The dining bubble that everyone fretted about last year? Far from bursting, it has only gotten bigger, judging from the torrent of new restaurants in and around Washington. For diners, it’s a buyer’s market. So many choices! So little time to try them all. While we said goodbye to some favorite places (C.F. Folks, Del Campo), we cheered legions of new kids on the block. Name a neighborhood and it likely benefited from a tempting arrival or more. Downtown has become an embarrassment of riches, for fish fanciers and Indian enthusiasts in particular, but a mental sweep of the region flags novel cooking in Northeast D.C., Fairfax, Silver Spring, even bucolic Sperryville, Va.
Hence, for a second year in a row, my spring dining guide focuses on newcomers, 30 restaurants that also underscore the area’s melting pot allure. Hawaii? Haiti? Their fan bases are covered. Most of the fledglings are worth a toast, but the exceptions might surprise you. To help narrow decisions, I’ve ranked my 10 favorites. Pardon me now while I head out to eat some more. I’ve got a full plate on the horizon: my 20th fall dining guide, out in October. Meantime, enjoy the fresh bounty.
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2019 Top 10
2
Punjab Grill
Sparkling design and luscious flavors add up to a feast for the eyes — and stomach.
Dinner $12 to $42
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2019 Top 10
3
Rooster & Owl
In a small, spare dining room, chef Yuan Tang dishes out surprise after surprise.
$65 per person
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2019 Top 10
4
Three Blacksmiths
The tiny Sperryville destination has become the hardest reservation around, for good reason.
$118 per person
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2019 Top 10
5
El Sapo Cuban Social Club
Raynold Mendizabal throws a raucous party every night in Silver Spring.
Dinner $22 to $28, dishes for two $52 to $56
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2019 Top 10
6
St. Anselm
Marjorie Meek-Bradley also serves flaky biscuits, stellar seafood and more.
Dinner $23 to $48
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2019 Top 10
7
Estuary
At the Conrad hotel, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio take a whimsical approach to seafood.
Dinner mains $24 to $62
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2019 Top 10
8
Sushi Nakazawa
Especially at his chef’s counter, Masaaki Uchino entertains and delights with omakase to remember.
Omakase $120 per person at a table, $150 at the sushi counter
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2019 Top 10
10
Gravitas
In a former factory, Matt Baker makes his food taste as good as it has always looked.
Five courses $90, seven courses $115
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2019 Top 10
American Son
Chef Tim Ma brings a creative touch to familiar dishes in the Eaton DC hotel.
Dinner $10 to $26, sharing plates $30 to $125
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2019 Top 10
Boqueria
Chef Marc Vidal cooks with energy — and roasts a killer chicken — at the group’s latest outpost.
Tapas $5 to $36, large plates $36 to $45
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2019 Top 10
Coconut Club
Adam Greenberg serves tropical flavors at his Hawaiian-inspired restaurant.
Dinner $20 to $30
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2019 Top 10
Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill
The seafood restaurant needs to serve up more winners.
Dinner $25 to $64, raw bar $2.75 to $25 (with tinned cockles for $120)
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2019 Top 10
Nama
Young Oh makes fine sushi — and even better dumplings and tempura.
Nigiri $3 to $7, rolls $5 to $20
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2019 Top 10
Officina
Nicholas Stefanelli’s huge showcase for Italian food includes a cafe/market, trattoria and rooftop terrace.
Trattoria dinner $29 to $54; cafe $8 to $18
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2019 Top 10
Olivia
Rasika’s Ashok Bajaj refocuses the Penn Quarter restaurant on the Mediterranean.
Small plates $9 to $17, large plates $25 to $32
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2019 Top 10
Osteria Costa
You can get a good meal at the MGM National Harbor restaurant, if you know what to avoid.
Dinner $22 to $46
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2019 Top 10
The Pembroke
Chef Marlon Rambaran creates plates to match the beautifully renovated Dupont Circle Hotel.
Dinner mains, $18 to $95
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2019 Top 10
Pisco y Nazca
The Peruvian food is solid, but be prepared to shout your order.
Dinner $12 to $44
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2019 Top 10
Rappahannock Oyster Bar
The bivalves aren’t the only draw at this Wharf watering hole.
Dinner $10 to $27, oysters $2.50
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2019 Top 10
Reverie
Johnny Spero’s Georgetown restaurant features a spare setting and intriguing food.
Dinner $18 to $32
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2019 Top 10
San Lorenzo
In a stylish setting, Massimo Fabbri serves spot-on pastas and more.
Dinner $19 to $48
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2019 Top 10
Scotts
The food is fine, but is that good enough with so much competition around?
Dinner $16 to $39
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2019 Top 10
Urbano 116
The Alexandria restaurant hired a well-regarded Mexican chef, but too many dishes are a bust.
Dinner $17 to $28
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Credit
Photos by Deb Lindsey, Scott Suchman, Dayna Smith and Dixie D. Vereen for The Washington Post; photo editing and production by Jennifer Beeson Gregory; design and development by Madison Walls.