Five Must Try DC Restaurants

actually DMV...

Anela Malik, writer and one of my favorite food and travel influencers, recently posted stating that she was blocking people who say DC has no good food. I quickly reposted — to me, there is no easier way to say you’re lazy, or lack taste. DC (and the greater DMV) has one of the greatest and most diverse food scenes in the country. As a gal who loves to eat and try new spots, below are my favorite current DMV eats. You can also follow me on Yelp here (it is my great joy to give recommendations and assist people who need visual aids in deciding what to order).

Onto the list:

1. Bucks Fishing & Camping on Connecticut Avenue, located a few blocks down from Politics & Prose and next door to Comet Ping Pong. I went for the first time last night for a friend’s birthday dinner and was blown away by the food and dreamiest decor. There are large lantern lights everywhere, a cool yet strange textured painting with cherubs above the bar, canoes on the ceiling, and a large skylight situated above the main dining area. Buck’s has apparently been around since the 2000’s but I hadn’t heard about it until this week. For starters, we got the fried green tomatoes, focaccia, and onion rings. For my main I got the burger special which was 10/10, complete with mushrooms, caramelized onions, and gravy. They also have a great mocktail that includes ginger beer and seasonal syrups (they just changed to this summer’s lavender syrup). The chocolate cake and carrot cake were also delish (I preferred the chocolate cake). Can’t wait to go back.

   

   

2. Nanglo, an H Street spot recently voted the best Nepalese restaurant in DC. My brother and I shared with the veg set for two, which displays beautifully and includes a bit of everything (my favorite of the set were the momos and chow-mein). The garlic naan with herbs, mango lassi, and palak paneer are also fab.

   

3. Seoul Food DC. I loved my experience at Seoul Food! The spot has been on my list for a while and I’m so grateful I was finally able to go (their hours are a bit wonky). Open since 2011, Seoul Food self-identifies as a” fresh flavorful & plant-centric food with a Korean twist.” They make everything in-house. The restaurant is filled with flowers, cute decor and fun posters. We tried the broccoli and sweet potato japchae, korean “fried” chicken (tofu,) scallion pancake, and the avocado salad (with kale + beet kimchi, house-made tahini and lemon-ginger sauce,) and the Korean sweet buns. My favorite part of the meal was the scallion pancake, especially perfect with the homemade soy sauce. The Korean sweet buns were also a delight. I want to head back soon to try the dumplings (they were out of stock) and bibimbap!

   

   

4. Beteseb is a no frills, excellent Ethiopian restaurant in downtown Silver Spring right on Georgia Avenue. We got the veggie combo and added crispy beef, and also got baklava for dessert. Great service, large portions, and absolutely delicious food.

   

5. St. Anselm is a cozy & chic American tavern in Union Market area. A friend and I went last minute on a warm Friday night & got seats at the bar. We ordered the buttermilk biscuits, crispy Brussels sprouts, crispy Bobo chicken, and steak fries. My favorite part of the meal were the buttermilk biscuits — perfectly flaky and incredible with pimento cheese. The chicken was baked to perfection. I loved the low lighting and Americana decor. The botanical specialty wine was a lovely NA option, super delicious and refreshing. The vintage plates were a sweet touch, and our waitress kindly gave us some free sherbet. I went back a few weeks later and shared the steak with some friends — incredible!

Happy eating,

Caitlin