Letena is a farm-to-table Ethiopian restaurant serving dishes made with natural, premium ingredients. Located in the heart of Columbia Heights, Washington DC, Letena is a family-owned destination centered around authentic, quality Ethiopian food. Owner Yamrot Ezineh opened Letena’s doors in October 2016. Yamrot and her team love welcoming new and old friends to enjoy Letena’s delicious, fresh food. Their goal is to make the unique experience of Ethiopian food approachable for everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to meat-lovers alike. Letena’s original Ethiopian dishes have won accolades from various publications and review platforms including Food Network, Washingtonian, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.
Thip Khao is acclaimed chef Seng Luangrath's flagship restaurant in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC. Thip Khao serves up spicy Lao (or Laotian) dishes and classic cocktails with an exotic twist. Lao cuisine leverages tropical herbs and cooking techniques of Southeast Asia. However, the flavor profile is distinct from its fellow SE Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Dishes like Naem Khao (Crispy Rice Salad), Sai Oua (lemongrass pork sausage), Laab, and Tam Muk Houng (Lao papaya salad) at Thip Khao showcase the unique flavors of Laos. Many dishes are served with sticky rice. Chef Seng recommends eating sticky rice with your hands as most Laotians do. Since its opening, the restaurant has been well received by Washingtonians and critics alike. The restaurant has had national recognition from multiple publications including New York Times, Washington Post, Bon Apetit magazine, Washingtonian magazine, and Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand).
KooKoo is a concept by Chef/Owner Yahya Sardari to bring the tastes of his childhood dishes to life. We strive to use the freshest available ingredients and best family recipes to bring our favorite dishes to life. We have a crafted some amazing Persian inspired cocktails for your enjoyment. Traditional spices married with the best spirits by our resident mixologist Danielle. Yahya Sardari brought Kookoo to life in August of 2023 to showcase his love of Persian cuisine. With family recipes handed down from his mom he recreates his childhood memories and shares his passion for cooking and hosting with his guests.
Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.
El Secreto De Rosita seeks to create great-tasting, authentic Peruvian street food, expertly crafted by Chef Kike Espinoza, that transports you to the vibrant flavors of Peru. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of your grandmother’s home, it’s a place where every bite feels like a cherished family tradition.
Rumi's Kitchen first opened more than a decade ago in Atlanta, the result of years of development by Chef / Owner Ali Mesghali. Showcasing the flavors of Iran -- fresh herbs, kabobs cooked over an open-fire grill -- quickly won loyal guests at the original location in Sandy Springs, GA and set us on pace to open our first restaurant outside of Georgia in 2020. Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet whose words and life teach us how to find inner peace, happiness and love. We invite you to Rumi’s Kitchen where fresh, healthy food and attentive Persian hospitality await you.
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.
Since our early days as a tea room, we’ve been a respite for locals and visitors alike, offering a haven for conversation and memorable cuisine. The tradition continues as our culinary team has curated an inventive and elevated menu through New American cuisine while paying homage to the beloved dishes that have been served at the Tabard Inn for years. Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir came to the Tabard in 2023, bringing with him experience from various fine dining restaurants around D.C. such as minibar by José Andrés, Cranes, Revelers Hour, as well as Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore, MD. He also shares the Tabard's longstanding commitment to sourcing ingredients locally. Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.
