As cherry blossom season approaches DC, the dining scene comes alive with vibrant flavors and refreshing cocktails for the spring.
What’s New
Check out DC’s newest restaurant and bar openings.
Tapori, a new communal Indian street food restaurant, opened its doors on H Street in March. It is the latest venture from the team behind Daru, featuring flavors from across India, particularly the southern and Himalayan regions. The restaurant will provide a casual, social dining experience with shared plates and bold, spicy flavors.
Sagrada, a new restaurant by Knead Hospitality + Design, offers an eight-course tasting menu designed to mimic a psychedelic journey. The experience includes immersive storytelling, ceremonial elements, and dishes featuring mushrooms like shiitake and lion’s mane. A portion of the proceeds supports psychedelic research at Johns Hopkins.
Stephen Starr has revitalized The Occidental, a historic DC restaurant that opened in 1906 near the White House. The menu features American classics like glazed Virginia ham and lamb chops with mint jelly, while the cocktail list spotlights six variations of the martini. The 14,000-square-foot space is decorated with murals and velvet furnishings, paying homage to its past.
Cherry Blossom Teas
The Fairmont is celebrating cherry blossom season with an elegant Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea, featuring Japanese-inspired treats and seasonal teas. Guests can enjoy sakura macarons, matcha-infused pastries, and cherry blossom scones paired with premium teas in the hotel’s stunning courtyard.
Cherry blossom tea is back at Peacock Alley in the Waldorf Astoria. High tea is served Friday through Sunday with reservations. The menu showcases seasonal favorites, such as raspberry French macaroon, cherry orange scones, cherry financier and an assortment of other finger foods. Beverages include a wide tea selection and champagne enhancements are available.
The Pendry elevates afternoon tea with its Cherry Blossom Boozy Tea. Featuring floral-inspired cocktails alongside a selection of teas, the menu includes crafted sweets and savory bites that celebrate the flavors of spring. This experience offers a vibrant and indulgent twist on cherry blossom season.
Recent Openings
River Club DC has introduced The Lobby, a new bar featuring craft cocktails and waterfront views of the Potomac. Guests can enjoy a prix fixe brunch, happy hour, and exclusive food and beverage menus.
Kata, a new supper club in Chinatown, brings an upscale dining experience with a focus on omakase and inventive cocktails. The intimate space blends Japanese and French influences, offering a sophisticated ambiance for late-night dining and entertainment.
Celebrity chef Eric Adjepong’s highly anticipated restaurant, Elmina, is now open in Washington, D.C., bringing a refined take on West African cuisine to the city’s dining scene. The vibrant new spot, located in Union Market, showcases dishes inspired by Ghanaian flavors, paired with an innovative cocktail program.
Willowsong, the latest addition to the Wharf, showcases Mid-Atlantic flavors with dishes like Rappahannock oysters, Chesapeake rockfish, and house-made fennel agnolotti. Executive Chef Kat Petonito focuses on using regional ingredients such as bay leaf and pawpaw.
From the team behind Jane Jane, Bar Betsie is to open this winter in the Union Market. Inspired by co-owner JP Sabatier's lively Puerto Rican mother, the bar aims to emulate her vivacious energy and welcoming hospitality. The bar will offer cocktails, beer, wine, and finger foods.
Dupont Coffee Collective brings a curated selection of specialty coffees from local roasters to the heart of Dupont Circle. With a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship, the new spot offers freshly roasted brews, espresso drinks, and a rotating lineup of artisanal pastries.
A new organic café, Life Alive, opened and emphasizes plant-based, wellness-focused dining, using locally sourced ingredients to create nourishing, vibrant meals. Their mission is to inspire health and sustainability within the community through mindful, health-conscious choices.
Opening Soon
A new French-Mediterranean restaurant has arrived at Farragut Square in Spring 2025. Barbouzard will feature a sophisticated menu that blends classic Mediterranean dishes with contemporary twists. The design will reflect an upscale ambiance, aiming to provide an elegant environment.
Atlas Brew Works will open its third DC location in the Bridge District in early 2025. The space will include a large taproom, brewery operations, and food from DMV staple Andy's Pizza.
Bar Angie, an upcoming concept from the Balos Restaurant Group, will open in DC’s West End as an upscale brasserie. This new spot will bring an elevated dining experience with a brasserie-style menu and refined ambiance to the neighborhood.
Karravaan, a new Indian restaurant from the team behind RASA, is to open in Union Market, bringing a vibrant mix of traditional and modern Indian flavors to the area. With a focus on bold spices and inventive dishes, the spot aims to add an exciting culinary destination to D.C.’s thriving food scene.
Urban Roast is expanding to the Wharf in 2025. Known for its stylish decor, this new location will bring its signature blend of cozy café vibes, creative cocktails, and shared plates to the waterfront.
Right Proper Brewing is set to open a third location, a 180-seat pub, this summer in Northeast DC.
Fish Shop, a Scottish seafood spot favored by King Charles III, is opening its first U.S. location at The Wharf in April. Operated by Artfarm, the restaurant will feature a locally sourced menu by chef Ria Montes, including crab crumpet and lobster taglierini.