Wonderful evening, wine pairing, wait staff, ambiance and of course amazing cuisine to celebrate a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patricio Valle
A sublime experience at a first gastronomic level. Super
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacob “biosshadow” Kuehndorf
This was the second time to The Dabney, first for what they called "Dabney 2.0". Food was great, the service was awesome and I loved the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diana Chicas
The first time I went to the Dabney, I felt like it was a dream come true. I saved up for months for what I knew was going to be the best Michelin Star dinner of my life. I remember the oyster and caviar apps. The desert that evening was chocolate truffles.The second time I went, they had redesigned to be more family style, which I agreed with. A family style dinner is needed at this restaurant. Family style dinner is what makes the Mid-Atlantic feel like home.So I booked a reservation. But that evening you made me feel inferior. Couples that came in before me were able to have a full dinner before me. I remember having my dessert while your kitchen staff was cleaning up the open fire kitchen and grill. Also, you need to pay your staff more!! They makes the restaurant function. You need to appreciate them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Fay Nicolson
I made a reservation for 2 ppl on March 2 @ 8:30 pm. We waited around 50 mins for our table. Kept being told we would be seated soon but ~ 45 min wait for your table when you’re paying 235$ per head (no wine) is unacceptable. The food was ok, it was not worth 235$. Certainly had better tasting menus and a la carte dinners for less than 235$ pp. Out server was good, other than that it’s below average. Does it deserve its rating? No. Would I go back? No. Would I recommend for the price? No. Really disappointing.P.s. stop over booking for average food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Clara S.
We had the 3-course dinner menu. The food was ok-- All the dishes were grilled American-Asian fusion dishes that were pretty interesting but kinda salty. The vibes were nice though (good for date night) and the staff were friendly!
Renee Thrasher
My husband and I visit last week while we were in DC for our two year anniversary. We decided to celebrate our actual wedding date by going to The Dabney.Our first michelin star restaurant experience set the bar high. From the start, the team was quick to answer our questions and was open to having us bring in a stroller since we had a newborn with us.Our server Ryan was absolutely exceptional and phenomenal. He did all he could to make the night special for us. All of the staff shared personal stories and tidbits of information throughout the night.Everything was meticulously crafted, plated, and presented to us with pride, joy, and love. The tiniest details made the largest impact on creating an overall completeness to each dish.It was breathtaking, palate pleasing, borderline overfilling, and will be a lasting memory and true highlight of our trip.If you are debating visiting this location, do it. Book that reservation. Try something new. Create a memory. And spread the word. A place like this deserves to be experienced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
big white
Some amazing bites!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Elysian Fields Lamb Turnips Spring Onion Black Garlic BBQ
Per L.
It befuddles my mind how The Dabney is the #1 restaurant in the DC area according to The Washingtonian. My partner and I dined at the restaurant this evening, and spent nearly $1000 for the meal plus a shared wine pairing. This was a real splurge for us. I'm glad to say that the wine pairing was the highlight. The meal was an absolute lowlight. The main course, duck three ways, was a let down. One of the ways the duck was prepared made it completely dried out and inedible. Save your money. Go somewhere else.
Tracy S.
Food and service were impeccable. We went for a special birthday dinner. I set my expectations low as a few recent fine dining experiences did not live up to the hype for me (Tail Up Goat was underwhelming for me). The restaurant was bustling but not loud which was a plus for me - I could have a conversation without raising my voice. I ordered a Chardonnay which they didn't have- then a Red Zinfandel which they were also out of; so it wasn't starting off very well. Then the sommelier came and made everything right - a complimentary glass of something sparkling and a great recommendation that we enjoyed. I also appreciated that he didn't try to upsell. The food was delicious and beautiful. Everything was perfectly seasoned and just the right amount. The menu rotates often so whatever next special occasion brings us back we aren't likely to encounter the exact same food but I hope that they continue to treat guests with those pillowy soft delicious sweet potato rolls. Dinner for two was not cheap. With a decent bottle of wine, tax and tip, dinner was over $700 - or a month's worth of groceries for me. But all in all I was pleased with the experience and would gladly return.
The only reason I didn't give it 5-stars is because I didn't get any food. Perfect for a date night (best to probably call ahead on the weekend) or a quick stop at bar with your friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
George W.
I'm came here before the pandemic before their Michelin rating and glad they are still standing. Not only are they standing, the Dabney has reinvented itself with its tasting menu. This time around, their feature of duck was amazing (I distinctly remember their fish servings from the first time I visited). Eating duck that was prepared 4 different ways felt like an adventure. In my opinion, their best was the duck breast with caramelized citrus - simple and delicious. The caviar bite on pecan cookie was intense, flavorful, and memorable with all its multilayered goodness lingering even after it was eaten. The foie gras paired well with onion honey on warm roll, the parsnip was on point. I also got their reserve wine pairing which enhanced the flavors and overall experience. The Dabney has become my go-to for friends and out-of-owners visiting DC.
Joe B.
The thought and effort that goes into the menu, service, and customer experience is unmatched. There is no need to make any difficult menu decisions here as you are assigned a tasting menu and you can specify any allergy accommodations (which they are very attentive to and mindful of). This place is most simply put...an experience. Before you even make it to your seat, the host takes your coat and introduces you to the chef who personally thanks you for coming out and offers a warm mushroom broth (it was amazing). You have a "main" waiter but this is a full team operation. Each course is described to you by someone new it seemed. Visually, everything was stunning; i can't imagine how difficult it must be to create these presentations. On the taste side, it was a carousel of extremes. The venison was the best bite of my life and the oyster rivaled the worst. I genuinely think I may have got a bad one. Nevertheless, the meal went on. I have to say, they really nailed the dessert items here and I wasn't expecting that. The sorbet and toffee pudding was amazing. Just when you think the meal was over they brought out assorted pastries and sweets. This place really does little courtesies like that nicely. After you pay, they even give you a surprise for breakfast the next day. These are the things that truly make the experience fun and worth while. **If the tasting menu isn't your speed, you can opt for the bar and choose from a list of dishes** With all this said, it was the biggest bill of my life. To be honest I'm in a bit of in a pickle for finances after eating here. I think if someone else paid I'd give it 5 stars. I'm not a restaurant owner or chef so I can't comprehend the cost of keeping a place like this in motion. It was a great experience but when I sit here days later and remember what it felt like to see that total price....i don't know.
Harper Hunt
Excellent. Sit in the main dining room. Less foam, more culinary experience here. Balances the Mid-Atlantic theme well. This week featured duck, incredible use all around. High respect for the open kitchen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast
Carolyn D
We returned to the dabney this year after coming for the first time last year. Both times we had an amazing meal and really enjoyed watching the behind the scenes and the hearth. We were especially impressed by the cabbage and scallop course, the sea bass and the duck 3 ways entree. The service is very prompt and polite and you can tell the staff communicates well as they all pitch in with every task. Lovely evening and all around great experience!
Wonderful evening, wine pairing, wait staff, ambiance and of course amazing cuisine to celebrate a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A sublime experience at a first gastronomic level. Super
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was the second time to The Dabney, first for what they called "Dabney 2.0". Food was great, the service was awesome and I loved the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The first time I went to the Dabney, I felt like it was a dream come true. I saved up for months for what I knew was going to be the best Michelin Star dinner of my life. I remember the oyster and caviar apps. The desert that evening was chocolate truffles.The second time I went, they had redesigned to be more family style, which I agreed with. A family style dinner is needed at this restaurant. Family style dinner is what makes the Mid-Atlantic feel like home.So I booked a reservation. But that evening you made me feel inferior. Couples that came in before me were able to have a full dinner before me. I remember having my dessert while your kitchen staff was cleaning up the open fire kitchen and grill. Also, you need to pay your staff more!! They makes the restaurant function. You need to appreciate them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
I made a reservation for 2 ppl on March 2 @ 8:30 pm. We waited around 50 mins for our table. Kept being told we would be seated soon but ~ 45 min wait for your table when you’re paying 235$ per head (no wine) is unacceptable. The food was ok, it was not worth 235$. Certainly had better tasting menus and a la carte dinners for less than 235$ pp. Out server was good, other than that it’s below average. Does it deserve its rating? No. Would I go back? No. Would I recommend for the price? No. Really disappointing.P.s. stop over booking for average food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
We had the 3-course dinner menu. The food was ok-- All the dishes were grilled American-Asian fusion dishes that were pretty interesting but kinda salty. The vibes were nice though (good for date night) and the staff were friendly!
My husband and I visit last week while we were in DC for our two year anniversary. We decided to celebrate our actual wedding date by going to The Dabney.Our first michelin star restaurant experience set the bar high. From the start, the team was quick to answer our questions and was open to having us bring in a stroller since we had a newborn with us.Our server Ryan was absolutely exceptional and phenomenal. He did all he could to make the night special for us. All of the staff shared personal stories and tidbits of information throughout the night.Everything was meticulously crafted, plated, and presented to us with pride, joy, and love. The tiniest details made the largest impact on creating an overall completeness to each dish.It was breathtaking, palate pleasing, borderline overfilling, and will be a lasting memory and true highlight of our trip.If you are debating visiting this location, do it. Book that reservation. Try something new. Create a memory. And spread the word. A place like this deserves to be experienced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Some amazing bites!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Elysian Fields Lamb Turnips Spring Onion Black Garlic BBQ
It befuddles my mind how The Dabney is the #1 restaurant in the DC area according to The Washingtonian. My partner and I dined at the restaurant this evening, and spent nearly $1000 for the meal plus a shared wine pairing. This was a real splurge for us. I'm glad to say that the wine pairing was the highlight. The meal was an absolute lowlight. The main course, duck three ways, was a let down. One of the ways the duck was prepared made it completely dried out and inedible. Save your money. Go somewhere else.
Food and service were impeccable. We went for a special birthday dinner. I set my expectations low as a few recent fine dining experiences did not live up to the hype for me (Tail Up Goat was underwhelming for me). The restaurant was bustling but not loud which was a plus for me - I could have a conversation without raising my voice. I ordered a Chardonnay which they didn't have- then a Red Zinfandel which they were also out of; so it wasn't starting off very well. Then the sommelier came and made everything right - a complimentary glass of something sparkling and a great recommendation that we enjoyed. I also appreciated that he didn't try to upsell. The food was delicious and beautiful. Everything was perfectly seasoned and just the right amount. The menu rotates often so whatever next special occasion brings us back we aren't likely to encounter the exact same food but I hope that they continue to treat guests with those pillowy soft delicious sweet potato rolls. Dinner for two was not cheap. With a decent bottle of wine, tax and tip, dinner was over $700 - or a month's worth of groceries for me. But all in all I was pleased with the experience and would gladly return.
Restaurantji Recommends
The only reason I didn't give it 5-stars is because I didn't get any food. Perfect for a date night (best to probably call ahead on the weekend) or a quick stop at bar with your friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I'm came here before the pandemic before their Michelin rating and glad they are still standing. Not only are they standing, the Dabney has reinvented itself with its tasting menu. This time around, their feature of duck was amazing (I distinctly remember their fish servings from the first time I visited). Eating duck that was prepared 4 different ways felt like an adventure. In my opinion, their best was the duck breast with caramelized citrus - simple and delicious. The caviar bite on pecan cookie was intense, flavorful, and memorable with all its multilayered goodness lingering even after it was eaten. The foie gras paired well with onion honey on warm roll, the parsnip was on point. I also got their reserve wine pairing which enhanced the flavors and overall experience. The Dabney has become my go-to for friends and out-of-owners visiting DC.
The thought and effort that goes into the menu, service, and customer experience is unmatched. There is no need to make any difficult menu decisions here as you are assigned a tasting menu and you can specify any allergy accommodations (which they are very attentive to and mindful of). This place is most simply put...an experience. Before you even make it to your seat, the host takes your coat and introduces you to the chef who personally thanks you for coming out and offers a warm mushroom broth (it was amazing). You have a "main" waiter but this is a full team operation. Each course is described to you by someone new it seemed. Visually, everything was stunning; i can't imagine how difficult it must be to create these presentations. On the taste side, it was a carousel of extremes. The venison was the best bite of my life and the oyster rivaled the worst. I genuinely think I may have got a bad one. Nevertheless, the meal went on. I have to say, they really nailed the dessert items here and I wasn't expecting that. The sorbet and toffee pudding was amazing. Just when you think the meal was over they brought out assorted pastries and sweets. This place really does little courtesies like that nicely. After you pay, they even give you a surprise for breakfast the next day. These are the things that truly make the experience fun and worth while. **If the tasting menu isn't your speed, you can opt for the bar and choose from a list of dishes** With all this said, it was the biggest bill of my life. To be honest I'm in a bit of in a pickle for finances after eating here. I think if someone else paid I'd give it 5 stars. I'm not a restaurant owner or chef so I can't comprehend the cost of keeping a place like this in motion. It was a great experience but when I sit here days later and remember what it felt like to see that total price....i don't know.
Excellent. Sit in the main dining room. Less foam, more culinary experience here. Balances the Mid-Atlantic theme well. This week featured duck, incredible use all around. High respect for the open kitchen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast
We returned to the dabney this year after coming for the first time last year. Both times we had an amazing meal and really enjoyed watching the behind the scenes and the hearth. We were especially impressed by the cabbage and scallop course, the sea bass and the duck 3 ways entree. The service is very prompt and polite and you can tell the staff communicates well as they all pitch in with every task. Lovely evening and all around great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5