Some are hailing the arrival of Nobu as Washington’s culinary arrival, while others are less enthusiastic about its significance. But for anybody who has lived here for some time, there is no debate over the exponential growth in fantastic places to enjoy fine dining.
And if you won’t take our word for it, both Bon Appetit and Zagat crowned Washington, D.C. with their top city prizes in 2016. So we celebrate the opening of Nobu this week and look forward to enjoying the unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian dishes that residents of many other cosmopolitan cities already do.
Here are five other restaurant openings, just this month, inside the District.
Succotash
915 F Street, NW
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Top Chef alum Edward Lee has not only become a Washington resident, he just opened his second, and biggest, version of Succotash in the Penn Quarter (his first opened at the National Harbour). The multi-tiered 9,000 square foot space is located inside the historic Equitable Bank building. The menu consists of Lee’s unique blend of southern staples mixed with Asian influence.
Calle Cinco
465 K Street, NW
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Michael Schlow, who opened Tico, Alta Strada, and The Riggsby, tests out a Spanish tapas “pop up” in the back of Alta Strada. Schlow tells The DCist that diners should not expect to be overwhelmed with creativity, but rather authenticity. “The ideal really here is to just be something special for the community, but not fancy.”
El Techo
606 Florida Avenue, NW
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Popular food truck Rito Loco turned brick and mortar restaurant opens a rooftop bar in Shaw featuring Mexican seafood dishes and an assortment of creative Margaritas. The quaint outdoor space will star open as long as the weather cooperates this fall.
Crimson View
627 H Street NW
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Spectacular panoramic city views are served along with raw oysters and seafood staples atop the Pod DC hotel in Chinatown. The space has a lounge feel to it, with couches, arm chairs and private entertaining space.
Sweetgreen
1044 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
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The founders of the salad chain return to their Georgetown roots with their biggest space yet. The Georgetown University grads opened their flagship store on M Street and pay homage to their alma mater with a mural and “Hoya Saxa” sign.
Also of note, Cork Wine Bar closed its original 14th street location to move across the street. The bigger market place setting will have new offerings, host more events and make their own wine. It is important to support small businesses in our neighborhoods, and this one has been part of the fabric of our revitalized neighborhood. We can’t wait to see what Khalid Pitts Diane Gross does with it.