Washington, D.C. has seen a surge of high-end restaurants from New York and Los Angeles, giving the city a luxurious new reputation. Minetta Tavern, Pastis, and Osteria Mozza are just a few of the notable eateries that have opened in the city, with Minetta Tavern being the first standalone venture from Keith McNally in the District.
The Union Market neighborhood has become a hotspot for dining, with Minetta Tavern and Pastis both located there. Chef Marcus Samuelsson is also opening three restaurants at the Morrow Hotel, while chef Kwame Onwuachi returned to D.C. with Dogon, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant.
In addition to New York restaurants, L.A. institutions are also making their way to D.C. Osteria Mozza, a 20,000-square-foot eatery from chef Nancy Silverton, has opened in Georgetown. Silverton’s restaurant is expected to be a popular spot for Hill workers and administration officials.
Not all restaurants are thriving, however. A recent report showed that most of the area’s restaurants have taken a hit to their profits since the Covid-19 pandemic, and a few notable places have even shuttered.
The Trump International Hotel, a mainstay for right-wingers during Trump’s first term, is no longer in operation after Trump sold the hotel in 2022. Rumors are swirling that the Trump Organization is looking to buy back the lease for the spot after its current occupant lost its leasing rights.
Despite the changes in the city’s restaurant scene, one establishment remains a staple: Cafe Milano. The see-and-be-seen locale is neutral ground for both political parties and is expected to remain a popular spot for years to come.
