Delicious DMV Dining: THE LIST'S LIST OF GREAT EATS

Winter Ready? The DMV has officially settled into cozy season. Think rich braises, bubbling cheese, and just-baked desserts. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites  and experiences to get you through winter deliciously.

Make a night of it, see a show and grab a great pre- or post-theatre meal with our theatre + dining guide (here).
Winter activations are back: igloos, skating rinks, and après-ski vibes all over the DMV (here).
This week's list of The List's favorite beverages, here.

Cozy up fireside - see the best spots, here.

Looking for love? Valentine's Day do's are here.

So much more cozy, crave-worthy goodness below:

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 

Steak + Frites = Love Forever: Medium Rare is upping the stakes this Valentine’s Day with a proposal-worthy perk. Couples who get engaged on February 14 at any of Medium Rare’s 9 locations will be entered to win free Steak Frites on their wedding anniversary every year for the rest of their married lives. Yes, forever. Winners receive the restaurant’s iconic prix-fixe Steak Frites dinner at no cost annually, featuring a seared culotte steak topped with the cult-favorite secret sauce, crispy French fries, a fresh side salad, rustic bread, and complimentary second servings of steak and fries. Known for its playful French-inspired vibe, crayon-written orders, flirty cocktail napkins, and cheeky restroom French lessons, Medium Rare offers an effortlessly fun setting for popping the question; Click here for more info.

Twenty Years of Mandu: Mandu is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a monthly collaborative dining series celebrating 2 decades in D.C.’s dining scene. The yearlong series brings guest chefs into the kitchen for special tasting menus inspired by Mandu’s Korean roots and the shared language of global cuisines. Scheduled dinners include Tuesday, March 10 with G’Albi and Chef Michael Rafidi of Albi, Yellow, and La Shukran; Tuesday, April 7 with Chef Masako Morishita of Perry’s and Chef Matt Adler of Caruso’s Grocery and Cucina Morini; and Thursday, May 7, an AAPI Month celebration with Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto and Chef Steve Chu of Ekiben; Click here for more info.

Blue Duck Tavern Anniversary:  Blue Duck Tavern will toast 20 years in the nation’s capital as one of the city’s most iconic restaurants in June 2026. To honor this monumental occasion, nationally recognized chefs, who formerly spearheaded Blue Duck Tavern, will return to prepare their signature dishes for a special dinner gathering accompanied by merrymaking over 2006 vintages from Blue Duck Tavern's Sommelier selections. The five-course feast will take place on Wednesday, June 10, with a champagne reception and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. blueducktavern.com

Carla Hall One-Woman Show: Carla Hall is debuting her world premiere solo show, “Please Underestimate Me!”, at the Olney Theatre Center this summer. In the one-woman production, the award-winning chef, author, and TV personality shares a candid, humorous, and deeply personal look at her journey—from her Tennessee roots and Howard University to Paris runways. The DC chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier has reserved a block of seats for 2 performances: Friday, June 26 and Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $72.00, with a portion supporting scholarships and mentorship for women in food and hospitality. A special $92.00 ticket for the June 26 performance includes a post-show meet-and-greet with Carla Hall and light refreshments; buy tickets here.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: 

Raclette Fest: Cheesetique is bringing back Raclette Fest to its Del Ray location from February 23 through March 15, transforming the space into a cozy Alpine-inspired ski lodge. Now in its 8th year, the limited-time menu centers on table-side raclette (AKA melted wheels of premium Alpine cheese scraped over bread, seasonal vegetables, and sausage) alongside warm pretzels, cool-climate wines, apple strudel, and lodge-style cocktails. New for 2026 are a Truffle Raclette upgrade, an enhanced Alpine wine flight, and an “Alpine Fizz” zero-proof cocktail. The festival kicks off with a ticketed Après Ski Party on Sunday, February 22, featuring unlimited raclette, a live DJ, themed attire, games, and more; cheesetique.com

Iftar Offerings - Thompson Restaurant Group: Thompson Restaurants is expanding access to Halal dining across the DMV just ahead of Ramadan. Effective immediately, all chicken and beef offerings at every Matchbox location, as well as Ms. Peach’s and Makers Union in Ashburn, are now available Halal. All Big Buns locations offer Halal Angus beef, with the One Loudoun outpost also serving Halal chicken. The update responds to growing demand for Halal-certified options without compromising on menu variety; thompsonrestaurants.com

Iftar Offerings - Joon: In honor of Ramadan, Joon is offering a $45.00 per person Iftar menu available February 17 through March 19. The evening begins with stuffed Medjoul dates with walnuts and brown butter, followed by hot pistachio soup with leek, ginger, saffron, and sour orange. Guests can then choose between roasted harissa chicken with toum or lamb shoulder pavé, served alongside labneh harra, grilled carrots with harissa and lemon, dango (stewed chickpeas with tahina, Aleppo chile, and lime), torshi liteh, and house lavash; eatjoon.com

Iftar Offerings - NAJA Mediterranean: In observance of Ramadan, NAJA Mediterranean is offering special Iftar pre-set menus nightly after 5:30 p.m. from February 18 through March 20. Priced at $35.00 and $55.00 per person, both menus begin with dates and Shorbat Adas, a traditional lentil soup served to break the fast. The $35.00 option includes a choice of mezze followed by entrées like Roasted Half Chicken with markook and toum, Salmon with vermicelli rice, Adobo Cauliflower, or a Chicken Shawarma Platter, plus dessert. The $55.00 Ramadan edition of NAJA’s Table is designed for sharing, featuring grape leaves, kibbeh, signature spreads, fattoush, cheesy pita, and a mixed kebab platter with roasted chicken, koobideh, kofta, and shrimp, along with dessert selections; reserve your table here.

Chef’s Best: Acqua Bistecca has introduced a new Chef’s Tasting Experience Menu, a multi-course Italian dinner designed for sharing and leisurely dining. Priced at $85.00 per person (minimum 2 guests), the experience begins with antipasti like house-made focaccia, little gem Caesar salad, arancini, and squash parmesan, followed by primi including lumache ai funghi and pappardelle al uovo. For the main course, guests choose between line-caught swordfish piccata or chargrilled flatiron, with the option to upgrade to a center-cut filet, alongside sides such as olive oil fried potatoes and crispy Brussels sprouts agrodolce. Dessert features il lemone and bomba donuts, with an optional lasagna alla piastra add-on. Available now during dinner service at City Ridge; acquabistecca.com

If It Walks Like A Duck: Mallard has unveiled a new seasonal menu that leans into the spirit of Southern hospitality and shared dining. Led by Chef Hamilton Johnson, the 14th Street restaurant’s refreshed offerings highlight seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and thoughtful technique, with dishes designed to be passed around the table and enjoyed communally. The new menu continues Mallard’s focus on gathering, comfort, and Southern-inspired cooking rooted in tradition; mallarddc.com

Four Courses for $48: Chef Ryan Ratino has introduced a new lineup of dishes at Press Club, including Coconut Shrimp Tempura, Bao with shiitake and sweet potato, Chicken Katsu, and a playful “Klondike Bar” dessert. The restaurant is also now offering a 4-course tasting menu for $48.00 per person. Reservations are available on a limited basis; pressclubdc.com

Frito Pie, Oh My! Taco Bamba is rolling out its take on the classic walking taco with a limited-time Frito Pie, available beginning February 10 at all locations. Served straight in the bag for easy, on-the-go eating, the $13.00 special is loaded with red chili beans, queso, pico de gallo, lettuce, serrano onions, and habanero ranch, plus a choice of traditional meat. It’s a portable, flavor-packed addition to the menu—perfect for braving snowy sidewalks with something warm in hand; tacobamba.com

Coffee, Community, Cozy: Prim’s Cafe will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, February 14, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The cozy neighborhood café - named after the owner’s daughter and inspired by legacy, love, and community - will welcome guests with a strawberry matcha latte made with ceremonial-grade matcha and house-made strawberry syrup, alongside locally roasted coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and fresh pastries. To mark the occasion, the first 50 guests will receive a complimentary rose, and the café will offer a Valentine’s Day pairing featuring a rose bouquet and latte bundle for $28.00. Designed to feel warm and welcoming, Prim’s Cafe aims to create a gathering space for families, neighbors, and friends; primscafe.com

L’Amour Lobster: Tucked inside a historic Georgetown row house, L’Avant-Garde is leaning into romance with a new Lobster Menu designed for lingering, love-letter-worthy evenings. Priced at $109.00 per person, the 4-course experience includes Lobster Bisque en Croûte, a Riviera-inspired Lobster Salad, classic Lobster Thermidor, and an indulgent “Ultimate Chocolate” ganache tart. The restaurant has also introduced a Champagne & Caviar offering at the bar: 10 grams of caviar with traditional accompaniments and 2 coupes of Champagne for $95.00. With its candlelit ambiance, fireplace glow, and refined French fare, L’Avant-Garde continues to set the scene for Georgetown date nights and milestone moments alike; avantgardedc.com

Laud, That’s Good Shawarma: Laud Shawarma has reopened inside The Common Kitchen, marking a fresh chapter for the Nigerian-style shawarma spot following the closure of Solaire Social last fall. The eatery is currently operating a month-long soft opening, with a grand opening celebration planned for next month. The refreshed menu highlights fan favorites alongside new additions, including signature shawarmas with meat and plant-based options, shawarma cups, oven-baked honey-glazed wings, and sandwich melts. New offerings also include the $25 Laud Bento Box: a single-meat shawarma, jollof rice, honey-glazed wings, and zobo plus the return of the brand’s beloved vegan Agege bread in cube or roll form; laudshawarma.com

90 Years of Giant Food + $450K Donation: In honor of its 90th birthday on February 6, Giant Food is donating $450,000 to the Capital Area Food Bank through the Giant Family Foundation to support the Food Bank’s Family Markets program. The contribution continues a long-standing partnership between the two organizations; over the past eight years, Giant has committed $3.2 million to the program, helping distribute more than 12 million meals to families across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Capital Area Food Bank’s Family Markets provide no-cost, market-style grocery distributions at public and charter schools, ensuring children and their families have access to fresh produce and nutritious pantry staples year-round; giantfood.com

Industry Update: Michael Pereira at Taco Bamba: Taco Bamba has named restaurant industry veteran Michael Pereira as Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience to the chef-driven taqueria as it enters its next phase of growth. Pereira most recently served as COO of Velvet Taco and previously spent 25 years at The Cheesecake Factory, rising to Vice President of Operations. He joins founder and chef Victor Albisu and Taco Bamba’s investment partners at Investors Management Corporation as the 16-location brand continues to expand. Alongside the leadership announcement, Taco Bamba also revealed plans to launch a new mobile app and loyalty program later this spring; tacobamba.com

Let’s Bowl & Roll: Bindaas Bowls & Rolls is now open, replacing its sister restaurant Bindaas in Foggy Bottom with a new to-go concept designed for quick lunches and easy takeout. Led by Knightsbridge Restaurant Group founder Ashok Bajaj, the revamped spot serves customizable Indian bowls and rolls, along with sandwiches, biryani, snacks, and desserts. Guests can build their own meals by choosing sauces and rotating proteins like lamb, fish, chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian options, or opt for signature offerings. The restaurant will be open daily, with seating available for casual dine-in; Click here for more info.

The Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail Returns: The Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail is back with a nostalgic Friends-inspired theme, running from January 28 through May 11. Using a free digital passport, participants can explore nearly 30 cafés, chocolatiers, and sweet spots throughout the Cumberland Valley, checking in to earn points, prizes, exclusive discounts, and special offers along the way. This year’s trail includes locations such as King & Saint, Denim Coffee, Helena’s Chocolate Café & Creperie, Mummert Chocolates, The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop, and many more. The trail officially kicks off on January 28, with a launch event at King & Saint Café in Shippensburg at 9:00 a.m., where early passport holders can enjoy complimentary coffee and a pastry while supplies last; Click here for more info.

Raclette Season (Happy Hour Alert): Mikko Nordic Fine Foods is leaning into winter with a cozy, storm-day lineup of Nordic hot drinks, comforting starters, and the return of its beloved Raclette and Buckwheat Blinis, available for a limited time. The Dupont Circle rowhouse café is serving warming cocktails like Spiked Cider with Nordic spiced rum, Spiked Chai with bourbon, Red Glögg with mulled wine and almonds, a classic Hot Toddy, and a Nordic Coffee finished with aquavit, walnut liqueur, and whipped cream. Guests can pair drinks with hearty winter starters, while Raclette and Buckwheat Blinis are back through February only. Daily happy hour runs from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring $4.00 off cocktails, $3.00 off wine, and $2.00 off beer; Click here for more info.

NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:

Chef Update: Daniel Harburn at Oyamel: Oyamel is getting a head start on Valentine’s Day with a one-night-only Pre-Valentine’s Day Dinner that also marks the debut of new Head Chef Daniel Harburn. Taking place Monday, February 9, the intimate evening features a four-course tasting menu that nods to Oyamel’s traditional roots while introducing Chef Harburn’s fresh perspective, with each course paired to agave expressions and cocktails from El Tesoro Tequila. Highlights include a trio of mini tostadas, Huachinango con Salsa Xec, Conejo con Salsa Almendrada, and a Buñuelo Mariposa dessert, along with neat pours, custom cocktails, and a take-home gift. The dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. and is priced at $130.00 per person; oyamel.com

Going to the Yard (Lunch Alert): Yardbird has officially launched a new Lunch & Light Bites menu, now available at all locations, including Washington, D.C. Offered Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the menu is designed for the midday crowd with lighter, satisfying dishes inspired by Yardbird’s Southern roots. Lunch offerings include Chicken Tortilla Soup, a House Chopped Rotisserie Chicken Salad, Aged Ham & Arugula Flatbread, Chicken Caesar Wraps, jumbo wings and tenders, and signature sandwiches like the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and Bayou Jerk Salmon Burger—ideal for workday lunches, meetings, or a casual daytime stop; runchickenrun.com

Sometimes Spicy, Sometimes Sweet: Dolcezza is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a lineup of festive flavors launching February 1 at all DMV locations. The menu includes Red Velvet Cake Gelato and Passionfruit Mousse Gelato, plus sweet-and-spicy sips like the Passionfruit Szechuan Matcha and a Passion Matcha Soda. Dolcezza is also offering soft-serve sundaes at the H Street and Hirshhorn locations, including a Red Velvet Sundae with cake bits and cream cheese frosting and a Passionfruit Sundae finished with passionfruit coulis; Click here for more info.

Get In My Belly: 2Fifty Texas BBQ is going all-in on pork belly with a week-long pop-up running Monday, January 26 through Sunday, February 1 at both the Riverdale Park and K Street locations. For Pork Belly Week, regular specials are on pause in favor of daily features, including Hot Honey Pork Belly (Monday & Sunday), Al Pastor Pork Belly (Wednesday), Char Siu Pork Belly (Thursday), Green Spaghetti with Pork Belly (Friday), and Pork Belly Burnt Ends (Saturday); 2fiftybbq.com

Lunch PopUp - Taco Taco: Taco Taco by Cranes is a daytime taqueria pop-up led by Executive Chef Pepe Moncayo that brings the soul of Cranes into a casual, crave-driven lunch format. The lunch menu features tacos, wraps, bowls, and shareable plates designed for speed, flavor, and repeat visits. Sample dishes include maitake mushroom tempura with achiote-pineapple and yuzu kosho crema, crispy chicken karaage with napa cabbage and togarashi crema, garlic shrimp a la plancha with ajo blanco and chili oil, beer-battered fish with citrus slaw, and koji-marinated skirt steak finished with salsa macha and lime. 724 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001; cranes-dc.com

AYCE Sushi (Brunch Alert): Love, Makotto has debuted an extensive all-you-can-eat brunch buffet that costs $65 per person, excluding beverages. Highlights include the Baked Crab Hand Roll, Tuna Crispy Rice, Miso Salmon, Roasted Strip Loin and Pork Shoulder, Housemade Soba Noodles, three types of Mochi Donuts and the Dear Sushi Ichigo Strawberry. 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Ste. 150; lovemakoto.com

Yes, Soup for You: Chef Suresh Sundas’ Thukpa (Himalayan-inspired soup) special at Tapori will be available on Mondays in limited quantities. Two soups to choose from: Vegetarian Udon noodles in a soy broth with silken tofu, enoki mushrooms, bok choy, and Napa cabbage ($20) or Duck Meatball Udon noodles in a soy broth with enoki mushrooms, bok choy, and Napa cabbage. 600 H Street NE Suite E; taporidc.com

More Focaccia, Please: Chef Mike Friedman is expanding the reach of Fossette Focacceria, bringing its popular focaccia sandwiches to AP Pizza Shop in Bethesda. Available all day, the new menu features 6 sandwiches: Caprese; Mortazza with mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio crema, and black pepper; Tartufo with prosciutto cotto, stracciatella, arugula, and black truffle honey; Circolo with smoked turkey, fontina, tomato, cabbage, iceberg, and lemon aioli; Italiano with a mix of Genoa salami, finocchiona, soppressata, mortadella, mozzarella, and spicy peppers; and Chicken Parm with a parmesan-sesame chicken cutlet, provolone, basil, and marinara; Click here for more info.

60 Years of Mr Henry’s: A Capitol Hill mainstay since 1966, Mr. Henry’s is celebrating a major milestone in 2026 - its 60th anniversary. To mark 6 decades as one of Washington’s most beloved neighborhood pubs, the historic Victorian spot is rolling out a yearlong celebration featuring monthly, decade-themed festivities beginning in February, each honoring a different era of its history. The anniversary programming ends in a milestone gala in August 2026, inviting generations of Washingtonians to toast the past, present, and future of this enduring local institution; Click here for more info.

Cubano Delicioso at Reagan National: Colada Shop has opened its first-ever airport location at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), bringing its signature Cuban coffee, cocktails, and all-day bites to Terminal 2, C Gates (airside). Open daily from 5:00 a.m. until the last departing flight, the new outpost is designed for everything from early-morning caffeine fixes to pre-flight toasts. The menu features Colada Shop favorites like Café Cubano, cortaditos, Café con Leche, Havana Cold Brew, shareable coladas, housemade sodas, zero-proof cocktails, and a full bar pouring classics such as mojitos, piña coladas, and espresso martinis. Travelers can also expect all-day bites including croquetas, empanadas, yuca fries, platanachos, the Cuban sandwich, plus breakfast staples like churro waffles, pastelitos, and pan de bono; coladashop.com