Make the Most of DC Restaurant Week

D.C.’s summer restaurant week starts next Monday, August 28 and runs through Sept 3. There are a lot of hot newcomers this year, so it's time to start making some reservations ASAP.

The Logistics:

There are 150 participating restaurants that will offer a mix of $40 and $55 prix fixe multi-course dinners and $25 lunches/brunches.

Welcome the Newbies:

This year is the first that restaurants in Reagan National and Dulles Airports will be participating. The list also features some of this year’s most exciting restaurant debuts like Petite Cerise, Joon, Nama Ko, and Jiwa Singapura.

The Most Bang for Your Buck:

The more expensive the restaurant, the better the deal, so try those Michelin-starred or upscale spots on your list. Think Bresca, Sushi Taro, or Dauphine’s. If you can, go for the lunch menu. It’s often similar to the dinner menu but half the price. Lastly, avoid the alcohol, it’s almost never included and can double your tab quickly!

Take a look through the list of participating restaurants, but this is where we’ll be trying to snag reservations:

Philippe by Philippe Chow

Try Beijing-style dishes like chicken lettuce wraps and wok seared branzino at this flashy celebrity restaurant at The Wharf.

Gravitas

Cucumber melon granita and koji marinated salmon won me over to finally go try this Michelin Star spot by Chef Matt Baker.

Causa

Normally $125 per person, restaurant week is the perfect time to try this Peruvian joint that just won RAMMY’s “Best New Restaurant of the Year.”

Cranes

Go for the pork collar with miso peach purée, and stay for the goat's milk ice cream. Their restaurant week menu displays the best of Japanese/Spanish fusion.

Iron Gate

I try to go to this classic (but not cheap) Mediterranean spot every year for restaurant week. They don't skimp on the menu and the vibes are immaculate.