Feeling Peckish? TheListAreYouOnIt’s Weekly Roundup of Things to Eat
April is here—and with it, the full bloom of spring. The chill of winter has finally thawed, making way for bright, fresh flavors and seasonal creativity across DC’s dining scene. Vibrant produce means local chefs are embracing the bounty of the season in unexpected and delicious ways. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’re spotlighting the dishes that capture this moment of renewal. Ready to savor spring?
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Oysters + Champagne + Vinyl: a.Kitchen & Bar is hosting an oyster, champagne and vinyl event on April 25th. District Champagne is joining them.., They'll be uncorking some fantastic, oyster-friendly wines and dropping some serious beverage wisdom. Get ready to discover your new favorite sip. Get tickets here.
Tacos & Tequila: On May 17 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, you can have tacos & Tequila with a special event at Na's Park. Your ticket includes 12 tequila and cocktail tastings plus a free taco sample from some of the best in the game, including in-park favorite and reigning Tacos & Tequila champion Los Cincos Tacos. Sip on 90+ tequilas including Tapatio Tequila, Arette Tequila, La Medida and Macurichos, and more while savoring tacos from DC favorites like El Bebe, Taqueria Habanero, El Techo, and Taqueria Xochi. Plus, enjoy music from dueling DJs—DJ Rise and Mr. Styles.Get tickets here.
Buben is Back (At Mallard), One Night Only Buben is Back: Join Mallard on Friday, April 25th, for an unforgettable evening as Chef Jeffrey Buben, renowned for Vidalia, Bistro Bis, and Woodward Table, reunites with his former protege, Chef Hamilton Johnson, for a one-night-only chef dinner. 1337 14th St NW; Mallard.com
Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ NOVA: Northern Virginia’s Biggest, Baddest, Bone-In BBQ Fest is back and ready for more at the same great location as last year...the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, VA! Easily accessible from Maryland, Virginia and DC. This 4th Annual affair offers up all those pleasures that true Southerners live by - Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! May 3, 2025 – Prince William Co. Fairgrounds, Manassas, VA 20112. nova.beerandbourbon.com
NKOTB aka New Kitchens on the Block: New Kitchens On The Block returns to Mess Hall on Saturday, April 26. The eleventh edition of long-running food festival offers a onetime-only opportunity to savor signature dishes and drinks from 8 of DC’s most hyped new restaurants by the city’s buzziest, award-winningest chefs – before they open. 703 Edgewood St. NE; messhalldc.com
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Marcus Is In the House: Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson makes his debut in the nation’s capital with the opening of Sly, an elevated rooftop bar at The Morrow Hotel. Helmed by Executive Chef Anthony Jones, The menu, crafted by Samuelsson and Jones, will showcase local seafood, seasonal produce, and globally inspired flavors. The culinary experience highlights raw bites, shareable snacks, entrées, and treats. 222 M Street; marcusdc.com
Fabulous Flavors: In celebration of spring, Pitango Gelato will offer new and returning seasonal flavors at each of its seven locations. Beginning on April 25th and continuing while supplies last, the gelateria will offer its new Chocolate Mint Chip, made with peppermint infused dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate gelato. On May 9th and in recognition of National Strawberry Month, guests can enjoy Strawberries and Cream gelato made with gently roasted fresh strawberries swirled with Fior di Latte gelato. Fior di Latte, which means “flower of milk” in Italian, is made with organic milk and cream provided by Pitango’s cows in Glen Arm, Maryland. pitangogelato.
Chef Update + Stone Crab Knowledge: Truluck's is a unique seafood destination with Florida Stone Crab, which is served to diners while it is in season from mid-October through May 1st. Executive Chef, Darryl Abraham brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Truluck’s kitchen with more than 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. His culinary journey began in his mother’s kitchen and his passion for cooking developed. Trulucks.com
Supping at the Supper Club: Inspired by iconic dining and nightlife experiences in Mykonos, Dubai, and Saint-Tropez, Gaia Supperclub reimagines the supper club for a D.C. audience with world-class culinary offerings, live entertainment, and a transportive atmosphere that blurs the line between dinner and nightlife.The menu boasts dishes like Deep Fried Hummus, a Latin twist on refried beans with an airy mousse-like texture; Chicken Nuggets topped crème fraiche, caviar; and flakes of 24 karat edible gold; and a 1 ½ pound Tomahawk Ribeye served with truffle butter, chimichurri, and tiger sauce. 1025 Vermont Avenue NW; Gaia.com
Chef Peter Chang's Vegan Specials for Earth Month: While Chef Peter Chang has plenty of options at his restaurants for vegetarians and vegans alike, he's celebrating Earth Day with a month-long menu of special dishes that include vegan iterations of popular menu items like Wuhan Sesame Noodles, Dry-Fried Egglplant with chili & Sichuan peppercorns, Mapo Tofu, and much more. Find the full menu linked here; the vegan specials are available through the end of April. Nihao.com
Caffè del Parco, an Italian Pop Up: Caffè del Parco, a seasonal Italian pop-up, is now open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m., tucked just off the Willard InterContinental’s grand lobby in the elegant Lincoln Library. The pop-up’s name hints at its Italian roots—bringing la dolce vita to the heart of D.C. for a limited time only. They’ve crafted a multi-course menu featuring the soup of the day, risotto, handmade pappardelle, and a decadent dessert paired with thoughtfully selected Italian wines. 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20004, USA; washington.intercontinental.com
Isn’t this Swell?: Vagabond has introduced its latest Swell Menu, this time celebrating the vibrant flavors of El Salvador. Expect bold staples like shrimp ceviche, yuca con chicharrón, and crispy-sweet nuegados. And of course, no trip is complete without a drink—Punta Mango, made with mango-infused blanco tequila, chamoy, aquafaba, and a tajín rim, brings the perfect tropical kick. Beyond the Swell Menu, Vagabond’s general offerings have also leveled up with new favorites like slow-roasted pernil, pork belly confit, a stacked surf & turf board, and mole cauliflower—all designed to satisfy every craving. 1836 18th ST NW, Washington, DC; vagabond.com
Delicousness at ANJU: Spring has arrived at Anju, and Chef Angel Barreto is kicking off the seasonal refresh with new dishes like Dak Mandu, a chicken and japchae dumpling, Broccolini Twigim with doenjang dressing and toasted peanuts, and a vibrant Garden Salad with berries, Asian pear, and crispy ramyun. 1805 18th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20009; anjurestaurant.com
West African Suya Sundays: All Set Restaurant & Bar has recently launched a Suya Sundays pop-up series in collaboration with Suya Factory, a DMV-based street food concept lead by Samuel “DJ Chick” Mobit. From 4pm through 9pm each Sunday, Executive Chef Ed Reavis (All Set, Money Muscle BBQ, and Fryer’s Roadside) and DJ Chick will serve suya, a West African dish of marinated skewered meats cooked on a grill, alongside a variety of sides for takeout, delivery, and dine-in service. You will be able to enjoy Afrobeats from local DJ Etn as well as All Set’s full food and beverage menus during the pop-up. The current Suya Sundays menu offers a choice of three proteins, accompanied with sides of Pickled Onion, Red Pepper Sauce, and Plantains. 8630 Fenton Street, Plaza 5; allsetrestaurant.com
Bar Angie = Bistro Vibes: The team behind Dupont’s Balos, brings Bar Angie, a new day-to-night bistro now open in the West End. Inspired by classic New York neighborhood spots and infused with European charm, Bar Angie serves crave-worthy fare—think a luxe Wagyu French Dip, Fried Cream Cheese Caesar, and the over-the-top “Angie Chop Martini,” a crispy pork chop topped with peppers and Parm. At its heart, Bar Angie is a martini bar, featuring an extensive cocktail list and a curated lineup of espresso martinis in partnership with NYC’s For Five Coffee Roasters. Designed with moody lighting, and a Parisian-style zinc bar, Bar Angie offers indoor and outdoor patio seating. Adding to the ambiance: live jazz several nights a week. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends. Located at 2300 N Street NW, for more information visit, theangierestaurants.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Albi 2.0: Chef Michael Rafidi’s Michelin-starred Albi is back, did you know it was gone? After a two-week refresh, the Navy Yard restaurant reopens with a reimagined space and an evolved menu that dives even deeper into Rafidi’s Palestinian-American roots. The highlight? A completely spontaneous five-course Sofra experience ($165) that’s created in real time through guest-kitchen dialogue—no set menu, just seasonal creativity and hospitality. The à la carte menu also gets a seasonal refresh, with standout dishes like smoked duck mujadarra, rabbit shish barak, and a crab-studded maqluba. Behind the bar, expect Levantine-inspired cocktails and an irreverent wine list spotlighting bold producers from the Middle East and Mediterranean. The interiors, redesigned in collaboration with The Klein Agency, now feature a cocktail lounge, expanded bar, and an immersive open kitchen—all anchored by powerful Palestinian artistry from Jordan Nassar. Dinner service runs Tuesday–Sunday. Reservations via Resy. More at www.albidc.com and @albiwashdc.
Mezze in the Morning (Brunch Alert): Namak has a new brunch menu. Notable new dishes include the Pistachio Cinnamon Roll, a crossover of the classic American breakfast pastry with baklava, complete with a cinnamon-pistachio filling and labneh frosting. On the savory side, guests can enjoy vegetarian dishes like the Green Shakshuka (spinach, swiss chard, cilantro, mint, dill, fenugreek, served with a farm egg and pita) or the Smoked Troutwith sumac, tomatoes, and pickled shallots served on toasted brioche. 1813 Columbia Rd NW; resy.com
Steak For Breakfast (Brunch Alert): 801 Chophouse Tysons Corner has a new Sunday brunch service, available weekly from 10:30 am until 3:00 pm. The menu showcases traditional brunch items with a refined twist, including a Better Breakfast Burger, a Prime Rib Hash, and Creme de la Creme French Toast. The menu also includes a selection of brunch cocktails, like the Save a Horse Bloody Mary, which comes garnished with a Wagyu beef stick, and a selection of Spritzes and Mimosas. 8484 Westpark Dr; 801chophouse.com
Apple Cider Donuts in Alexandria (Brunch Alert): Vermillion has new season brunch offerings. Dishes include seasonal dishes, from sweet treats like Apple Cider Doughnuts to savory favorites like Chicken & Waffles and Country Ham Benedict. Pair your meal with brunch cocktails or sparkling wine for the perfect weekend indulgence. 1120 King ST, Alexandria VA; Vermilion.com
Oui, Mon Cheri (Brunch Alert): Indulge in a delightful French-inspired brunch at Josephine, where classic flavors meet modern elegance. Try dishes, from brioche French toast with cheesecake mousse to steak tartare with quail egg and duck confit skillet with home fries and salsa brava. Elevate your meal with a mimosa or a perfectly crafted café au lait. 109 South Saint Asaph St., Alexandria VA; Josephine.com
Pim Pam Pum (Brunch Alert): Indulge in an all-you-can-eat Catalan brunch experience for just $45 at Arrels. Brunch highlights include Butifarra Hot Dog – Brava sauce, shallot & jalapeño encurtido, patatas paja, Market Fish – Charcoal-grilled with mojo verde, and more. 333 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001; Arrels.com
Bogo Moltn: Moltn Cookies has opened a new location inside Takoma Eats. MOLTN Cookies is launching a Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) promotion on all Classic Cookies—available at all MOLTN locations for the entire month of April. Customers can redeem the offer on pickup and online orders only by entering the promo code TWOTASTY at checkout. 6120 Kansas Ave NW; moltncookies.com
Charlie Loomis in as Chef at Ellington Park Bistro (Chef Update): Ellington Park Bistro is now under the direction of Executive Chef Charlie Loomis, the Dupont Circle mainstay now serves up a confident blend of classic French bistro fare and playfully reimagined comfort dishes—like the crowd-pleasing French Onion Burger, Moules Frites, and the irreverently indulgent Dirty Caesar. With more than two decades of culinary experience, Chef Loomis brings serious pedigree to the table — including national acclaim on Food Network, where he not only took the crown on Cooks vs. Cons, but also famously beat Bobby Flay in a high-stakes Eggs Benedict showdown. But his mission here isn’t to show off — it’s to serve up something meaningful for both the community and the hotel’s global guests. ellingtonparkbistro.com
Duke’s Grocery Now in Potomac: Duke's Grocery is opening up in Potomac MD. Dishes at the new location will include carmelized onion dip, wagyu beef burgers, fish and chips, white truffle mac and more. 10128 River Road Potomac, MD
Spring Salads: Spring has arrived at El Mercat, bringing a fresh lineup of vibrant dishes and cocktails that celebrate the season’s best flavors. On the menu, you’ll find bright new seasonal salads like the refreshing Ensalada de Tomate y Pepino and the sweet-savory Ensalada de Sandía y Queso. The Asparagus con Romesco delivers nutty, creamy depth, while seared Vieiras a la Plancha and our Paella Primavera showcase rich, layered flavors with fresh seafood, lamb, and spring vegetables. 101 Gibbs St. Unit C. Rockville, MD 20850; elmercatbardetapas.com
Mediterranean Mornings (Brunch Alert): Escape to the Mediterranean with a cozy, flavorful brunch at Iron Gate. Indulge in dishes like the IG Breakfast Sandwich with a buttery sourdough biscuit and pancetta, the decadent Bread Pudding French Toast topped with maple apples and almond crumble, or the savory Hearth Baked Hen Eggs with sauce puttanesca and grilled focaccia. 1734 N Street NW, Washington, D.C.; irongaterestaurantdc.com
Southern Living (Brunch Alert): Mallard's brunch is a celebration of Southern flavors with a refined twist. Indulge in dishes like the Deviled Crab “Benny” with Old Bay hollandaise, Buttermilk Fried Oysters with deviled egg aioli, and Shrimp & Grits with smoked pork and piquillo pepper. Sweet tooth? Try the Cornmeal Pancakes with bourbon maple syrup and whipped buttermilk ricotta. Complement your meal with a Mallard Mimosa, Mallard Mary, or a Hard Start—our bold take on a brunch cocktail. 1337 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C.; mallarddc.com
First Lady Approved (Brunch Alert): Jackie has a new brunch. Enjoy signature dishes like the Banana Foster Belgian Waffle ($19), the elegant Jackie Benedict with salmon caviar, or the hearty Steak & Eggs featuring a 10 oz Angus beef filet. For a comforting favorite, try the Crispy Chicken & Waffle with hot honey or the Cavatelli Carbonara with pork guanciale and pecorino cheese. 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington DC; jackiedc.com
Korean Culture in Dupont: At Onggi, the ancient art of fermentation—for which the restaurant is named after traditional Korean earthenware vessels—meets contemporary sensibilities in a space where every element speaks of connection, preservation, and the nurturing spirit of Jeong. The dining experience unfolds like a choreographed dance of flavors, beginning with a ceremonial tea cleanse and squash porridge dusted with flower powder. This prepares diners for the vibrant exploration ahead, where bright house-made kimchi balances complex pepper-accented specialties. Each creation represents a region, custom, or season—presented with reverence yet reimagined through Onggi's distinctive lens. 2100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037; onggidc.com
CHIKO x Alfreda Collab: Chefs Scott Drewno of CHĪKO and Russell Smith of Alfreda — who've been friends since working together at The Source over a decade ago — are teaming up for a P Street collaboration blending their signature styles for two creative mash-up dishes. On deck: At Alfreda, CHĪKO’s pork and kimchi filling meets Alfreda’s dough in a “Blooming Pie,” and at CHĪKO, an Alfreda’s pizza-inspired egg roll with pepperoni featuring a side of house-made kimchi marinara. The pro move? Guests should hit both spots — ordering Pizza Egg Rolls ($15) from CHĪKO and then head to Alfreda for a Blooming Pie ($15) where they will be treated to a free spritz to celebrate the neighborhood collab.
Chef Update: The Fountain Inn: The Fountain Inn has added Executive Chef, Greg Heitzig, who brings more than a decade of culinary experience to the Georgetown cocktails and spirits haven. Heitzig’s menu will highlight his broad culinary expertise. Guests can look forward to dishes like Mezcal-Cured Madai Crudo, a preparation Heitzig learned from Keller, featuring finger limes, radish, and oleo saccharum vierge. The Smoked Carrot Agnolotti, inspired by a pasta Heitzig helped execute at The Aviary, is paired with poached golden raisins and crispy shallots. The Pastrami-brined Beef Cheeks is served with a flavorful tomato and pole bean sofrito, horseradish breadcrumbs, and a touch of fresh lemon. 1659 Wisconsin Ave. NW; fountaininndc.com
