The One Who Keeps the Book Washington D.C.
How to Get Into Florería Atlántico
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Plenty of restaurants today claim to transport their guests. Very few are able to achieve it. But chief among those who have tasted success — and plenty of it, for that matter — is Florería Atlántico.
Part bar, part flower shop, and 100% an experience, the Washington, D.C. outpost of Florería marks its fourth location overall, and first in the United States. After initially launching in Buenos Aires, the originally Argentinian brand decided to take its cocktail talents and vision for hospitality international, launching locations in Barcelona and Bahrain soon thereafter. And they’re not done yet — we’ll soon see yet another Florería Atlantíco in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Pay a visit to Florería, and it’s not hard to see why the team — helmed by owner Renato “Tato” Giovannoni (who also oversees the beverage program) — has taken what was once the oldest firehouse in the nation’s capital, and has turned it into a dining concept that feels like the start of a great story.
As the name suggests, Florería Atlántico is indeed a flower shop, selling not only moody, elegant bouquets, but also a wide selection of natural wines. But let the host (and flower vendor) know that you have a reservation, and you’ll be led through a door to what feels like an entirely different world, one that is intimate, luxurious, and with absolutely phenomenal drinks and food.
Given the enchanting nature of the space and the quality of the beverage and culinary program, it’s no wonder that getting one of the few seats at this Georgetown hotspot can be quite the challenge. To help, we chatted with bar manager Jael Kleiman for tips and tricks on scoring a coveted reservation.
And for more tips and tricks on securing a seat at some of D.C.’s most sought-after restaurants, head here.
Resy: Big congrats on your U.S. launch with the D.C. location. What is it about the Florería brand that has made it so internationally appealing?
Jael Kleiman: Florería was never designed to be a “concept” that travels. It was designed to be a feeling. What resonates internationally is the balance: Precision without stiffness, creativity without ego, and hospitality that feels human and emotional. People respond to places that feel personal. Florería is intimate, playful, and layered, and those qualities translate across cultures.
What makes the D.C. location special or unique compared to other locations?
D.C. brings a different kind of energy. DC is curious, worldly, deeply engaged. The Florería here feels like a conversation between Buenos Aires and Washington: the same soul, but tuned to the city. It’s slightly more reflective, slightly more intimate. The room encourages dialogue between guests, between cultures, between the drink and the moment.
What makes it so difficult to get a reservation at Florería Atlántico?
We’re small by design. Florería isn’t about volume; it’s about experience. Every seat matters, every drink has intention, and every guest is meant to feel like they’re part of something rare. Limited seats, high touch hospitality, and genuine curiosity tend to create demand — which we take as a compliment, but never take lightly.
How many seats are there total?
Just over 60 seats. It’s intentionally intimate.
When do reservations become available on Resy?
Reservations are available 30 days in advance.
What are the busiest days and times for you?
Thursday through Saturday evenings, especially between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., are the most sought-after windows.
What’s the scene like on one of those busy nights?
Electric. You’ll hear laughter, low music, the sound of ice, and conversations unfolding at the bar. It’s lively, but never rushed. The room feels alive — like everyone knows they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be.
Do you allow walk-ins?
Yes, we do. We pride ourselves on accommodating spontaneity. While the bar is always first come, first serve, the lounge offers plenty of cozy spots where guests can begin their experience while waiting for a table.
Does the Notify list on Resy actually help with reservations?
Absolutely. Cancellations happen, and Resy Notify is the best way to catch them. Many guests get in that way.
What’s your favorite seat in the house?
The corner at the bar — close enough to watch everything happen, but tucked in just enough to feel like you’re in on a secret.
What’s your favorite drink of all time from Florería?
That’s like choosing a favorite song — impossible. But there’s something timeless about the Negroni Balestrini (which features Principe de los Apóstoles Campari, Amaro Averna, sea water, eucalyptus, and pine nuts) that touches on all of the themes important to us here at Floreria and is an all time favorite at all of our venues.
The team creates a few drinks for each city in which it opens, what’s your favorite?
Definitely the Potomac. We use a specially blended rum and natural ingredients that results in lively and unforgettable flavors when paired with tobacco and sycamore tree syrup, walnuts, and Potomac River bitters.
What about your favorite food item?
The empanadas. Always. They’re humble, comforting, and deeply Argentine — the perfect companion to a great cocktail.
Florería Atlántico is open Thursday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and from Sunday to Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Lulu Chang is a Texas-bred, D.C. and N.Y.C.-based writer who covers food, travel, lifestyle, and wellness, with a particular knack for spotting the cultural trends behind what and where we eat. Her work has appeared in outlets including USA Today’s 10Best, Eater, InsideHook, Prevention, and more.
