The Resy Hit List: Where In D.C. You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
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There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in and around Washington, D.C.: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In D.C. Not to Miss This Month
- Soft-Shell Season: Memorial Day means the kick-off to Chesapeake Bay crab season, and the season always starts with soft shells, before crabs regrow their hard outer exterior shell. This time of year is when you’ll find soft-shells on menu at essential spots like Fish Shop, which prepares them lightly fried and tucked between a bao bun, as well as served on a sandwich at Hank’s Oyster Bar, with locations in D.C. and Virginia.
- Celebrate AAPI Month: Across D.C., restaurants are hosting special themed dinners all month long to shine a spotlight on chefs, restaurateurs, and other hospitality folks of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage. Rooster & Owl will invite chefs from across the city, including Mandu, Queen’s English, Thip Khao, and Maketto for special collaboration dinners. Meanwhile, the team at Mandu will host chefs Erik Bruner-Yang (Maketto), Stevie Chu (Ekiben), and Susan Bae (Moon Rabbit) for an anniversary party in honor of Mandu’s 20th birthday.
- The Mother of All Brunches: Raise a glass for mom at brunch on Mother’s Day. While we might be biased, we might argue Washington, D.C. is the brunch capital of America. Case in point: the flurry of special-themed brunches honoring mom taking place at Maple Avenue, Bully Spanish Steakhouse, Residents Cafe & Bar, and Sequoia DC.
- Best of the Eastern Shore: Summertime is around the corner, and that means Eastern Shore getaways to the Chesapeake Bay. Have you noticed? Both Easton and Saint Michaels, Maryland have become dining destinations along the Chesapeake. Sample some of the freshest seafood at Ruse or try Italian pastas made fresh daily at Easton’s newest hit restaurant Accanto. An orange crush and crab cake is also a must at Washington Street Pub, and you’ll want to slurp down a dozen freshly shucked Choptank oysters at Purser’s Pub at the Inn at Perry Cabin.
New to the Hit List (May 2026)
The Fountain Inn, The Greenhouse, The Little Grand, Nanglo Restaurant and Bar, Omakase Room by Tadayoshi, Pascual.
1. Maison Adams Morgan
Ready for some Big French Energy? Executive chef Matt Conroy, who runs Lutèce in Georgetown, introduced another standout French concept this wummer. Conroy’s latest addition comes to a historic townhouse in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, complete with caviar, French 75s, and a wide selection of naturally tilting wines as the focal point. Beyond the bar, the menu features fancy bites like eel croquettes, brioche stuffed chicken, and oysters that rotate seasonally, including several from Mid-Atlantic farmers. The Popal Restaurant Group (also known for restaurant hits like Pascual and Lapis) found inspiration for Maison in wine bars popping up across Europe that offer flexibility in their experience, whether for a glass of wine and a thoughtful bite, or a full-fledged meal. Now Adams Morgan has its own iteration.
2. Poplar Washington D.C
You’ll want to be a regular at this Northwest restaurant, thanks to its neighborhood appeal and sustainability-minded menu. Named after Rock Creek Park’s towering poplar trees, the 24-seat winner zeroes in on all things hyper-local with a lineup of foraged and farm-fresh dishes from Arcadia Venture’s Iulian Fortu. Inside, Anxo Cider’s Sam Fitz fuels a fittingly artisanal drinks program, and the red-tiled pizza oven roasts everything from lion’s mane mushrooms to Mangalitsa pork coppa steaks. Poplar offers a single prix-fixe menu that changes weekly and gets posted by Wednesday morning. Per person cost ranges from $45 to$60 before service and tip and includes locally sourced Manifest bread, four main dishes, and dessert.
3. Purple Patch Mt. Pleasant
For more than a decade, the Patch has served Filipino fare under the direction of chef and owner Patrice Cleary. Cleary’s dedication to her craft and her ability to fuse traditional Filipino dishes with modern touches extends to pancakes and waffles injected with ube’s purple color, and pork and chicken adobo brunch bowls. At dinner, an order of Mama Alice’s (her mom’s) lumpia is a must, as is the crab fat lechon kawali with a fiery edge thanks to habanero peppers. But this isn’t just a D.C. restaurant institution: It’s a gathering place for the Filipino community in D.C., with a goal to continue to be a place that preserves and elevates Filipino cultural heritage for years to come.
4. The Experience at Maru San Washington D.C.
Chef Carlos Delgado is here with Nikkei cuisine, a combination of Peruvian and Japanese flavor widely known in Lima, but new to the District. In fact, this is D.C.’s first and only Nikkei-style hand roll concept, in an intimate 25-seat space where reservations go quickly. A 15-course tasting menu changes nightly, guided by exceptional seasonal seafood. Guests are seated at the counter for a curated progression of small courses prepared and served by Delgado in real time, from pristine sashimi and hand rolls to tiraditos; prepare for unexpected pairings like Peru’s Inca Kola with a specialty caviar hand roll. In addition to that experience, Maru San features a first-come, first-served counter offering hand rolls, à la carte dishes, and a selection of beer, sake, and pisco highballs.
5. Pascual Capitol Hill
This second restaurant from Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy (Maison, Lutèce) has gained national attention for its hearth-focused Mexican cuisine, and we understand why. Must-order dishes include the kale tamal, lamb neck barbacoa, and a lazy-Susan of Mexican salas and guacamole — the starter to any good meal here, if we’re being honest. New additions include a weekend brunch menu. (Did somebody say chilaquiles?) Also new is a rotating menu of trompo tacos in a special collaboration with D.C.’s top chefs, including Chef Carlos Delgado (Maru San) and Chef Masako Morishita (Perry’s Restaurant). And follow on Instagram for tip-aheads about special one-night-only dinners throughout the year.
6. The Fountain Inn Georgetown
Inspired by the historic tavern known as “the room where it happened,” The Fountain Inn pays homage to the drinking dens frequented by our country’s founding fathers, with pre-prohibition-style cocktails and a robust spirits library with more than 700 whiskeys and bourbons. Chef Greg Heitzig offers an array of fine dining-inspired dishes from caviar focaccia to Roseda Farms steak tartare, plus 18-hour braised beef cheeks, each with a suggested cocktail or spirit pairing. This bar and restaurant is located near the top of Georgetown’s Wisconsin Avenue and provides a quiet ambiance for dinner and drinks steeped in history.
7. The Little Grand H Street, NE
Hot pizza, cold drinks, and warm people is the motto of this alleyway pizza bar located off H Street, NE. The Little Grand a gem of a pizza parlor, worth stopping in to sample one of the round (traditional) or square (Detroit-style) pies. Top picks include the sausage and pepper, potato, and ricotta, and of course a fiery pepperoni sourdough pie. This restaurant is small, so reservations are strongly encouraged, but you can also snag a seat at the bar for classic cocktails, and a small selective wine list. Repeat visits are a must, if only to sip the signature martini or Manhattan.
Book now on Tock.
8. Nanglo Restaurant and Bar H Street, NE
Looking for authentic Indian and Nepali food along H Street? Nanglo Restaurant & Bar brings the vibrant flavors of South Asia — from rich Indian curries and aromatic biryanis to Nepali momos, tandoori favorites, and vegetarian specialties. Every dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. Don’t miss the namesake Nanglo Platter, a traditional Nepalese sampler served on a nanglo — a flat, round woven bamboo tray — offering a variety of dishes including momos, tandoori meats, spicy aloo, and chutney. Whether you’re stopping in for a weeknight dinner or meeting up with friends to split a platter, Nanglo makes every visit flavorful and convenient.
9. Omakase Room by Tadayoshi Downtown
Known for his culinary skill and operational expertise, chef Tadayoshi curates an omakase menu with a poetic progression through the 20 courses. Blending centuries-old Japanese techniques and refined modern sensibility, he prepares two styles (shari) of sushi rice. One traditional, seasoned with classic vinegar reflecting the Edomae lineage, and one contemporary, seasoned with modern vinegar to show the evolution of taste. This dual shari experience invites guests to savor sushi’s evolution, expressed through the harmony of rice and fish. Guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention for maximum character, the experience is by enhanced the warmth of a Michelin-starred chef who makes every guest feel at home, yielding an intimate omakase that becomes a quietly expressive journey. With only 12 seats available, reservations are a must.
10. Dirty Habit Penn Quarter Washington D.C.
Think of this as your year-round oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. Located inside the Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco, Dirty Habit is a vibrant restaurant and bar with a climate-controlled courtyard, known for bold flavors, craft cocktails, and an immersive atmosphere. Guests can expect a globally inspired menu, and a party-centric vibe perfect for any happy hour or brunch to late-night eats. With a rich design and ever-evolving special events, Dirty Habit offers an unforgettable dining experience just steps from Capital One Arena. This is also an easy spot to post up with a large group — reservations online can include eight or more guests.
11. Metrobar Edgewood
Gather a group of friends and head to this transit-themed spot, a sprawling indoor-outdoor hangout built around a decommissioned 5000-series Metro railcar retro-fitted as a bar. The outdoor space is a choose-your-own-adventure beer garden with fire pits, cabanas, rotating-food truck pop-ups, and plenty of room for DJs, trivia nights, and other themed events. Drinks also skew local, with a lineup of District-made beers, wines, and cheeky, Metro-inspired cocktails (color-coded by train line, naturally). Think of this as the District’s playground where the train is always on time and the night tends to go off the rails depending on how many Express Lines you’ve sipped.
Book now on Tock.
12. Mandu Mt. Vernon Triangle
Their groundbreaking Anju may get more plaudits for its role in transforming the Korean American dining landscape, but the mother-and-son team of Yesoon and Danny Lee have — for two decades, in fact — won over D.C. dining devotees with their original project. Savory comfort dishes range from the traditional — think dolsot bibimbap and bulgogi — to creative mash-up dishes like Korean fried chicken sliders sauced in a sweet-and-spicy soy glaze on toasted brioche buns with Kewpie mayo and pickled radish. And to celebrate their 20th birthday, Mandu recently launched a monthly dinner series for collaboration dinners with other popular DMV chefs — that’s quickly becoming one of the toughest tickets in town. (Don’t worry, Resy has you covered.)
13. Chao Ban Tysons, Virginia
A new fast-casual spot from one of D.C.’s most celebrated chefs landed in Tysons this spring. Kevin Tien, the force behind Moon Rabbit, recently opened Chao Ban with longtime partner Alan Vo at Tysons Galleria. The name translates to “hello, friend,” and the menu leans into that easygoing, come-as-you-are energy. Tien and Vo — both first-generation Vietnamese Americans who grew up in Louisiana — pull from Gulf South and Mid-Atlantic influences to shape a menu that blends Vietnamese flavors with familiar, fast-casual formats. Expect a tight lineup built for quick hits: Two kinds of phở, a catfish bánh mì, rice plates, and snackable sides like xíu mại and honey pecan shrimp. Indeed, just eight signature dishes anchor the Vietnamese American menu.
Find more info here.
14. Evelyn Rose Vienna
Brought to you by co-owners chef Nick Palermo and Sam Schnoebelen, this neighborhood restaurant puts an elegant spin on nostalgia. With an ever-changing menu using ingredients from around the world, and anchored by local produce, it offers essential dishes like Maine lobster etouffee, a 42-day dry-aged cheeseburger, Norwegian cod with smoked turnips, and a smoked cheese, ricotta, and spinach cavatelli with meatballs. A tight list of cocktails and wine pulls everything together, whether it’s date night or a casual happy hour with friends.
15. Rose’s Luxury Capitol Hill
Chef Aaron Silverman has been making people (and stomachs happy) on Capitol Hill for more than a decade thanks to a menu of fun and fanciful eating. A meal here is an extravagant choose-your-own-adventure. Each bite is more memorable than the last. This includes the pork lychee salad (which has been on menu since day one) to newer hits like the Italian beef sandwich pasta or the miso-glazed cod inspired by celebrity chefs like Joel Robuchon and Nobu Matsuhisa.
16. The Greenhouse Downtown
The Greenhouse at the Jefferson resides within one of D.C.’s oldest hotels, with a menu that brings bright and bold Mediterranean flavors to a light-filled greenhouse. Lush greenery and seasonal blooms inspired by Monticello’s verdant gardens bring a welcome breath of fresh air from downtown D.C. It’s also the ultimate spot for a special-occasion dinner or weekend brunch. Executive chef Matthew McClure’s menu is tuned into the seasons and occasions. At brunch, expect everything from a classic eggs Benedict to whole fried Mediterranean branzino, or strawberry pancakes. At dinner, spring for the four-course tasting menu featuring Virginia’s Blackberry Point oysters, Maine sea scallops, and the Jefferson’s 24-hour braised beef short ribs, plus a decadent dark chocolate orange petit gâteau.
Book now on Tock.
17. Chang Chang Dupont Circle
Chef Peter Chang’s flagship D.C. restaurant plays like a greatest-hits album of his Chinese dishes. The prolific Sichuan master, known for building a regional empire across the DMV, offers one of the best takeout or dine-in dinner experiences in Dupont Circle. The menu gets split in two: a more casual “Chang Out” for takeout-friendly staples and a dine-in “Chang In” menu that leans family-style, pulling from regions like Sichuan and Hunan, and beyond with a Chinese American diaspora-influenced lens. Think soup dumplings with razor-sharp broth, honeyed walnut prawns, and a whole branzino to share, arriving steaming hot in chopped chili paste. This is also the city’s top destination for dim sum brunch. Think: a premium service with Chinese high tea, as well as regular rotating dishes like roasted duck bun, crispy flounder rolls, and seafood pork dumplings.
Book now on Tock.
18. KARRAVAAN Union Market District
Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya, best known for his Indian restaurant Pappe, delivers new flavors and a menu inspired by the Silk Road by way of Union Market. Dishes here focus not only on Indian cuisine, but also the Middle East, Central Asia, and China, with nods to Morocco and Iberia along the way. Must-order dishes include Georgian khachapuri, Lebanese fish kofte, and wild mushroom biryani. This is also a great place to come with a few hungry friends to explore the ample Turkish-Indian mixed grill options.
19. Cordelia Fishbar Union Market
Cordelia’s is the place for coastal-inspired dishes, whether you crave a curated selection of crudo or cured seafood specialties, like a shareable turbot or coal-roasted oysters glossed in spicy ‘nduja butter. This Union Market seafood house is also the place for daily oyster happy hour or bottomless weekend brunch — designed to highlight the freshest flavors from both land and sea. For seafood lovers seeking pristine raw bar selections or those just looking for a mouthwatering burger, Cordelia delivers a dining experience that is accessible for the whole family.
Book now on Tock.
20. Maketto H Street NE
Erik Bruner-Yang’s all-day cafe and noodle bar remains an H Street staple for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s somewhere you can quickly become a regular. (And many of us have.) Bruner-Yang puts his stamp on Cambodian and Taiwanese flavors, so gather a crew and eat your way through the menu. There isn’t a single dish we wouldn’t recommend — from dim sum to pan-fried noodles, and a five-spice fried chicken like no other. Maketto also is building a buzz on Saturday mornings, when the cafe offers a bake-sale menu starting at 9 a.m. But you better get in line, because everything from toasted white sesame cookies to pandan honeycomb cake sells out fast.
