Image: So much depends on a green leaf next to a glazed beet over creamy pilaf.
Last Updated: August 2025
Overview:
Mita does not transport you away when you walk in. The big corner windows across the street from the 9:30 Club means you never forget where you are. But as the meal progresses, the hustle and bustle grow more and more remote. The earnest nature of the service, and the calming décor (interspersed with whimsical elements) combine to shift your focus to what is right in front of you. And what is in front of you is a creative, delightful, plant-based take on Latin American cuisine.
The format is tasting menu or six course prix fixe, though a shorter prix fixe is available at the bar. There appear to be some constants, while the rest of the menu constantly changes. The constants include arepas in various styles with three different spreads to mix and match. While all the dishes were deeply satisfying, some hinted at the transcendent, like fava beans beneath a creamy soup, to which a mushroom broth is added to cut the viscosity and add depth to the “cream” and green elements. The beet as a later dish in the sequence is outshone by the rice pilaf beneath a bitter green leaf. That leaf implying that for all the effort to create a non-dairy but creamy addition to the rice, the kitchen still is confident in the power of ingredients, like a single bitter green cap to add texture and taste. We would note that for a tasting menu format, it is not an overwhelming amount of food but come prepared to eat.
A broad-based wine list that covers both old and new world and takes time to find small producers and interesting takes. The service has warm quality that you would expect from a restaurant carving out this kind of niche.
The team of Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora came from El Cielo, the Michelin starred spot in Union Market. But while that place leans into the drama and scale, Mita has a balanced, personal approach that makes it feel like you are being taken by the hand on a pleasant walk rather than a trek. When we argue that D.C. is in a golden age of dining, this is the kind of place we mean. It is singular and special and not at all obvious, yet feels vital. And Michelin has also given it a star.
Other Guidance: According to the site, they “have a handicap-accessible entrance, bathrooms, and accommodations.” Obviously vegetarians and vegans can do well, and even GF can do pretty well. You can dress up, but it is not in any way stuffy to imply you should. We would also note that not every dish has a creamy element, but looking back those were the ones that stood out so we apologize for overusing that adjective.
Summary:
Cuisine: South American
Neighborhood: Shaw
Address: 804 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Website: https://www.mitadc.com/
Reservations: Opentable
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom gave a mostly positive review.
Washingtonian: Top 100 2025.
Michelin: One Star