The D.C. Restaurants We Loved in July

The award for cutest cheese course (maybe ever)…

… would have to go to Tail Up Goat. When my coworkers and I dined there, it involved sheep milk cheese sandwiched between two tiny slices of toasted milk bread, served with strawberry gochujang and Sicilian pistachios, and it was (almost) too adorable to consume, but we did anyway.

I love that their prix-fixe, multi-course menu changes all the time, but also has an incredible amount of variety: everything from tiny corn and ricotta tarts and refreshing rockfish crudo to savory pork rillette and a true sleeper hit of a dish involving lion’s mane mushrooms and farro verde. And to top it all off, the service was so warm and generous, with some impeccable descriptions for suggested wine and zero-proof pairings. If I lived in D.C., I’d love to add Tail Up Goat to my regular rotation.

— Deanna Ting, New York & Philadelphia Editor, Resy Editorial

Do get a large table at…

… Pascual, which makes it possible to order nearly everything on the menu from chefs Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss. From the guacamole and tostadas to the lamb neck barbacoa and everything in between, it was a fun, delicious, and incredibly hospitable evening. The fish tacos are also a must and you have to get the eggplant tamale if it’s on the menu. And don’t skip Isabel’s desserts — not only are they stunning, but so incredibly delicious.

— Aaron Ginsberg, VP of Strategic Partnerships & Industry Developments

I haven’t stopped thinking about…

… the amazing sandwich I had at Your Only Friend. Their “crispy & juicy-style sandwich” is one of their rotating sandwiches, so this is a PSA to go get it before it’s gone! I didn’t expect a hashbrown patty layered with carrots, shredded lettuce, and shaved onions on a soft roll to be my favorite sandwich ever, but it is! Your Only Friend calls themselves a sandwich bar because they are a sandwich shop and cocktail bar — what an elite combo.

— Sarah Slaton, Product Designer

On Bastille Day weekend…

… Le Diplomate outdid themselves with festivities, complete with an Eiffel Tower on the roof, an interactive mime that engaged with every table, and celebratory free ice cream and flower bouquets (compliments of Resy and Le Dip!).

Luckily, I was dining with a larger group, because their hero dishes never disappoint and we were in the mood to indulge! They have the dreamiest warm shrimp salad, an over-the-top seafood tower (big crowd pleaser and an IG win), and of course, the burger. Our table agreed that Le Diplomate might also have the best French fries around (and this is not said lightly …) — they’re classic with the perfect amount of salt and crisp.

— Kaisa Talaga, Resy Experiential Marketing

I am so glad I got to…

… Lapis, a D.C. mainstay that serves a lengthy menu of incredible Afghan food. The dishes were so fresh and balanced, and I can’t wait to get back to navigate more of the menu. So, go with a group, get the dumplings, several of the veggies (like the pumpkin with garlic sour cream), and any of the meats — you can’t go wrong. The beautiful pistachio ricotta cake is a perfect way to end the meal as well.

— Aaron Ginsberg, VP of Strategic Partnerships & Industry Developments

I’ve been wanting to dine at…

… Oyster Oyster ever since I was lucky enough to try chef Rob Rubba’s cooking at the now dearly departed Momofuku Ko in New York City for a one-night-only pop-up last year. So, when I saw that a reservation was available the same weekend I just happened to be in D.C., I booked it as quickly as I could. And it didn’t disappoint.

I love the thoughtfulness and ingenuity of the food at Oyster Oyster: barely-cooked peas with pickled kohlrabi and herb pesto in a tomato broth were a stunner, and my friend and I devoured the signature badger flame beet bread with marigold butter as soon as it hit the table. Every dish was a wonderful surprise, and I’m hoping I can go back again next time I’m in town.

— Deanna Ting, New York & Philadelphia Editor, Resy Editorial