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Eater Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

Updated for February 2015.

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More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: "Where should I eat right now?" Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, where to sip the cocktail of the moment. And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change often to continually highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment.

This month, Ocopa, Boss Shepherd's, Pinea and Mama Rouge make way for Summer House Santa Monica, Mango Tree, Kapnos Taverna and Halsa.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

DBGB Kitchen and Bar

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Daniel Boulud makes his mark on D.C. with this new addition to CityCenterDC in Penn Quarter. He's serving up brasserie fare, sausages, burgers and baked Alaska here.

Chez Billy Sud

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This second location of Chez Billy has a striking waterfront view, a casual French menu and crowds lining up (especially to sit on the chic patio).

B Side

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This new bar from Neighborhood Restaurant Group is adjacent to Red Apron Butchery. There's a solid beer list, and food items like ranch cracklings, pupusas and arepas. The charcuterie selection echoes sister restaurant The Partisan, though this is a smaller operation.

El Camino

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This new Mexican restaurant from the owners of Sticky Rice and 1905 has provided a new neighborhood option for Bloomingdale. The decor's pretty cool, too.

China Chilcano

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The latest offering from DC megachef Jose Andres focuses on Peruvian chifa cuisine. Expect dishes like sushi, chaufa and ceviche. Cocktails emphasize pisco.

Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier

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Marcel's has always been one of D.C.'s standout fine dining restaurants. Now, a $350,000 design makeover ensures the decor matches the cooking. Robert Wiedmaier's French-influenced fare recently received a 3.5 star rave from Tom Sietsema.

Thip Khao

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Chef Seng Luangrath's Lao cooking already had a cult following in Falls Church at Bangkok Golden. Now, she has a D.C. restaurant to better showcase the complex flavors of the cuisine. The "jungle" menu is particularly unique and spicy.

The team from Sakuramen have opened this restaurant (open late to cater to Adams Morgan nightlife participants) of Korean skewers and traditional dishes. The "hangover" soup and seafood pancake are among early favorites.

Summer House Santa Monica

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The second location nationally of this California-inspired restaurant opened in the new Pike & Rose development in North Bethesda/Rockville. Dishes from Jeff Mahin range from steak frites to sushi in a breezy, artfully designed setting.

Mango Tree

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This collaboration between Richard Sandoval and Pitaya Phanphensophon has brought Thai cooking to CityCenterDC. The restaurant is well-known internationally; this is its first U.S. outpost.

Kapnos Taverna

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Seafood towers for Ballston: this restaurant from George Pagonis and Mike Isabella serves up Greek cuisine like its sister restaurant downtown. But there is more of an emphasis on traditional cooking and seafood.

Bone broth first found its way to Washington with this health-focused fast casual restaurant. It's located in the burgeoning neighborhood of Brookland.

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DBGB Kitchen and Bar

Daniel Boulud makes his mark on D.C. with this new addition to CityCenterDC in Penn Quarter. He's serving up brasserie fare, sausages, burgers and baked Alaska here.

Chez Billy Sud

This second location of Chez Billy has a striking waterfront view, a casual French menu and crowds lining up (especially to sit on the chic patio).

B Side

This new bar from Neighborhood Restaurant Group is adjacent to Red Apron Butchery. There's a solid beer list, and food items like ranch cracklings, pupusas and arepas. The charcuterie selection echoes sister restaurant The Partisan, though this is a smaller operation.

El Camino

This new Mexican restaurant from the owners of Sticky Rice and 1905 has provided a new neighborhood option for Bloomingdale. The decor's pretty cool, too.

China Chilcano

The latest offering from DC megachef Jose Andres focuses on Peruvian chifa cuisine. Expect dishes like sushi, chaufa and ceviche. Cocktails emphasize pisco.

Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier

Marcel's has always been one of D.C.'s standout fine dining restaurants. Now, a $350,000 design makeover ensures the decor matches the cooking. Robert Wiedmaier's French-influenced fare recently received a 3.5 star rave from Tom Sietsema.

Thip Khao

Chef Seng Luangrath's Lao cooking already had a cult following in Falls Church at Bangkok Golden. Now, she has a D.C. restaurant to better showcase the complex flavors of the cuisine. The "jungle" menu is particularly unique and spicy.

BUL

The team from Sakuramen have opened this restaurant (open late to cater to Adams Morgan nightlife participants) of Korean skewers and traditional dishes. The "hangover" soup and seafood pancake are among early favorites.

Summer House Santa Monica

The second location nationally of this California-inspired restaurant opened in the new Pike & Rose development in North Bethesda/Rockville. Dishes from Jeff Mahin range from steak frites to sushi in a breezy, artfully designed setting.

Mango Tree

This collaboration between Richard Sandoval and Pitaya Phanphensophon has brought Thai cooking to CityCenterDC. The restaurant is well-known internationally; this is its first U.S. outpost.

Kapnos Taverna

Seafood towers for Ballston: this restaurant from George Pagonis and Mike Isabella serves up Greek cuisine like its sister restaurant downtown. But there is more of an emphasis on traditional cooking and seafood.

Halsa

Bone broth first found its way to Washington with this health-focused fast casual restaurant. It's located in the burgeoning neighborhood of Brookland.

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