Plated & Ready: TheListAreYouOnIt’s Summer Food Roundup
Summer has officially rolled in, and the DMV is dishing out flavor in every form. Local chefs are serving up sun-soaked menus full of peak-season produce and bold ingredients. At TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can't-miss dishes and dining experiences that define the season.
Craving al fresco everything? Don’t miss our Patio Pleasure Round Up & our Up On The Roof guide for the best open-air bites and rooftop sips.
Always seeking sushi? Check out our where we Sushi roundup, here. And if you're looking to let the chef take the reins, we've got a Tasting Menu list for you, right here.
Don't miss all the best summer restaurant weeks, here.
Lastly, the best way to cool off in this heat is our Ice Cream Season list, here, for all your scoops & swirls.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
RAMW DC Summer Restaurant Week: One of the region’s most anticipated food events, Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week Summer 2025, presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), returns August 18-25, 2025. The weeklong celebration showcases the area’s diverse culinary talent, from neighborhood favorites and casual hotspots to Michelin-recognized dining destinations. Participating restaurants will offer brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and dinners for $40, $55, and $65 for on-premise dining. Cocktail, wine, or zero-proof beverage pairings may also be available at select establishments. Info here.
Mallard Wine Dinner: Mallard is welcoming Cantina della Volta's Export Director, Giorgio Angiolini, to Mallard for an intimate four-course meal by Chef Hamilton Johnson paired with their gorgeous sparkling wines. Located in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy in an area made famous by Lambrusco production, Cantina della Volta has elevated itself beyond the production of Lambrusco alone. Their line of fine sparkling wines has helped to change what we know of the region by showcasing incredible elegance, balance, complexity, and agability. 1337 14th St NW; tickets here for August 7th.
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:
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter: Adding to her growing repertoire of gastro-vegan dishes and plant based dining options, Chef Jenn Crovato of 1310 Kitchen & Bar in Georgetown is introducing Butter Boards, starting this Summer. A fresh take on the classic charcuterie board, the Vegan “Butter” Boards feature an Avocado Purée base - for those opting to go dairy-free. Each board is adorned with a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a scattering of fresh Microgreens, aromatic Opal Basil, a sprinkle of delicate Sea Salt, and thinly sliced Radish to be enjoyed with warm Ciabatta bread for a visually stunning and palate-pleasing appetizer. 1310 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC; 1310kitchendc.com
Cesare/Caesar: Caruso’s Grocery is beating the heat with a craveable new special inspired by staff meals from Chef Matt Adler and his team—fried chicken meets caesar salad. Say hello to the Chicken Cesare: a golden, crispy chicken cutlet topped with romaine and radicchio tossed in housemade roasted garlic caesar dressing, showered with parmesan, our signature herb seasoning, and finished with a zingy red wine vinaigrette. Capitol Hill 914 14th St SE, Washington, DC; carusosgrocery.com
French Riviera Vibes in DC: Experience the sun-kissed flavors of the French Riviera without leaving the city. At L’Avant-Garde, Partner Chef Sébastien Giannini invites you to savor a menu inspired by his culinary journey along the Côte d’Azur, from the markets of Bandol to the fine dining establishments of St-Tropez, Nice. Dishes include seared branzino, lobster salad and more. 2915 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007; lavantgardedc.com
Welcome to the Jungle: Selva is all about storytelling through their menu. Chef Orellana draws deep inspiration from his upbringing on a small farm in El Salvador. The menu invites guests to take a flavorful journey through the continent, beginning with curated cheese and charcuterie boards that balance local and imported elements. A bright and bold ceviche selection offers a taste of the coasts, while the wide array of small plates encourage sharing and discovering both traditional recipes and contemporary interpretations, with dishes like Ceviche del Pescado,Yucca Brava, Grilled Sardines, or Beef Empanadas with pepper and olives. Larger main courses deliver reimagined Latin American classics with modern flair like Arroz Chaufa, Pollo Loco, and thoughtful side dishes such as Cilantro Rice or Sweet Fried Plantains to round out the experience. 1223 Connecticut Ave NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20036;
Peachy Tea: It’s not summer without iced tea, and just in time for the hottest month of the DC summer, Just Ice Tea, has teamed up with beloved local gelato purveyor Dolcezza to drop a crisp and refreshing twist on tea: Peach Oolong Sorbetto. Featuring ripe, sun-kissed yellow peaches plucked from Pennsylvania’s Toigo Orchards, and Just Ice Tea’s smooth, Peach Oolong Tea, this Peach Oolong Sorbetto perfectly mingles the smoky, complex notes of oolong tea with the soft, floral sweetness of orchard-fresh fruit, all served ice-cold and by the scoop. dolcezzagelato.com
#2 in the US, #1 in DC: For the second year in a row, Slice & Pie, the New York and Detroit-style pizza shop from master pizzaiolo Giulio Adriani, has been named the second-best slice shop in the United States by Italian organization 50Top Pizza. 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. In the same space, Taste of Lucy will serve a rotating selection of fresh pastas and Neapolitan pizzas. 2221 14th St. NW, Washington, DC; sliceandpie.com
NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:
Brunch at Betty's (Jazz Brunch Alert): Enjoy Jazz Brunch Saturday and Sunday at Hello Betty at Pike & Rose. It’s where Southern comfort meets coastal flair. Indulge in brunch bites, sip on $19 bottomless mimosas, and soak in the sounds of live jazz all afternoon long. Starters include Crawfish Mac n Cheese, Steamed Shrimp, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Strawberry Shortcake Beignets and more. Soups & Salads include: Watermelon Salad, Rockfish Ceviche, Green Tomato Salad, Seafood Gumbo and more. Mains include: Nashville Hot Catfish Sando, Chicken & Waffles, Betty’s Breakfast, Shrimp & Grits, Gullah Salmon and more. The Jazz Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 940 Rose Avenue; hellobettybethesda.com
Swirls of Gelato: Chef Mike Friedman's popular focaccia sandwich spot just added gelato to its offerings. The menu includes chocolate, cookies & cream, pistachio, stracciatella, and lemon sorbet - all of which are organic and handmade by Gelato Festival. Cups and cones are now available for $5 per scoop (or two scoops for $9) with the choice of sprinkles, pistachio sauce, chocolate sauce, or topped with warm espresso as an affogato. Gelato is available now alongside Friedman's focaccia sandwich menu—which currently features a steak and cheese special with marinated flank steak, caramelized onions, provolone, and cheddar (aptly named the Balboa)—exclusively at its Shaw location. 1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001; fossettedc.com
Sounds Fancy: Fancy Ranch Amish Fried Chicken arrived in NE DC this past week at Union Market! The joyful and flavor-packed pop-up concept is from husband and wife duo, Chef Reid Shilling and Sara Quinteros, and their team behind Shilling Canning Company. The fried chicken favorite promises craveable fried chicken and accompanying bites, plus economically-priced cocktails from the award-winning team. Fancy Ranch Amish Chicken is the pair’s love letter to the cult-favorite crispy fried chicken, and reimagined to be accessible, fun, and bursting with crunchy personality. fancyranchdc.com
Neutral Ground Bar x Organic Butcher Wednesday Collab: Every Wednesday in July, Chef David Guas is trading his show on the Travel Channel - "American Grilled" from the judge's chair for some serious patio plates and partnering with Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen neighbor, The Organic Butcher. Here's the deal: 22 max diners on the patio for a front-row to the sizzle show, seating at 6:30 PM - Fire meets Flavor. Five Courses of expertly grilled, seasonal ingredients, offer Tasting Portions of produce from local farms, including heritage meats to freshly caught seafood through Guas' friends at The Organic Butcher. Some lucky guest will receive complimentary, Chef Guas’ award-winning "Grill Nation" cookbook, personally autographed as a parting gift. 6641 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA; Reserve here.
Chef Updates: Ava Gonzalez in at Lutece: The Popal Group’s Lutèce is excited to welcome new Head Bartender, Ava Gonzalez, to their beverage team under Beverage Director Suzy Critchlow! Ava is originally from Houston and brings a wealth of beverage experience to DC from working as a bartender in New Orleans and Maine. Ava brings a strong knowledge of spirits (and a Masters Degree in marketing!) to the team which you can already see on the menu with her creations like the “Slice of Summer” featuring blanco tequila, elderflower cordial, cocchi americano, & watermelon. 1522 Wisconsin Ave NW; lutecedc.com
Monday Madness: La Vie at The Wharf is excited to introduce “Summer Mondays on the Terrace”—a weekly summer experience offering 50% off all seafood towers and 50% off all bottles of wine. 88 District Square SW, Washington, DC; lavie-dc.com
Here, Chickie Chickie: Carey and Yuan Tang, have launched a takeout and delivery concept called Side Chick, focusing on bringing bold Asian American flavors to the nostalgia of fried chicken. Side Chick will operate as a ghost kitchen out of Ellie Bird in Founder’s Row with no separate physical location. Chicken orders come with bibingka, Filipino style cornbread. More info here.
All You Can Eat Sushi: Sushi Sato has a new all-you-can-eat option spanning from $200 omakases to conveyor belt operations. The all-you-can eat (AYCE) adventure combines the best of the raw bar while also incorporating the dumplings, noodles dishes and skewered meats from the rest of the menu. There is a $55 standard package and $75 premium package, with the latter offering an expanded selection of dishes. And, for those partaking in AYCE, there’s also an all-you-can-drink beer add-on for $19. 1245 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002; sushisatodc.com
Summer Nights Barbecue Series: Presented by a.kitchen+bar D.C. x OpenTable + Benefiting Southern Smoke Foundation: join James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur Ellen Yin + team for a sizzling five-part BBQ & grilling series featuring top DC chefs. One night only dinners will feature a range of flavors including Korean, modern regional Vietnamese, Italia, and bold Mexican. Each chef (headshots here) will prepare four signature dishes ($18-$38). Guests can expect live DJ sets, pay-as-you-go plates + cash bar, with proceeds to support Southern Smoke Foundation ($10 entry fee). Thursdays, 5–9PM. More info here.
