The Best Michelin-star Restaurants in Washington DC

In Washington, minibar by José Andrés holds two Michelin stars and offers a whimsical, intimate dining experience. With only about a dozen seats, it’s best to plan ahead. Expect a carefully paced series of creative courses and attentive service that highlights the chef’s unique style.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

Best avant-garde cuisine in the east coast Highly recommend experience while in DC. Menu focuses on Japanese ingredients with the known whimsical touch of Jose Andres. Experience is a 3h long with a beautifully orchestrated service. Solid 2 Michelin stars

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Tail Up Goat sits in Washington’s Adams Morgan neighborhood, offering a relaxed setting with a dimly lit dining room and a small open kitchen. The atmosphere feels lively but never overwhelming, allowing guests to enjoy inventive takes on simple ingredients at their own pace.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

Pictured: ossetra caviar with crispy fried polenta crackers and chive-flecked creme fraiche. This is one of two supplement options at Tail Up Goat, an Adams Morgan restaurant serving a four course tasting menu. Dimly lit with a small visible kitchen, the restaurant’s chefs capture the essence of simple ingredients, such as broccoli or pecorino, and drops them into unexpected vessels. Having previously dined at the bar, we enjoyed the atmosphere in the dining room — lively but not too loud, energetic but not hectic.

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Rose’s Luxury is a warm, Capitol Hill restaurant known for its ever-changing menu and relaxed tasting format. The friendly staff and inviting atmosphere make it a comfortable place to try something new without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

Rose’s Luxury has become the DC restaurant we talk about the most. From signature bites like the grilled ribeye and eggs with a “sidecar” of potatoes to fleeting specials like the cacio pepe soufflé and 12-hour smoked brisket sandwich, the food is complex and whimsical at once.  The loose tasting menu format allows diners to try multiple bites. With dessert included in the set price, there will be enough food to send you into a food coma, though the kind staff will gladly put your favorites in a box mid-meal to help you make it to the finish line.

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The Dabney in Washington offers a warm, relaxed space that focuses on an American farm-to-table approach. The open kitchen and the use of open-fire cooking give the room a comforting, homey feel. It’s a down-to-earth spot where you can settle in and enjoy a thoughtfully crafted experience.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Chef

The Dabney offers a sublime fusion of casual dining with a genuine American farm-to-table flair. The Dabney truly stands out as one of the most exceptional dining experiences I've had this year. Their menu is a masterpiece, seamlessly weaving together casual dining with an authentic American farm-to-table twist. The ambiance is both cozy and laid-back, making you feel right at home. The open kitchen and the allure of the open fire add a touch of warmth and intimacy to the dining experience. It's evident that every detail is crafted with love and passion. Highly recommended.

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Xiquet by Danny Lledó is a Michelin-starred, AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Washington, D.C., celebrated for its modern Valencian-inspired cuisine and intimate, multi-level dining space. Guests experience a thoughtfully crafted multi-course menu prepared over a wood-fire kitchen, paired with a carefully curated wine program in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

Best Spanish fine dining in the East Coast The king of paella is curating a beautiful multilevel experience showcasing his Valencian cuisine. Seafood is the leading cast on the menu but the star of the show is the paella / rice course which the chef has perfected. The service and beverage program are top notch. Special occasion restaurants with a well deserved Michelin star.

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Rania in Washington, DC offers fresh takes on Indian fare in an elegant, upbeat setting. The menu changes often, emphasizing both flavor and presentation. Its stylish interior and relaxed vibe make it a welcoming spot for a memorable meal.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Rania delights with some of the most inspired Indian fare in DC No two evenings are ever alike; chef Chetan Shetty is constantly finessing his menu. Appearances are important to him. A gold bowl showcases typically humble Parsi chicken: minced thighs, warm with curry leaves and coriander, supporting a “nest” of shoestring potatoes crowned with a poached egg dusted with red chile blend. Taste is crucial, too. Braised lamb swells with green chiles, ginger and cilantro. Rania translates to “queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit, which explains the the regal cooking and posh interior, including arched booths and slots in gold chairs for bags. Did i mention that the top-notch drinks arrive in illuminated glasses? This is a serious restarant that likes to have fun.

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