The gist: This sleek and new Italian eatery in the Capitol Crossing development is from Chef David Deshaies (also with Unconventional Diner). It’s a massive space with 180 seats, including 20 at an elevated island bar, where you can see and be seen.
The food: The most Instagrammable dish on the menu is a lasagna that’s impossibly stacked. It’s 40-layers deep and might require two people to take down. Other early favorites at this wood-fired Italian joint include the bucatini alla carbonara and the Ocotrani pizza with pomodoro, smoked octopus, caciocavallo, plus cheese and basil.
The cost: Pizzas range from $18-23, pastas are $19-32, and family-style dishes are $48-$125
The gist: What started as a farmers market stall in 2019 has become a popular brick-and-mortar that’s serving hangover relief in the form of egg sandwiches. This opening has taken Cleveland Park by storm, plus there’s a food truck, and a Shaw location due up next.
The food: You’re here for breakfast sandwiches like “The Mayor,” served with cracked bacon, scrambled egg, American and cheddar cheese, and special sauce or the “Abe Froman,” made with Logan’s Sausage, scrambled egg, American and cheddar cheese, plus special sauce. The Cleveland Park location opens as early as 7 am and stays open until 8 pm, for either the early bird or severely hungover. Plus, there’s a heavy focus on a kid’s menu, and takeout and delivery options for when you don’t feel like leaving home.
The cost: $10-13 for an egg sandwich and the kid’s menu is $6-8.
The gist: Chef Matt Baker’s (Gravitas and Baker's Daughter) recently debuted a new French-American restaurant in the lobby of The Eaton DC Hotel. The restaurant is named after his late mother and pays homage to his French heritage and upbringing in Houston and New Orleans.
The food: At Michele’s, you can taste a wide array of cuisine from New American cooking to hometown influences, and signature French fare. From crawfish linguine to celery root tatin, each dish is bright, eclectic, and sourced locally according to season.
The cost: The menu is divided into veggie dishes ($14-18), seafood ($16-48), and meats ($34-$56)
The gist: Say hello, to the LINE Hotel’s newest restaurant, No Goodbyes. This restaurant, bar, and coffee shop all-in one is in the main lobby with a lively mix of casual dining options for morning, noon, and night. Pop in daily for breakfast and lunch at the counter service coffee shop, dine and drink at the bar any day of the week, or join for an intimate dinner.
The food: The menus feature an exciting, seasonal taste of Mid-Atlantic, Bay-inspired dishes and drinks from executive chef Opie Crooks. His not-to-miss dishes include a crab dip and Chesapeake oysters. Save room for dessert, too. Pastry chef Alicia Wang serves up everything from an ice cream sundae to a semifreddo, and each is downright delicious.
The cost: Snacks range from $6-14 and starters run between $28-34. Desserts from $6-12.
The gist: Chef Jose Andres recently revamped his former, tapas-centric restaurant Jaleo into a more casual affair that specializes in an Iberian take to the American diner, complete with jamon and fried eggs and other fresh takes on greasy spoon classics.
The food: Chefs Nicolas Lopez and Daniel Lugo offer a breakfast served all-day menu, including Spain’s famed Huevos Rotos Casa Lucio. Translation: Eggs fried in olive oil served atop crispy potatoes, as one does in Madrid. The menu also includes Andres’ birthplace of Asturias, the northwest region of Spain with dishes like Fabana Asturiana, fabes stewed with morcilla, chorizo, and smoked Iberico pork bacon. The beverage program, guided by bartender Miguel Lancha, features Spanish favorites including several gin and tonics, sangrias, and Spanish beers and wines.
The cost: Like in Spain there is a three-course “menu del dia” for $30. Sandwiches go for $11-16 and mains range from $12-$18.
The gist: This hotly anticipated restaurant from Suresh Sundas and Dante Datta (both formerly with Rasika) is now open at the corner of Maryland Avenue and H Street, NE, and so far, the buzz has brought lines of people starting at the 5 pm seating and continuing all night long.
The food: Daru is inspired by the history, culture, and flavors of India. The menu has classic dishes like chicken tikka masala, paneer pesto korma, and wild mushroom biryani. But there are also several nontraditional “Indian-ish” takes, like desi guacamole served with naan chips and a roasted sweet potato and cauliflower salad. The bridge to India also extends to the bar, where spices and flavors transform cocktails, like the Hari Daiquiri which calls for rum, lime, mint, cilantro, and kefir—it’s a drink inspired by the taste of green chutney.
The cost: Dishes range from $16-26. Sides are $6-12. Cocktails are $14, and dessert is $8.
How to book: Dinner is first-come, first-serve for indoor and patio dining from 5-10 pm.
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