If you blinked this year, you probably missed a restaurant opening.
In the 15 years I’ve been covering the Washington dining scene for The Post, I can’t recall a time when so many newcomers popped up, and restaurants in general tried so hard. Not every idea is a good one, of course. As such, my 16th annual Fall Dining Guide is a celebration of the scene, not a collection of also-rans.
As a sign of just how much the landscape has changed, my Top 10 favorites this year carry over only four restaurants from last fall’s guide. See which established players are pushing themselves to new heights, and which newcomers are making an early impact.
2. Rasika
It’s difficult to separate Ashok Bajaj’s superlative Indian dining rooms, which share the No. 2 slot.
2. Rasika West End
The more airy and playful of Ashok Bajaj’s twin restaurants -- which share the No. 2 slot -- has a few special talents of its own.
5. Inn at Little Washington
The surroundings are tony, but Patrick O’Connell’s retreat bursts with levity.
8. G by Mike Isabella
If you’ve only ordered the excellent sandwiches here, you’re missing a standout feast.
10. The Grill Room
Frank Ruta’s kitchen is producing some of the most sophisticated plates in the region.
Barrel & Crow
Nick Palermo, a veteran of the Old Angler's Inn, is running the kitchen with confidence.
Bete Ethiopian Cuisine
It won’t win any design awards, but take one bite of Bete’s kitfo and you won’t care.
Preserve review: Cooking in the moment in Annapolis
2 stars | Restaurant Eve veterans Jeremy and Michelle Hoffman have set out on their own.
Purple Patch review: Happily pushing culinary boundaries in Mount Pleasant
2 stars | The Filipino restaurant is helping the city develop a taste for a challenging cuisine.
Villa Mozart review: Impeccable food trumps indifferent service
2 stars | Chef Andrea Pace’s creations are worth whatever obstacles a diner may encounter.
Volt review: The Frederick restaurant refuses to rest on its laurels
3 stars | Chef Scott Muns has continued with Bryan Voltaggio began in 2008.
