Your cheat sheet to D.C.'s Winter Restaurant Week
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Osteria Morini's sweet and savory pancake brunch is a Winter Restaurant Week deal. Photo: Courtesy Vina Sananikone
Snag those reservations: Washington's Winter Restaurant Week returns Jan. 19–25, with 200+ DMV restaurants serving up discounts, prix-fixes and surprise splurges.
Why it matters: Restaurant week falls in the industry's slowest stretch — and during a tough time overall. Many chefs are pulling out the stops, with some real value and tempting offerings.
State of play: Most restaurants serve three-course menus, brunch and lunch ($25-$35) and/or dinner ($40, $55 or $65).
- Some restaurants offer drink specials or freebies (especially at brunch).
What's new: More than a dozen restaurants are new or first-timers. My top picks:
- Acqua Bistecca (Cathedral Heights): Bourbon Steak's new Italian sibling leans into swank (e.g., caviar-mozz sticks) and a scene-stealing bar. Dinner, $65.
- Barbouzard (Downtown): The French Riviera newcomer delivers comforting decadence (wagyu burger, savory crêpes) with especially strong $35 lunch/brunch deals.
- The Dabney (Shaw): Chef Jeremiah Langhorne's acclaimed wood-fired spot joins restaurant week for the first time. $65 for three courses (or $95 for four) — a steal compared to the $145 tasting menu.
- Ingle Korean Steakhouse (14th Street): Upscale tabletop wagyu bbq ($65) loaded with sides, apps and more.
- Malabar (Van Ness): Rasika chef Vikram Sunderam's coastal Indian newcomer previews two dinner options ($40, $55).
- Marcus (Union Market): Marcus Samuelsson's vibrant diaspora restaurant serves a $65 dinner with flexible fish, meat or vegetarian options at each course — think gingery tuna crudo or pork belly with tiger prawns.
Yes, but: Don't overlook the classics. I've had memorable meals at Rasika and Bombay Club, Zaytinya (see their wine discounts), Sushi Taro, Iron Gate (the fireplace is lovely in winter) and Georgetown's La Chaumiere (ditto).
- Or a classic style of restaurant. Steakhouses can be sneaky-good restaurant week values, like Cut in Georgetown (lunch, especially) or fancy KBQ at Seoul Prime in Falls Church.
🍝 My thought bubble: Restaurant week lunch/brunch is the move — hands down the best deals when done right. On my hit list:
- Osteria Morini (Navy Yard): Brunch carb bliss with sweet/savory pancakes and pasta, just $35 with many choices (the $40 dinner, also a great deal).
- Fiola Mare ($25) or Del Mar ($35) — their waterfront air alone usually costs more.
- Love, Makoto (East End): An express omakase ($35) lunch/brunch with creative nigiri and craveable handrolls.
The intrigue: Some restaurants are already extending restaurant week menus before the event even starts.
- Kayu (Dupont Circle): Chef Paolo Dungca's standout Filipino is prix-fixe through Jan. 25 — three courses ($65) or seven ($105).
- Bresca (14th Street): The Michelin-starred restaurant offers three courses ($65) and five ($95) through Feb. 1
Pro tip: Check restaurants' Instagram pages for their special menus — often a rarity on the main site.