Restaurateur Mike Isabella’s new French restaurant debuts October 26
Fans of French cuisine with a twist should make a point of exploring the new Requin at the Wharf, the latest high-profile restaurant to join the slowly blossoming hospitality scene along the Southwest waterfront.
The only standalone dining establishment within the mile-long stretch of new development still taking shape in D.C., Requin marks the culmination of celebrity chef and restaurateur Mike Isabella’s dream of adding a full-fledged Gallic restaurant to his mushrooming portfolio of eateries. Originally conceived in conjunction with fellow Top Chef alum and former business partner Jennifer Carroll, the latest iteration of the seafood-friendly enterprise features familiar sounding dishes modified by executive chef Michael Rafidi.
“I don’t think there’s anything classic about what we’re doing. It’s not going to be expected,” Rafidi, who also runs the show at Spanish-Moorish newcomer Arroz, tells Eater about the “contemporary takes” on French cooking that he’s woven into the opening menu.
