A Navigation Tool for Dining in DC
Image: Last Updated: February 2026 Overview: Chop’d. Karravan is justifiably one of the buzziest of a new crop of restaurants from 2025. In a corner of the Union Market complex in a fancy new building with soaring two-story interiors and a large outdoor dining area (enclosed and heated in winter), it is dramatic in setting. […]
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Image: Charmed Last Updated: January 2026 Overview: For years, Floriana has been serving really good Italian food without much attention. What it lacks in buzz it makes up for in word of mouth among locals who keep this place busy, even on a random weeknight. Add in the patio for bunch on warmer days and […]
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Image: Serious cabbage. Last Updated: November 2025 Overview: Bird Song looks like a generic restaurant at the top of Connecticut, but it is more than that. Even if it is aimed at locals, it is worth flagging for those who are coming from beyond walking distance. And, it should be noted, it is a hit […]
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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 […]
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Image: ‘lette it cook. Last Updated: October 2025 Overview: The cozy spot on H Street has adapted to keep going. In winter, it continues the Swiss-centered menu including one of the few (only?) places around here where you can get raclette. For the past couple years, they have made a switch to a steak frites […]
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Image: Buns up. Last Updated: August 2025 Overview: The fun open-air spot on 14th serves up BBQ sandwiches and sides to crowds that fill up the picnic tables. It has gone through some menu revisions over the years. Currently, it is focused on sandwiches – brisket, pulled pork, Cubano, fried chicken lead the charge. Based […]
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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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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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