Washington, DC is a gastronomic mecca with some of the top restaurants in the world, where tourists and locals can sample a wide range of cuisines, from local fine dining to space-age futuristic. Wanderlust Tips USA, America’s largest travel magazine, has suggested a list of the top four Michelin Guide restaurants in Washington, DC.
Métier: Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Washington, D.C
Métier is a tiny, private restaurant founded on the owner’s philosophy: “Life is a collection of moments; celebrate as many as you can.”
The restaurant, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is tucked into the lower level of a historic brick structure dating back to 1907. It focuses on a tasting menu and the customers’ experience.
Photo: Métier Restaurant
Métier is reached via an elevator that transports visitors to a dark lounge. The simple and sleek eating space beyond is best described as one part living room and two parts art gallery, and it offers an even more opulent experience.
Métier’s dinner menu focuses on a chef-driven experience, including an innovative seven-course tasting menu.
Photo: Métier Restaurant
Address: 1015 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Opening time: Wednesday – Saturday: 6 p.m – 9 p.m
Pineapple and Pearls: Zen atmosphere for those seeking peace and quiet
Pineapple and Pearls is known for its zen-like environment, with white walls filled with odd art representing Japanese mountains, potted orchids, shelves of miniature vases, and other Asian-themed souvenirs. The outstanding restaurant is inspired by the Studio 54 nightclub, and diners are urged to dress to impress as the mood shifts closer to a New Year’s Eve party.
Photo: Pineapple and Pearls Restaurant
Dinner is a visibly rushed affair peppered with unexpected surprises like tableside absinthe cocktails and truffle-infused amaretto warmed over candlelight.
Everything has a story to tell, and the staff is always happy to sit down and tell them. Silverman cooks with inspiration all the time. Among the highlights are cacao-crusted squab, agnolotti buried beneath a white chocolate and parmesan froth, and a pineapple dessert inspired by Los Angeles taco trucks.
The meal is frequently preceded by a table-side drink and bite-size pastry appetizers, followed by a variety of seafood entrees, and concluded with a grilled lamb main course. The beverage pairings are excellent, including some vintage wines that are normally difficult to obtain unless you have an industry link.
Photo: Washingtonian
Address: 715 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Opening time: Wednesday – Saturday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Minibar by José André: Each bite is designed to awaken the senses by pushing the boundaries
Minibar by José André is intended to be a study in avant-garde cookery. With its inventions that blend art and science, as well as tradition and skill, the one-of-a-kind eatery offers an out-of-this-world experience in a community atmosphere.
Photo: Minibar by José Andrés
The lounge is great for a glass of bubbly before settling onto a chair at the counter, which is positioned around the chefs’ stainless steel workbench, which practically transforms their world into a genuine stage.
The team is unabashedly passionate and enthusiastic, producing a meal full of whimsy, “Ramen en papillote”, demonstrating how much fun they are having, but check the chalkboard for specialties ranging from soy chicharrón with wakasabi (imagine guacamole with wasabi) to Wagyu topped with Caviar pearls and sunflower petals. Desserts, such as a fried hojicha donut and cherry pâte de fruit on miso “sable,” will provide a unique end for guests.
Photo: Minibar by José Andrés
Address: 855 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Opening Time: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bresca: A Parisian bistro showcasing French techniques in American cuisine
Bresca is a modern Parisian bistro that highlights French techniques while also being influenced by regionality. It only uses the best ingredients from the Mideast and overseas.
Instead of blending in with the crowd on busy 14th Street, the restaurant combines the warmth of a neighborhood treasure with the talent of a special occasion spot, allowing the authentic approach to food and service to shine.
Photo: Bresca Restaurant
The menu is organized into four sections: snacks, medium plates, large, sharing plates. Tourists will notice an obvious sense of creativity in dishes such as a foie gras “negroni” topped with Campari gelée or the reasonably priced and perfectly cooked pappardelle with lamb ragù. Cocktails, such as The Daulphine St. Punch, can be consumed in place of dessert.
Photo: Bresca Restaurant
Address: 1906 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20000
Opening Time:
- Tuesday – Friday: 5.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 4 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.