulators designed in partnership with F1’s motorsport design teams. The drink list will include a selection of sparkling wine, local beer, F1 themed cocktails and premium spirits. Mocktails will be available.
Buffalo & Bergen is expanding to Cleveland Park. The “carb bar” will feature morning Danishes and fresh baked bagels with dough imported from A&S in New York. This location will include a beverage program centered around a vintage soda machine. Similar to the Union Market and Capitol Hill spots, the menu will feature classic plates and items paying homage to founder Gina Chersevani’s Italian background.
Recent Additions
The New York City -based restaurant, 7th Street Burger opened in June in Georgetown. Known for its simple menu of burgers and fries, the unique house sauce is what sets the burger joint apart. Vegetarian options are also available.
French entrepreneurs Samie Didda and Germain Michel are thrilled to introduce Amélie to DC. Nestled in the heart of Logan Circle, Amélie-DC is a luxurious and exquisite wine bar with more than 75 hand-picked wines available by glass, along with non-alcoholic wines and cocktails. The dining area seats 80 people with an additional 25 seats at the bar.
Karaoke bar Echobox offers a menu with Korean-inspired dishes. Highlights include Momo’s award-winning Korean fried chicken, Jiambong ramen and K-street corndogs. Guests can have food delivered directly to their private rooms, which can accommodate up to 20 people.
The owners of Mt. Vernon Triangle’s French-Chinese restaurant Bar Chinois have expanded to 14th Street with a new fusion concept. Bar Japonais, a French-Japanese Izakaya, has replaced the Spanish restaurant Estadio in Logan Circle. The sleek and sophisticated ambiance has plenty of sharable plate offerings, sushi, crudos, French wine, Sake and cocktails.
Sustainable wine bar Sixty Vines features over 60 wines on tap. Guests can try flavors from some of the world’s premier wine regions in Foggy Bottom. The menu features a range of dishes that pair perfectly with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail.
Just a few blocks away from the Washington National Cathedral, Talea DC showcases culinary excellence and fine dining. The menu focuses on classic Italian cuisine featuring dishes like lobster diavola and vitello alla Milanese in a warm and comforting ambiance.
Baan Mae is the most recent addition to the Laotian food scene in Shaw. Inspired by her mother’s kitchen, Chef Seng pays homage to Southeast Asian hospitality, culture and flavors. The décor is vibrant, colorful, and features a Laos-inspired mural.
Situated in the heart of Union Market is DC’s only piano karaoke bar, Sid’s Gold Request Room. Guests can enjoy an exuberant, yet intimate and nostalgic atmosphere while listening to live music.
Easy Tiger Tavern has replaced Pop’s Sea Bar in Adams Morgan, offering a cozy sports bar vibe. The menu carries American classics like wings, loaded tots and sliders. It is a gathering place where patrons can cheer on their favorite sports teams.
Masoud Aboughaddreh, known for Greenhouse Bistro and Lima Twist, is thrilled to bring Darvish Kitchen to Connecticut Avenue. With a deep passion for promoting Persian culture and food, Aboughaddreh ensures the space offers an authentic Persian dining experience. The kitchen serves traditional Persian dishes like kabobs and khoresh and desserts such as Persian cream puffs.
photo credit - Scott Suchman
photo credit - Nina Palazolo