Every Michelin-Ranked Restaurant in Washington DC

Each year, Michelin ranks the best restaurants in some of the world’s biggest cities. 2017 marks the second year in a row that Michelin has created a restaurant guide for Washington DC, and things are only getting better. The 2018 rankings were just released, and DC ended up with a total of 14 Michelin-starred restaurants. While there are no 3-star restaurants on the list, two new made it 1-star restaurants this time around. Without further ado, these are the 14 best restaurants in Washington DC, according to a French tire company.

14 Best Restaurants in Washington DC

★ ★ — Excellent cooking, worth a detour

Inn at Little Washington

The restaurant inside the Inn at Little Washington has been the culinary domain of renowned chef, Patrick O’Connell for more than 40 years. The restaurant’s patrons can choose from three different tasting menus that highlight various aspects of American cuisine. Their dishes are also prepared using local produce from the inn’s own gardens. Top entrees include carpaccio of herb-crusted lamb, Antarctic Sea bass with lemon vodka sauce, and shrimp-and-pork dumplings.

Minibar

At Minibar, presentation is everything. After a creative cocktail in a stylish entry lounge, up to six guests take a seat at one of two diner-style countertops. From there, guests can watch as Chef José Andrés and his team prepare intricate dishes in a theatrical, stainless steel kitchen. The menu is constantly changing, but may include up to 30 different mini-dishes at one time. Look out for hand-crafted beeswax cups, edible parmesan spoons, and Ibérico ham gel shaped like a snail.

Pineapple & Pearls

Unlike Minibar, this two-star restaurant is both large and crowded. Led by Chef Aaron Silverman, Pineapple & Pearls is known for its multi-course meals that allow patrons to taste a variety of fine American dishes. Some of the more noteworthy creations include fennel bon bons, smoked sturgeon salad, and potato ice cream.

★ — A very good restaurant in its category

Blue Duck Tavern

Located inside the upscale Park Hyatt hotel, this American tavern is as opulent as it is delicious. The first things visitors notice are the 25-foot doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to this impressive decor, the Blue Duck Tavern offers a variety of East Coast-inspired dishes like roasted duck breast, braised lamb shank, and Maine scallops.

The Dabney

Set in a restored row house, this one-star restaurant offers a perfect blend of modern and traditional flavors. Led by Chef Jeremiah Langhorne, the Dabney’s open kitchen serves up gourmet versions of Mid-Atlantic dishes like pan-fried catfish, grilled bok choy, and creamy grits.

Fiola

Located near the National Archives, this upscale restaurant offers rich Italian dishes that are both rustic and stylish. Some noteworthy entrees include lobster ravioli with ginger and creamy parmesan and gorgonzola fonduta. Fiola also offers an impressive wine list fit for the politicians who frequent the establishment.

Kinship

At Kinship, Chef Eric Ziebold and partner, Célia Laurent deliver New American cuisine in a stylish setting. The à la carte menu is comprised of simple categories like “indulgence,” “craft,” and “for the table.” Some of the more noteworthy dishes include lobster French toast and double-cut Berkshire pork chops

Komi (new)

The next establishment is a new addition to Michelin’s list of one-star restaurants. What Komi lacks in pizzazz, it makes up for with anticipation. You see, Komi has no menu, so patrons must trust the guidance of the wait and kitchen staff. While it’s nearly impossible to predict your meal, some past confections have included mascarpone-stuffed dates and roasted kid goat.

Masseria

Masseria is another Michelin-starred restaurant with a multi-course prix fixe menu. Located near Union Station, this chic establishment is was built from the remains of a former warehouse. A few of their signature dishes include handmade pasta with goat ragù, tripe and lobster stew, and beet ice cream.

Métier (new)

Kinship’s sister restaurant, Métier, is the other new addition on this list. While the two locations share both a kitchen and a chef, they offer very different experiences. If Kinship is casual and upbeat, Métier is sophisticated and mature. Patrons can look forward to dining on foods like Osetra caviar, smoked lamb loin, and deconstructed apple pie.

Plume

Located within the elegant Jefferson Hotel, Plume serves fine New England cuisine amid splendid colonial decor. The grand marble pillars and silk wallpaper were inspired by the designs of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello gardens. Like many other Michelin-ranked restaurants, Plume offers a prix-fixe menu. Some highlights include the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab tea, King salmon poached in beeswax, and violet Pavlova.

Rose’s Luxury

Unlike the last several restaurants on this list, Rose’s Luxury offers creative cuisine in a casual setting. While the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood was sculpted from marble and stone, this modern eatery is made of concrete, plywood, and stainless steel. Rose’s Luxury’s menu is equally adventurous and features dishes like jerked pig ears, pasta with Thai basil, and lychee salad.

Sushi Taro

Sushi Taro is widely regarded as the best sushi restaurant in all of Washington DC. While their offerings include several entrees and tasting menus, the Omakase tasting counter is the main attraction. At the counter, visitors can watch chefs Nobu Yamazaki and Masaya Kitayama create meals grill tuna cheek, fry soft-shell crab, and craft mouthwatering sashimi and nigiri creations.

Tail Up Goat

Last, but not least, Tail Up Goat is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant helmed by Chef Jon Sybert. This funky bistro is decorated with pastel tiles and lightly stained woods. The menu features stuffed porgy, maltagliati pasta, and cannoli with lemon filling. The bar also offers creative, island-themed cocktails, including several daiquiris and aguas frescas.

Additional Resources

These restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg. For more information about other Michelin-ranked restaurants, check out this interactive map. For discounts on these pricey restaurants, check out a local deal aggregator. Finally, use this customized Google Map for driving directions to each of the locations on the list.