In Washington D.C., the reign of stodgy, stuffy steakhouses is thankfully a thing of the past. Because in the past few years alone, our nation’s capital has nabbed several coveted titles, including Bon Appetit‘s Restaurant City of the Year. On top of that, local restaurants are finally being considered for inclusion in the Michelin Guide.
As small as the city is, its dining scene packs a thrillingly diverse punch. From the bustling, Middle Eastern Maydan (a James Beard semifinalist this year) to Del Mar, the latest launch by acclaimed chef Fabio Trabocchi in D.C.’s hottest new development, The Wharf, there’s plenty to tuck into. So here, five restaurants you can’t miss during your next trip to the nation’s capital.
Chloe
A welcome addition to the city’s ever-growing Navy Yard, Chloe is the first solo project for beloved local chef Haidar Karoum. Though he’s Lebanese, he casts a wide-reaching net for his shared plates menu, as evidenced by the pistachio-studded pate campagne, spice roasted chicken with Vietnamese-style greens, and seafood gumbo. The 103-seat dining room is leanly but chicly-appointed, with ceiling-to-floor windows, an open kitchen capped with potted plants, and Scandinavian light wood chairs and tables. Also on deck are weekend brunch, lunch, and happy hour, which features fantastic wines (like the Syrah by Meyer Family Cellars) you’ll want to sip long after the deals are over. And weather warms up, nab a seat in the outdoor patio. 1331 4th St SE; 202-313-7007; restaurantchloe.com
