To keep tabs on every DC restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a seasonal rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past 90 (or so). Bon appétit.
Emilie’s
Eastern Market
You’re here for: A family dinner or that long-overdue gathering of friends you’ve been meaning to schedule.
You’re dining on: Family-style platters of ranch fried chicken and whole branzino by Chef Kevin Tien, who left his popular restaurant Himitsu to trek out on his own. You might want to start out your meal with something a little different if you have an adventurous table — like their beef tartare with cured egg yolk or the champon noodles with miso butter and black pepper.
1101 Pennsylvania Ave SE (map)
P.S. Check out Chef Kevin’s guide to all the best fried chicken spots in DC.
La Cosecha
Union Market
You’re here for: An afternoon of delicious eats and handmade goods from Latin American makers (like an ethical leather footwear company or the perfect shop to pick up something new for your dining table). Maybe you’ve got a date with you.
You’re dining on: Squid ink arepas and Colombian cheese bread from Serenata, then treating yourself to a variety of chocolates from Venezuelan Master Chocolatier, Arcay. Keep an eye on the space: more Latin food concepts, retail stores and art installations are set to open doors in the coming months.
1280 4th St NE (map)
Hatoba
Navy Yard
You’re here for: A treat-yourself comfort meal on a cold winter night.
You’re dining on: Rich, satisfying garlic-shoyu ramen from the same guys who brought you some of your favorite joints in town like Bantam King, Daikaya and Haikan. Wash it down with a draft sake or Sapporo Black.
300 Tingey St SE (map)
Brasserie Liberté
Georgetown
You’re here for: A wedding anniversary or birthday.
You’re dining on: French classics that always satisfy, like French onion soup and boeuf bourguignon with caramelized bacon lardons. But while the menu skews classic, the environment is the complete opposite. Expect hip vibes that still feel luxurious thanks to a multi-million dollar renovation by restaurateur Hakan Ilhan after its previous tenant, Morton’s, cleared house.
3251 Prospect St NW (map)
Pom Pom
Petworth
You’re here for: Dinner with your most gastronomically adventurous friend.
You’re dining on: Everything from unique dishes like “pynk noods” (aka beet-dyed pasta) with a goat cheese bechamel to a Balinese roast duck with turmeric, ginger and tamarind. We wouldn’t expect anything less from Carlie Steiner, the other half of what was formerly known as Himitsu. Something else she’s known for? Inventive cocktails. Make sure to try out one (or two) of her women-inspired concoctions like the “The Toast” with toasted sesame seed, aged rum and oloroso sherry.
828 Upshur St NW (map)
Sfoglina
Rosslyn
You’re here for: A networking dinner that you actually want to enjoy.
You’re dining on: The freshly made pasta that Sfoglina is known for, like linguine with lobster, roasted tomatoes and chilies or potato gnocchi with porcini crema, mushrooms and Parmigiana Reggiano. Unique to their new location is a fresh mozzarella bar where you can pair your own choice of cheeses with fun stuff like cured fish, salumi and grilled and pickled vegetables.
1100 Wilson Blvd (map)
This article was featured in the InsideHook DC newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Beltway.
