Inside the Chef’s Mind: DC’s Must-Try Tasting Menus

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There’s something truly magical about surrendering to a tasting menu. When you let the chef take the reins, you’re not just getting a meal, you’re stepping into their creative process. These curated experiences are where idea and techniques come together, course after course (after course!), in edible form.

For chefs, tasting menus are a way to tell a story and showcase signature styles. And for those who love a perfect pairing, the collab between chef and sommelier (or mixologist!) is where the real alchemy happens, when food and drink don’t just complement each other, they elevate one another.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to be seriously wowed, these tasting menus around the DMV promise unforgettable bites and sips:

  • Albi – Chef Michael Rafidi’s Levantine-inspired Sofra tasting menu just earned him a James Beard Award. "Sofra" is Arabic for a table set for you, expect a journey of flavor.
  • Anju – Korean small plates with a modern spin. Chef Angel Barreto offers a tasting menu rooted in comfort and innovation. 
  • Bresca – Chef Ryan Ratino (also behind Jônt) delivers bold, seasonal flavors, think edible art with edge. 
  • Casa Teresa – Chef Ruben Garcia (from the José Andrés universe) channels Spanish nostalgia through heartfelt family-style lunch and dinner menus. 
  • Causa – Chef Carlos Delgado's stunning Peruvian journey lets land and sea play side by side. Beverage pairings here are a must.
  • Centrolina – Amy Brandwein’s STELA tasting menu is refined Italian cuisine through a local, seasonal lens, all in a private chef's salon. 
  • Chiko – DC’s best-kept secret. A modern Chinese-Korean tasting menu that’s wildly delicious.
  • The Dabney – James Beard winner Jeremiah Langhorne brings Mid-Atlantic bounty to life over open fire in a rustic setting.
  • El Cielo – A Michelin-starred Colombian tasting menu that’s immersive and sensual. It’s full of edible surprises. 
  • Iron Gate – Chef Tony Chittum’s four-course tasting in a hidden garden is charming. Add the wine pairings, you won’t regret it. 
  • Jônt – With two Michelin stars, Chef Ryan Ratino delivers an ultra-intimate counter-style experience that’s inventive and luxe. 
  • Kappo DC – Omakase meets wagyu. A Japanese tasting experience where beef takes center stage.
  • Koryouri Urara – Newly opened in Georgetown, a 22-seat dining room from Chef Urara Iwasaki offers a tasting menu rooted in Japanese homestyle cooking.
  • Love, Makoto – Known for its Beloved BBQ, the tasting experience is interactive and as fun as it is tasty.
  • Lutèce – Chefs Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy craft elegant, seasonal plates rooted in French technique. The tasting menu evolves weekly. 
  • Maydān – Known as “Tawle,” this communal feast showcases flame-kissed meats and the hospitality of the Levant. 
  • MITA – This V Street gem offers an award-winning, plant-based tasting menu rooted in Latin flavors. You won’t miss a thing, promise. 
  • Nobu DC – Luxe omakase and sake pairings in the West End from the iconic Nobu brand. 
  • Oyster Oyster – James Beard Award-winning Chef Rob Rubba elevates plant-forward cuisine in a tasting format that’s sustainable and a truly unique experience. 
  • Rose’s Luxury – Playful and unpredictable, Chef Aaron Silverman’s tasting menu combines long-loved hits and new creations. 
  • Sushi Nakazawa – Each piece in this omakase is a work of art. Michelin-starred and meticulously executed. 
  • Xiquet – Chef Danny Lledó showcases the elegance of Valencia with fire-driven dishes, paella and Michelin-starred finesse. 

Want to know where to go next for a night of edible artistry? This list is your tasting trail—book your seat, sip the pairing, and let the experience unfold.