DCity Smokehouse

Image: Four square. Last Updated: August 2025 Overview: DCity Smokehouse started small, but it was stepping into the giant void of good BBQ in D.C.  Despite not employing a traditional smoker – always a difficulty for urban spots – it garnered attention and propelled pitmaster Rob Sonderman to prominence.  After a few years, Sonderman would […]

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Ko

Image: Battered in a good way. Last Updated: August 2025 Overview: Taking over the second floor of a building that has seen a bunch of turnover, we hope Ko manages to stick around.  They have a good chance based on word of mouth and really good cooking. They serve sushi, but it is the entrees […]

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Fish Shop

Image: Tile pile. Last Updated: July 2025 Overview: Places with “buzz” in nonorganic developments like the Wharf extension draw skepticism from us.  Fish Shop is located at the very end of the Wharf past the other high-end, chain-y places, basically across the street from Arena Stage (and close to the Metro!).  It is the second […]

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Ama

Image: Pick a side. Last Updated: July 2025 Overview: Like an amusement park ride, a trip to Ama involves a bit of a interlude across a barren land and under a bridge to build suspense, but then a glowing world opens up.  A long bar that faces both internally and to the sidewalk to accommodate […]

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La’ Shukran

Image: Upward. Last Updated: July 2025 Overview: Chef Michael Rafidi first branched out from the legendary Albi with the café Yellow.  La’ Shukran pushes in a new direction.  Like Yellow’s mix of Levantine flavors with French pastries, the menu here is an intentional mixing of sources and traditions.  The cooking is more playful than the […]

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Pascual

Image: Wholly Guacamole. Last Updated: July 2025 Overview: Sometimes a place feels like a perfect neighborhood anchor with great food and a friendly and warm atmosphere.  Pascual fits that profile, but the complicating factor is that it is too good.  Pascual does inventive and excellent Mexican from the team that is doing inventive and excellent […]

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Chang Chang

Image: Classics on a counter. Last Updated: June 2025 Overview: Nestled in an inconspicuous spot south of Dupont is a gift to D.C.  Peter Chang developed a myth as a great chef before he built his small empire of restaurants in the suburbs.  Finally, in 2022, he opened in D.C. proper.  Chang’s reputation was based […]

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Tapori

Image: Spud sandwich. Last Updated: June 2025  Overview: The team behind the brilliant Daru opened Tapori a few blocks away.  At Tapori, they apply their creative approach to street food with additional emphasis on the cocktail program.  It is worth a trip to sample the goods, and if you live in the neighborhood, congratulations.  You […]

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