Image: Sun-kissed beef.
Last Updated: October 2025
Overview:
Chef Paolo Dungca lifted and shifted his Filipino standard-bearer from H Street to an inconspicuous location on 17th Street. It is almost surreal to find one of D.C.’s best chefs cooking between McDonald’s and Dupont Italian Kitchen. The low-key street presence stands in contrast to the vibrant cooking.
The menu is dynamic, changing as ingredients roll through the seasons or as Dungca and his team’s creative juices kick in. The corn agnolotti during a height of summer visit was replaced by heartier gnocchi a couple months later as the pasta dish. The suitable for one beef dish grew to more-than-enough for two. In contrast to the substantial meat dishes like the beef or the double pork chop in soy-vinegar sauce are the appetizers like the crab fat lardo, XO sauce, and smoked trout roe atop an airy cassava cake or tuna tartare with apples. Pogiboy, his joint project with Bad Saint alum Tom Cunanan took advantage of the attention-grabbing nature of a purple potato bun to sandwich a burger. Currently, the bun returns to hold two substantial chicken breast slabs drenched in sauce in place. The menu labels options for gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy-free, with multiple options for each.
If you don’t pace yourself, desserts may be overtaken by events. These too appear to be rotating, though there is a spot for some kind of cheesecake. The wine list is short but thoughtful with all bottles coming in under $100. The cocktails play with Filipino flavors, including lo/no options.
The main dining room is simple with a bar that usually has a seat open. Some uncovered tables are out front. The operation has a casual tone, that fits with a good neighborhood spot. On one our weekend visits, the kitchen got in the weeds and took a few minutes to get back on track. So, if you are easily annoyed maybe give them a couple more months to settle in. The team moved quickly to open the new space after a parting with the prior partner/owners of the H Street location. Dungca explained “We closed Kayu on H Street June 30th, and then our first opening was August 6th.” We are glad they did not waste any time.
Other Guidance. There are three steps to get into the restaurant from street level. Restrooms are located downstairs.
Summary:
Cuisine: Filipino
Neighborhood: Dupont
Address: 1633 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Website: https://kayudc.com/
Reservations: Resy
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Made Top 20 Restaurant list in Spring 2025 Dining Guide. (old spot)
Washingtonian: Preview. Old spot made Top 20 New Restaurants in 2024. #63 in the 2025 Top 100 .
Rick Eats DC found much to like at the new spot.