Try a tasting menu: Masseria
Technically, it's prix fixe because there are a few choices for each course. But the tasting menu format shows no signs of slowing down as D.C. chefs keep opening tasting menu-centric restaurants. Nick Stefanelli's Italian spot in NoMa is so popular that diners must now order a minimum of four courses on weekends instead of the three required when it first opened last summer.
Saturday lunch: Oklahoma Joe's
Barbecue fans are clamoring to try the famous ribs at Oklahoma Joe's. The chain's fourth location (and first outside of Oklahoma) opened this week at the Shops at Avenir Place near the Dunn Loring metro. They've already served more than 5,000 customers.
Be like the Obamas: Saturday Dinner at Oyamel
The Obamas dined at the Mexican restaurant by Jose Andrés shortly after the President returned from his trip to Vietnam and Japan. It's actually a repeat visit for the couple. Be sure to explore one of the best tequila selections in the city while eating there.
Sunday brunch: Rural Society
The Latin American-themed food hall by Jose Garces is preparing to break ground on June 13. Diners can try his food before that, though, at Rural Society inside the Loews Madison Hotel. The Argentinian restaurant does steak and eggs with chimichurri, grilled sausages, and fugazzas (Argentine pizzas) during brunch.
Get there first: Cappy's Crabs for Sunday crabs
Cappy's Crabs is now open inside the former Crane & Turtle space, at least for the summer. The temporary restaurant is going for a Chesapeake Bay crab house atmosphere. It serves blue crabs, crab cakes, sandwiches, sides, and Natty Boh on picnic tables. Bonus: pretend it's a breezy summer day while there's thunder and lightening outside this weekend.