Basta! TheList’s List of Delicious Dishes
Summer Ready? The DMV certainly is. Farmers’ markets are starting to overflow, chefs are loading menus with peak-season produce, grills are firing up, and suddenly every meal feels like a good excuse to stay out a little longer. This is the season! Tomato salads that actually taste like tomatoes, sweet corn in everything, berries on the menu and long lunches that somehow turn into dinner. No judgement. Honestly, this is one of the best times of year to eat around the region.
Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites, menu changes and dining experiences to help you eat your way through summer in the DMV.
- Make a night of it with a show + a great pre or post-theatre meal with our theatre + dining guide here
- This week’s list of The List’s favorite beverages is right here
- From festivals and pop-ups to patio parties, restaurant events, and summer food happenings around the region, we’ve got those covered here
- Looking for outdoor dining? Check out our Patio Pleasures and Up On The Roof roundups featuring patios, rooftops, courtyards, and outdoor sipping spots all across the DMV.
So much more summer deliciousness below:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
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
Keg Hunt: Come take part in a multicity craft beer scavenger hunt hosted by ChurchKey, Rustico, and Neighborhood Restaurant Group. From Thursday, June 4th - Sunday, June 7th, visit up to 8 participating locations to discover secret beers and win prizes, including 2 VIP tickets to Snallygaster; churchkeydc.com
Food & Friends: Food & Friends hosts its 33rd annual Chef’s Best on June 8 at the Marriott Marquis, bringing together 30+ top regional chefs for tastings, cocktails, and a live auction. Led by Chef Mauricio Chirinos, the evening supports the organization’s mission to provide medically tailored meals to those living with chronic illness, with a goal to raise $1 million; foodandfriends.org
Dinner with Michael Twitty: The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will host an intimate June 11 dinner experience with James Beard Award-winning culinary historian Michael W. Twitty on the eve of the Virginia Declaration of Rights’ 250th anniversary. The evening blends conversation, history, and a multi-course menu inspired by Twitty’s acclaimed cookbooks, exploring African American heritage, Southern foodways, and the role of community around the table; jyfmuseums.org
Dame’s Table: Hosted by Les Dames d'Escoffier Washington DC Chapter, this lively tasting event returns June 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.) at Whittemore House. Guests can explore chef-driven food and wine pairings from top local talent, plus a silent auction featuring unique culinary experiences—all supporting grants and scholarships for the next generation of women in food; lesdamesdc.org
World Cup of Wine: Lulu’s Winegarden is hosting a global wine tasting party on June 14 featuring 25+ wines from a dozen wine-producing countries, paired with bottomless breakfast tacos and soccer matches airing throughout the space. The interactive tasting includes walkaround pours, discounted take-home bottles, and two afternoon sessions designed for wine lovers of every level; luluswinegarden.com
Japanese Wagyu Week at Little Blackbird: Executive Chef Ryan Moore is celebrating Japanese Wagyu Week from June 17-21 with a rotating lineup of specialty dishes showcasing prized Iwate Gyu Wagyu, including Wagyu Carpaccio, Seared Wagyu with braised red cabbage, Roasted Wagyu with mushroom purée, and a Wagyu Corned Beef Reuben. Each daily special is available for $30.00. The week culminates on June 21 with an intimate five-course Wagyu dinner featuring beef from Japan’s renowned Nakamura Farm in Iwate Prefecture. Limited to 20 guests, the $150.00 experience includes multiple Wagyu preparations, stories from Chef Moore’s recent visit to the farm, and optional beverage pairings featuring sake and wine; littleblackbirddc.com
Tuna Carving Party for Sushi Day: Love on the Run at Love Makoto is celebrating International Sushi Day with a one-night-only tuna-carving experience on June 18. Guests will watch chefs break down a whole tuna before enjoying an array of freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, including nigiri, hand rolls, negitoro, and maki. The evening also features a Japanese cocktail demonstration, sake toast, dessert bar, and access to additional food and drinks from Hiya Izakaya and Love on the Run; lovemakoto.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.
Family Reunion: Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s acclaimed culinary festival returns August 20–23 at Salamander Middleburg with its 2026 theme, “Folklore: A History of Storytelling.” The multi-day event brings together top chefs, panels, workshops, and immersive dining experiences celebrating Black and Brown contributions to food and culture, with tickets and packages now available; salamanderhotels.com/experience/family-reunion
Yottem Ottolenghi at Sixth & I: Celebrated chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi will appear at Sixth & I on October 8 at 7:00 p.m., discussing his latest cookbook Simple Too. In conversation, Ottolenghi will explore his philosophy of bold, approachable cooking and share recipes designed to make flavorful meals feel effortless; sixthandi.org
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Galetterie/Crêperie, Mais Oui: Now open inside Bastille Brasserie & Bar, Maison Breizh brings the flavors of France’s Brittany region to Alexandria through a lunch-focused galetterie-crêperie concept from restaurateur Michelle Poteaux. The menu highlights traditional savory buckwheat galettes, crêpes, French cider, and Breton-inspired dishes, offering a relaxed, regional take on French dining that celebrates the everyday culinary traditions of coastal France. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch service; bastillerestaurant.com
Wings n Things: Thompson Restaurants has officially transformed its longtime Velocity Wings concept into Velocity Bar + Kitchen, a full-service restaurant that expands beyond wings while keeping fan favorites on the menu. New offerings include Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Chicken & Waffles, Alfredo Pasta, and burgers, alongside cocktails, happy hour specials, and weekly promotions like all-you-can-eat wings and ribs. Designed to work equally well for game days, family dinners, and nights out, the reimagined concept is now open in both Fairfax and Purcellville; velocitybarkitchen.com
Pack a Pride Picnic (Pride Alert): Just in time for Capital Pride, Love, Makoto is offering a limited-time Pride Picnic for 2, perfect for a National Mall outing or parade-day gathering. The $48.00 package includes a Rainbow Roll, Kale Soba Salad, 2 Rainbow Vanilla Donuts, and 2 Yuzu Lemonades. Looking to make it a celebration? Upgrade to the $68.00 Pride Party Pack, which swaps the lemonades for Makoto Margaritas or Chika Sake Cups. Available for pickup through Love on the Run or delivery; lovemakoto.com
Do.Nut.Glo.Up (Pride Alert): Pride Month gets a little sweeter at Love on the Run, where the popular Galaxy Vanilla donut is getting a rainbow makeover throughout June. Available as a heart-shaped donut with optional cream filling, the colorful treat isn't just festive—a portion of proceeds from every Rainbow Vanilla Donut sold will benefit Whitman-Walker, supporting the DC-based nonprofit's mission of providing inclusive community healthcare; lovemakoto.com
Master Pizzaiolo, Number 2 in US: For the 3rd consecutive year, master pizzaiolo Giulio Adriani’s Slice & Pie has been named the No. 2 slice shop in the United States by 50 Top Pizza, one of the pizza world’s most respected ranking organizations. The DC-based favorite remains the only Washington pizzeria in the national top 10 and recently expanded with a new H Street location, with another outpost planned for The Parks at Walter Reed. Known for standout slices like the Burrata Pie and Detroit-style pizza topped with cup-and-char pepperoni and hot honey, Slice & Pie continues to earn national recognition for its commitment to craft and quality; sliceandpie.com
Anime-Lovers’ Ramen: JINYA’s Summer Chef’s Specials have arrived, bringing a rich new Creamy Tonkotsu Ramen and a Hokkaido Mille Crepe dessert to locations nationwide through August 31. As an added bonus for anime fans, guests who order the ramen in-store will receive one of three limited-edition Dragon Ball Z collectible pins featuring Goku, Vegeta, or Shenron while supplies last. The seasonal menu pairs comforting flavors with a fun collectible tie-in, making it a must-try for both ramen lovers and anime enthusiasts this summer; jinyaramenbar.com
Long Lazy Lunches (Lunch Alert): Following the success of its spring Martini Hour, Minetta Tavern is extending the experience with new late-night hours! Guests can enjoy $10.00 classic martinis, burgers, and bar bites from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, in addition to the existing 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour. Highlights include the popular martini-and-burger pairings featuring Le Petite Burger or the Petite Black Label Burger, both served with pommes frites, making it an ideal stop for a nightcap in Union Market; minettataverndc.com
New at NUE: Executive Chef Daniel Lê has introduced a lineup of summer dishes inspired by the Vietnamese tradition of balancing richer flavors with refreshing “cooling” foods. Highlights include a seafood platter featuring Hokkaido scallop crudo, Fanny Bay oysters, poached prawns, and a whole chilled lobster with Thai basil lemon aioli, alongside new dishes like Lemongrass Crusted Lamb, Crispy Eggplant, and a seasonal crudité platter. The additions join NUE’s menu of modern Vietnamese dishes designed for sharing and summer dining; nuevietnamese.com
Diner Food is Back: Now open in Mount Vernon Triangle, Rosa’s Diner reimagines the classic American diner with vibrant Latin flavors and all-day dining in a restored Victorian rowhome. Led by Executive Chef Francisco Pomalaza, the menu features creative takes on comfort food, including pupusa Eggs Benedict with birria beef, churro French toast, housemade empanadas, and a diner smash burger melt. Guests can also enjoy specialty coffee, citrus-forward cocktails, and a welcoming space designed for everything from breakfast meetings to weekend brunches and casual dinners; rosasdiner.com
Pour-Over Rise n Shine: The beloved specialty coffee pop-up founded by husband-and-wife team Ron Collins and Carolina Meurkens is opening its first permanent location at the Bridge District in Southeast DC. Known for its curated pour-over coffee program, loose-leaf teas, and community-focused events, Café Cino will bring espresso drinks, pastries, smoothies, and future programming to the growing mixed-use waterfront neighborhood. The move marks a major milestone as the café celebrates three years of building a loyal following across the city; cafecinodc.com
Ala Makes Gluten-Free Easy: Fresh off its renovation, ala has relaunched its weekday Mezze Lunch, offering a customizable 2-item lunch for $28.00. Guests can mix and match favorites like Adana Kabob, Golden Cauliflower, and Fattoush, or try newer additions such as the Tawook Burger with breaded chicken, cheese, and house-made sauce on a brioche bun. Every meal also comes with a piece of Antep Baklava to-go, making for a satisfying Mediterranean lunch available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at both the DC and Bethesda locations; ala-dc.com
Rainbow Cakes (Pride Alert): Throughout June, Unconventional Diner is partnering with Whitman-Walker to support LGBTQ+ communities. A portion of proceeds from every Cantina Mule and slice of Rainbow Layer Cake sold during Pride Month will benefit the DC-based nonprofit, which provides healthcare, advocacy, education, and support services for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities; fountaininndc.com
Hot n Gooey: MOLTN has launched a new cookie gifting service across the DMV, delivering warm, baked-to-order cookies paired with a fully customizable physical card. Available from its Chantilly, Arlington, and Dupont Circle locations, the program allows senders to personalize a message, track delivery in real time, and send a gift that arrives fresh from the oven the same day. Gift boxes start at $18.00 for 6 cookies; moltncookies.com
The Falcon Lands in Leesburg: Now open at the Village at Leesburg, Falcon & Fig is a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and wine bar from Chef Ahmed Ibrahim and co-founder Michelle Reday. The menu focuses on shareable plates and tapas, with highlights like seared pulpo, lamb chops with tzatziki, grilled halloumi, charred eggplant labneh, and branzino with chimichurri, alongside a globally sourced wine program and creative cocktails like the fig-forward “WTF – What The Fig.”; falconandfig.com
Public Interest-ed: Now open inside the Tempo by Hilton Washington DC Downtown, Public Interest brings a modern American brasserie experience to the heart of downtown. The menu pairs French-inspired comfort food with contemporary favorites, including the PI Burger with Gruyère and caramelized onions, and a Braised Lamb Shank with seasonal vegetables. A cocktail lineup featuring drinks like the Maison Margarita and K-Street Negroni rounds out the experience, while weekday happy hour and all-day dining make it a versatile new addition to DC’s dining scene; publicinterestdc.com
Long, Lazy Lunches: The Easton Italian favorite has expanded into daytime dining with a new lunch menu featuring seasonal salads, housemade pastas, and focaccia sandwiches inspired by classic Italian flavors. Highlights include Ricotta Cavatelli with pesto, Spinach Chitarra with artichokes and spring vegetables, and The Posto sandwich layered with prosciutto, whipped ricotta, and arugula on housemade focaccia. For dessert, guests can finish with a cannoli, an affogato; thewardroom.com
Listen to This (Brunch Alert): Oasis is debuting a new weekend brunch, pairing Japanese-inspired dishes with its signature audiophile atmosphere in Clarendon. Highlights include truffle avocado toast with sashimi, smoked salmon crepes, karaage chicken and waffles, and matcha cream crepes, alongside yuzu mimosas, sake flights, and espresso martinis. Sundays add live jazz from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., kicking off May 24 with guitarist Alejandro Villarreal, turning the patio and listening bar into a laid-back brunch destination for music lovers and weekend diners alike; oasisthelisteningbar.com
A la Carte at Oyster Oyster: As it approaches its five-year anniversary, Michelin-starred Oyster Oyster is introducing its first-ever à la carte menu for walk-in guests on Wednesdays and Thursdays, featuring frequently rotating seasonal dishes from James Beard Award-winning Chef Rob Rubba; oysteroysterdc.com
Uchi Uchi Coo: The nationally acclaimed sushi destination from James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole is now open in downtown DC, bringing its signature blend of Japanese technique and global flavors to the city for the first time. Led locally by Chef Rob Drennan, Uchi offers creative sushi, hot and cold tastings, omakase experiences, and a popular happy hour—all served with the restaurant’s signature hospitality-driven approach; uchi.uchirestaurants.com
Yala x Levain = OMG: Levain Bakery Georgetown and Bethesda are teaming up with Yala Greek Ice Cream for a limited-time summer collaboration running through October. Guests can mix and match Levain’s iconic cookies with Yala’s Greek ice cream in the form of ice cream sandwiches, affogatos, floats, and cookies à la mode—with more pop-ups and special events planned throughout the season; levainbakery.com
Mudbugs!: Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar & Eatery: Chef David Guas is bringing back his annual Crawfish Boils on June 13, flying in fresh Louisiana crawfish for an afternoon of true New Orleans-style feasting. Guests can dine in on crawfish platters with all the fixin’s, grab a “Boil in a Bucket To-Geaux,” or go big with the new Bayou Bargain Bundle packed with crawfish, cornbread, muff-a-lotta wedges, beans & rice, and beignets for the whole crew. Frozen Hurricanes, Abita beer buckets, and bottled New Orleans cocktails round out the party; bayoubakeryva.com
Spring Omakase: Nobu DC is offering a limited-time spring tasting menu through June 16, priced at $145.00 per person. The omakase-style experience features seasonal highlights like oyster with ume salsa, beef tenderloin with ponzu, and strawberry lychee panna cotta, alongside chef-selected sushi and sashimi; noburestaurants.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Lola’s Halo Halo (AAPI Month Alert): To close out AAPI Month, Fish Shop is serving Lola’s Halo Halo, a nostalgic Filipino shaved ice dessert inspired by Chef Ria Montes’ childhood summers with her grandmother in Queens. Available May 15 through 31, the colorful treat layers young coconut, sweet red beans, housemade leche flan, and ube over condensed milk shaved ice for a refreshing taste of Filipino tradition; fishshopdc.com
Bully For You (Brunch / Lunch Alert): Bully is bringing the Spanish tradition of Menú del Día to DC with a daily multi-course lunch experience for $28.00. Served Monday through Friday, the rotating menu includes a first course, seasonal main, dessert, and a complimentary bite to start. Brunch is also served on Saturdays and Sundays featuring Spanish-style cuisine; bullywdc.com
#Trending: Soft-serve margaritas are having a moment, and Xochi is bringing the trend to DC with its frozen twist on the classic. Pair it with the new Sinaloa Dog—a bacon-wrapped street-style hot dog topped with sautéed onions and peppers—for the ultimate summer-ready combo; taqueriaxochi.com
Ragu for You: Vermilion is hosting a Sunday Night Ragu Family Dinner each week starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a hearty family-style Italian feast for $35.00 per person in the tavern, bar, and lounge. The meal features Chef Anthony Chittum’s slow-cooked ragu with pork spare ribs, braised Angus beef, meatballs, fennel sausage, plum tomatoes, and hand-cut egg noodles. The spread also includes a lacinato kale Caesar, sourdough garlic bread, and apple cider donuts with salted caramel and frozen custard for dessert. Guests can also pair the meal with featured red wines by the bottle selected to complement the Sunday feast; vermilionrestaurant.com
You Had Us at Cardamom Coffee Cake [Brunch Alert]: Chef Lindsey Flowers has launched a new Sunday brunch menu at Namak, blending Eastern Mediterranean flavors with playful brunch dishes like strawberry-rose French toast, cardamom coffee cake, and a sujuk egg-and-cheese sandwich. Guests can also dig into mezze favorites, kebabs, and lamb smashburgers while sipping cocktails like the za’atar-rimmed “Bloody Maryam” or exploring General Manager Dhiandra Olson’s eclectic wine selections; namak-dc.com
New, The Boulevard: Opening in the former Wilson Hardware space, The Boulevard blends modern American and Asian fusion with a nightlife edge. The kitchen—led by Chefs Homero González and Bayron Navarro with consulting from Chef Juan “Nacho” Olivera—serves dishes like lamb bao sliders, king salmon tiradito, sushi, and spicy ceviche. Upstairs, the Solset rooftop delivers cocktails from Glendon Hartley alongside DJs spinning house and down-tempo beats, making it as much a late-night destination as it is a dinner spot; boulevardva.com
Sunday Family Dinner: Caruso’s Grocery is launching a new Sunday Family Dinner series, offering a 3-course Italian-American prix-fixe menu for $35.00 per person every Sunday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests can mix and match favorites like garlic bread quattro formaggi, chicken parm, penne vodka, and classic desserts—bringing a cozy, family-style vibe to the table; carusosgrocery.com
Burrito Pop Up: Michelin Bib Gourmand spot Amparo Fondita is hosting a weekday lunch pop-up from Chef Christian Irabién’s upcoming concept El Gabacho, running through August 14. The takeout-focused menu features handmade flour tortilla burritos filled with bold options like chile colorado, pollo chipotle, and chile relleno—offering a fast, flavor-packed preview of what’s to come; amparofondita.com
