Eater writers and editors always get the same question. Friends, family, acquaintances, and randos all want to know, “Where should I eat right now?” That’s where the Eater Heatmap enters the conversation, pointing diners toward the most intriguing or otherwise buzzworthy new restaurants in the D.C. area. This list considers restaurants that have been open for six months or less. For our map of the D.C. area’s 38 essential restaurants, go here.
New to the list: San Matteo, for dreamy Italian in Petworth; Little Blackbird, for global wines and hearth-roasted halloumi in Cleveland Park, El Presidente, for an eye-popping ode to Mexico City in Union Market; the Square, for an ambitious food market in stylish downtown digs; and the Salamander Grille, for decadent ravioli in a Southwest Waterfront hotel.
Leaving the list: Kitchen + Kocktails, Méli Wine & Mezze, Ruta, The Saga, Luna Hall
For all the latest Washington D.C. dining intel, subscribe to Eater DC’s newsletter.
Read More