DC’s Feeling Sprung: TheList’s List of Good Eats
Spring Ready? The DMV is officially shaking off winter and stepping into longer days and menus that feel just a little lighter and brighter. Thank Goodness! We are ready for fresh greens, farmers’ market finds, and chefs leaning into the flavors of the season.
Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites and experiences to help you eat your way into spring.
-Make a night of it, see a show and grab a great pre- or post-theatre meal with our theatre + dining guide (here).
-This week's list of The List's favorite beverages, here.
-Celebrate the season with festivals, pop-ups, and springtime dining events popping up all over the region (here).
-You don’t need an excuse to visit a woman-owned business or celebrate women history month…here’s the list.
So much more fresh, flavor-packed goodness below:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
TPSS Earth Day Festival: TPSS Co-op is hosting its annual Earth Day Celebration on April 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., bringing the community together for a free, family-friendly day focused on sustainability and local impact. The event will feature live music, educational sessions on reducing waste, speakers, local vendors, and hands-on activities like crafts and games for kids, all centered around this year’s theme, “Change Grows Here.” tpss.coop
The Judgement of Paris: The Smithsonian will host its annual Winemakers’ Dinner on April 14 at 6:30 p.m., marking the 50th anniversary of the historic “Judgment of Paris” tasting. The evening brings together celebrated Napa Valley wineries and a collaborative menu from pioneering chef Nora Pouillon, with proceeds supporting the Smithsonian Food History Project; americanhistory.si.edu
DC Brau Anniversary: DC Brau Brewing Company is celebrating its 15th anniversary this April with 2 major public events and limited-release beers, marking a milestone for D.C.’s craft beer scene. Festivities include a kickoff at ChurchKey on April 16 featuring “15 beers for 15 years,” followed by a large-scale anniversary party at the brewery on April 18 with live music, food vendors, and exclusive releases; dcbrau.com
The Irishman Who Invented Brunch: Brennan’s iconic “Breakfast at Brennan’s” heads to D.C. for a 3-day pop-up at The Occidental from April 17–19 (9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), celebrating 80 years of the New Orleans institution credited with shaping modern brunch culture. The experience brings its signature cocktail-forward, leisurely brunch tradition to the capital, with owner Ralph Brennan and Executive Chef Kris Padalino on-site for the occasion; theoccidentaldc.com
New Kitchens on the Block: Mess Hall’s New Kitchens on the Block returns April 25 with a one-day food festival showcasing nine of D.C.’s most anticipated upcoming restaurants before they open. Guests can sample dishes and meet chefs behind concepts from names like Fabio Trabocchi, the Cava team, and Clyde’s Restaurant Group, with participants including Alfie’s, Maurizio’s, Ebbitt House, and more. The event runs in two sessions with tickets starting at $99.00; messhalldc.com
Twenty Years of Mandu: Mandu is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a monthly collaborative dining series celebrating 2 decades in D.C.’s dining scene. The yearlong series brings guest chefs into the kitchen for special tasting menus inspired by Mandu’s Korean roots and the shared language of global cuisines. Scheduled dinners include Thursday, May 7, an AAPI Month celebration with Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto and Chef Steve Chu of Ekiben; Click here for more info.
Moon Valley Strawberry Festival: Moon Valley Farm will host its 2026 Strawberry Festival series on May 9, 16, and 23, featuring the region’s only Certified Organic pick-your-own strawberries. Guests can harvest berries straight from the field while enjoying food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities, with a special early-access day for CSA members on May 9; moonvalleyfarm.net
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
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.
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:
Pack a Picnic - Daru: Chef Suresh Sundas is offering a new Mela Picnic Feast designed for easy, shareable dining. Priced at $65.00 and serving 3-4 people, the takeout-only spread includes tandoori chicken, dal, mushroom biryani, pomegranate aloo, assorted breads, and gulab jamun—perfect for an al fresco meal; darudc.com
Girl Dinner?: The Lafayette has introduced “Petite Plates + the Perfect Pour: Girl Dinner, Elevated,” a chic early evening offering available Monday through Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Priced at $45.00, the experience includes a Caesar salad, truffle fries, 2 mini lobster rolls, and a martini—bringing a refined, low-key take on the “girl dinner” trend to one of D.C.’s most elegant dining rooms; hayadams.com
Farmer’s Market at The Wharf: Farmer’s Market SW has launched its new waterfront home at The Wharf, bringing a weekly Saturday market (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) through November 21. The market features a rotating lineup of local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and more—set against one of D.C.’s most vibrant waterfront destinations; wharfdc.com
Bunny Love: From the team behind Tail Up Goat, Rye Bunny has opened in Adams Morgan as a relaxed, counter-service concept from restaurateurs Jill Tyler and Chef Jon Sybert. The seasonal menu reimagines everyday favorites with thoughtful, ingredient-driven twists—think anchovy toasts, wild greens ravioli, and rockfish a la plancha—alongside a curated beverage program led by sommelier Audrey Dowling; ryebunny.com
Nordic Comfort: Mikko Café has debuted a new spring menu from Chef Mikko Kosonen, highlighting bright Nordic flavors and seasonal ingredients. New dishes include seared salmon with dill potatoes, pan-seared trout with asparagus and brown butter, smoked duck confit with cherry coulis, and vegetable-forward options like squash-cabbage pasta and peanut stew; chefmikko.com
Top Chef Tasting Menu: Marcus DC has launched its first tasting menu from Executive Chef Anthony Jones, a 5-course experience inspired by his personal story and culinary journey. The menu blends French technique with global influences, featuring dishes that reflect childhood memories, professional milestones, and the restaurant’s modern American perspective; marcusdc.com
Eat Tacos, Win Prizes: Tour del Taco returns for its 4th year this April, inviting participants to explore DC’s taco and pupusa scene through a month-long, self-guided crawl supporting local businesses. With no cost to join, guests can check in at participating spots, earn points with purchases, and join free group taco crawls every Tuesday throughout the month; districtbridges.org/tourdeltaco
Test Kitchen Mondays: Acqua Bistecca is launching a new monthly Test Kitchen Menu beginning April 6, offering a rotating, multi-course dining experience that gives guests a first taste of dishes in development. Priced at $65.00 per person, the experience includes a full progression of starters, entrées, sides, and desserts, with April highlights like Fava Bean Agnolotti, Wagyu Denver, and Bomba Donuts; acquabistecca.com
Demi Lovato Fans, We Got You: Bayou Bakery is teaming up with Live Nation for a playful promotion tied to Demi Lovato’s April 16 show at Capital One Arena. Now through April 16, guests can purchase the limited-time Cracklin’ Demi Crunch treat ($6.50), with 4 lucky bags hiding tickets to the concert; bayoubakeryva.com
Pack a Picnic - Love, Makotto: Love Makoto is celebrating spring with its Hanami Hand Roll Picnic, a limited-time offering inspired by the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing. Available for pickup or delivery, the $42.00 set is designed for 2 and features a selection of hand rolls perfect for an easy, picnic-style dining experience; lovemakoto.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
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Minetta Mornings (Brunch Alert): Minetta Tavern has launched a new spring brunch menu from Chef Laurent Kalkatour, featuring exclusive dishes like Ricotta Pancakes with blueberry compote, Fish and Chips, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, and a Salmon Gravlax plate; minettataverndc.com
Finland Makes Us Happy: Mikko Café is celebrating Finland topping the 2026 World Happiness Report with a menu rooted in comforting Nordic classics from Chef Mikko Kosonen. From salmon soup and Karelian pies to Finnish meatballs and cinnamon buns, the Dupont Circle café offers a cozy, transportive taste of what makes Finland the happiest country in the world; chefmikko.com
Santiago Lopez in at Majestic (Chef Update): The Majestic is entering a new chapter under Chef Santiago Lopez, who has taken ownership and will reopen the Old Town institution on April 10 with a refreshed, chef-driven concept. The reimagined menu blends French technique with Mediterranean influences across New American dishes, alongside lunch, brunch, and happy hour offerings—all within a thoughtfully redesigned space that honors the restaurant’s legacy while looking ahead; themajesticva.com
Chef Updates - Lindsey Flowers in at Namak: Namak has appointed Chef Lindsey Flowers as Executive Chef, bringing experience from standout D.C. kitchens like St. Anselm and YELLOW. Since stepping into the role, Flowers has introduced a new Sunday all-day menu (12:00 to 8:00 p.m.) blending Eastern Mediterranean flavors with comfort-driven dishes like Grilled Cheese Arayes and a Lamb Smashburger, alongside Namak staples like spreads and kebabs.; namak-dc.com
We All Want a Love Bazaar: Chef José Andrés is bringing his acclaimed steakhouse concept to the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, replacing The Bazaar in the historic Old Post Office building. Bazaar Meat centers on premium cuts and fire-driven cooking, with dishes like ribeye “chuleton,” bone-in New York strip, Japanese wagyu, and a traditional whole suckling pig for communal dining. The menu will also feature signature Bazaar favorites—including the Cotton Candy Foie Gras and Caviar Cone—alongside seafood, jamón, and vegetable dishes, plus a multi-course tasting menu for a more immersive experience; thebazaar.com
More Slice & Pie: Slice & Pie has opened its third D.C.-area location at 1750 H St. NW, expanding the award-winning pizzeria’s footprint in the city. The 1,200-square-foot space is the brand’s largest yet and includes a glass-enclosed dough production facility that will supply its other locations on 14th Street and at Union Market, with a fourth location planned for The Parks at Walter Reed. Founded by master pizzaiolo Giulio Adriani, Slice & Pie has built a strong following for its New York- and Detroit-style pies; sliceandpie.com
May the Force Be With You: Apéro is offering a limited-time tasting menu inspired by the cinematic worlds of George Lucas. The playful 4 or 6-course experience draws on the spirit of Lucas’s storytelling through bold, imaginative dishes paired with cocktails and wines designed to match each course’s theme. The menu creates a cinematic dining journey that transports guests through flavor, presentation, and storytelling; aperodc.com
Carla Hall’s Southern Fried Chicken: Celebrity chef Carla Hall has returned to the D.C. dining scene with bumblebirds, a Southern fried chicken and cocktail “pop-in” on Capitol Hill created with Sunnyside Restaurant Group. The fast-casual concept features fried chicken sandwiches with regional toppings, tenders and nuggets, homestyle sides like biscuits and pimento cheese, plus an iced tea and lemonade bar and Southern-inspired cocktails. The colorful space also showcases Hall’s personal design touches, including her handcrafted paper yo-yo quilts and a custom mural; bumblebirdsdc.com
Hello, Friend: Kevin Tien x Alan Bo: Chef Kevin Tien debuts Chao Ban at Tysons Galleria alongside longtime partner Alan Vo. The fast-casual Vietnamese-American counter concept draws inspiration from the pair’s upbringing as first-generation Vietnamese raised in Louisiana, blending Southeast Asian flavors with familiar American formats. The opening menu will feature dishes like pho noodles, a catfish bánh mì, rice platters, and shareable snacks such as Impossible xiu mai and honey pecan shrimp; tysonsgalleria.com
Sunday Gravy: Caruso’s Grocery - Pike & Rose is now hosting Sunday Family Dinner, a weekly 3-course dining experience designed for sharing and classic Italian-American comfort. Available every Sunday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., the $35.00 per person prix-fixe menu allows guests to select 1 dish from each course, offering a generous lineup of Caruso’s favorites in one satisfying meal. The special brings back the tradition of gathering around the table for hearty pastas, comforting mains, and nostalgic desserts; carusosgrocery.com
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My: Chef Jon Krinn is debuting a boundary-pushing seasonal tasting menu featuring rare proteins like wood pigeon, kangaroo, and sturgeon in a carefully curated multi-course progression. Available for the next 4 weeks, the menu highlights Krinn’s signature approach, pairing globally inspired flavors with refined technique and artful presentation. Tucked away on Fairfax Boulevard, Elyse has earned a reputation as a Northern Virginia hidden gem, offering adventurous diners an intimate tasting experience that pushes the boundaries of fine dining; elyse.lila.llc
Sit n Stay (Lunch Alert): Josephine in Old Town Alexandria has introduced a new weekday Lunch Special, offering a Soup & Sandwich or Soup & Salad combination for $23.50, available Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guests can choose between the restaurant’s classic Onion Soup Gratinée or Soup du Jour, paired with menu favorites like the Burger Josephine with gruyère, a Brie Grilled Cheese with apple and fig jam, Croque Madame, French Dip, or Fried Chicken Cordon Bleu. Salad options include Endive and Beets with roquefort and walnuts, Lyonnaise with lardons and poached egg, and Salade Josephine with goat cheese and sherry vinaigrette. The new special delivers polished French comfort at an approachable midday price; josephineoldtown.com
The Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail Returns: The Cumberland Valley Coffee & Chocolate Trail is back with a nostalgic Friends-inspired theme, running from January 28 through May 11. Using a free digital passport, participants can explore nearly 30 cafés, chocolatiers, and sweet spots throughout the Cumberland Valley, checking in to earn points, prizes, exclusive discounts, and special offers along the way. This year’s trail includes locations such as King & Saint, Denim Coffee, Helena’s Chocolate Café & Creperie, Mummert Chocolates, The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop, and many more. The trail officially kicks off on January 28, with a launch event at King & Saint Café in Shippensburg at 9:00 a.m., where early passport holders can enjoy complimentary coffee and a pastry while supplies last; Click here for more info.
