All the Eats & Treats: Delish DMV Dining
The DMV has officially turned the corner into fall. Farmers' markets are swapping tomatoes for squash, chefs are loading menus with apples and root vegetables, and suddenly every meal feels like the start of soup season. This is the season for braises that make the whole kitchen smell like Sunday. 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 fall.
- 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 fall food happenings around the region, we've got those covered here
- Looking for cozy dining? Check out our Patio Pleasures + Up On The Roof roundups featuring patios, rooftops, courtyards & outdoor dining spots all across the DMV — now with fire pits and blankets.
So much more fall deliciousness below:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Capital Area Food Bank - At the Table: The Capital Area Food Bank is launching At the Table, a 3-part dinner series bringing together acclaimed restaurants and local culinary talent to raise funds and awareness around food insecurity in the DMV. The series kicked off October 14 at Karravaan, followed by The Ruxton on February 16 and Joon on May 10, with each evening featuring special food, cocktails, desserts, and collaborations. Tickets are $350.00 per dinner, with proceeds supporting the Food Bank’s work to address hunger across the region; capitalareafoodbank.org
Mariachi, Tacos, & Margaritas at Apapacho: Apapacho is teaming up with Mariachi Imperio for Mal de Amores, a monthly night of live mariachi, tacos, margaritas, and heartbreak anthems. Guests can sing along to 2 hours of live music while enjoying food and drinks, with one rule: don't call your ex! Upcoming dates include November 13, and December 11 at Apapacho’s Union Market location; apapachotaqueria.com
Rustico 20th Anniversary: Rustico and Buzz are celebrating 20 years on Slaters Lane in Alexandria with a family-friendly fall festival on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Festivities include a patio cookout with hot dogs, brats, and giant pretzels, live music, craft beers, wine, cocktails, kids’ activities, and complimentary popcorn and spiced apple cider. Guests can also enjoy a dog adoption event with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Halloween treats for costumed kids and dogs, and a costume donation drive benefiting Carpenter’s Shelter; rusticorestaurant.com
Start Your Engines, DMV! Grand Prix Race Day Takes Over City Ridge: DC Motorsport Community is bringing race-day excitement to City Ridge on Sunday, October 25, with closed-street car and motorcycle displays, free outdoor viewing of the United States Grand Prix from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and a sunset DJ after-party. Guests can upgrade to a $160.00 rooftop VIP experience featuring pool access, complimentary Tito’s cocktails, premium bites including oysters, caviar, and Wagyu, and exclusive race viewing. The event also features specialty cocktails and tastings, with 10% of VIP ticket proceeds benefiting Becky’s Fund; dcmotorsportcommunity.com
Vermilion VA Wine Takeover: Vermilion in Old Town Alexandria is hosting a Virginia Wine Takeover on Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., featuring Present Company Wines founder and winemaker Chris Tropeano. For $40.00 per person, guests can enjoy 2 hours of unlimited pours from 5 Virginia wines, including Chenin Blanc Pét Nat, Riesling, Rosé, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, alongside a guided tasting and snacks from Chef Tony Chittum, including house-made dips, seasonal crudité, and arancini; vermilionrestaurant.com
Best Buddies: Best Buddies Virginia & DC will host Homecoming: Two Parties, One Purpose on Friday, October 30, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The inclusive gala features Best Buddies participants teaming up with local chefs to create tasting dishes, alongside bites from restaurants like Taco Bamba and The Salt Line, live music from Bootsie and the Groove, and a silent auction. Gala tickets are $200.00, with proceeds supporting friendship, employment, and leadership programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A concurrent $10.00 Student Homecoming Dance will feature a DJ, costume contest, and sensory-friendly activities.; bestbuddies.org
20 Years of Central Michel Richard: Central is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m. with a special evening honoring the legacy of Chef Michel Richard. Chefs David Deshaies and Cedric Maupillier will reimagine Richard’s signature dishes as passed bites, alongside an open bar and silent auction. Tickets are $150.00 per person, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; opentable.com
ChallahFest: As part of ANU Museum’s global Challahfest, Sixth & I will host Beyond the Braid: Challah, Culture, and Identity on Sunday, November 8, at 6:30 p.m. Moderated by FOODISH founder Merav Oren, the conversation features James Beard Award-winning chef Pati Jinich and chef Alexander “Zoonder” Lachnish, exploring Jewish identity, memory, and culture through the tradition of challah. Guests can arrive at 5:00 p.m. for drinks and a challah lollipop decorating activity with Baked by Yael. Tickets are $12.00 for the panel or $22.00 with the reception; sixthandi.org
Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen’s annual Capital Food Fight returns November 12, bringing together top chefs, local restaurants, and celebrity guests for a night of food and friendly competition. This year’s battling chefs include Scheyla Acosta, Anthony Jones, Brian Lacayo, and Robbie Reyes, with appearances by Eric Adjepong, Tiffany Derry, Andrew Zimmern, and more. Guests can enjoy bites from participating restaurants while supporting a great cause, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting DC Central Kitchen’s hunger relief and culinary job training programs; capitalfoodfight.org
Four Seasons DC Wine & Dine: The fifth annual Wine & Dine returns November 12 through 13, bringing together celebrity chefs, local culinary talent, and exceptional wines and spirits in support of MedStar Health’s lung cancer research initiatives. The celebration kicks off November 12 with a Culinary Showcase at Bourbon Steak DC from 6:00 tp 10:00 p.m., featuring chef action stations, passed bites, and wine and spirit tastings from chefs including Michael Mina, Lorena Garcia, Douglas Keane, Quentin Welch, and Jillian Fitch. On November 13, guests can enjoy an intimate 4-course celebrity chef dinner with curated wine pairings; web.cvent.com
Karavan Diwali Gathering: DC Diwali returns on Sunday, November 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Karravaan for an afternoon celebrating South Asian culture. The festivities include Silk Road-inspired cuisine, music by DJ Vicious, South Asian-owned small businesses, and a special appearance by comedian Badar Tareen. Guests are encouraged to dress in South Asian festive attire, with net proceeds benefiting Ashiyanaa, a nonprofit supporting South Asian survivors of domestic violence across the DMV; resy.com
Shelia’s Table at Salamander Middleburg: Salamander Middleburg is launching Sheila’s Table, an intimate culinary series hosted by resort owner Sheila Johnson, with its inaugural experience November 15 through 17 featuring Chicago chef and entrepreneur Cliff Rome. The 3-day gathering will include hands-on cooking experiences, chef-led dinners at Harrimans, tastings, cocktails, and fireside conversations exploring the stories behind the food. Attendance is limited, and overnight packages are available. Each gathering will also support a charitable cause selected by the featured chef; salamanderresort.com
DC Capital Feast: On Monday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m., DC Capital Feast returns to The Square for an evening celebrating DC’s culinary community. Guests can enjoy dishes from Rose Previte (Maydan), Susan Bae (Moon Rabbit), Anthony Jones (Marcus DC), and Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman, with special recognition of C•CAP alumna Chef Nadia Montague. All proceeds benefit C•CAP, supporting more than 1,400 D.C. public school students through culinary training, scholarships, and career opportunities; my.onecause.com
Holiday Cookie Exchange: The annual Holiday Cookie Swap will be at La Collina on Monday, December 7, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., alongside a special Cookie Kindness Project fundraiser benefiting Sasha Bruce Youthwork, which supports young people experiencing homelessness in the DC area. Participants can join the cookie swap, contribute baked goods to the fundraiser, or take part in both. Registration closes October 24 for the fundraiser and November 28 for the cookie swap; sign up here
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Autumnal Omakase: Nobu DC in the West End is introducing 2 new seasonal offerings, including an off-menu Fish & Chips with Caviar special, available by request on weekends. The dish features tempura-fried Glacier 51 Chilean Sea Bass with yuzu-tamari crème fraîche and a tin of Kolikof Grand Reserve Ossetra Sturgeon Caviar. Guests can also enjoy a fall omakase tasting menu, available nightly through January 3, featuring Baked Oyster Shichimi Amazu, Chilean Sea Bass with black pepper crust, Prime Heritage Angus Tenderloin, and a selection of chef’s sushi and sashimi; noburestaurants.com
Our Bar: Restaurateur Daniella Senior’s 5C Hospitality, the team behind Colada Shop and Elegancia, is opening Bar Nuestro on October 28 at Urby in Navy Yard. The Latin-rooted, European-inspired bistrot features a menu from Culinary Director Claudio Foschi and Executive Chef Harper McClure, with dishes like Oxtail Mafalde, Truffle Yuca Beignets, and Flan de Mamá Lucy. Beverage Director Josh Murski leads the cocktail program, including a Build Your Own Martini bar. The entire menu is peanut- and tree nut-free and prepared without seed oils, all served in a retro-modern space designed by Shawn Hausman; barnuestro.com
Caviar Service: Wild Goat Hospitality’s steakhouse in Pike & Rose is introducing a new Caviar Bar and Caviar Service from Chef Aris Tsekouras. Guests can add Precious Pearls Kaluga or Ossetra caviar to bites like Crab Rolls, Tuna Carpaccio, Beef Tartare, and Crispy Potatoes, or enjoy traditional caviar service with blini, capers, crème fraîche, shallots, and cured egg yolk. The restaurant’s signature “Coldest Martini in D.C.” can also be upgraded with a caviar-stuffed olive garnish. The new offerings are available now; eatbouboulina.com
(Chef Update) Mi Vida Culinary Director: KNEAD Hospitality + Design has welcomed award-winning Chef Juan Pablo Loza as Culinary Director, marking the restaurant’s first major culinary leadership change since opening in 2018. With experience at Le Cirque, Rosewood, Belmond, and Auberge Resorts Collection, Loza brings a fresh approach to Mexican cuisine with a new menu featuring chile-rubbed salmon with avocado-citrus purée, al pastor-inspired ribs, crispy pork shank carnitas, banana leaf-wrapped barbacoa short rib, and Guacamole Oaxaca with grasshoppers and chorizo. The new menu debuted October 13, with interactive culinary experiences planned for the coming months; mividamexico.com
Fred & Stilla…Not Stella: Located inside The Ven at Embassy Row in Dupont Circle, Fred & Stilla is welcoming fall with a refreshed menu of globally inspired comfort food and new weekly specials. Highlights include Ahi Tuna Nachos, Kuku Paku coconut curry chicken, Lamb Osso Buco, and the Wagyu Fred Burger. Guests can also enjoy Tequila & Taco Tuesdays and Bourbon & Burger Thursdays, along with a Premium Tequila Tasting, weekday happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and late-night specials; fredandstilla.com
Southern Coastal Indian for Brunch? Yes, Please: Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj’s Forest Hills restaurant Malabar is launching Sunday brunch on October 25, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The buffet, created by James Beard Award-winning Chef Vikram Sunderam, features a rotating selection of modern Indian dishes, including Kerala Fish Fry, Mangalorean Chicken Curry, Lamb Roganjosh, vegetarian specialties, and traditional desserts. Guests can also enjoy mimosas, Bloody Marys, and sparkling wine, or unlimited brunch drinks for 90 minutes; malabar-dc.com
Anniversary Sushi: Sushi Hachi is celebrating its anniversary with a limited-time $99.00 sushi set for 2-3 guests, available October 15 through 31. The special includes 9 pieces each of nigiri and sashimi, 3 sushi rolls, miso soup, edamame, and shishito peppers. Guests can also enjoy house wine and sake specials; sushihachidc.com
Tweet, Tweet PSL: Chef/Owner Eric Brannon is giving the classic pumpkin spice latte a savory twist with his new Latte Spiced Pumpkin dish. Japanese kabocha squash is roasted with espresso and warm spices, paired with soy-whiskey caramel, and finished with an airy peppercorn-and-chili milk foam, bringing familiar fall flavors from the coffee cup to the plate; littlebirdieva.com
New in the Navy Yard Neighborhood: Restaurateur Daniella Senior’s 5C Hospitality, the team behind Colada Shop and Elegancia, is opening Bar Nuestro on October 28 at Urby in Navy Yard. The Latin-rooted, European-inspired bistrot features a menu from Culinary Director Claudio Foschi and Executive Chef Harper McClure, with dishes like Yuca Beignets, Oxtail Mafalde, Pork Chop Milanesa, and Flan de Mamá Lucy. The menu is entirely peanut- and tree nut-free and prepared without seed oils; barnuestro.com
Boo Alert…Ghostly Doughnuts: Astro’s Village at Shirlington location is embracing fall with a seasonal beverage menu featuring pumpkin, apple, and butter pecan flavors. Highlights include the Butter Pecan Crème Brûlée Latte, Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Latte, Apple Pie Latte, and Caramel Apple Cold Brew, alongside seasonal chai, matcha, and cold brew options made with house-made syrups. The menu is available exclusively at the Shirlington location through the end of fall; astrodoughnuts.com
Boo Alert…Treats on the Street: Fredericksburg’s historic Goolrick’s soda fountain, which reopened this summer following a 4-year restoration, is celebrating Halloween with seasonal Pumpkin Snap ice cream and milkshakes made with South Mountain Creamery pumpkin ice cream and ginger snap cookies. The treats are available throughout fall, and on October 31, costumed staff will hand out candy during downtown Fredericksburg’s Treats on the Streets celebration; fxbg.com/calendar-item/treats-on-the-streets
(Chef Update) Ten Ten: Newly opened inside One Washington Circle, Ten Ten West End showcases contemporary American cuisine from Executive Chef Nicholas Fulginiti, whose cooking draws on his Italian heritage, French techniques, Southern influences, and seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients. The menu puts a refined spin on familiar comfort foods, including Spicy Pork Sausage Ragù with lumache, whipped ricotta, basil, and Aleppo pepper. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner; tentendc.com
Give a Pie, Get a Pie: Chef Jenn Crovato is bringing back the 6th annual Chicken Pot Pie-athon through October 31st, donating 30% of proceeds to Georgetown Main Street to support local small businesses. This year, the fundraiser expands beyond her signature Chicken Pot Pie to include the full Jenn’s Homemade lineup of freezer-to-oven meals, featuring Vegetable Pot Pie, Short Rib Mac & Cheese, Chicken Enchiladas, and more; 1310kitchendc.com
Meyhane…Sit and Stay a While: Tiffany’s has introduced a new Meyhane-style menu inspired by Executive Chef Mehmet Sukutli’s Turkish upbringing and the tradition of sharing leisurely meals over mezze, wine, and raki. The centerpiece is the Meyhane Experience for Two, featuring dips, salads, and grilled meats and seafood. New à la carte dishes include Duck Mutancana and Atom Mezze, alongside Turkish-inspired cocktails like the Pickled Bazaar and Reis, plus desserts including Turkish Wet Cake and Red Pepper Sorbet; tiffanysbistrobar.com
Regan-Approved: Just steps from Georgetown’s famous Exorcist Stairs, 1789 Restaurant is getting into the Halloween spirit with The Exorcist, a seasonal cocktail inspired by the iconic landmark. The spirit-forward sip combines Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Luxardo Maraschino, Green Chartreuse, and Braulio, available now throughout the Halloween season; 1789restaurant.com
Yala! Your Greek Summer Continues Into Fall: Yala is welcoming fall with a lineup of seasonal flavors, starting with Chai on October 8 and Pumpkin Spice on October 10. Later this month, guests can look forward to Dark Chocolate (dairy-free), Apple Pie, and Cinnamon Apple Baklava. Founded by Chrys Kefalas, Yala specializes in Greek yogurt ice cream made with locally sourced A2 dairy from Maryland’s South Mountain Creamery. The brand’s popular pop-up at Conrad Washington, DC has also been extended through the fall; yalagreekicecream.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Falling for CHĪKO: From chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno and the team behind Fried Rice Collective, CHĪKO brings together Chinese and Korean flavors with a modern, casual approach. This fall, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients with dishes like Acorn Jelly “Scallop” Crudo, featuring soy dressing, trout roe, crispy shallots, and nori, and Butternut Squash Soup finished with chili oil and milk bread croutons; mychiko.com
Sweet Openings: Pitango Gelato is opening its newest location at South Riding Market Square in Chantilly on Wednesday, October 28, with a grand opening celebration beginning at 4:45 p.m. The festivities include a ribbon cutting, family-friendly activities, complimentary samples of Italian-style sipping chocolate, and giveaways for early customers. Guests can enjoy handcrafted gelato, sorbet, espresso drinks, and baked goods, with $1.00 from every gelato purchased on opening day benefiting Dulles South Food Pantry; pitangogelato.com
Twosome Lands in the US: South Korean café brand Twosome Place is making its US debut in Alexandria, Virginia, bringing its signature coffeehouse experience and Korean-inspired desserts to the DMV. Known for its specialty coffee, handcrafted cakes, and café treats, the new location marks the brand’s first step into the American market; twosomeplace.com
This Place is Always Hopping: Pisco y Nazca’s DMV locations are welcoming fall with a refreshed Peruvian menu featuring Aguadito de Pollo, Tacos de Camarones, Ceviche Trío de Conchas, slow-roasted Asado Peruano, and Alfajor Pavlova for dessert. New seasonal cocktails include the Autumn in Cusco and Dulce de Leche Espresso Martini. Throughout October, $1.00 from every Lazo Rosado cocktail sold will support breast cancer awareness efforts; piscoynazca.com
Pink Moon Oysters - Breast Cancer Awareness Alert: Throughout October, Cordelia Fishbar, Old Ebbitt Grill, Clyde’s, and Rye Street Tavern are partnering with Pangea Shellfish to serve Pink Moon oysters in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of proceeds from every Pink Moon oyster sold will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, supporting breast cancer research; clydes.com
A Taste of Autumn: Fairfax’s intimate 30-seat culinary speakeasy is celebrating fall with a new 5-course tasting menu from Chef Jon, available through mid-October. Seasonal highlights include squash with saffron, yakitori yak with figs, venison with pumpernickel and sea buckthorn, and a grape-inspired dessert with chocolate. Guests can customize select courses and enhance their experience with a wine pairing or Nude Pairing featuring selections from international boutique producers.; elyse.lila.llc
71 Years & Counting: Rodman's is celebrating 71 years in business with a special proclamation from Mayor Muriel Bowser recognizing its longstanding contributions to the community. Founded in 1955, Rodman’s has been a Friendship Heights staple since 1964, known for its specialty groceries, international foods, wine, spirits, and pharmacy services. Now led by third-generation owner Nolan Rodman, the independent business continues to serve generations of Washingtonians across DC and Maryland; rodmans.com
Private Dining, Yes Chef!: Chef Amy Brandwein, the restaurateur behind Centrolina, has launched Casalina, a new private dining and catering company serving the DC area. Inspired by seasonal Italian cooking and locally sourced ingredients, Casalina offers customized experiences ranging from intimate dinner parties and celebrations to corporate breakfasts, lunches, and meetings. Menus feature dishes like Pear & Ricotta Tortelli, Chestnut Pappardelle, Beef Tenderloin, and Maple Budino, alongside house-made pastries, grazing boards, and aperitivo selections; casalinadc.com
Unlimited at Nue: Executive Chef Daniel Lê and Tuyet Nhi Le have introduced a new unlimited dining experience inspired by Vietnam’s family-style dining traditions. Available Sunday through Thursday for $88.00 per guest and Friday throguh Saturday for $95.00, the menu features unlimited selections from NUE’s main menu, including Chili Wontons, Seafood Chả Giò, Black Pepper Bún, Crispy Xôi Gà, and desserts. Guests can also add an Imperial upgrade for $f39, featuring premium dishes like Wagyu Surf n’ Turf, Lobster Garlic Noodles, and Lemongrass Crusted Lamb. Kids under 4 feet receive half-off pricing, while those under 3 feet dine free; nuevietnamese.com
Live Fire at Casa Teresa: Casa Teresa is welcoming fall with a new dinner menu celebrating Spanish traditions and locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include Chuletón de Buey, a 45–60-day dry-aged rib-eye from Maryland’s Roseda Farm; Cabecero de Cerdo, grilled pork collar from Autumn Olive Farms; Paletilla de Cordero Lechal, slow-roasted lamb shoulder carved tableside; and Arrós Negre a la Llauna, squid ink rice with saffron allioli. New cocktails include the Carajillo with local rum, coffee liqueur, and bay leaf foam, and the Aguagilda, a savory martini garnished with a Gilda pintxo; teresadc.com
Capital One Fall Edit: Capital One Center is welcoming autumn with The Fall Edit, running now through November 15, featuring seasonal food, drinks, and experiences across Tysons. Highlights include fall cocktails at Sisters Tysons, Fusilli Alla Nerano and a Cherry Spritze at Stellina Pizzeria, seasonal nail art at Nothing in Between, and new cocktails at Wren including the Earl Grey Fizz and tropical Kurogroni. Wren will also host a Fall Cocktail Tasting on October 20 with seasonal cocktails, chef-curated bites, and live entertainment; capitalonecenter.com
