New American Restaurants in Washington, DC

“Great food and excellent service. John was fantastic. 100% recommend“

“The environment is great, the menu is very diverse, and seemingly commonplace dishes manage to be innovative in flavor“

“It’s an outstanding establishment to eat & drink!!“

“A thoughtful shared plates experience. We followed the wise recommendations of our server and were rewarded. Nice spot. Excellent yet not pretentious.“

“Fun night for two out of towners! Food was amazing and the staff were incredibly friendly, even though we’re two or three times their ages and not cool at all! ;)“

“5 stars isn't enough!! From the moment we walked in until the end of our night we were satisfied. The decorations, food, and service was amazing! They even offered me a quiet place to pray :). Give this place a try-trust me (portions may seem small, but it was very filling- we ordered the bowl of fries, which came with a delicious sauce, CROQUETTES, fish burger, beef burger, and gnocchi pomodoro. It felt like we were in nyc enjoy :)“

“Wow! Probably one of my new favorite spots in DC! Literally everything we tried was phenomenal - and I think these are the best fries I've had in DC! I got Madam VP Heritage, and my husband got the Mumbai Mariachi. Our kids got the Classique Grilled Cheese, which was delicious (I want to know what bread they used) and perfectly balanced with the ham and Swiss. We finished our meal with the alfajores, which I didn't get a photo of because we gobbled them up. But I was incredibly impressed with the food and service. Reasonably priced (especially for where it's located), bright and airy. It is a bit small, so it would be difficult to accommodate a large group, but there's plenty of seating, and there were several folks here reading and just hanging out on a Friday mid day. I can't recommend this spot enough - as a gastroadvocacy spot, it was already intriguing enough, and the diverse (and changing) menu is exceptionally executed! Excited to come back and try more things on the menu - with a side of fries!

Vegetarian options: There are very clearly labeled vegetarian and vegan options. It's not an extensive selection, but they are delicious!

Parking: It's definitely in a difficult area to find parking since it's in the heart of the city and close to many tourist attractions.

Kid-friendliness: There is no kids menu, but it's reasonably kid friendly otherwise. Our kids really enjoyed the grilled cheese and fries and cookies. May not be suitable for children who are very picky.“

“Exquisite food and drink!“

“Minibar went above and beyond our expectations. Due to health issues, we cannot drink alcohol and they curated special nonalcoholic drinks that paired perfectly with the exceptionally creative food!“

“Our son lives in the area and we have been here 4-5 since January ( every time we visit) The owners are wonderful and the staff very attentive The fish taco appetizer is wonderful ( can be enough for an entree if not wanted a big meal) I’ve had many of the entrees and never a bad meal . The chocolate dessert is my go to“

“I have chicken wings ring ring Chris Rock they would really really good I had a good time there“

“We enjoyed the Thanksgiving tasting menu.

Parker Rolls - good
Maryland Crab Balls - very good
Rosemary Thyme Brined Turkey - very good
Pan Seared Rockfish Filet- excellent
Pumpkin Pie - excellent
Pecan Pie - excellent

Service was first rate.“

“One of the best dining experiences in DC. Chef Jeremiah is outstanding; the meal is creative but accessible, and each course is better than the previous. We are so grateful to have Dabney in DC!“

“Amazing! Still dreaming about the… everything!“

“Great ambiance and great drinks 🍹 totally recommend for a fun night out 🥂“

“Amazing food! Great server and wait staff. Creative and unique. Would go again!“

“Will be visiting when we’re in town for the Inauguration!“

“Whenever you go, you feel like you are home. Eddy and his incredible staff deliver great quality and service every time!“

“10/10. Went for our anniversary and they treated us like royalty. Beautiful, understated atmosphere. Did the chefs tasting menu and every bite was perfect. Squash soup, tuna tartare, and ocean trout were our favorites. Left stuffed and happy. Easy walk from red line metro too.“

“I know I take terrible pictures but this DC restaurant lived up to the hype…excellent food and drinks, delivered hot and timely and the wait staff was on point. I have to thank my Facebook group and work friends for the recommendation….bonus points, it’s 6 blocks down the street.“

“The minibar experience begins weeks before you step inside, when you manage to secure a coveted spot at one of the two nightly seatings. Each passing day builds anticipation, knowing you're about to embark on something truly special and unique. On the big day, you gather with fellow diners outside the understated entrance. As the door opens, it feels like cashing in a golden ticket to a Willy Wonka-esque affair. The all-white anteroom acts as a physical palette cleanser, separating you from the world outside and setting the stage for a journey of culinary wonder. You and your ten fellow diners (soon to be friends) are welcomed into a space where food becomes theater. To describe any individual dish would spoil the magic, but know that each course--arriving as a meticulously crafted bite or two--showcases extraordinary precision and creativity. The timing and choreography are more akin to poetry and ballet than a typical kitchen. For fans of shows like The Bear or Hell's Kitchen, this is a glimpse of what a professional kitchen can achieve at its best--no panic, no yelling, just chefs focused on elevating food to its highest form. Throughout the evening, a gracious team guides you, making sure you feel genuinely appreciated. The chefs encourage questions about the dishes, their construction, and the inspiration behind them. Even when my curiosity led me to ask question after question, their patience and enthusiasm never waned. Despite the attention to detail, there is no sense of pretentiousness here. The pacing is relaxed, with each course seamlessly following the last. You'll find yourself wondering how each dish could possibly top the previous one, only to be amazed time and again. The team's warmth makes you feel like family rather than just a guest. It's humbling to experience such sincerity and grace. As Chef Andrés has said, his secret is to treat every guest as if it's the only meal they'll have all year. Mission accomplished. If you're fortunate enough to afford it or can save for a special occasion, a night at minibar is worth it. It's an evening of pure pleasure and delight--one you won't soon forget.“

“only critique I would offer is that a spring soup described as having peas and greens and basil parmesan (i was imagining green) was really a tomato based vegetable soup with a few cut beans and peas thrown in. Tasty except i can't eat tomatoes so you should make that clearer in menu please. Server kindly removed the soup“

“Very nice spot on DC wharf ! The fish & chips of my wife and my lobster roll was excellent !“

“There’s very few times when you walk into somewhere and can tell immediately that the owner loves what they’re doing, Cynthia is most definitely one. Cocktails were unique and delicious and the food was exactly what I hoped it would be.“

“Best hotel! Beautiful place and tremendously gracious staff!“

“Massive selection of beers on tap including cask ales and the friendliest bar staff! Thanks 😊“

“Great service! Very accommodating staff“

“My wife and I had brunch on the patio at the White House location today and it was fantastic! We had a mezze platter appetizer, Havana sandwich and shakshuka & arepas entrees, and tres leches for dessert. All were spectacular, as was the service! Highly recommended!“

“Great with food allergies/dietary restrictions and super accommodating. Highly suggest!“

“The food at Ceibo is creative and delicious. We enjoyed eveything, sharing the hamachi, eggplant, dumplings and sea bass. The dumplings are unusual, served in a delicious broth. The emulsion served with the sea bass was amazing. The wine list is reasonable and includes great choices by the glass. The service is friendly and attentive, but not overbearing. The dining room is attractive, but because of the tile floor, once full it is a little loud, but not to the extent that you'll have difficulty hearing your dinner companion across the table. Dinner at Ceibo is a lovely way to spend an evening.“

“It was a tasty dinner, lime cheesecake FANTASTIC!!!“

“Lovely ambiance! We sat at the bar and had the three course menu. I was gluten free and the staff was so great about accommodating me! The food was very tasty with great flavors and texture. I really enjoyed all the courses. The beef was so tender and flavorful. I thoroughly enjoyed the dessert as well. The only downside was that we had been walking all day through the city and my phone had died. I was hoping they might be able to let me charge my phone briefly so we could get home but they were unable to do allow that.“

“This is one of my favorite places to eat in DC, particularly one of my favorite places in the country for moules frites. Four different bases available for the moules. This is a small Belgian pub, with food and Belgian beers, fun beer and cider list. The staff are friendly, welcoming. I always enjoy this restaurant.“

“Everything! Service, food, great music and drinks! Seating was immediate!“

“Please come out October the 29th for the Halloween Sip&Paint party the cost is $50.00 per adult“

“Incredible experience. Will be returning.“

“Today, I tried Fight Club. I found their lunch menu offered unique combinations of sandwiches and sides. Each sandwich contained flavors one might not normally pair. I enjoyed a Genoa Salami and Coleslaw Sandwich! It was absolutely fantastic! I’d place it in my top 5 sandwiches ever! If you’re looking for a wonderful dining experience, check out Fight Club DC!“

“Great experience! I got takeout for the grilled chicken because the photo of the handsome man😂 but it did not disappoint! The only thing I would change is the handsome man coming with😜“

“amazing place! really great food, service and ambience!“

“The Sunday brunch menu was sublimely delicious with satisfying portions. (The French Toast will change your life!) The staff was engaged and courteous and the restaurant itself presents even better than the photos on the website. I look forward to returning again soon. Well done!“

“Absolutely amazing food by a talented chef“

“Update: Unfortunately, Kinship still has a no corkage policy. This is pretty rare throughout DC and truly the only thing keeping us from visiting frequently.

Original Review: October 2023

We’ve loved Kinship every time we have visited in the past. However, their switch during COVID to not allow corkage and retention of that policy post-COVID has kept us from returning. Hopefully they revisit this policy soon. If so, we will be back attending frequently.“

“excellent service, good food, worth every penny“

“We went to the restaurant down at the wharf….. To start, the hostess at the front was on her phone and not really paying any mind to the people walking in the door. Come to find out after that was the floor manager. Then we get sat and none of the workers talk about who is in charge of that section. We did. It get me is or silverware. The very nice bartender comes up, gets us some water and menus gets us started and finally the sever comes over to us. The server took our order and checked on us twice. When the food was brought to the table we still didn’t have silverware and had to ask the food runner. Our server had a a ten top when we arrived and she was checking on her the whole time not paying any mind to the other tables she has. It was to the point I had to go up to someone ask for water refill bc both our glasses were empty. We finish our meals that were very good and no one but the bartenders are on the floor. I see our sever walk over to the restroom, she comes out looks at us and sees that we are sitting doing nothing, then walks over to a new 10 top and disappears. It’s at thing point I now have to walk over to the bartender and get our check and they are the ones that cash us out. Thank you to the bartender that took care of us“

“Excellent dinner: Moules Marinières and Salade Niçoise and an inexpensive and tasty Bordeaux.“

“We got pizza and wine here and this place is so close to a 5. They just need a fly trap in the patio, please!! The vines cover everything, cute lights, great vibes.. but I guess the flies thought so too. We got the sopressata pizza and it was really good, especially the crust. Please get a fly trap and we will come back.“

“Beautiful place, excellent food!“

“We came here after the nationals game and Dylan was our server and it was his best experience ever. My husband had the liver and onions and I had the cob salad and it was delicious. My sister-in-law had the avocado salad. I would come here at 10 out of 10 a time every single time and don’t forget to ask for Dylan as your waiter. It was amazing. And order the Mojito!“

“We had an amazing and beautiful experience at the Firefly restaurant Friday.

We came in earlier around 6:30 it was our anniversary and the service from our host and waiter was exceptional. They seated us at a nice table and immediately served us with cold water and good service was fast and top quality. The waiter was really nice to us and the food especially was delicious.

We ordered the filet mignon with Brussels sprouts and truffle fries and the firefly burger with truffle fries. By far one of the best meals of my life, the steak was tender and cooked perfectly to our desires. The firefly burger patty was tasteful and extremely well balanced.
We particularly loved the truffle Parmesan fries, they were fresh and crunchy, Parmesan flavor at the forefront with a light truffle taste left in your mouth. Delicious and one of the highlights of the meal.
We ordered dessert which was crème brûlée, side note I’m from France, but the crème brûlée was one of the best I’ve ever had crunchy not burnt and the cream light, the restaurant even offered it as a gift for our anniversary.

Overall our experience was perfect and we had nothing bad to remark, thank you to the staff for making our night perfect.

Vegetarian options: Some dishes clearly seen as vegetarian“

“It was nice and the food was an 8/10. They steak was too thin, not the cut, but it wasn't bad taste-wise. It was way too loud tho. I've been to “ Relais De l'entrecote” in Geneva and Paris... I was expecting the same vibe but definitely did not get that. And the fries were a 5/10.. Not fresh and kinda burnt“