As summer arrives in DC, the city's dining scene comes alive with seasonal menus, refreshing cocktails, and new rooftop spots.
New Menus
The intimate Press Club cocktail bar kicks off a summer cocktail collaboration series featuring guest bars from around the country. The series launches Monday, May 26 with White Limozeen from Nashville, followed by Bandista from Houston on June 23 and Bar Kaiju from Miami on June 30. Events will take place on Monday evenings with reservations required.
Tucked in the St. Gregory Hotel, Ellington Park Bistro offers a new seasonal menu combining classic French cuisine with creative comfort dishes such as the French Onion Burger, Steak Frites, and Earl Grey Panna Cotta. Chef Loomis focuses on local ingredients and a lively dining experience, enhanced by live music.
Every day is Sunday at Alta Strada inside the Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC Embassy Row. Chef Michael Schlow’s new menu offers a warm, family-style dining experience inspired by the Italian-American Sunday suppers of his childhood. Guests can enjoy classics like garlic bread, chopped salad, fried calamari, chicken parmigiana and sautéed greens, topped by a pistachio cannoli dessert.
Located in the Michelin-starred Elcielo, Elbistro introduces a new à la carte culinary menu. Drawing inspiration from Colombian roots and global influences, the menu features inventive small plates, crudos, and mains made with a mix of local and Colombian-sourced ingredients.
What's New
Lobby Bar offers elevated American comfort food and a standout martini program. Led by DC native Chef Andre Williams, the menu features raw bar favorites like local oysters and jumbo shrimp cocktail. The bar program, developed in collaboration with Pratt Standard Cocktail Company, includes innovative cocktails like a caper-brined Dirty Martini and a caviar-topped French 75.
Fish Shop is a new addition to The Wharf, featuring a spacious dining room with seating for up to 180 guests and three private dining rooms. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch, the restaurant emphasizes sustainability, serving fresh shellfish from the Potomac River and locally sourced vegetables, all in low-waste packaging.
Translating to “fresh” in French, Fraiche opened its doors in early May on 14th Street. The fusion restaurant blends French, Cajun/Southern, and Caribbean cuisine for a bold, flavorful menu. Housed in a former theater, the space offers an open and inviting atmosphere.
Lucky Danger has debuted its third location in the heart of Penn Quarter, evolving from its original takeout-only pop-up. The Chinese American concept now offers a full dine-in experience with favorites like crab rangoons, sesame chicken, and mapo tofu.
GAIA Supperclub brings a vibrant dining experience to Downtown DC, channeling the energy of Dubai and Ibiza nightlife. The restaurant pairs Latin and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with live entertainment like DJs and dancers. Chef Sammy Davis, a Chopped winner, showcases creative plates like salmon lollipops, lobster nuggets, and a 24-ounce tomahawk ribeye served tableside.
Michelin-starred chef Elias Taddesse has opened Mélange in Shaw. The 96-seat dining hub houses three fast-casual concepts: Mélange DC (gourmet burgers), Doro Soul Food (Ethiopian-inspired comfort food), and soon-to-launch Moya (Ethiopian tacos).
An upscale brasserie from the Balos Restaurant Group has opened in DC’s West End. Bar Angie brings an elevated dining experience with a brasserie-style menu and refined ambiance to the neighborhood. The menu features an Angie’s Happy Meal, consisting of fries and Caesar salad paired with a martini or wine.
The popular Joia Burger has opened a second location in Glover Park. The new location will serve the classic smash burger, veggie burgers, and the beloved ube ice cream, in addition to coffee in partnership with Sun & Stars Coffee.
New York City award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson has debuted Sly, a new rooftop bar at the Morrow Hotel in NoMa. The bar serves playful cocktails and bites like mumbo sauce chicken sandwiches and blue corn cornbread. The restaurant can seat up to 300 people and offers a stunning view of the city’s skyline.
Upcoming
Birdsong a modern Thai restaurant, brings bold flavors to the former Blue 44. Led by self-taught Chef Kitima Boonmala and Pastry Chef Naomi Gallego, the menu combines Thai tradition with seasonal ingredients and refined technique. The cocktail program is playful and creative, while zero-proof options ensure everyone feels welcome at the bar.
Chai Pani, the James Beard Award–winning Indian street food restaurant from Asheville, is coming to Union Market this summer. Chefs Meherwan Irani and Vishwesh Bhatt have crafted a menu that fuses Indian street food with fresh creations inspired by Vish’s Gujarati heritage and Southern culinary roots. The 4,000-square-foot space will reflect the colorful and lively energy of the bustling streets of India.
Known for Luck Buns, Chef Alex McCoy, known for Lucky Buns, is bringing back Alfie’s. The Isaan-style spot will return this summer in a cozy 25-seat Georgetown location, featuring dishes like beef-rib khao soi, plus natural wines and cold beer.
JINYA Ramen Bar is set to open two new locations this summer—Georgetown, featuring a late-night menu, and The Wharf, debuting the brand’s first waterfront setting. Founded by Tomo Takahashi, the popular ramen spot is known for its meticulously crafted broths, aged noodles, and Japanese-inspired ambiance.
Cork & Wine Bar will open a third location in Cleveland Park this fall. The cozy space will include a 20-seat wine bar and retail shop, a tasting room for classes and events, and outdoor seating. The restaurant will offer an extensive variety of wines by the glass and a curated menu of cheese, charcuterie, and small plates.
The acclaimed team behind Pascual, Lutèce and Lapis is launching Maison Bar à Vin, a French-inspired wine bar and restaurant from The Popal Group. Set in a charming three-story brownstone, the intimate space will offer an intimate ambiance, a curated menu of French bites and cocktails crafted by beverage director Suzy Critchlow.
Karravaan, a new Indian restaurant from the team behind RASA, is to open in Union Market, bringing a vibrant mix of traditional and modern Indian flavors to the area. With a focus on bold spices and inventive dishes, the spot aims to add an exciting culinary destination to D.C.’s thriving food scene.
Pitango Gelato is expanding to 14th Street this summer. Known for hand-churned gelato made with organic milk and fresh ingredients, the new shop will offer 20 rotating flavors, including dairy-free sorbets. The space will also serve Vigilante Coffee, Italian baked goods, and house-made treats like biscotti and almond cookies.
photo credit - Bar Angie
photo credit - Fish Shop