As spring unfolds in DC, restaurants embrace the season with special menus and new bar openings.
Seasonal Offerings
Ciel Social Club’s annual cherry blossom pop-up returns this March at both locations, featuring DMV-based Kat Flowers Design’s blooms and a “Tokyo lights” theme. Guests can enjoy spring-inspired décor, pop-art photo spots, Japanese-inspired craft cocktails and new dishes like Teriyaki Salmon Donburi.
The Dome at Hi-Lawn in Union Market is offering a special cherry blossom activation, Peak Bloom: Dome Experience, through the end of April. The space features an immersive digital presentation by ARTECHOUSE Studio projected onto the rooftop’s 50-foot spherical structure, celebrating spring with limited-time cocktails.
Isla celebrates cherry blossom season with limited-time menu items like the duck and cherry with Rohan duck, macerated cherry, Sakura XO, and spring peas; a Coconut Panna cotta with cherry blossom geleé and the Les Fleurs Spritz, a sakura-infused St. Germain, Prosecco, and Aperol cocktail – also available at Goodlove.
Masaoki Bar at the Willard InterContinental offers a cherry blossom pop-up (Fridays-Sundays, March 13 - April 26) in the Lincoln Library, honoring Chief Ambassador Shinmi Masaoki’s historic 1860 visit. Guests will indulge in Japanese culinary artistry with nigiri, classic rolls, and seasonal specials.
Mercy Me’s Blossom Garden welcomes cherry blossom season with a fresh, spring-inspired menu rooted in South American flavors. The new Nikkei-inspired section showcases Japanese influences on Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine.
Lulu’s Winegarden brings back its popular Flora Garden pop-up through May 17, featuring floral cocktails and petal-filled patios on U Street. Guests can enjoy a specialty limited-time menu surrounded by colorful blooms.
What's New
Check out DC’s newest restaurants and bars.
Maru San is the latest venture from Chef Carlos Delgado. The 25-seat countertop is the only Nikkei-focused restaurant in the city. The crafted menu blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques. Menu highlights include the dry-aged bluefin toro, wagyu zabuton and smoked merolin caviar.
Led by Michelin-starred chef Masaaki Uchino, and James Beard Semifinalist Andra Johnson, KATSUMI comes to life in the former Bar Japonais space. From the team behind Bar Chinois, the new sushi spot provides an intimate dining experience with craft cocktails and a twist on sushi classics.
Canton Disco, an all-day Cantonese-inspired restaurant, has landed in the Navy Yard. The décor is inspired by 1970s Hong Kong nightlife with abstract art, neon lights and a disco atmosphere. The menu features Cantonese classics like beef chow fun, chili wontons, and orange chicken.
Actor Wilmer Valderrama and hospitality entrepreneur Daniella Senior have partnered to create Elegancia. The bar is in the heart of La Cosecha in the Union Market District, a community hub and marketplace for Latin American culture. The concept draws inspiration from Latin American culture, flavors, and people.
Eebee’s Corner Bar has brought the feel of a dive to DC. Owner Emily Brown opened the first-come, first-served spot, designed to bring the community together over good food, drinks and company.
The popular Greenwich Village “Bitcoin bar”, Pubkey, has expanded to Penn Quarter. The two-story, 12,000 square foot flagship consists of a restaurant, bar, studio, and event venue. The space also hosts public programming such as a speaker series, trivia, and live music.
Bully infuses the St. Gregory Hotel with the spirit of Spain, drawing on open-fire cooking and bold Spanish flavors. The menu seamlessly combines tradition with a modern culinary approach, led by Chef Pepe Moncayo and Executive Chef Nick Sharpe.
Celebrity Chef Carla Hall has opened bumblebirds, a fast casual spot serving Southern fried chicken sandwiches, homestyle sides and cocktails. The vibrant and bubbly space, created in partnership with Sunnyside Restaurant Group, features Hall’s custom mural and paper quilt artwork.
Pitango Gelato has opened its eighth location on 14th Street, serving its popular gelato, baked goods, and locally roasted coffee. The space seats up to 10 and features their signature mahogany and marble countertops.
Coming Soon
Popup Bagels is set to arrive in Georgetown at the end of March, offering a “rip and dip” experience with classic bagel flavors and a variety of cream cheese spreads. Hailing from Connecticut, the brand carries the tagline; “not famous, but known.”
Ala is planning to reopen this spring after a $1.5 million renovation. The updates will transform the space into a brighter, elevated dining environment while maintaining its signature Levantine menu and comfort.
Hive Hospitality’s latest project, Ox & Olive, will be taking over the old Reverie location in Georgetown. Michelin-star Chef Ryan Ratino will draw from his Midwestern roots to create an approachable à la carte menu.
Diane Gross of Cork Wine Bar is bringing Marv’s Dogs to Petworth, a concept centered on nostalgia, comfort, and simplicity. The space will feature arcade games, soft serve and beer, creating an easygoing, retro-inspired vibe.
Husband and wife duo, Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler, behind Tail Up Goat, are introducing Rye Bunny this spring. The counter service restaurant will feature a weekly menu, focusing on seasonal flavors with farm-to-table ingredients.
Beloved coffee brand Café Cino will open its first brick-and-mortar location in the Bridge District. The 1,100 square foot space will be filled with espresso, pastries, smoothies, and other food and beverage options. There will also be community events and programming.
Taki Taki is expected to open later this year in 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 - Maru San
Photo Credit - Elegancia