Dark wood floors, iron accents and exposed brick lend sophistication, while the front sidewalk patio is a top people-watching spot. What Our Inspectors Say: “Ghibellina’s marble bar is a favorite hangout, but don’t let the cocktail-swilling patrons steer you away, since this kitchen gives its bar a serious run. From Spanish octopus with panca vinaigrette to Brussels sprouts with aji lime honey, the items cooked a la plancha are always a hit.” Lunch is mainly tacos, but come dinner, the small plates menu offers plenty to choose from, including ceviche (snapper is especially good) guacamole with an inventive sprinkle of black olive powder and cauliflower roasted and covered in crunchy fava beans and cotija cheese. The spacious dining room’s dark wood furnishings and vibrant murals create the sense of relaxing in a Latin American courtyard-and once those hibiscus margaritas arrive, stress has no chance. Pulsing with energy, it fits right in with this lively U Street neighborhood. What Our Inspectors Say: “It may be an offshoot of the Boston original, but Tico stands on its own two feet. Finish with a classic affogato, in which a shot of hot espresso is poured over a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream.” Spaghettata is gloriously thick and chewy, while the cheese and charcuterie boards, crammed with delicious imported salumi, cheeses, olives and giardiniera, could very well be the best in D.C. The kitchen too boasts some unique offerings-polpo e burrata starts things off on the right foot-but it’s really all about the homemade pasta and spot-on affetati here. This two-storied restaurant has an osteria feel to its downstairs level, where a Carrara marble bar and communal wood tables welcome diners, while upstairs has a rustic appeal. What Our Inspectors Say: “The neighborhood is hopping with a crowded, convivial vibe and Lupo Verde dances to that same beat. Breakfast is served at Birds Eye, which is also located within.” Save room for the delicious khao tom madt, a dessert of red bananas wrapped with coconut sticky rice, then rolled and steamed in banana leaves. Imagine a banana blossom salad with coconut-poached chicken fluffy basil fried rice and a fragrant short rib jungle curry with eggplant and tender shredded pork. Chef/owner Johanna Hellrigl turns out bold, spicy fare with a strong Thai bent. Weather permitting, there’s outdoor sidewalk seating as well. Guests can grab a seat at the counter facing the exhibition kitchen, or in one of two dining areas decked out with sleek tables and blonde wood chairs. What Our Inspectors Say: “Tucked into a buzzing corner, this sunny little Southeast Asian spot packs a big flavor punch. Strawberries and cream, where cake batter frozen in liquid nitrogen is unveiled with a dramatic cascade of cool smoke, is a dreamy way to seal this deal.” Squab and lobster united by a rich sauce Américaine turns classic surf and turf on its head while simple yet impressively executed dishes like pappardelle with lamb ragù dazzle palates with wow-worthy flavor and agreeable prices. Find a clear sense of artistry and whimsy in such dishes as the foie gras Negroni, which is topped with Campari gelée and accompanied by warm madeleines. Here, his menu is divided into three categories, including snacks, medium plates and large plates intended for sharing. The cooking here is at once casual and ambitious, thanks to chef Ryan Ratino’s time spent in some cutting-edge kitchens-think minibar, for example.
Inside, whitewashed brick, a living wall crafted of moss and quirky decorative elements create a contemporary ambience, while an amiable staff tends to every detail. Instead, this inviting restaurant mixes the warmth of a neighborhood treasure with the talent of a special occasion spot. What Our Inspectors Say: “It may be located on bustling 14th Street, but beautiful Bresca far from blends in with the crowd. The next time you’re in the nation’s capital on a weekend holiday, take a stroll up 14th Street, NW-and make a really good grub crawl out of it. And this particular stretch of 14th Street, NW, from Logan Circle to Columbia Heights, is no exception. Washington, D.C.: a walkable city embodying neighborhoods with pockets of history, shops and restaurants.
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