DC Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars

Just in time for you to make your inauguration dining plans, the new, first-ever, Michelin Guide to Washington, DC, awarded coveted stars to 12 restaurants. Although no dining rooms received the highest rating of three stars, three restaurants earned two stars, nine rated one star and 19 eateries made Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, a ranking of the best “cheap eats” in the city.

Especially in the past decade or so, the District has nurtured a varied and exciting food scene that showcases multiple influences and goes way beyond the predictable lobbyists’ steak place. No wonder foodies are celebrating the recognition of the District as a memorable dining destination.

Michelin’s Two-star DC Restaurants

Minibar by Jose Andrés

Pineapple and Pearls, chef Aaron Silverman

The Inn at Little Washington, chef Patrick O’Connell

Interestingly, the Inn at Little Washington is not located in the District, but about 90 minutes away in bucolic Rappahannock County’s Washington, VA. O’Connell’s inn and restaurant has been attracting politicians, celebrities and deep pocketed gourmands since its opening in 1978. Pineapple and Pearls, a new establishment, opened in winter 2016. Reservations are available —well in advance—as opposed to Silverman’s more casual Rose’s Luxury, where eager patrons wait in line.

At the two-star dining rooms, eating well costs a good deal. Judging by the popularity and long waits to get reservations, the food and the experiences are worth the cost. For Minibar, a chef’s table for one to six guests who sample 20 tasting courses of what the chef labels “avant-garde cuisine,” expect to pay $275 per person with wine. At Pineapple and Pearls, chef Silverman presents a 13-course tasting menu for $250 per person with wine. Chef O’Connell’s six- to 10-course menu without alcohol ranges from about $170 to $260 per person, depending on the day of the week.

Michelin’s One-Star DC Restaurants

Blue Duck Tavern

The Dabney

Fiola

Kinship

Masseria

Plume

Rose’s Luxury

Sushi Taro

Tail Up Goat

Michelin’s Bib Gourmand DC Restaurants

Michelin defines a Bib Gourmand restaurant, usually one serving small plates, as a place where patrons pay $40 or less for two dishes and a glass of wine. Beware: In the 19 eateries on Michelin’s list $40 could leave you hungry or two plates plus wine may cost you more.

Bad Saint

Bidwell

Boqueria

Chercher

China Chilcano

Das

Doi Moi

Jaleo

Kyirisan

Lapis

Maketto

Ottoman Taverna

Oyamel

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Red Hen

Royal

This Khao

2 Amys

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