As summer sweeps into DC, restaurants gear up to beat the heat with refreshing cocktails and seasonal menus.
What’s New
Check out DC’s newest restaurant and bar openings.
After suffering an unexpected fire in August 2022, Reverie reopened its doors in late March. Head Chef Johnny Spero meticulously crafted recipes to incorporate elements of the old menu into new dishes. The Georgetown establishment remains focused on sustainability, embodying resilient spirit and dedication to culinary excellence.
A New York City art-nouveau-styled brasserie, La Grande Boucherie opened in the historic Federal-American National Bank building near the White House mid-April. The New York City location was featured on the Sex and the City reboot and exhibits authentic French dishes with an emphasis on seafood. Restauranteur Emil Stefkov, of The Group NYC, will also open a Japanese restaurant called Washoku Room and an indoor/outdoor Italian trattoria called Olio é Piu at the same location.
The Wharf welcomed Kinfolk Southern Kitchen in April, serving American comfort food such as fried blue catfish and smoked ribs. The bourbon-focused menu includes spicy cocktails and beloved classics. Other highlights include shrimp and grits, a smash burger, and burnt ends.
Originating in Connecticut, Mecha Noodle Bar has made its way to DC. The Union Market location opened early May. The lively spot offers customizable ramen and pho, bao buns, and hand rolls. Guests can also enjoy spiked bubble tea or a cocktail. The brand’s mission is to create community among its customers and give back to their charitable partner, Eat Justice.
Opening Soon
Ama Restaurant, an Italian restaurant, café and bar, opens later this year in the AC Hotel. The concept from restauranteurs Johanna and Micah Wilder, along with Andrew Limberg, draws on chef Johanna Hellrigl’s North Italian background. The space will be designed to be a cozy café by day and lively restaurant at night.
Press Club debuts in Dupont Circle this summer. 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 this year. The atmosphere will be cozy and European, and its seasonal menus will be inspired in the Turkish, Greek, Lebanese and Israeli cuisines.
The owners of Mt. Vernon Triangle’s French-Chinese restaurant Bar Chinois are expanding to 14th Street with a new fusion concept. Bar Japonais, a French-Japanese Izakaya, will replace the Spanish restaurant Estadio in Logan Circle in later this year. It will be set in a sleek and sophisticated ambiance with plenty of sharable plate offerings, sushi, crudos, French wine, Sake and cocktails.
Clyde’s is planning to open a new restaurant in Union Market this summer. 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.
From the team behind Enigma comes bar10. With an innovative vision, the bar aims to offer top-tier nightlife without breaking the bank. The bar with European flair is to open this summer on 14th Street.
The highly anticipated F1 Arcade opens in Union Market this summer. 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.
Dōgon will open later this year 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 will be designed by Modellus Novus.
Recent Additions
The team behind Stable DC, David Fritsche and Silvan Kraemer have launched Steak Frites DC. Inspired by flavors of Paris and Geneva, the prix fixe menu includes bread and butter, a salad, and of course – steak and frites. Additional offerings include oysters, chicken liver pate and vegetarian options. The bar specializes in martinis, while weekend brunch features homemade doughnuts and buttery croissants.
Known for their Afghan cuisine in the DC food scene, the Masroor family opened Afghania in Georgetown in March. The women-run establishment nods to “Afghan frontier foods” while providing ample vegan and vegetarian options. The menu features dishes like leek and scallion dumplings (Aushak), sheekh kabobs, and Afghania palou. The cozy, dim lit spot creates a welcoming and comforting ambiance.
Sushi by Bou opened in late April on the penthouse of the citizenM hotel. The venue offers a timed omakase experience with 12 courses at $60 and 17 courses at $100 respectively. Guests can enjoy these dishes along with cocktails and sake flights at the 10-seat counter. The vibrant and modern décor featuring disco balls creates an energetic atmosphere for diners.
Oliver Pastan, the son of the owner of the beloved 2Amys Neapolitan Pizzeria, started his own Italian trattoria. Bar del Monte opened in Mount Pleasant in March with a daily selection of pizzas and Italian classics.
Beresovskys Deli opened across from Nationals Park, offering a slice of New York's classic deli culture in a bustling 1,500 square foot space. The deli is the latest venture from Knead Hospitality + Design’s co-founders, Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogen, known locally for their innovative contributions. Berevosky's aims to deliver the authentic flavors and atmosphere of a New York-style deli, featuring a menu of classic sandwiches and more.
Situated in Dupont Circle, Alfreda opened in late March. Chef Russell Blue Smith named the establishment after his late grandmother. Focused on crafting a New York-style crust, the dough is a central feature of the new pizza joint. The menu is straightforward yet flavorful, with a seasonal selection. Smith’s colleague, Evan Moore, has carefully selected wines to pair with the pies, salads, and other dishes.
Namak, a new upscale Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, has opened in Adams Morgan. Created by Saied Azali and John Cidre and featuring dishes by Turkish chef Tolgahan Gulyiyen, Namak offers a comforting environment. Guests can explore a curated menu that highlights the rich flavors and traditions of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.
Cucina MORINI brings a taste of Southern Italy to Mount Vernon Triangle by the culinary expertise of Chef Matt Adler from the Altamarea Group. Known for his work at Caruso’s Grocery and Osteria Mozza, Chef Adler’s menu highlights innovation, while keeping tradition. The restaurant features classic Italian dishes and a martini hour.
Rooftop Kitchen, a new venture by the MINA Group, has opened at City Ridge under the lead of celebrity Chef Michael Mina. The year-round rooftop consists of a 3,000 square foot porch with stunning views and a fun atmosphere. Menu highlights include local oysters, roasted jiodori chicken and toasted ginger glazed salmon.