What’s new in Washington DC
New openings, menu drops, dishes and local sourcing worth knowing about.
Das Ethiopian Cuisine
Georgetown Ethiopian restaurant with kitfo, doro wat, sampler platters, short ribs, tibs, and vegetarian dishes.
Ethiopic Restaurant
H Street Ethiopian restaurant with tibs, kitfo, doro wat, vegetarian sampler, and injera-based platters.
Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant
DC Ethiopian restaurant with special tibs, veggie combo, doro alecha wot, kitfo, shiro, and injera platters.
Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar
Adams Morgan Ethiopian restaurant with doro wat, kitfo, tibs, injera, and sampler dishes.
Letena Ethiopian Restaurant
Columbia Heights Ethiopian restaurant with doro wot, kitfo, vegetarian stews, samosas, and sampler platters.
Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
Long-running U Street Ethiopian restaurant with kitfo, doro wot, tibs, injera, and vegetarian platters.
Kuro Listening Bar
Kuro Listening Bar in Park View, Washington DC, pairs a high-fidelity, intimate listening room with a thoughtfully curated menu of seasonal small plates, wines, and cocktails. Guests visit for premium sound, regular live performances by local artists, and signature bites like Midnight Noodles and the Sound Bites Platter that elevate conversation and connection.
Uchi DC
Uchi DC is a modern Japanese restaurant offering an innovative take on traditional sushi and other Japanese dishes, known for its blend of authentic ingredients and contemporary culinary techniques.
Marv's Dogs
Marv's Dogs in Friendship Heights turns the classic hot dog into a gourmet experience with creative toppings, locally sourced ingredients, and options for vegetarian and gluten-free diners. Casual and family-friendly with quick service, it’s a great stop for inventive, satisfying bites on the go.
The Salty Donut
The Salty Donut in Georgetown crafts artisan donuts using local, seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors—think Maple Bacon, Lemon Lavender, and a Salted Chocolate Croissant donut—paired with expertly brewed coffee in a cozy, welcoming setting. With vegan and gluten-free options available, it’s a must-stop for gourmet donut lovers and morning coffee seekers.
Ox & Olive Steakhouse
In Georgetown's historic district, Ox & Olive Steakhouse pairs perfectly grilled prime steaks with Mediterranean-inspired sides and an extensive wine list, served in an intimate, stylish setting ideal for special occasions. Don’t miss the Signature Ribeye and Olive Oil Cake, plus rotating seasonal specials that showcase fresh, local ingredients.
Catahoula DC
Catahoula DC in Navy Yard blends bold Southern and Latin flavors into a seasonal, locally sourced menu—think Cajun shrimp tacos, blackened catfish, and mango-habanero glazed ribs—paired with inventive craft cocktails. With inviting outdoor waterfront seating and a lively modern atmosphere, it’s a standout spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Morena Cafe
Tucked in Dupont Circle, Morena Cafe is a cozy neighborhood spot known for artisanal coffee, a signature chai latte and freshly baked pastries. Enjoy locally sourced, seasonal dishes — including vegetarian and vegan options — in a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for leisurely brunches or casual meetups.
Yu Noodles City Vista
Yu Noodles City Vista in Mount Vernon Square serves daily handmade noodles in bold flavors—from spicy Szechuan beef to savory miso ramen. Using locally sourced ingredients and a cozy, friendly atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for casual meals or group gatherings.
Akēdo
Akēdo in Downtown Washington, D.C. serves bold, globally inspired dishes—like Charred Citrus Salmon, Korean BBQ Tacos, and Spicy Mango Shrimp—made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and paired with artisan cocktails and craft beers. Its modern, inviting dining room and vibrant open kitchen create a warm, creative atmosphere perfect for casual business meals or nights out with friends.
Back Door Tacos
Tucked behind Dupont Circle's vibrant streets, Back Door Tacos offers inventive tacos that blend traditional flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Expect a casual, lively spot for spicy shrimp, mushroom & spinach, and other creative vegetarian and vegan options—perfect for late-night bites.
Boulangerie Saint Georges
Boulangerie Saint Georges is a cozy Capitol Hill bakery and café known for its artisanal breads and signature pastries—like Croissant aux Amandes and Pain au Levain—baked fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful vegan and gluten-free options, it’s a perfect spot for coffee, a casual meal, or a sweet treat.
Childhood Cafe
Located in Downtown Washington DC, Childhood Cafe offers a whimsical, nostalgia-driven dining experience featuring playful twists on comfort food—think Recess Burger, PB&J French Toast, and Whimsical Veggie Tacos—set amid cozy, childhood-inspired decor. Family-friendly activities, specialty nostalgic drinks, and locally sourced ingredients make it a fun stop for families and anyone young at heart.
Mom’s Uyghur cuisine
Mom's Uyghur Cuisine brings authentic Central Asian flavors to Shaw with handmade lagman noodles and fresh daily naan in a cozy, family-friendly setting. Expect bold Uyghur spice blends, standout dishes like dapanji, and vegan/vegetarian options with staff who are happy to guide you through the menu.
PopUp Bagels
PopUp Bagels in Georgetown crafts hand-made bagels daily, topped with inventive and classic spreads using locally sourced ingredients and a strong coffee selection. With a cozy, welcoming Georgetown vibe, it's a perfect spot for a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch—try the Lox & Cream Cheese Deluxe or the Vegan Avocado Toast Bagel.
Rye Bunny
Rye Bunny in Lanier Heights delivers a cozy, neighborhood dining experience focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and inventive cocktails made with house‑made syrups. Signature plates like the herbed rye pizza and Bunny Bowl — plus vegetarian, gluten‑free options and house‑made chocolate hazelnut tart — make it a great spot for casual meals and special occasions.
Sorso
Sorso is a cozy Reed-Cooke eatery where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients meet inventive, globally inspired dishes like Truffle Risotto and Spiced Apricot Glazed Chicken. Paired with handcrafted cocktails, monthly themed tastings, and attentive service, it’s an intimate spot perfect for memorable date nights or culinary exploration.
Little Engine
Little Engine on Capitol Hill pairs globally inspired, ingredient-driven dishes—think charred octopus, seasonal vegetable risotto, and a signature burger—with seasonal produce sourced from local markets. The vibrant, casual atmosphere, craft cocktails and curated wine list, and friendly knowledgeable staff make it a great spot for memorable dinners and lively nights out.
Maru San
An intimate Capitol Hill izakaya-style restaurant offering refined small plates, potent cocktails, and a convivial atmosphere.
Black Crown Collective
Multi-roaster café in the Cannon House offering expertly brewed specialty coffee, seasonal signature drinks, and fresh pastries.
Dabo Burger
A tight, flavor-forward spot in Southeast DC where Chef Elias Tadesse’s milk buns and smash burgers steal the show.
The Second Address
Cozy neighborhood spot blending classic breakfast and lunch favorites with Mediterranean accents in Capitol Hill.
Cotti Coffee - Washington DC Convention Center
A polished, efficiency-minded coffee shop near the Convention Center serving carefully sourced beans and classic drinks for dependable daily visits.
Goodlove
A Downtown DC spot serving elevated comfort food with a welcoming, convivial atmosphere.
Pubkey
A lively Penn Quarter bar where bitcoin culture, frosty beers, and top-tier hot dogs collide.
Canton Disco
A Hong Kong–style cafe by day and lively Cantonese BBQ bar by night in Navy Yard, serving milk bread French toast, smoky roast meats, and inventive cocktails.
Lumier’s Chimney Cake
Georgetown's go-to spot for warm, rolled chimney cakes with endless topping combinations and a buzzy, hands-on counter experience.
Riff Raff DC
A sustainable cocktail bar from acclaimed bartender Jon Schott, serving imaginative drinks and small bites in Reed‑Cooke.
Bully Spanish Steakhouse
Downtown DC steakhouse blending Spanish soul and American grilling for honest, fire-forward meals.
Kaché
Kaché blends Caribbean and Southern flavors into adventurous warm bites and a lively bar scene steps from the convention center.
Ingle Korean Steakhouse
An elevated Korean steakhouse in Cardozo pairing showstopping beef with a seafood-forward menu and refined service.
Afghan Chai-DuPont Circle
A must-stop chai cart in DuPont Circle serving richly spiced, velvety Afghan chai and warm hospitality.
Awakening Bar & Grill
Authentic Washington, DC-inspired plates and cocktails in the heart of Capitol Hill.
Cottage House Ethiopian Cuisine
Stylish two-floor spot in Georgetown serving authentic Ethiopian plates perfect for intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
Prim's Cafe
A bright, curated Shaw café serving expertly brewed coffee, thoughtful pastries, and a welcoming space for work and connection.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Washington’s Penn Quarter destination for perfectly fried chicken fingers, signature Cane’s sauce, and no-fuss comfort meal combos.
Bonne Vie Cafe and Bistro
A Dupont Circle flatiron bistro blending Parisian café rituals with late-night steak frites and a curated wine and cocktail list.
Milo & Mav Coffee Shop & Dog Boutique
A chic coffee shop and dog boutique in Georgetown serving thoughtful espresso, pastries, and curated pet goods in a warm, social setting.
Kathmandu - Tapas & Cocktails
Kathmandu - Tapas & Cocktails in Cardozo blends bold Nepalese flavors with Spanish small-plate tradition, offering standout dishes like Momo Tapas, Spicy Chaat, and Classic Paella. Enjoy inventive, Asian-inspired craft cocktails and a trendy, inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for sharing with friends or a romantic night out.
Slice & Pie
Grab legendary New York and Detroit-style pizzas made with three-day fermented dough and premium toppings in Northeast DC’s Union Market District.
Tempo Shack DC
Tempo Shack DC in Near Northeast pairs a cozy, vibrant atmosphere with a seasonally evolving menu of locally sourced dishes—think Signature Tempura Tacos, Seasonal Harvest Salad, and the Chef's Daily Risotto—alongside inventive craft cocktails and outdoor seating for relaxed, creative dining.
Marrakesh
Authentic Moroccan-Mediterranean dishes and weekend live entertainment in Downtown Washington, DC.
SomTam
SomTam brings authentic Thai street food to Foggy Bottom, serving vibrant dishes—like its signature som tam, Pad Thai, and Massaman curry—made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With a cozy, market-inspired atmosphere and an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, it's a great spot for bold, balanced flavors and friendly, knowledgeable service.
Lazy Bones Pizza
Lazy Bones Pizza in Edgewood, Washington DC crafts creative, artisan pizzas with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and global-inspired toppings, offering vegetarian and vegan options alongside craft beers and seasonal specials in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Wake Me, Shake me DC
Wake Me, Shake Me DC in Petworth is a vibrant breakfast spot that pairs inventive, seasonal dishes with signature coffee blends and creative shakes and smoothies. Its cozy, welcoming atmosphere and locally sourced menu — featuring favorites like the Petworth Sunrise Bowl and Classic DC Shake — make it a must-visit for morning and all-day cravings.