Where D.C. Restaurant Experts Loved to Dine Out in 2022

Following an Eater custom, we requested a bunch of restaurant critics, journalists, bloggers, and business execs to weigh in on the yr in meals. Their solutions to an annual “Yr in Eater” survey can be revealed in a number of posts this month. First up, the eating specialists share their common go-to locations in 2022 and essentially the most thrilling newcomers to D.C.’s restaurant scene.

Tom Sietsema, Washington Publish meals critic: I stay an enormous fan of the Hitching Publish in Petworth, and never simply because it’s close to the place I stay. I really like the simplicity of the soul meals menu, the sense of neighborhood, the completely satisfied hour drinks and the occasional tastes of Guyana, the proprietor’s birthplace. Shut behind: Queen’s English in Columbia Heights for chef Henji Cheung’s Hong-Kong-style dishes and attentive service and Reveler’s Hour in Adams Morgan for, nicely, the whole lot you need from a restaurant. As for newcomers, I anticipate to have plenty of settlement on Chang Chang. Aren’t all of us thrilled that Peter Chang opened a spot within the District?

Ann Limpert, Washingtonian govt meals editor and critic: A few of my go-tos stay the identical (Vace for a automotive slice of cheese pizza; Comet for jerk wings; Tout de Candy and Little Meals Studio for breakfast pastries; Estadio for brunch), however this yr, I fell onerous for Boogy & Peel—I really like the pizza there a lot, whether or not the Italian sub riff or the pepperoni with salsa macha—and likewise for the enormous sandwiches on the relaunched Compliments Solely (meatball with vodka sauce ftw).

Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian meals editor: I’ve at all times been a fan of 2Amys, however I find it irresistible much more now as a dad or mum. It feels subtle for us adults (give me all of the anchovies), however it’s additionally completely welcoming to youngsters (I simply must persuade my choosy toddler to eat greater than pizza crust). In any other case our common spots are usually carryout. Among the regulars in my rotation: Republic Cantina, All-Objective, Cinder BBQ, Raku, Name Your Mom. The place that will get me essentially the most excited although is Completely happy Gyro. I’m presently crushing onerous on their falafel sandwich wrapped within the fluffiest pita you’ve ever seen, and I’ve spent method an excessive amount of cash on their ice lotions. Just a little professional tip: they do have a number of patio tables, they usually’ll convey you out actual plates and glasses if you wish to eat your takeout there.

As for newcomers, the Duck and the Peach is a standout for me. It’s the form of meals which may appear easy however you’d by no means have the ability to make it that good at dwelling. It additionally does justice to its identify: The rotisserie duck is so juicy with that good crispy pores and skin. Plus, the cocktails are on level. I had this harmony grape enzoni that I’m nonetheless enthusiastic about.

Lori Gardner, Been There, Eaten That blogger: I’m at all times up for a meal at Anju. I additionally love Queen’s English, Albi, Oyster, Oyster, L’Ardente, Daru, and Reveler’s Hour. I used to be actually smitten with Magpie and the Tiger, which sadly closed after solely 7 months.

Rebecca Cooper, arts and meals editor, DCist/WAMU: Stracci, a Roman pizza joint, technically opened in 2021, however it began as principally a trailer and didn’t get its full indoor operation up and working till this yr. We grew to become regulars at each the outside and indoor tables, the place they serve reliably nice cocktails in a neighborhood that might use extra occurring in that division. Now, if they may simply add a bar.

In D.C., Walter’s grew to become my go-to for anytime I used to be heading to the ballpark, whether or not for a Nats sport or the Woman Gaga live performance. It’s one of many metropolis’s finest completely satisfied hours — and there are not any exceptions for sport days. Anytime I used to be in Navy Yard and NOT heading to Nationals Park, you might discover me at Maxwell, most likely sipping lambrusco.

Anchyi Wei, Anchyi Adorned blogger: Union Market and La Cosecha are at all times enjoyable and simple for us to get to, and this previous yr I had nice experiences on the newly rebranded Destino.

Rick Chessen, Rick Eats DC blogger: My go-to locations are usually snug neighborhood spots with hands-on cooks/house owners like Queen’s English, Martha Pricey, Ruthie’s All-Day, Frankly…Pizza!, and Cielo Rojo. (It hadn’t occurred to me however it appears to be like like all of the eating places on that listing — besides Ruthie’s — are run by married {couples}. Which I suppose means I’m drawn to a spot with nice meals that appears like a cocktail party.)

Angie Duran, Girls of Wine co-founder, director of operations for Duo Group and at Bottles Wine Backyard: I’ve spent a ton of time at Estuary since Ria Montes and Sean Tew took over. All the pieces I’ve loved has felt fully new however unusually acquainted in essentially the most comforting method. After many lengthy days, I discover myself on the bar again and again.

Newcomer? Bar Spero, I haven’t stopped enthusiastic about the burnt cheesecake ice cream and have been again a number of instances for the grilled oysters – finest dish I had all yr. Excited to have Masako Morishita at Perry’s now, the rooster karaage can be loved again and again.

Nycci Nellis, TheListAreYouOnIt.com writer: Every time somebody says let’s go to Albi (and other people say it lots), I by no means decline. Mike Rafidi and his workforce at all times knock it out of the park. (Additionally, that beverage program.)

Neighborhood gem Buck’s Fishing & Tenting is precisely what I would like after I don’t really feel like cooking. I don’t even take a look at the menu anymore. The wedge and small steak, please. I really like having an outpost of Chiko in Bethesda. Meaning lunchtime deliveries of half-a-cado salad and wok-charred wheat flour noodles with further veggies. One other lunch go-to is Dauphine’s muffulettas, and for drinks, you will discover me both up on the bar at Jane Jane or that sales space within the again on the fitting. Then there’s Le Diplomate. What can I say? I’m a sucker for the lobster frites.

For newcomers, Maiz 64 chef Alam Mendez and his workforce make addictive contemporary tortillas on the griddle within the entrance of the restaurant (like dinner & a present). My go to is the rooster. Belief me, get the rooster (and the broccoli tacos). Extra new hits are Amazonia and Causa, Caruso’s Pike & Rose, and L’Ardente.

Missy Frederick, Eater cities director: I’m in Falls Church, so my common haunts are a bit of Virginia-centric this yr, however included Hank’s Oyster Bar for cocktails and lobster rolls, SER for paella and croquetas, Ariake for chirashi, Ivy and Coney for Detroit-style and curly fries, Pizzeria Orso for pizzas and pastas, Peter Chang/Mama Chang for bamboo fish and extra, B-Aspect for drinks and duck fats fries, Pho Than Lengthy for #1 add meatball, Movie star Delly for matzoh ball soup, Takumi for sushi and tempura, Inca Social for completely satisfied hour margaritas and chaufa, Maneki Neko for udon, Plaka Grill for Greek salad and gyro meat, Le Diplomate for bouillabaisse and rooster palliards, Italian Retailer for pies and hoagies, and Service Bar for drinks and crinkle fries.

Locations that weren’t information this yr however have been both new to me or locations I spent extra time in than beforehand included the always-consistent Caruso’s Grocery, Tiki Thai (love a well-made tropical drink I can get exterior of D.C. correct earlier than 5 p.m.), Yellow for lamb pitas, Odd BBQ for hard-to-find roast beef on weck, RT’s for homey cajun, La Tingeria for native tacos, Annie’s Paramount for steak suggestions and martinis, Inexperienced Pig Bistro for an awesome bar menu, Jane Jane for good cocktails, Crimson Mild for (once more) Detroit-style, Kuya Ja for the plain, Hanumanh for Lao bar snacks, Daru for dal with burrata, and Makan for good yu choy. Additionally shoutout to the wonderful French Dip at Patsy’s and the shrimp and grits riff at Bammy’s.

It feels a bit of apparent since they simply made our Greatest New Eating places listing ( however I’ve to go together with Bar Amazonia for my favourite newcomer. I ended up there thrice this yr, which is greater than I ever often get to a brand new restaurant, notably for the exactly made drinks and heat service on the bar. Don’t miss the alligator picadillo.