“Food is the great equalizer. Everyone agrees on good food. It doesn’t matter who made it.”
‘Top Chef’ standout and James Beard semifinalist shares his go-to spots in his home of Washington, DC
Before being a Chopped champion, Top Chef contestant and 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Emerging Chef, Chef Anthony Jones was a kid growing up in Calvert County, Md., where fresh seafood, local traditions and tight-knit communities helped shape his understanding of food and hospitality.
Today, Jones brings those influences to the kitchen at Marcus DC, a NoMa neighborhood restaurant from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. His menu tells stories of the region he calls home, whether it's Mel's Crab Rice, inspired by Chesapeake crab feasts from his childhood, or a mumbo sauce-roasted chicken inspired by the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown.
Even as one of the DC area's most celebrated rising chefs, Anthony still finds inspiration in the places, people and flavors around him. When he's away from the kitchen, he's often exploring neighborhood favorites, connecting with fellow culinary talent and seeking out the dishes that remind him why he loves DC.
Follow along on a day inspired by Chef Anthony Jones’ DC.
Morning
For Anthony, one of his favorite breakfast spots is Bob and Edith’s Diner, a local institution with numerous outposts where his go-to is a Western-style omelet with scrapple and French toast. It's no-frills comfort food and a reminder that even award-winning chefs appreciate the classics.
After breakfast, Anthony likes to see what's fresh around the city. The H Street Farmers Market – open year-round – remains one of his favorite weekend stops, offering seasonal ingredients. Keeping it on H Street, Chef Anthony is one of the first to queue at Maketto for its Saturday bake sales, where visitors line up early for sweets, cakes and savory bites that sell out quick.
Before heading to the restaurant, you might catch Anthony at Afrik International Foods, where he can source ingredients from West Africa in DC’s NoMa neighborhood.
Open Crumb
Afternoon
Anthony is constantly looking for inspiration. One source of such inspiration is Open Crumb and its must-order dish: peanut stew, which doesn’t hold back on heat or West African flavors thanks to the mastery of Chef Peter Opaire and his crew.
And when covering the gamut of DC food items, no visit would be complete without a stop at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Ask Anthony what every first-time visitor should eat in the District and he'll quickly answer: a half-smoke. The U Street institution has been serving the city's signature dish since 1958 (with or without chili) and the diner remains a rite of passage for any visit.
Evening
After a day exploring the city, Anthony recommends taking in DC from above at Sly Rooftop. Located atop Marcus DC, the space offers sweeping views of the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument alongside cocktails and elevated bar bites courtesy of his first-floor kitchen.
When he's not in the kitchen, Anthony also enjoys activities that challenge him in different ways. Escape Game DC has become one of his favorite outings, offering a fun way to de-stress and put problem-solving skills to the test.
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Chef thinks monuments are best at night, so take a stroll through this momentous site under moonlight, especially the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. And post-shift, Jones loves the vibes at Last Call, a Union Market dive bar where he often orders a tasty old fashioned (and maybe a panini to go with it).
A day in DC with Chef Anthony echoes the menu at Marcus DC, offering glimpses into the cultures, histories and flavors that shape both his cooking and the city he calls home.
Discover more itineraries where DC locals share their best-kept secrets and neighborhood gems.