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Dine in one of the country’s most exciting restaurant scenes. RAVED ABOUT RESTAURANTS JÔNT At chef Ryan Ratino’s Jônt, an inventive tasting menu showcases playful techniques resulting in one-of-a-kind seasonal dishes infused with dynamic flavors: Dungeness crab with donabe rice, truffle and maitake and sea urchin served with custard and English peas. Private dining is available at the intimate chef’s counter or, for larger groups, at Ratino’s French bistro-inspired and Michelinstarred Bresca. CENTROLINA MERCATO E OSTERIA A dual-concept Italian osteria and mercato from James Beard-nominated chef Amy Brandwein, Centrolina features regional Italian cooking that changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients available. The Osteria offers intimate private dining spaces including the interactive open kitchen space and full use of the osteria for up to 100 guests. CRANES SPANISH KAISEKI Explore the intersection of Spanish and Japanese cuisine at Cranes, a restaurant and sake lounge by Chef Pepe Moncayo. The 10-course omakase menu puts your meal in the talented chef’s hands and features seasonal ingredients artfully plated and paired with sake. Private dining is available for up to 30 people. SHOTO Tailor-made for DC by globally renowned restaurateur Arjun Waney and managing partner Arman Naqi, SHOTO , which means “short sword,” serves a contemporary and sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya style of informal dining, set within a museum worthy dining room by renowned designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu. A private dining room features a 45-seat rectangular table under a dramatic ceiling of wavy red fabric. CHEFS MAKING A DIFFERENCE ANGEL BARRETO An expert in modern Korean cooking, Anju executive chef Angel Barreto has captured the hearts of diners since launching one of the city’s hottest restaurants. Barreto seeks to better his community, whether by touting local chefs and food industry friends or joining the chorus of Washingtonians urging racial justice. JOSÉ ANDRÉS While heaps of paella, chicken croquettes served out of a glass sneaker and molecular gastronomy at notable Minibar put Andrés on the map, it’s his global humanitarian efforts and 100 million free meals served that deserve the most praise. Andrés’ World Central Kitchen activates following major crises, including Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, during the pandemic across major American cities and the war in Ukraine. His flagship Spanish restaurant Jaleo in the Penn Quarter neighborhood – along with three other internationally influenced concepts – are available for a group dine-around. ENRIQUE LIMARDO Chef Limardo embraces the idea that we can’t achieve perfection despite our best efforts. It’s that constant pursuit that fortifies the entire dining experience at Imperfecto, which draws on Mediterranean flavors and Limardo’s Latin American cooking chops. His Chef’s Table features 10 delectable dishes including caramelized king crab with caviar. Limardo’s Immigrant Food, located on the lower level of the Planet Word museum, is a foray around the globe that celebrates the American story and supports activism related to immigration policy. OUTDOOR OPTIONS LA VIE DC does its best Riviera impression at La Vie, a stunning and sleek French-inspired restaurant at The Wharf with large windows, wide-open spaces and waterfront views from its alfresco terrace. Inside, Mediterranean vibes abound in the four elegant, natural lightfilled rooms decked out in ornate chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling plants and sea-like blue, green and gray hues. FIOLA MARE Evoking the seaside dining experience found along the coasts of Italy and the Mediterranean, Fiola Mare is a Fabio Trabocchi Restaurant specializing in fresh seafood prepared with elegant simplicity. Located in historic Georgetown and overlooking the Potomac River, Fiola Mare is a place to enjoy waterfront dining, exquisite indoor/outdoor private dining spaces and a lively bar scene. IRON GATE Tucked away on a leafy residential street in Dupont Circle, the inviting Iron Gate was once the home of General Nelson Miles, a former Secretary of the Army. Diners enjoy delicately cooked Mediterranean fare in a magical courtyard setting adorned with wisteria, Edison bulbs and a fireplace that allows for nearly year-round dining, giving the eatery another cozy lounge area.
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