RECOMMENDATIONS
Causa / Amazonia - Blagden Alley
The Vibe:
A James Beard Award–winning and Michelin-starred standout tucked into Blagden Alley. Downstairs, the intimate tasting-room experience led by Chef Carlos Delgado takes you on a journey through Peruvian cuisine. It’s elegant, thoughtful, and absolutely perfect for a special-occasion night out. Upstairs, Amazonia offers a livelier atmosphere with a bar, lounge seating, and a rooftop. It’s an ideal for cocktails, snacks, or a more casual evening.
What To Order:
The Tasting Menu: Let the team take you on the journey.
A few standout courses I experienced : Fresh Fish Course with Fermented Wasabi. Macambo Dessert (Creamy, complex, and unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. A mix of macambo with delicate white-chocolate notes, passion fruit, matcha, and mango, finished with Petrossian caviar. It’s the perfect sweet and slightly savory final bite.
Why I Love It:
Causa delivers a deeply memorable dining experience that feels both intimate and adventurous. The detail in each course and the impressive flavors make it one of DC’s most extraordinary meals. If you want something celebratory, impressive, and truly unique to the city, this is the place to visit.
📍 Location: Blagden Alley, Washington, DC
ANJU - Dupont Circle
The Vibe:
Fun, hip, and always energetic, I am a regular here. Anju is a contemporary Korean restaurant and pub from The Fried Rice Collective (the team behind CHIKO, I Egg You, and District Catering), founded by Chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno. Led by Executive Chef Angel Barreto and General Manager Eric Chodkowski.
What to Order:
Chikin with white BBQ drizzle : I rarely skip this dish when I’m there- it’s crispy, flavorful, and a must try
Dolsot Bibim Bap with bulgogi
Panchan– I always order a few, but never skip the kimchi
The Tasting Menu is ideal for groups- it offers a wide variety of the menu so you can experience all the highlights
Why I Love It:
Anju is my go-to for an early happy hour. Even though it’s always packed, if I get there right at 5 p.m., I can usually grab a bar seat for a glass of wine and dumplings. For dinner, it’s one of my favorite spots to share a tasting menu with friends.
📍 Location: 1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC (Dupont Circle)
Le Diplomate - 14th St Corridor
The Vibe:
A classic French dining destination by Stephen Starr, Le Diplomate is one of those rare DC spots that works for every occasion. The bar is always buzzing, the dining room feels like a true Parisian brasserie, and the patio is perfection on a crisp fall afternoon or a sunny spring day. Whether it’s Sunday brunch, a weekday lunch, a girls’ night out, or a date night, it always fits the moment. Despite the constant crowds, the service is consistently polished and the food always delivers.
What To Order:
Brunch – Cheese selection + fresh-baked bread basket. Warm shrimp salad (light, flavorful, and I order nearly every time I dine there). Pommes frites (yes, always get a side of fries.). Bloody Mary (spicy and such a treat).
Lunch: Petit Plateau (the perfect seafood tower to share with a friend or two; always fresh and impressive, basically a work of art.)
Dinner: Beef Bourguignon (rich, hearty, and exactly what you want on a cozy night). Cheeseburger ( truly one of the best in DC). Trout Amandine (consistently perfect)
Dessert: Profiteroles — 10/10….Save room for this treat!
Why I Love It:
As you can probably tell, I’m a regular. I’ve worked my way through nearly the entire menu and I’ve never had a bad experience. Le Diplomate is one of my top recommendations for a chic dining experience that feels like stepping into Paris, but right in the middle of 14th Street. Perfect for sharing dishes with a date or a group of friends and always consistent, always charming.
📍 Location: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC (14th Street Corridor)
Perry’s - Adams Morgan
The Vibe:
This place is a neighborhood staple that has a warm and welcoming energy. The service is friendly, and they have a rooftop view that captures the best of Adams Morgan.
What to Order:
Start with the Garlic Edamame Dumplings– They are so flavorful and the perfect bite to start your meal
The Udon Carbonara: This is my favorite dish in the city. It’s creamy, rich, and unforgettable. I love to split this dish so I have room for sushi and other bites as well.
Check out their rotating specials. Chef Masako loves to surprise guests and show her creativity. We shared a poached pear dessert that was one of the specials and- Chef’s kiss!
Why I Love It:
I’ve had the pleasure of cooking with Chef Masako, and her talent shines through in every dish. It’s no surprise she’s a James Beard award winner. Perry’s delivers on everything-food, atmosphere, and creativity. This is one of my favorite places for a date night.
📍 1811 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC
Filomena - Georgetown
The Vibe
This place feels like walking into your Italian-American grandma’s house. It’s warm and welcoming, from the pasta mamas hard at work in the window to the dessert case tucked near the front of the restaurant to the private dining area, decorated with old-school charm. They go all out with seasonal decorations, and it’s a destination spot for everyone, from politicians and athletes to A-list actors and everyday Washingtonians.
What to Order
- Apps: Oysters Vesuvio, meatballs, Caprese salad
- Entrees: Lasagna, Tortellini di Michelle (really, you can’t go wrong with any dish)
- Desserts: Tiramisu, cheesecake… I try a different slice every visit 🙂
Why I Love It
Filomena is my home base. I love Joanna, Dino, and the whole team. They are so friendly and welcoming. It’s been my go-to for important milestones since my Aunt Nancy took me there a decade ago when I moved to DC.
📍 Location: Georgetown, Washington, DC
Mita DC - Shaw
The Vibe:
A beautiful plant-based Latin American restaurant in the heart of Shaw that feels both elevated and warm. This location is the perfect destination for a special night out, especially if you love thoughtfully plated and unique dishes.
What to Order:
- A fun first bite: candy with an edible wrapper
- Hot chocolate
- Arepa
- Watermelon crudo
- Coconut ceviche
Why I Love It:
I experienced the 14-course tasting and left so full and happy. Every dish is plated to perfection, the flavors standout, and you experience the creativity in every course. This Michelin starred destination is a muat stop in DC.
📍 804 V St NW, Washington, DC
Via Roma - Woodley Park
The Vibe
This place is a neighborhood gem. It’s warm, welcoming, relaxed, and the kind of spot you instantly feel comfortable in. The price point is great, the atmosphere is cozy, and it’s perfect for an easy night out with amazing food and wine. Plus, they are serving up authentic Italian food!
What to Order
Meatballs (They are so tender and full of flavor)
Tiramisu for dessert (absolutely save room)
Pinsa (long, flat Roman-style pizza) – pick your toppings 🙂
Why I Love It
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel right at home the minute you walk in. Everything is delicious, the energy is relaxed, and the pinsa alone is worth the visit.
📍 Location: 2606 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
