How We’re Eating in the DMV: TheList’s List of Good Eats
Hello, fall. The DMV is sliding into cozy season. You know, tailgates, steins, sweater-weather patios, and menus swapping sweet corn for squash and figs. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites and sips of the season.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (list here).
Get game-day ready with our NFL roundup (here).
Raise a mug with our Oktoberfest guide (here).
It’s still al fresco in our book, see Patio Pleasure and Up On The Roof (here, and here).
So much more below:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
DCCK Capital Food Fight: DC Central Kitchen's Capital Food Fight, presented by Tyson Foods, is set for Thursday, November 6th at The Anthem. The annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen includes a thrilling stage show featuring the rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from dozens of top restaurants from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food. More info here.
Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts: Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts, presented with Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA), is a two-day outdoor festival happening October 4–5, 2025, in the heart of Tysons, VA. Designed for all ages, this immersive event transforms the streets of Capital One Center into a multi-block celebration of the arts— featuring interactive installations, hands-on workshops, live music, and culinary experiences for every generation. More info here.
Taste of Bethesda: Here's a scavenger hunt for you: find a place where can you try food from your favorite downtown Bethesda restaurants while also enjoying live music on four different stages. Stumped? Here's a clue: it'll take place on the streets of Woodmont Triangle the first Saturday of October. That's right, Taste of Bethesda is back with delicious bites from more than 40 Bethesda restaurants. Taste of Bethesda will take place Saturday, October 4 from 11am - 4pm. Tickets here.
Shuck It!: Early bird tickets are available for the Shuck It Oyster festival. 65 +dc tax per person* Join them for the 12th annual Georgetown Shuck It! Beer and Oyster Festival at Tony and Joe's! Saturday, October 18, 2025 1-5 pm ID required to enter. 21 and up. Get tickets here.
Snallygaster: On October 11, 2025 the merry monster makes its triumphant return to DC for its 13th year as a rollicking tribute to the wonderful world of craft beer. Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 450 highly sought-after draft beers, gravity kegs and bottle + can pours from 175+ of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music. info here.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY:
Ramen Bar Experience: The Darcy has a new ramen bar. Crafted under the vision of Executive Chef Bader Ali, the Ramen Bar at GSK celebrates the harmony of diverse Asian influences while staying true to our globally inspired culinary theme. Ramen bowls start at $18 with diners' choice of broth base, noodles and protein. The signature ramen at GSK is prepared with a deeply savory, slow-simmered house broth, complemented by your choice of artisanal noodles and premium protein, including chicken katsu, braised short rib, black garlic-glazed tofu and more. 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005; thedarcyhotel.com
Marion Berry Avenue Market = Food Equity in the DMV: Marion Barry Avenue Market and cafe in Anacostia has opened with fresh produce, groceries and a fast casual cafe to the historic Ward 8. Marion Barry Avenue Market and Cafe is an initiative of Dreaming Out Loud, the non-profit dedicated to rebuilding urban community-based food systems, and supported by investments from both public and private partners, including the Longer Tables Fund, founded by Chef José Andrés, and Mayor Muriel Bowser through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s (DMPED) Food Access Fund. Together, these partners are working to address urgent issues in food systems, social justice, education, and economic inclusion. dreamingoutloud.org
Now Open Monday: Annabelle is now serving dinner on Monday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to welcome the fall season. Executive Chef Michael Fusano’s seasonal menu embraces fall with menu highlights, including starters of Gingered Koginut Squash Soup with an Almond Cloud and Spiced Pepitas; Beef Tartare with Egg Emulsion, Parmigiano-Reggiano;Fennel Tarte Tatin with Pistou; Chicken Liver Pâté with Apples, and Brioche;Roasted Leeks with Lemon Beurre Blanc, Chive-Espelette Oil, and Romesco Sauce, and more. 2132 Florida Avenue, NW; annabelledc.com
Live Fire in DC: Brasero Atlántico has opened. Brasero Atlántico celebrates the rustic culinary traditions of Argentina shaped by waves of immigration across the Atlantic. At the helm of Brasero Atlántico’s kitchen is Executive Chef Manuela Carbone, a Buenos Aires native and rising star in global gastronomy. Dishes include Empanadas with fillings like king crab, ossobuco, and hand-cut beef; Palta Atlántica – lobster, avocado, and celery; Brasero Patê of foie gras with house-made chutney and herbs. 1066 Wisconsin Ave NW; floreriaatlanticodc.com
That’s How It Crumbles: Jeni's new fall flavor, Caramel Apple Crumble is now available. Think orchard-fresh apples meet gooey caramel drizzle meets cozy oat crumble (gluten-free!)… basically, the sweater-weather dessert of your dreams. jenis.com
Ommm-akasi: Omakase Room by Tadayoshi has opened and he exclusive restaurant introduces Chef Tadayoshi Motoa’s extraordinary talent to the United States for the very first time. The menu will feature 20 courses, beginning at $200 per guest. Each dish reflects authentic Japanese culinary traditions and showcases refined seasonal ingredients, prepared with the precision and artistry that define Chef Tadayoshi’s style, including fish sourced directly from Tokyo’s renowned fish markets. 699 14th St NW;
Together We Dine: DMV, let’s get back to the table. Starting October 1, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) launches Together We Dine, a month-long initiative to rediscover favorite spots, explore new ones, and rally around the restaurants that feed our communities. More info here.
Two in the Market: Slice & Pie has opened a new location on 4th street. You can look forward to the Burrata Pie made with California tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh burrata, and parmesan and the Detroit-Style Hot Honey topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone, hot honey, and “cup and char” pepperoni. Appetizers such as meatballs and garlic knots will be available alongside meatball and Italian sandwiches. 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002; sliceandpie.com
Mediterranean Mexican Mashup: Eunoia, NoMA’s newest dining destination rooted in cultural convergence has opened. The kitchen is led by Mexico City’s Chef Josa Maldonado. Designed for sharing, the menu features Maryland koshihikari brown rice, an umami-rich sticky rice topped with mushroom mole, egg yolk, and garlic tamari; buttered Chesapeake Bay blue crab, Eunoia’s ode to the District, served with carrots, espelette pepper, and optional caviar add-on, and Maine scallop aguachile with avocado, Sichuan pepper, burnt onion powder and housemade blue corn tostadas. 320 Florida Ave NE, Washington DC 20002;
You Should Give a Fig!: L’Avant-Garde invites you to indulge in the fleeting beauty of fig season with an exclusive three-course menu, La Figue. Dishes include Goat Cheese Salad — fresh figs, arugula, hazelnuts, orange confit, and thyme honey vinaigrette; Herb-Crusted Branzino — honey roasted figs, cauliflower purée, and aged parmesan emulsion; Tarte Fine aux Figues — with crème anglaise and a berries quenelle. 2915 M St NW; .lavantgardedc.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Winner, Winner, Pizza Dinner: Slice & Pie was just named number 83 on a list of best pizzerias in the world from 50 Top Pizza, one of the most respected pizzeria guides in the world. This fall, Adriani will open a second Slice & Pie shop alongside an off-shoot of its sister concept Lucy, an Italian cocktail bar where Neapolitan-style pizzas and pastas take center stage on the menu. The new location will serve the complete menu available at the flagship Slice & Pie shop, like the popular Burrata Pie and Pepperoni and Hot Honey Pie alongside sandwiches and desserts. 2221 14th St. NW; sliceandpie.com
Gameday Eats, Everyday: Upstate FTW, the latest project from acclaimed local restaurateurs Scott Drewno and Danny Lee of The Fried Rice Collective has opened. The menu reads like a culinary road trip through Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo with DC flair: The Garbage Plate, a mash-up of cheeseburgers, mac salad, chili, and mustard, and many more plates. 1314 U Street NW; Upstate.com
Mid-Autumn Festival: Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture and at Chang Chang. It is believed to be when the moon is at its fullest and brightest and the shape of mooncakes emulates the roundness of the moon - symbolizing family unity.Chang Chang’s moon cakes are traditional flaky and more delicate Suzhou-style. Order moon cakes here.
Steak x Italian = Michael Mina: Chef Michael Mina, the award-winning culinary visionary behind Bourbon Steak, has debuted his newest restaurant, Acqua Bistecca. The concept celebrates the convivial spirit of Italian dining with house-made pastas, fresh seafood, chargrilled steaks, and Mina’s signature flair. 10 Ridge Square, CityRidge Development Washington, D.C.;
Ghanaian To Go: Chef Eric Adjepong has announced the opening of DAWA, a new casual carryout and delivery concept operating from Elmina. Sharing a focus on bold flavors from his Ghanaian roots, DAWA’s menu is a reflection of Elmina’s, but with a more casual vibe and approachable prices. DAWA is now open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, available for carryout and delivery via third-party apps. ing on to rich, slow-cooked dishes like Suya short rib or tamarind duck leg, both served with jollof rice and roasted tomato salad. 2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009; dawakitchen.com
Power Lunch is Back: Barbouzard has added a lunch service. Under the direction of acclaimed chef Cedric Maupillier, the lunch menu is designed to suit both the swift business lunch and the more leisurely midday meal, offering guests a momentary escape to the South of France. Highlights include Bouillabaisse Marseillaise, Ratatouille Parmigiana, and Grilled Octopus, alongside signatures like Saumon à l’Oseille and the Wagyu Cheeseburger with frites. Lighter options include the Chopped Salade Niçoise, Fruits de Mer Crudo, and chilled gazpacho. 1700 K St NW, Washington, DC; barbouzard.com
New in Union Market: Chef Meherwan Irani brings his James Beard Award–winning Indian street food to Union Market. The Chai Pani menu is made up of chaat (street snacks), uttapam (savory fermented pancakes), chhota plates (truck stop–style small plates), sigri (grill), pav (street sandwiches, pronounced “pow”), specialties, and tidbits. chaipani.com
No Phones Allowed : Hush Harbor, D.C.'s only no-phones bar, has opened and chef Rock Harper created this smartphone-free space as a way to build community when the city needs it most. The cocktail menu will keep many drinks from Hill Prince, Harper’s bar that will turn into Hush Harbor. Classics get a remake with the mole old fashioned, with both Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters and Angostura, and an Italian margarita turns red thanks to Cappelletti, a bitter aperitif. 1337 H Street, NE; hushharbor.co
New Chef, New Brunch (Brunch Alert): Kiln has launched brunch and welcomed a new chef with new menu items. he new menu, crafted by KILN’s newly appointed Executive Chef, Chef Ruben Hernandez (previously from Gypsy Kitchen), features elevated takes on classic brunch favorites alongside fresh, seasonal ingredients. Menu highlights include the indulgent Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with blueberry compote and toasted meringue, a vibrant Chopped Salad with toasted grains and pickled raisins, and a savory Lamb Hash with smoked lamb ham, crispy potatoes, and eggs any style. 699 Prince St.; heronalexandria.com
20 Years of Rasika : Rasika is celebrating 20 years. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, guests dining at Rasika Penn Quarter will be treated to featured “Best of Rasika” tasting menus in October, November, and December created by Chef Sunderam. The five-course menu changes each month. The Non-Vegetarian Tasting Menu is priced at $90 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and the Vegetarian Tasting Menu is priced at $80. Wine Pairings can be enjoyed for an additional $55 per person. 633 D Street, NW; rasikarestaurant.com
Love a Late-Night Bite: Maison Bar à Vins, is upping the late night game in Adams Morgan with their impressive late night menu from Chefs Matt Conroy (JBF Best Chef Mid-Atlantic nominee ‘25) and Jason Chavenson. Highlights from the wine bar’s late menu feature Bone Marrow topped with escargots, a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, and Eel Croquettes. maisondc.com
Brunch, My Darling (Brunch Alert): Joon is launching a new $35 “Classic Feast” for brunch every weekend! The menu features classic Persian brunch dishes, from warm fava beans, falafel and hummus, to crispy tahdig rice and za’atar pickles. Opt for a classic brunch plate like the Joon French Toast with raspberries and lemon curd, or try the “Royal Feast” option for just $55 for chicken or beef kabobs in addition to all of the options in the classic feast. 8045 Leesburg Pike Suite 120; eatjoon.com
Midatlantic Dining in Reston: The Simon has opened. Executive Chef Anthony DiGregorio and Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen lead the kitchen with a menu that’s both rooted in place and globally refined. Standout dishes include Dry-Aged Duck à la Presse with lavender from the chef’s garden, Pennsylvania Golden Chicken with brioche stuffing, and Pan-Seared Local Rockfish with sauce vin jaune—plus a decadent tableside cheese cart showcasing the largest Murray’s Cheese collection outside New York. thesimonrestonstation.com
Kayu Resurrection: After closing on H Street at the end of June, Kayu by Chef Paolo Dungca is officially back in Dupont Circle. The more casual, streamlined version of Chef Paolo’s former Filipino tasting room offers some new spins and old favorites from the previous menu, including a sweet corn agnolotti, Chef Paolo’s famous cassava cake with crab fat, jamón Ibérico, and trout roe, as well as ube bao bun chorizo burgers and crispy pork belly with a chickpea stew. Enjoy a glass of Chenin Blanc or a tamarind margarita while snacking on some bites at the bar, or sit down for a full dinner in the airy 40 seat dining room. 1633 17th St NW, Washington, DC; Kayu.com
