World-renowned chefs and top-tier hoteliers choose DC as their new home. Below, we shed light on their unparalleled hospitality.
Washington, DC is never in short supply of mouth-watering cuisine and unique hotels, but sorting through the options to find the newest offerings may be difficult. We also tend to shine a light on our most beloved, long-living entities, but that doesn't mean the brand new businesses don't deserve your support and attention.
Although we cannot list every new entity, we encourage you to follow along with us on social media for more openings and happenings within the city. Be sure to check back every few months for the newest additions to our ever-growing list of can't-miss hotels and restaurants.
Updated February 2024
Newly Opened Restaurants
Amparo Fondita
Opened November 2023
Chef Christian Irabién is behind the anticipated Amparo Fondita. The upscale Mexican restaurant opened Nov. 1 and takes guests on a culinary journey through the coastal regions of Mexico, while using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu is seafood-oriented but also offers vegetarian options and dishes that celebrate the traditional Mexican agricultural system.
Casa Teresa
Opened November 2023
Former Minibar Chef Rubén García debuts his first solo restaurant called Casa Teresa, located inside the new downtown food hall The Square. The restaurant honors the open-fire and home cooking traditions of Spain, and García’s native Catalonia. Meals will be served family style with a focus on whole fish, grilled meats and local vegetable dishes. Other menu highlights include a jamon cart and slow-cooked stews.
Limani
Opened November 2023
Limani, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant, opened in an over-water structure at The Wharf. The three-story space is home to the largest full-service terrace at The Wharf and offers extensive water views. The menu features Greek specialties, a raw bar, and grilled shareable dishes.
Philotimo
Opened November 2023
Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s opened Philotimo, a long-anticipated tribute to Greek cuisine. The restaurant originally opened in 2022 but was forced to close for almost a year due to a fire. It was recently reopened in DC’s Midtown Center. The menu highlights Stefanelli’s research and extensive travels throughout Greece, and includes a large variety of small plates, cured meats, pasta, and seafood.
Medina
Opened October 2023
The team behind Compass Rose and the Michelin-starred Maydan have brought their latest masterpiece to life with Medina. Nestled within an enchanting Bedouin tent, this cocktail lounge draws inspiration from the Arabic term for an ancient or historic town. Medina's menu offers shareable small plates, an assortment of North African Tagine dishes, exotic cocktails with ingredients sourced from Tunisia, Morocco, Sicily, Malta, and the Canary Islands, complemented by a fine selection of Mediterranean wines and a unique martini cart.
Newly Opened Hotels
The Westin Washington, DC Downtown
Opened October 2023
The former Renaissance Washington, DC near Mount Vernon Square has undergone a nearly $80 million brand conversion, revealing a sophisticated, contemporary, warm and inviting property under the Westin flag. The 807-room hotel puts well-being at the forefront with all-encompassing health and wellness experiences, including the largest hotel fitness studio in the city, Peloton suites and the local RunWESTIN® program. The property also features modern meeting spaces and workstations, as well as Root and Vine, an open-kitchen concept with locally sourced menus, botanical-inspired cocktails and a biodynamic wine program.
Royal Sonesta Washington, DC – Capitol Hill
Opened September 2023
Located near Union Station, the city’s second Royal Sonesta became the first new hotel to open on the Hill since 1984. Part of a mixed-use complex that includes retail and office space, the 274-room upscale hotel embodies green, wellness and tech-forward design through LEED Gold certification and a WELL certified core. Features include a sweeping glass façade, a 10-story atrium, a vegetated green roof, a state-of-the-art yoga studio and the city’s second Bistro Du Jour, an all-day Parisian bistro from locally acclaimed restauranteur Knead Hospitality + Design. The building offers rooftop and conference space with breathtaking views of iconic landmarks.
Washington Marriott Capitol Hill
Opened January 2023
A dazzling new Marriott property is part of a mixed-use project coined NoMa CNTR. Features of the 235-room hotel include a glass-enclosed two-story lobby, a large ballroom, an outdoor terrace, onsite restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, rooftop bar and event space, fitness facilities and Marriott’s M Club.
Holiday Inn Express Washington, DC Downtown
Opened December 2022
Located a few blocks from the Mount Vernon Triangle Metro station, Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Capital One Arena, the 14-story hotel features 247 contemporary guest rooms, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center and a complimentary hot breakfast bar. Flexible meeting space on the top floor offers views of the U.S. Capitol and each room is equipped with a microwave, mini-refrigerator and 43" TV. Other amenities include onsite parking.
The Morrow Hotel Washington, DC Curio Collection by Hilton
Opened November 2022
The 203-room upscale brand from Hilton is in The Morrow at Central Armature Works, a redeveloped three-tower mixed use project in the emerging NoMA neighborhood, directly next to the NoMa/Gallaudet Metro station. The LEED Gold certified hotel includes outdoor event space, indoor and outdoor food and beverage spaces and a rooftop with views of the city.
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