RECOMMENDATIONS
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)
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
