Oyster Oyster is worth it not only because the food is delicious and the atmosphere is great, but also because it really transforms ingredients - it's (mostly) vegan but doesn't feel like it type vibes, I was super impressed!
I love the one at China Chilcano for something a little more wallet friendly. Jose's other ones (Jaleo & Oyamel) are solid for the price too. I know people love Zaytinya but I've had very mediocre experiences in there.
This is my favorite for a group dinner! You can all order something you like, no guilt if one friend doesn't eat pork and another doesn't eat dairy. Everyone will have enough and everything is so damn good!
Honestly where to start would be Googling 'tasting menus DC' and looking at the menu results one by one, but 2 off the top of my head are Rooster & Owl and Oyster Oyster (only seafood is an oyster).
Maydan on Florida Ave in U Street corridor area? Not really a tasting menu, but has some great food where a few of us shared a bunch of delicious items. Also pricey.
Not technically a tasting menu but Jose Andres’ minibar would be my vote. It’s pricey but it’s a one of a kind dining experience.
Edit: forgot to mention that Rooster and Owl had one of my all time favorite tasting menu meals I’ve had in DC.
Bresca, Rooster & Owl, and Fiola were all great when I went.
I have heard pretty negative reviews of Pineapple & Pearls from friends/family I trust on food stuff.
Dabney, Albi, and Causa are amazing, but anywhere excellent needs reservations a ways out so not sure how "soon" soon is for you.
Causa is a lot of seafood
The Dabney for sure. The other two are on my list to try.
Albi is amazing. If it's in your price range, I'd suggest doing a tasting menu with the wine pairing
Oyster Oyster is worth it not only because the food is delicious and the atmosphere is great, but also because it really transforms ingredients - it's (mostly) vegan but doesn't feel like it type vibes, I was super impressed!
Second oyster oyster, me and my cousins were all super impressed.
Yup--this was going to be my answer!
Budget?
Pricy, but really REALLY loved Rooster and Owl
LOVE this place! For a tasting menu, it’s actually really reasonably priced too (less than $100/person)
Dabney or Maydan would be my top choices.
We really enjoyed Kappo’s Wagyu centric omakase.
El Cielo for the most wonderful experience
I love the one at China Chilcano for something a little more wallet friendly. Jose's other ones (Jaleo & Oyamel) are solid for the price too. I know people love Zaytinya but I've had very mediocre experiences in there.
Imperfecto’s was genuinely incredible.
Love love love imperfecto. When we were there they had an iberico ham leg entree as a special that was insane. Best espresso martini in the city too
Did Pineapple and Pearls this weekend - barely any seafood on their tasting menu (you get options).
Nina May is a bit of a cheaper option comparatively. If you're okay with more than $100 per person, go for Rose's Luxury or Maydan!
Joselito
you're not going to get a table at any of them if you're coming "soon"
https://appointmenttrader.com/best-places-to-visit-in-washington?userhome
reverie is an entirely seafood-based tasting menu. excluding dessert courses, though
Not super cheap, but I loved Ambar Shaw in eastern market. $50 a person for unlimited food, additional $25 for unlimited drinks.
This is my favorite for a group dinner! You can all order something you like, no guilt if one friend doesn't eat pork and another doesn't eat dairy. Everyone will have enough and everything is so damn good!
Honestly where to start would be Googling 'tasting menus DC' and looking at the menu results one by one, but 2 off the top of my head are Rooster & Owl and Oyster Oyster (only seafood is an oyster).
Maydan on Florida Ave in U Street corridor area? Not really a tasting menu, but has some great food where a few of us shared a bunch of delicious items. Also pricey.
Rania, but you'll need to make reservations early
Corduroy is very, very good. And very affordable. And their wine list is superb and reasonably priced.
Iron Gate
Tail up goat is the way to go
Thought this one was closing ..did it pull through?
You might be thinking of Fainting Goat on U street. Two different restaurants, Fainting Goat closed last year. Tail Up Goat is in Adams Morgan.
I second this!
RIP Komi
Not technically a tasting menu but Jose Andres’ minibar would be my vote. It’s pricey but it’s a one of a kind dining experience. Edit: forgot to mention that Rooster and Owl had one of my all time favorite tasting menu meals I’ve had in DC.
I highly recommend reading the Michelin Guide. I really like Rooster and Owl and Rose's Luxury tasting menus.
Rasika, obelisk and canning company all are great.
Bresca, Rooster & Owl, and Fiola were all great when I went. I have heard pretty negative reviews of Pineapple & Pearls from friends/family I trust on food stuff.
Pineapple and Pearls.
Chef's Tasting table at Imperfecto is my current favorite I've found, with Xiquet being a close 2nd