As winter approaches DC, restaurants prepare to embrace the season with cozy cocktails and seasonal menus.
What’s New
Check out DC’s newest restaurant and bar openings.
James Beard winner Chef Nancy Silverton brings her celebrated Italian cuisine to Georgetown with Osteria Mozza. The restaurant features a mozzarella bar and a menu that highlights dishes like orecchiette pasta and duck al mattone, offering a vibrant taste of Italian flavors.
Bar Americano is the latest creation from the team behind Sonny’s Pizza. Situated just steps from the National Air and Space Museum, this vibrant kiosk serves up hand- pizzas alongside a curated selection of natural wines and beer.
Olio e Più, a new authentic Italian restaurant, opened mid-October a block away from the White House. The 120-seat trattoria offers a menu focusing on hand-made pastas, pizzas, and Italian classics. The rustic décor sets the stage for a classic dining experience.
SHIA, a nonprofit restaurant project by Edward Kyun Lee, blends research, sustainability, and innovation in its culinary approach. Focusing on Korean ingredients from the Hansik peninsula and locally sourced agriculture, SHIA offers a dining experience that showcases both cultural heritage and modern cuisine.
Dog Daze Social Club is a vibrant new hotspot serving up craft coffee and breakfast in the morning, followed by Chicago-style pizza in the evening. With a spacious 6,000-square-foot dog-friendly garden, the social club has a full bar and a dedicated "Pup Patrol" to maintain a safe environment for all four-legged friends and patrons.
Recent Openings
The highly anticipated F1 Arcade opened its second U.S. location in Union Market. Spanning 17,500 square feet, the entertainment facility features 83 full motion F1 simulators designed in partnership with F1’s motorsport design teams. The drink list includes a selection of sparkling wine, local beer, F1 themed cocktails and premium spirits. Mocktails are available.
New to Logan Circle, Giggle Water has opened in the Studio Theatre on P Street. Founded by entrepreneur K. Scarry in partnership with Juicy Brewing, the bar offers small-batch wines, local brews, handcrafted cocktails, locally roasted coffee, and a variety of non-alcoholic options.
DC restaurateur Ashok Bajaj, known for Rasika and Bombay Club, has introduced Rosedale, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring a menu of daily specials and a rotating selection of seasonal dishes. Menu highlights include Grilled Rhode Island Squid and a 45-Day Aged Rib Steak. Rosedale currently serves dinner and plans to launch brunch service soon.
Raw Omakase, located on the third floor of Takara14, provides an exclusive, reservation-only journey through Japanese cuisine, with dishes featuring the finest fish flown in from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Market.
James Beard Award winner Ellen Yin has brought Philadelphia’s a.kitchen + bar to Hotel AKA Washington Circle in Foggy Bottom. The restaurant highlights American dishes with rich flavors while emphasizing sustainable practices in its kitchen.
Named after the Catalan word for “roots,” Arrels celebrates Michelin-star Chef Pepe Moncayo’s heritage. Located in the Arlo Hotel, the restaurant specializes in open-fire cooking. The menu features traditional Spanish dishes and desserts in a vibrant, contemporary setting.
JINYA Ramen Bar opened a seventh location at Union Market. The menu features its signature slow-cooked ramen, flavorful broths, and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Known for its rich, 20-hour simmered broths and a variety of customizable toppings, JINYA creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere ideal for ramen enthusiasts.
Karizma, the newest addition to Karma Food Group, is right next door to Karma Modern Indian. The upscale, yet casual restaurant offers a dynamic menu blending both modern and traditional Indian flavors, with classics like Butter Chicken. Karizma emphasizes a shareable dining experience.
Clyde’s has just opened a new restaurant in Union Market. Cordelia Fishbar serves dishes made over a charcoal flame grill. The restaurant seats up to 250 guests and has a private event space.
New York City based ice cream shop Van Leeuwen has opened its seventh DMV location in Capitol Hill. The sweet shop offers a wide selection of their signature ice creams, including both dairy and vegan options.
What's Coming
Press Club made its debut in Dupont Circle in November. The unique spot is 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.
From the team behind Jane Jane, Bar Bestie is to open this winter in the Union Market. Inspired by co-owner JP Sabatier's lively Puerto Rican mother, the bar aims to emulate her vivacious energy and welcoming hospitality. The bar will offer cocktails, beer, wine, and finger foods.
Gaia is set to open in early 2025, offering a tavern with 78 seats and a picturesque summer garden with 34 seats, with a total capacity of199 guests. Expect a lively atmosphere, a full bar, and live entertainment.
Bread Bite Bakery is moving to Logan Circle and opening soon. The bakery offers a variety of freshly baked goods including breads, bagels, and pastries. The menu also features all-day breakfast, lunch options, and custom cakes.
A New York City staple, Minetta Tavern, is opening it’s first DC location in Union Market in December. The restaurant will have a two-level space with a private dining room and a secret rooftop bar, seating up to 210 guests inside and 20 on its outdoor patio. It will have the famous Black Label Burger and a similar menu to the NYC original.
A new French-Mediterranean restaurant is coming to Farragut Square in late 2024. Barbouzard will feature a sophisticated menu that blends classic Mediterranean dishes with contemporary twists. The design will reflect an upscale ambiance, aiming to provide an elegant environment.
Atlas Brew Works will open its third DC location in the Bridge District in early 2025. The space will include a large taproom, brewery operations, and food from DMV staple Andy's Pizza.
Slice & Pie, a popular pizzeria by Giulio Adriani, will open a new location at the Parks at Walter Reed later this year. The menu will offer paninis and smash burgers in addition to its signature pizzas. The venue will seat 26 customers, making it a more spacious than the brand's original U Street location.
Tapori, a new communal Indian street food restaurant, is opening on H Street in late 2024. It is the latest venture from the team behind Daru, featuring flavors from across India, particularly the southern and Himalayan regions. The restaurant will provide a casual, social dining experience with shared plates and bold, spicy flavors.
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 Lobby, located in Georgetown, offers a refined setting for wine and cocktails, featuring a curated menu of drinks and small bites. The modern, bohemian-inspired space provides a cozy yet elegant atmosphere for guests to relax.
Bar Angie, an upcoming concept from the Balos Restaurant Group, will open in DC’s West End as an upscale brasserie. This new spot will bring an elevated dining experience with a brasserie-style menu and refined ambiance to the neighborhood.Bar Angie, an upcoming concept from the Balos Restaurant Group, will open in DC’s West End as an upscale brasserie. This new spot will bring an elevated dining experience with a brasserie-style menu and refined ambiance to the neighborhood.
Urban Roast is expanding to the Wharf in 2025. Known for its stylish decor, this new location will bring its signature blend of cozy café vibes, creative cocktails, and shared plates to the waterfront.
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.
A new organic cafe is coming to the West End this winter. Life Alive emphasizes plant-based, wellness-focused dining, using locally sourced ingredients to create nourishing, vibrant meals. Their mission is to inspire health and sustainability within the community through mindful, health-conscious choices.
Manifest is set to debut a speakeasy in Union Market in 2025. The hidden, upscale bar will add to the current barbershop and boutique offerings. Known for its modern vibe and community focus, the speakeasy will deliver a luxurious experience that aligns with brand’s blend of sophistication and style.
photo credit - Olio e Piú