Washington, D.C.’s vibrant culinary landscape just got even brighter with the latest Michelin Guide selections. Two exciting restaurants, Mita and Omakase at Barracks Row, have been awarded coveted One Stars, and Oyster Oyster has earned a new Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. This announcement further solidifies DC’s position as a top dining destination, recognized by the prestigious Dc Michelin Guide.
Mita, helmed by Chefs Tatiana Mora and Miguel Guerra, offers a unique plant-based Latin American tasting menu. Drawing inspiration from across Latin America, from Brazil to Bolivia, Mita’s cuisine is a celebration of innovative textures and bold flavors.
Meanwhile, Omakase at Barracks Row provides an exclusive omakase experience, showcasing exquisite Japanese ingredients and expertly crafted sushi.
Let’s dive into the details of these new Michelin Stars and explore what makes these restaurants, and others in the dc michelin guide, stand out.
New Michelin Stars in DC
Mita – One Star, Vegetarian Cuisine
Located in the Shaw neighborhood, Mita is redefining Latin American cuisine with its entirely plant-based approach. This contemporary restaurant offers tasting menus in both short and long formats, allowing diners to choose their own culinary journey. Chefs Tatiana Mora and Miguel Guerra infuse their dishes with creativity and international influences from Brazil, Bolivia, and Colombia. Expect dishes bursting with originality. A standout is their arepas basket, a playful dish featuring diverse textures and flavors, accompanied by tantalizing sauces like guasacaca, cashew sour cream with chili oil, and chontaduro butter. The watermelon crudo with fermented carrot in a refreshing cucumber leche de tigre sauce is both inventive and daring. For a rich and savory experience, the mushroom terrine wrapped in greens and layered with potato delivers umami in every bite.
Mita’s plant-based Latin American cuisine earns a Michelin Star in the DC Michelin Guide.
Omakase at Barracks Row – One Star, Japanese Cuisine
Chef Yi “Ricky” Wang brings his expertise, honed under Chef Nakazawa and through a series of popular pop-ups, to Omakase at Barracks Row. Situated in an industrial-chic space, accessible via a set of metal stairs, this intimate counter offers a truly special dining experience. As you ascend the stairs, take note of the artwork – paintings that pay homage to the traditional Japanese practice of fishermen preserving their catch by brushing it with ink and pressing it onto rice paper. You might even be presented with a similar artwork during your meal.
Chef Wang’s omakase menu begins with a selection of otsumami, perhaps featuring poached sweet shrimp in a delicate smoked Maine uni sauce, before transitioning to nigiri. The quality and precision are evident throughout, from the Boston surf clam accented with kumquat kosho to the hay-smoked Spanish mackerel, sourced from the Carolinas, which offers a bold yet harmonious flavor profile. The meal concludes with a delightful musk melon paired with strawberries imported directly from Japan.
Omakase at Barracks Row recognized by the DC Michelin Guide for its exceptional Japanese cuisine.
DC Michelin Guide: Starred Restaurants Overview
The dc michelin guide not only celebrates new talent but also continues to recognize established culinary excellence in Washington, D.C. Here’s a look at the other starred restaurants, showcasing the depth and breadth of the city’s dining scene:
Three Stars
- The Inn at Little Washington (American, French)
Two Stars
- Jônt (Contemporary)
- minibar (Contemporary)
minibar continues to hold its Two Michelin Star rating in the DC Michelin Guide.
One Star and Green Star
- Oyster Oyster (Vegetarian)
One Star
- Albi (Middle Eastern)
- Bresca (Contemporary)
- Causa (Peruvian)
- Elcielo D.C. (Colombian)
- Fiola (Italian)
- Gravitas (Contemporary)
- Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table (Latin American)
- Kinship (Contemporary)
- Little Pearl (Contemporary)
- Masseria (Italian)
Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table, a One Star recipient in the DC Michelin Guide.
- Métier (Contemporary)
- Pineapple and Pearls (Contemporary)
- Rania (Indian)
- Reverie (Contemporary)
- Rooster & Owl (Contemporary)
- Rose’s Luxury (Contemporary)
- Sushi Nakazawa (Japanese)
- Tail Up Goat (Contemporary)
- The Dabney (American)
- Xiquet (Spanish)
Rose’s Luxury, a long-standing favorite recognized by the DC Michelin Guide.
The latest dc michelin guide selections highlight the dynamic and diverse culinary scene in Washington, D.C. From innovative plant-based Latin American cuisine to exquisite Japanese omakase, and a continued commitment to sustainable practices, these restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences worthy of recognition. Explore the full dc michelin guide to discover all the starred restaurants and plan your next unforgettable meal in Washington, D.C.
