The Michelin Guide has once again recognized the dynamic culinary scene in Washington, D.C., adding two new establishments to its prestigious list of starred restaurants. The latest selections, unveiled at a ceremony alongside New York and Chicago, highlight a diverse range of dining experiences in the nation’s capital.
Among the newly starred restaurants are Causa, a 20-seat Peruvian tasting room located in Blagden Alley, and Rania, a refined Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter. These additions bring the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in D.C. to 25, solidifying the city’s position as a top destination for food lovers.
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Causa, under the direction of Chef Carlos Delgado, offers a $125 tasting menu that Michelin inspectors describe as “a journey of flavors inspired by the topography of Peru.” The intimate setting and focus on Peruvian cuisine have quickly made Causa a standout in DC’s competitive dining landscape. This prix fixe restaurant is co-owned by Glendon Hartley and Chad Spangler, the founders of Service Bar, adding to its pedigree.
Rania, led by Chef Chetan Shetty, is the other new one-star recipient. Replacing Punjab Grill in 2022, Rania presents a “inventive menu” of Indian cuisine with “contemporary touches,” according to Michelin. Diners can expect surprises like braised pork belly vindaloo alongside more traditional flavors, making it a compelling addition to the Michelin Guide Washington Dc selection.
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While celebrating the new additions, the 2023 Michelin Guide Washington DC also confirmed that all previously starred restaurants maintained their status. The Inn at Little Washington, located outside of the city in rural Virginia, continues to hold the coveted three-star distinction, representing the highest level of culinary excellence recognized by Michelin.
However, there were some shifts in the rankings. Cranes, a Spanish-Japanese restaurant in Penn Quarter that earned a star in 2021, was notably removed from the 2023 guide. This change marks a rare instance of an operational D.C. restaurant losing its Michelin star, highlighting the guide’s rigorous and ever-evolving standards.
Beyond the starred categories, the Michelin Guide also recognizes restaurants offering great value through its Bib Gourmand designation. In this category, La Tejana, a Tex-Mex taco spot in Mt. Pleasant, and Yellow, a Levantine cafe by Albi chef Michael Rafidi, were newly added. Interestingly, Zaytinya, which had lost its Bib Gourmand status last year, has rejoined the list, bringing the total Bib Gourmand selections to 29. However, a significant number of restaurants, including Bidwell, Das, and Federalist Pig, lost their Bib Gourmand recognition this year, indicating increased competition in this category as well.
The Michelin Guide ceremony also acknowledged individual talent in the D.C. dining scene. Sarah Thompson of Queen’s English was named Sommelier of the Year, while Daniel Todd of The Dabney received the Exceptional Cocktails Award. Ryan Ratino of Bresca and Jônt was recognized as Young Chef of the Year, and Giuseppe Formica of Fiola received the Outstanding Service Award.
Despite these accolades, Washington D.C. received fewer Michelin honors compared to Chicago, which gained a new three-star restaurant, Smyth, and New York during this year’s announcements. Nevertheless, the Michelin Guide Washington DC continues to be an essential resource for diners seeking exceptional culinary experiences in the city.
Here is the complete list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington, D.C. for 2023:
Michelin Starred Restaurants Washington DC – 2023
Three Stars
- The Inn at Little Washington
Two Stars
- Jônt
- Minibar
- Pineapple & Pearls
One Star
- Albi
- Bresca
- Causa (new)
- El Cielo D.C.
- Fiola
- Gravitas
- Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table
- Kinship
- Little Pearl
- Masseria
- Maydan
- Métier
- Oyster Oyster
- Rania (new)
- Reverie
- Rooster & Owl
- Rose’s Luxury
- Sushi Nakazawa
- Tail Up Goat
- The Dabney
- Xiquet
Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurants Washington DC – 2023
- Astoria DC
- Cane
- China Chilcano
- Daru
- Dauphine’s
- Ellē
- Hitching Post
- Honeymoon Chicken
- Ivy City Smokehouse
- Kaliwa
- Karma Modern Indian
- La Tejana (new)
- Laos in Town
- Lapis
- Makan
- Maketto
- Menya Hosaki
- Oyamel
- Queen’s English
- Residents Cafe & Bar
- Sababa
- Sfoglina
- Stellina Pizzeria
- Taqueria Habanero
- The Red Hen
- Toki Underground
- Unconventional Diner
- Yellow (new)
- Zaytinya (added back on)
The 2023 Michelin Guide Washington DC underscores the city’s vibrant and evolving restaurant scene, offering a diverse array of dining options recognized for their quality and innovation. Whether you’re seeking a special occasion destination or a high-value meal, the Michelin Guide is a valuable tool for navigating the culinary landscape of Washington D.C.
