Things are done a little differently at Dōgon. The newest restaurant from Kwame Onwuachi, the chef behind Kith/Kin and Infatuation NYC’s highest-rated restaurant, Tatiana, is tucked in the lobby of the Salamander hotel on the Southwest Waterfront. Step inside the expansive dining room, beyond the pillars that create little nooks, and the soft R&B tunes playing overhead will invite you to settle in. You should. Everything you’ll taste on the menu starts at very good and dips into incredible.
2Fifty’s original Maryland location has achieved legendary status. Ask anyone in the DMV where to get solid Southern BBQ—or at least the closest thing you’ll find this far north—and they’ll point you there. Luckily for us, they’ve opened a new spot in Mt. Vernon Triangle. Their massive wagyu beef ribs (which fall apart if you so much as look at them), smoky-sweet citrus pineapple slices, and beefy baked beans are poem-worthy.
San Pancho is buzzing with people most weekdays, making it feel like the go-to spot in Takoma Park. The shop serves comfort food like California burritos stuffed with charred carne asada and shoestring fries, plus super quesadillas piled high with guac and melted cheese. Order at the counter before scrambling for a seat inside or on the patio—seriously, good luck after 6pm.
Namak in Adams Morgan is easily one of our favorite new restaurant openings of the year. The mix of Persian, Greek, and Turkish flavors is stellar. Case in point: the sesame-crusted fried feta that’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and paired with watermelon for a sweet-and-sour combo that’ll make you rethink every cheese dish you’ve ever tried. But the standout has to be the Greek chicken. It’s roasted just right and paired with zesty lemon potatoes.
Make your way to Tamashaa after you’ve spent the day dodging the weekend farmers market crowds—it’s an oasis in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. This upscale spot in Columbia Heights celebrates regional Indian cuisines, with beautifully plated dishes of fiery goat vindaloo and tandoori cornish hen. Despite the somewhat formal vibe, it’s still welcoming for casual hangouts, and perfect for lunchtime with friends or family.
Union Market is already overflowing with food choices, but Apapacho Taqueria needs to be at the top of your list. The owners are veterans of Maiz 64, one of our favorite Mexican spots in the city. But unlike Maiz 64, Apapacho is more of a fast-casual, grab-and-go kind of place that’s great for a quick lunch or casual weeknight dinner. Our two favorite things here are the taco de suadero—slow-cooked beef simply topped with onions and cilantro—and the Baja shrimp taco.
DC doesn’t have as many West African restaurants as you might expect for a place dubbed “Chocolate City” and known for its cultural diversity. But The Continent has stepped in to fill the gaps. It’s a beautiful space, and the kind of place you’d bring a date you’re hoping to impress or a big group of friends who want to dress up. The menu itself is equally impressive, which is especially thanks to a heavy-handed use of seasonings.
When we heard that the owners of Thip Khao were opening another spot, we sprinted to make a reservation. This Shaw restaurant puts a modern, fusion twist on Lao cuisine, with small plates like citrusy cilantro shrimp crudo next to buttery Thai-style massaman curries served with shredded beef brisket. You’ll likely spot first dates cozying up on bar stools, sharing bites of banana jicama blossom salad under soft, golden-orange lights.
This New York-based burger shop opened in Georgetown this summer to long lines, and if you were wondering if it lives up to the hype, the answer is yes. This casual laid-back spot, with white tables, metal stools, and a simple serving counter, does indeed make a great burger, and they’re as simple as they are delicious—just tender meat, grilled onions, a tangy mayo sauce, and pickles for $6.50. No offense, but Five Guys can take a seat.
DC hit the jackpot this year with not one, but two incredible burger spots. While 7th Street Burger keeps things simple, Joia Burger in Mt. Pleasant is all about more is more. Prepare to squeeze into this tiny shop, where customers crowd around stand-up tables and stools, eagerly awaiting what are touted as “wagyu burgers.” Those are essentially smashburgers, topped with chopped tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and a house sauce that’s perfect for loaded fries.