Food Scene Washington D.C.
Listeners, the Washington D.C. dining scene is shaking off its suit-and-tie reputation and stepping squarely into the culinary spotlight, where invention takes center stage and every bite tells a story. The city’s kitchens are abuzz this year with bold new restaurants and dynamic flavors that reflect D.C.’s globally connected spirit and deep local roots.
The talk of the town is Casamara in Dupont Circle, a dazzling venue that channels Mediterranean glamour from its glowing dining room to its sky-high rooftop. Casamara’s menu is nothing short of a culinary adventure—think foie gras poutine for decadence, raw tuna belly with melon and herbs to awaken the palate, and maple-brined Iberico pork chops that taste like a Mediterranean holiday on a plate. The wine list is curated with a reverence for the world’s best vineyards, while cocktails bring their own flair to the feast, making Casamara the place for both celebration and the occasional “treat yourself” Tuesday, as covered by Resy’s recent roundup of D.C.’s hottest openings.
Meanwhile, culinary curiosity soars at Onggi, also in Dupont Circle, where Korean traditions get a contemporary remix. This spot’s hanjeongsik-style meal is a parade of courses: kabocha squash porridge for subtle sweetness, Jeju Island abalone with oceanic depth, plus crowd-pleasers like bibimbap and sizzling galbi. It’s all about seasonality and detail—just what you’d expect from a place named for the traditional Korean fermentation pot.
Traveling over to Chinatown, Karizma has unleashed an eye-popping signature: the Nirvana salad, a towers of 37 ingredients, mixed tableside in a riot of color, crunch, and flavor—a sensory burst that sums up everything exciting about D.C.’s modern dining scene.
Trends pulse through every neighborhood. Food halls such as Union Market merge local flavor and international flair, with vendors slinging everything from Venezuelan arepas to Southern-style barbecue, and summer brings outdoor movies with snacks to match. Over in Capitol Hill, The Roost is serving up craft pizza, Italian comfort food, and a sense of easygoing community that sends trend-watchers flocking.
As for flavors, the city is wild for birria tacos—dipped, drippy, and delicious—at Taqueria Xochi on U Street, courtesy of Chef Teresa Padilla, a veteran of José Andrés’ empire. There’s also an upswing in upscale casual Latin American spots like Pascual and Causa, as chef Paola Velez observed, with ceviches, bold spices, and the kind of hospitality that feels straight from the heart. Chef Suresh Sundas predicts West African cuisine will soon have its moment, ready to win over diners with suya skewers and jollof rice.
Desserts are getting more adventurous too, with pastry chefs weaving earthy, floral notes into sweet finishes as diners seek the thrill of the unexpected.
At every turn, D.C.’s chefs draw from Chesapeake seafood, Virginia produce, and the city’s ever-evolving cultural tapestry—proof that politics isn’t D.C.’s only legacy.
Washington D.C. is now a destination where innovation mingles with tradition, and food lovers would do well to pay attention: here, every meal is an invitation to taste the city’s vibrant, inclusive soul..
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