Image: En Fuego
Last Updated: April 2026
Overview:
The D.C. dining world sits in an odd space in the global pecking order. As the capital of the world’s richest and most powerful country, it would seem like an obvious place for an aspiring restaurateur to target. More often those cool restaurants open in New York, San Francisco, or increasingly Las Vegas. Sadly, even when a notable restaurateur comes to D.C. they often default to a steakhouse or might regress to one. Every once in a while, however, we get lucky. Michael Schlow came from New England and opened The Riggsby (among other places). Wolfgang Puck gave us The Source (before regressing). Edward Lee gave us Succotash, then Shia. More recently, Meherwan and Molly Irani opened a branch of Chai Pani at Union Market, and Fish Shop came from the U.K. Brasero Atlantico in Georgetown is one of the first outposts of the Argentinian open-fire restaurant and neighboring bar. We appreciate the gamble they made on the District. Even though it could be considered just another steakhouse, it is not.
An old converted firehouse (spot the plaque in honor of the dog outside) south of M in Georgetown, serves as a just home for the open flame visible through the window. A large curving bar allows for dining and watching the kitchen perform, in addition to the tables around the dining room. The menu may center around cuts of meat over the grill, but it is diverse and playful in many ways. The diversity comes from a conscious choice to incorporate the immigrant influences of Argentina, with many Italian dishes throughout the menu – almost like a great Italian spot hiding under cover of a steakhouse.
Being from Argentina, empanadas of various types are the obvious way to begin the meal. The vegetarian pascualina was more of a round phyllo-like swirl, while the osso buco filled the more recognizable fold-over of pastry. The tortilla de papa is the classic Spanish egg dish topped with octopus. The heart of the menu is the grilled offerings, fish, vegetables, steak and other cuts of meat. As good as the meat is, don’t sleep on the fish, which was a standout on our visit.
Also notable is the Argentinian-focused wine list. The list is deep enough to explore various parts of the venerable Mendoza region and expressions of Malbec. Exploration is aided by a team that is really excited to assist.
Even more notable are the cocktails, because Brasero is twinned with a neighboring subterranean bar, Floreria Atlántico. The bar is entered through a flower/wine shop. The music is sourced from vinyl. The food is sourced from the same kitchen as Brasero. The room generates a sophisticated atmosphere that is not stuffy and one of the rare places for people of a certain age to settle in. The idea is based on the original spot in Argentina that went from a residential shop, then added a cocktail bar in the basement that became world-renowned.
Just a few months in, this is a well-humming restaurant. The decision to choose to expand was accompanied by deliberate staffing choices. They brought in an Argentinian Bocuse D’Or competitor chef Manuela Carbone to lead the kitchen. One of her lieutenants also serves as the pasty chef. We have praised the food, wine, cocktails, so let us conclude by saying the desserts are top tier across the three or so dishes we have tried so far. With warm weather coming we would point you to the almendrado with almond ice cream cake, meringue, chocolate & caramel.
Other Guidance: A couple steps at the entrance to the restaurant. The bar has steps down, but there is reportedly a concealed elevator if necessary. GF can do well, vegetarians can still find some options, though it is obviously meat heavy. It not stuffy, but worth dressing up a little.
Summary:
Cuisine: South American (Argentinian)
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Address: 1066 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Website: https://www.braseroatlanticodc.com/
Reservations: Resy
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: No review yet, but Tom in retired status puts in a plug.
Washingtonian: Made Top 100 (#75) out of the gate. Preview.