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Last time I reported on the food scene in D.C., I was a bit underwhelmed. It wasn’t that the food here was bad, per say. Just unremarkable. But now that I’ve been here for nearly six months (has it already been that long!?!), I’ve found some incredible spots with equally amazing chefs and menus. Herewith, some of my new favorite spots in the District:
Fiola: This is hands down my favorite restaurant in the city. It’s a bit pricey, but the food is out-of-this-world, the chef is incredibly talented (love you, Fabio!) and the bar program is excellent. Drinking at Fiola took me back to my days living in Verona, Italy, where every night started with an Aperol Spritz (Fiola’s is the perfect replica) and ended with a glass of Lugana, a unique white wine from Lake Garda. Fiola is the only restaurant I’ve ever found to have Lugana on the menu. It makes me so happy. Another wonderful cocktail on the menu: the Bitter End, made with Campari, Cointreau, Lemon Juice and Chocolate Bitters. Even better news? Fiola is opening up their patio for al fresco dining, and I plan on spending many a Saturday afternoon sipping Spritz’s out there this Spring.
{Don’t go to Fiola without getting the Burrata of Buffalo Mozzarella + Baby Artichokes + Pesto of Basil Genovese}
Founding Farmers: Between the beautiful presentations, housemade sodas and sustainable business model, Founding Farmers is a restaurant I feel really good about spending money in.
{The Homemade English muffins with jam haunt my dreams. They’re so buttery and sweet.}
Zaytinya: I interviewed the chef, Michael Costa, last year while I was still living in Dallas for a story I wrote for Plate. I remember thinking to myself, if I ever visit DC, I must eat at this restaurant. As luck would have it, I wound up moving here and dining at Zaytinya has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in the city. Whether it’s the hommus, crispy Brussels sprouts, seasonal mushrooms or Piyaz (white beans with kale, tomato and garlic), every appetizer is incredible, and best shared with friends. For me, the octopus Santorini takes the cake, though. Grilled to perfection with marinated onions, capers and a yellow split pea puree, this is one of my favorite dishes of all time. And don’t get me started on the lamb. Perfection, pure and simple.
{Don’t miss the desserts: Turkish Delight is outstanding: walnut ice cream goat’s milk yogurt mousse and honey gelee}
The Source: I was lucky enough to dine at the Source for Chinese New Year and Wolfgang’s menu did not disappoint. And while the food was exceptional, I found myself equally impressed with the wine pairings— so much so that I’ve since looked up every bottle I tried that night so I can buy it at home (note: they’re not easy to find!).
{Szechuan Pepper Crusted Filet, Wok-Fired with Longevity Noodles}
Woodberry Kitchen: Most days, I really love my job. But there are some when I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. The assignment that brought me to Woodberry Kitchen was one of those days years. Chef Spike Gjerde doesn’t just talk about being sustainable, local and seasonal. Literally everything he does at WK comes back to that mission. From sourcing nearly every ingredient from local growers and farmers (down to the produce, seafood and wine & spirits), to doing all butchering in-house, to his recycling and composting programs and the reclaimed materials used to build the space, Spike is walking the talk, and doing it oh-so-well. I should mention the food is superlative and one of the most memorable meals of my lifetime. I even loved dessert—which doesn’t happen often for me. If you go, be sure to try the C.M.P.
{These fiery shrimp were so full of flavor!}
Pearl Dive: Being the oyster fanatic I am, I’d been dying to go to Pearl Dive for what seemed like forever. And when my friends came down from NYC looking for a fun spot, I knew it’d be the perfect place. Two and a half hours later, we were seated. Yeah. We waited over two hours for our table, and while I can safely say I will never do that again (although drinking and snacking at the bar above the restaurant, BlackJack, helped), I will say that it was worth it. The oysters were second the none and between the four entrees we ordered, everything was exceptional. While the service (and wait time, obviously) could be improved, Pearl Dive was such a fun and delicious experience I can’t wait to have again!
{The Oyster and Crab ceviche was magnificent, and so pretty!}
Some other restaurants worthy of mention: Wit & Wisdom, Oyamel (Queso Fundido, ‘nough said), Sushi Taro, Plume at the Jefferson, District Commons, Vermillion, Co Co Sala and…
Bourbon Steak: Every dish I tried here was great! Oysters, tuna tartare, carrot soup (pictured below), lobster rolls (these were insanely good…some might say rivaling those I devour on the Cape every Summer), turkey burgers, and lemon meringue custard. Chef Adam Sobel is the master of modern American cuisine.
What are your favorite spots?
