Dōgon was an incredible experience from start to finish. Chef Kwame has created something truly special in DC. The food was amazing, full of flavor, creative, and unlike anything we've had before. You can really appreciate the African and Caribbean influences throughout the menu and the thought that went into every dish. The atmosphere is beautiful, the music and energy were great, and the service was excellent. My wife and I had an amazing time and enjoyed the entire experience. Dōgon is definitely one of those restaurants that feels like more than just dinner. It was an experience. We cannot wait to come back and try more of the menu. 5 stars! read more

A beautiful restaurant with a menu that was well done. Dōgon was a restaurant that was on our list for a while, and I'm excited that we were finally able to get the full experience. To start, the space is beautiful and the service was impeccable. Our server was so attentive and the rest of the serving staff were just as attentive. The food was beautifully prepared, but I can't say that we enjoyed every dish. Our favorite items were the pork belly, the rum cake, and the tuna guisado. Each of those items were delectable. The branzino, the shrimp, and oysters were a bit underwhelming in terms of flavor. I was especially underwhelmed by the patty appetizer. The food is very clearly high quality and it is clear Chef Kwame constructed an amazing menu! We've also heard lovely things about his sister restaurant in NY, Tatianna. I think because of the price, we had higher expectations, but I can't say that they were met completely . read more

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Dogon remains one of the hardest tables to snag in the city. The luxurious, handsome blue dining room within the recently renamed Potomac Hotel feels like a place to see and be seen, with eye poppingly high food and drink prices to match. While the food itself at Dogon is excellent, I found the egregious pricing coupled with rough service made for a very overhyped dining experience. To begin, our party of four was running a hair past the 15 minute grace period for our reservation, and when we called to inform the restaurant of our slight delay the hostess curtly responded with "we will see what we can do." I understand the possibly of not being accommodated, but the wording and tone could have been a bit more professional. Once we were seated, our waiter explained the menu and offered suggestions. There appeared to be a pressure to upsell specific dishes, as the waiter constantly mentioned that we should order the branzino dish, even when we informed him that someone at our table possessed an allergy to a key ingredient in the dish. The cocktails here are mostly priced above $20, and possessed gob standard flavor profiles which did not merit the price nor impress the palate. In contrast, we genuinely enjoyed the majority of the food sampled. The flavor profiles here are spice forward and the restaurant does not shy away from bold seasoning or heat. The dishes are, mostly, technically well executed. The Ben's chili bowl which brought crispy shingles of lamb atop a spicy chickpea curry, ranked among our favorites of the evening. The hoe crab paired fluffy, buttery corn pancakes with a well spiced crock of tender, lump crab meat, making for a light yet flavorful bite. Our pork belly dish had tender meat paired well with a sweet-sour tamarind glaze. The fish fry tasted comforting with a juicy yet crisp fish fillet alongside house-made spicy sauces. The beef tartare possessed a discernible curry flavor, though the bite was marred with a few pieces of gristle. The oxtails brought the requisite meltingly tender texture, though the sauce served alongside ate salty and rich. We ended with the turmeric cheesecake which, while creamy, lacked turmeric flavor and had either some sort of inedible garnish or, worse, a piece of paper on the plate. Note should be mentioned that some of the portions here are appallingly tiny for the price. For example, the hoe crab dish brings four silver dollar pancakes and 3-4 small spoons of crab for $38. The oxtail patties are priced at $16 for two thumb sized pastries. While I am not opposed to paying top dollar for quality cuisine, the lack of polish on the service end creates a disconnect. In addition to the brusque phone interaction and upsell pressure, we also had incorrect plates constantly dropped off at the table. Worst of all, we were abruptly and unapologetically asked to leave our table while finishing our last round of cocktails. Two stars may seem harsh, but restaurants are a hospitality based business and the lack of service warmth was palpable. The food was generally great here, but sky high prices, minute portions, and rough service prevent a return visit. read more

What can I say that hasn't been said? We are big fans of Tatiana so when visiting DC we figured we had to give Dogon a try. The menu, while different, gives similar vibes to Tatiana. The dining room is much bigger for sure. The service is truly a standout but they do try to upsell you. The pricing is high- $8 per cocktail oxtail patty?- you get 2 for $16. The Octail dish is $95- but they say it's Australian Wagyu oxtail. Who am I to judge? Welp- I gave them my money and they filled my belly with some tasty delights. And guess what? I'd do it again read more

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We had our wedding anniversary here and were given a celebratory non alcohol champagne. The location is very dark and moody. It's located in the hotel. Valet is available for the hotel. It was a little hard to read the menu. The empanadas were delicious! The meat was so soft. The steak was alright. A little over priced for a basic steak. read more

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Let's start by staying it was a movie, I left later than expected, the uber ride to dc took longer than expected as well, but I had to follow through to DC. I for sure thought on July 4th weekend my birthday reservation would be canceled. To my surprise they welcomed me with warm arms and accounted for the hectic weekend to have delays; that alone made my day the food could have been mediocre. When you walk in you feel the black excellence, multiculturalism and multigenerational; everyone had a role to played for this experience. The decor was low light and elegant, phenomenal music choice(I'd prefer there playlists than the clubs I've been to recently). I was seated next two interesting tables, one a best friend night as they discuss The Bear and its authenticity and the other a Columbia grad from Gabon on a date night; we reminisced on Africa and the food brings us memories. Let's get to the fooooooood & drink omgggggg Everything was bussssssin!!!!! I enjoyed everything and lick the bowls dry. The oxtail patties stole low key, so few but I wasn't expecting so much flavor, the braised to perfection oxtail melts in your mouth likes a purée; I wanted to buy more after the 1st bite It went from a week birthday week to exceptional, I will be back to try the rest* of the menu Check out my Beli account: @plznoporkahk for a deep dive into the dishes read more

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This place is 10 outta 10! I don't know what took me so long to visit! Recently celebrated a good friend's birthday! She lives out of town but knows about Chef Kwame's reputation and chose here to celebrate. I'm glad she did! We had a great time. Located in the Salamander hotel, this restaurant is a vibe. They're currently a finalist for this year's Rammy's in the category of "Formal Fine Dining." I'm rooting for them and hoping they win this award. Congrats on the nomination! Since visiting I've told so many about Dogon and already planning my return. I'm not a huge gin person but I had a great gin based cocktail, RG&T, that I plan to get next time. The food! Impeccable!! Get the braised cocktail! I'll warn you, it's not cheap but it's worth every penny! I'm so serious. Their food is designed to share but honestly I could have eaten that dish by myself. Ok I'm not that greedy! It was that good! Yum! The greens and rice and peas were really good. Service was top- notch! This is a place to celebrate a special occasion. Get dressed up and come on out! There's a bar but it's not big! Patking is tight but there's an option for valet. I did ride share! Add Dogon to your next place to visit! read more

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Went to DC for my wife's bday and since NY she said that is where she wants to have dinner for her bday. We are big fans of Chef kwame because we have been to Tatiana's in NYC. Service was top notch. Place look beautiful and very elegant. The food was emaculate. Well seasoned steak and big bold flavors on every plate. Can't wait to try his spot in Vegas read more

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This was a really nice find! I really appreciated the lounge-like ambiance. The food was delicious and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. I will say that given the prices I would've liked larger portions of food, but it was a great experience nonetheless. Definitely perfect for a date night or intimate dinner. read more

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Swanky cool modern restaurant in the Salamander Hotel. This place was so good I went there twice in 2 weeks. First time- no reservations but dined early and sat at the intimate bar. Loved our server Ivory. Second time- reservations and sat at a beautiful marble table. Both times we had cornbread à la carte because I always love cornbread. And this place makes a DECADENT cornbread with lots of butter. Also had the gooseberry rum cake both times - it's just absolutely amazing when served warm with a crusty outside and soft cake inside and the light cream! The mains and bites varied but all are tasty. I liked the branzino a lot. Highly recommend! It was a great dining experience and wonderful flavors! Can't wait to come back! read more

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We celebrated our anniversary at Dogon after a friend's recommendation. There is extremely limited parking and valet is $48 for 2 hours, more than that after 2 hours (and we did go over 2 hours). We ended up parking in a garage down the street which was much cheaper so would recommend that. The menu is à la carte which was a nice option to be able to try everything we wanted. The service started off slow (20 mins before we even got to order a drink) but our server was very friendly and service was much better moving forward. I got a standard espresso martini with tequila and my husband got the coconut espresso martini they had on the menu. We both preferred mine and I switched to a dirty martini for my second drink. We ordered the following dishes to eat: Hoe crab Piri piri salad Ben's bowl Mama duke's shrimp Curry branzino Our favorites of the night were the hoe crab, piri piri salad, and curry branzino. The shrimp has good flavor but were quite salty (and I really like salt so I was shocked). The Ben's bowl was interesting however it not memorable and somewhat salty as well. The piri salad was super refreshing albeit a TINY overpriced for avocado, grapes, and tomatoes (I guess that's just life right now!!). The curry branzino was perfectly seasoned and we really enjoyed the dish as a whole. The hoe crab was the unique and the flavors were on point stacked onto a little cute pancake, making it our number one. They didn't give us a comp dessert for our anniversary which was fine because we didn't have room for dessert and took some of the branzino home. Overall, it ended up being all in $400 for the two of us with 2 drinks each. It was good meal but sadly not memorable enough for us to return. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area though! read more

Solid Afro-Carribbean restaurant that's owned by Kwame Onwuachi who placed on top chef and was a guest judge on next gen chef. We ordered the charbroiled oysters, coco bread, hoe crab, chicken and rice, and curry branzino - most of the dishes were pretty good, and a unique take on elevating west African/carribean food. The charbroiled oysters had a parmesan cheese crust which made for an interesting combination, but was quite pricey at $14 for 2 oysters that were consumed in less than a minute. I also liked our hoe crab with juicy lumps of crab and soft, pillowy plantain pancakes. However, our waiter spoke as if we could get free refills of the plantain pancake, only for us to get charged $8 at the end of the bill for an additional 5 mini pancakes. The coco bread à la carte was super buttery and plush with whipped butter on the side, but definitely needs to be shared. For the entrees, I liked the curry branzino fish which had a nice crispy crust on the outside and tender juicy fish on the inside. The rice & peas were well seasoned, but I didn't love that they were room temperature and wished they came out hot. The chicken and rice was juicy and not overcooked, but there was a spice in it that did not settle well in my stomach. Also the jollof rice was off - it was too sour and mushy, as if the tomatoes used weren't ripe enough. Price-wise, it is quite expensive and I don't think I've ever paid $72 for a chicken and rice dish. The ambiance was clean and they had a cool open kitchen, but the tables were too small and close together so you could hear your neighbor's conversations clearly. Overall, It's a good restaurant to try one time and convenient if you're nearby the wharf. read more

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I love visiting Dogon whenever I'm in DC. While it's hard to get a reservation, it's always worth it. I have a few absolute favorite dishes, the chicken, the salad with the tomatoes and avocado and the pork belly. Also, the jollaf rice is good BUT the coconut rice is next level. We're always fighting for more coconut rice. The chicken is always so good, the flavor is fantastic and the chicken is moist, both dark and white meat. And the pork belly is some of the best I've had. The restaurant is always a vibe. The music is always good. True to the culture and always leaves us wondering "who is controlling the aux?!". The crowd is also always a vibe as well. I highly recommend! get a reservation early and try it out. so good. read more

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Every dish here was a spectacular dance of flavor profiles dancing and twirling over my tastebuds. Dare I say that the corn bread with spiced shiro butter was my favorite. I have never...ever...tasted such a sublimely simple and delectable dish. Mom Dukes Shrimp was perfectly cooked with a nice spice that didn't overpower the freshness of the shrimp. Suya Pork Belly bursted with flavor and the accompanying greens were perfectly matched...only wish was that the pork belly was slightly more crispy. Braised Wagyu Oxtails were so tender and flavorful...my favorite of the entrees...however... The Island Squash...I could seriously eat this every single day. The vegetables were crisp, yet tender and the sauce was perfectly balanced. Service was impeccable with staff attentive and friendly. The restaurant was clean and nicely decorated with tables nicely spaced to allow for easy conversations. Definitely on the pricier side, but the experience was fantastic. read more

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Dogon has been on my bucket list for a while now. I decided to go for restaurant week. The decor is minimalist and the lighting was dark. The music was way too loud. I had a seat at the bar. I believe Ivory was the bartender's name. She was very nice and service was ok. I went with the hoe cakes and the branzino with the rum cake for dessert. As the kids say nowadays it was "mid." The crab hoe cakes were good but I would not say spectacular. The branzino was cooked well but I was not a fan of the sauce which was too sweet. The rice and peas side was good but nothing to write home about. The rum cake was just ok and to me lacked the usual rum soaked sweetness that I was expecting. Nothing stood out for me. I also with option to add wine but they were out of one the red wines I wanted . I'm glad I came to try Dogon, but it's not worth returning to with so many other options in the area - especially for the price point. read more

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The hubby and I went to Dōgon for dinner today (3/14/2026); we had a reservation and as a result we were seated immediately upon arrival. Food: The food was delicious! We got the coco bread which was soft, buttery, warm and a GREAT way to start our meal. We also got Ben's Bowl which was a crispy lamb dish with a tamarind glaze in a chickpea curry, the flavors on this were perfection. I also got the hoe crab which my hubby couldn't eat due to a shellfish allergy, this was another standout meal. Lastly, we got the Braised Wagyu Oxtails, the oxtails were perfectly meaty, fatty and flavorful. All of our food was excellent. Service: This is what brought my review down, our server was fine, he didn't do a good job reviewing the menu with us, nor discussing the standout dishes; unfortunately, he left something to be desired with service. We were jealous of the experience the people next to us had as their server was excellent, we tried to eavesdrop when he reviewed the specials, gave recommendations and overall engaged with his tables. We definitely got the short end of the stick here. Atmosphere: Fantastic! It's a sexy and vibey restaurant with a hit list of R&B and hip hop playing in the background, how do I get a copy of the playlist?! Overall, highly recommend and we will be back! read more

They were very busy on a Saturday night. We showed up a few minutes early but had to wait 10 minutes outside the restaurant before we were seated. Not a big deal, except for the fact that 4 different restaurant employees came to ask us the name on our reservation. We eventually got a text message telling us the table is ready. Once we got seated, I let the waitress know about my gluten intolerance. She asked the chef to highlight the gluten free options. This made it very easy to order. We started with the piri piri salad. This was honestly the highlight of the meal. I shamelessly scraped every last drop of the sauce with a spoon. Then we got ben's bowl. 4 pieces of lamb, well seasoned and cooked to a nice medium rare. For main, we shared the chicken and rice. It's essentially half a chicken (dark and white meat) served on jollof rice. It had a nice kick and heavy on the sauce. It's a very tasty dish but not as impressive as the appetizers. I was expecting more out of it for that price point. read more

Didn't expect anything less than perfection from Dōgon. If you been to Chef Kwame's Tatiana in NY, this is right up the same alley; bold flavors, hella spice, and creative combinations that make no sense coming together the way they do! Shanti our server had great energy. Made wonderful recommendations and paced out our meals perfectly. The decoration is sleek and modern, low lit so if you didn't come properly dressed then only your server will notice LOL. The restaurant is actually quite spacious. The kitchen is in the back so to keep noise levels quite low, but somehow still in open view. Kinda crazy how that works. The bathrooms are single rooms, women only and gender neutral available. A few full length mirrors so you cut get a good fit check before returning to your date. Parking is valet only. THE FOOD: Jerk Wings- fire! Very well seasoned, dry rub medium spicy. The white sauce was something delicious. Peri Peri Salad - super surprisingly delicious! I was expecting a "salad" with lettuce, but nah, it's legit veggies and fruit toast in a mild peri peri dressing. I was flabbergasted how damn good it was. I ate the whole thing myself! Hoe Crab - uh! Absolutely delicious. The little site size hoe cakes were perfect amount of sweetness due to the plantain. The crab meat was seasoned nicely. Hella good. Mom Dukes Shrimp - very good, medium spicy. The sauce could easily be poured over rice and enjoyed. The shrimp heads are not attached, but placed in the bowl if you like them. Coco Bread - perfect fluffy. Not greasy or too sweet Curry Branzino - you have got to be kidding me! The was absolutely amazing. Fish cooked perfectly, sauce good and spicy. The was a surprise of veggies hidden under the fish. BBQ Greens - hella good! The cornbread was next level. The cocktails weren't doing it for me. Creative and nice presentation but not exciting to drink. The wine selection looks nice, probably should have just had that. read more

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I was finally able to visit Dogon, and the experience lives up to the hype. A friend who has been several times secured an early reservation on a Tuesday night, so we were able to beat the dinner crowd. The service was amazing, and ambiance was impeccable. We sat near the back of the restaurant closest to the kitchen, so we could see the team preparing the food. Every single dish was delicious. I loved the warm Coco Bread, Curry Branzino, and Rum Cake. The Jerk Wings and Hoe Crab were also delicious. I definitely plan to visit again, so that I can try the Red Snapper and a few other dishes that peaked my interest. A wonderful place for a date night and/or a great catchup with friends at the lovely Salamander Hotel. read more

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This dinner was a celebration and we enjoyed every minute of it. Seating was nice and close , but also well spaced from other tables. There was five of us so we got to try a little of a lot. The chicken was probably my favorite. Nice spice and well done jollof rice. The coco bread was also great and the piri piri salad was so good we ordered a second one. They were able to accommodate my no red meat diet by offering the greens without bacon. We did a few cocktails because all the wines I wanted to try were no longer in stock. So I'm hoping next time I come out for dinner, I'll be able to try at least one. Get the rum cake and another to take home, because it's honestly the best! I had a hard time not ordering another one, but we had stayed so late the kitchen closed. Staff was lovely, kind and helpful and go above and beyond to help you find the right wine or cocktail to pair with your meal. Will definitely be back. read more

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To date this was the best dining experience I have ever had in DC. From arrival to exit the customer service was a positive experience! The music and lighting was perfect, almost like it was curated for me. The restroom was extremely clean and properly stocked with all necessities. (Great quality tissue) Everything we tried was stunning and perfectly balanced with flavor. I can't wait to try more items so I will definitely be back. I recommend the mango basil mixed drink 10x over! read more

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Dōgon is, without a doubt, a culinary supernova! From the moment we stepped into the beautifully designed, indigo-and-gold glowing space, the dining experience felt like a truly special occasion. Chef Kwame Onwuachi and his team have created a menu that tells a vibrant story through Afro-Caribbean and West African flavors, and the execution is flawless. Signature Dishes: A Star-Studded Lineup We began with the iconic Hoe Crab, and it was spectacular. Tender blue crab is elegantly served back in the shell, topped with a spicy, pungent shito chili crunch, and meant to be scooped up with the tiny, fluffy Plantain Hoe Cakes and a drizzle of the bright Aji Verde sauce, a brilliant nod to D.C.'s culinary scene. For our main, the Chicken and Rice was perfection. The roasted half-chicken, deeply seasoned with Berbere spice, atop flavorful Jollof Rice, was a celebration of Nigerian and Ethiopian influences. Cocktails: Creatively Crafted The cocktail program by Derek Brown is just as intentional as the food. I enjoyed the Flower Pot Punch, a creative take on a pre-Prohibition D.C. classic featuring rum, fresh citrus, spiced pineapple syrup, and Cajun Grenadine. I also had The Astronomer, and it was perfectly balanced and refreshing, a true standout. They truly complement the bold spices of the menu. Service: Attentive and Warm The service was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu's stories and offering thoughtful suggestions without being intrusive. The pacing of the meal was relaxed, making the entire evening feel like an event. Dessert: Steals the Show You must save room for the Rum Cake. Served with a delicate Vanilla Whip and Charred Fruit (charred gooseberries when we visited), it was the perfect finale, moist, rich, and not overly sweet. It's the kind of dessert you'll think about for weeks. Dōgon is more than just a restaurant; it's a cultural experience and a masterpiece of flavor. Worth every star, every penny, and every moment. Book your table now weeks in advance, you won't regret this journey! read more

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Some of the best dining I've experienced in the DMV but that was expected when going to any restaurant that chef kwame is a part of. You're experiencing black excellence on a plate. As soon as you walk through the entrance you already know the vibes are immaculate. We had the oxtail, peri peri salad, rumcake and brazino fish. My mouth is watering writing this review 2 days later. Also the staff was great. read more

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Nearly two months later, and I still think about the amazing experience I had here. I had been dying to dine here and an early December work trip allowed me to do just that. I'd reserved a table for two, but my colleague couldn't make it. They asked if I was okay with sitting at the bar and I'm so glad I did. Ivory, the bartender, was so attentive and knowledgeable. Because I live in Florida, I seized this opportunity to try as many dishes as I desired, including: Coco Bread, Charbroiled Oysters, Hoe Crab, Suya Pork Belly, and Cherries & Cream. When I say EVERYTHING was delicious, I mean it. The standout was the Hoe Crab. The sweet plantain complemented the savory aji verde and shitto crab SO WELL. It was truly the perfect pairing. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Before you get to the dimly lot hostess area, you notice a huge tasseled structure hanging from the ceiling, which sets expectations for the rest of the interior design and ambiance. Dōgon has such an intimate, sultry energy. I'm making it my mission to visit his other restaurants! read more

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Dogon participated in winter restaurant week, and I am so glad they did. The meal I had is probably the best meal I have had in DC. I got the sorel Rickey to drink. I love sorel, but it can be hard to find so I had to get it. The drink was so good, the flavor was exactly what I wanted. We each got a piece of coco bread with truffle butter. The bread was perfect and the truffle butter was a wonderful add on. For a small plate, I got the tuna shito. The tuna tasted so fresh and the sauce it was in was delicious. For the large plate, I got the chicken and rice. The chicken was spiced really nicely and had so much flavor. For a sweet, I got the rum cake. The cake was so moist and you could really taste the rum. I would get the exact same dishes again. The restaurant itself has a sexy, cool vibe. The music also made the restaurant feel very cool, though it did get a bit loud by the end of our dinner. read more

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To start, the hostess was wonderful , we were initially not excited about our seats, which were located right by the bar. As far as the food, we loved everything! Pro Tip: Visit with your foodie that loves to share! read more

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LOVED everything about my experience. Was able to get a last minute reservation and treated myself to a lovely evening! Things I loved: - service was spectacular! No notes. - the food was INCREDIBLE! Everything I tried was delicious! I had the Charbroiled Oysters, the Hoe Crab, Jollof Rice, Rice & Peas, Rum Cake, and the braised oxtail. I absolutely ordered too much food but I wanted to try it all! - there's this scotch bonnet / super spicy sauce that came with the oysters that was divine! My waiter gave me a little extra to take home. - beautiful beautiful restaurant! - I love that they have cocktails with black owned spirits! While it is on the pricier side it is so worth it! Can't wait to stop back in to try more of the menu! read more

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I've been meaning to visit Dōgon for a while and finally got the chance to in April. The restaurant itself is gorgeous. We went for a birthday dinner, but honestly the vibe felt more intimate like a date spot, at least in the section we were in. The service is great. The food is good, but not mind blowing. As someone with two Jamaican parents and tons of West African friends, I've been surrounded by both types of cuisine my entire life. So I'll admit, I may be a bit biased compared to the average person who may frequent the restaurant. The shrimp, the jollof, and rice and peas all needed more love, and I say that as someone who doesn't even like spicy food. It just needed a bit more depth in the flavors. The snapper was really good along with the chicken. They were both the best things we all ordered. The coco bread rolls didn't stand out from what you'd find at any other fine dining spot. Not sure what makes them "coco bread" here but they were good! Lastly when it comes to food, by the time it was brought to us, it wasn't as hot as it could be. It was just warm. But our party did check in late so I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it. Overall a 7/10. The ambiance carries it far, but the kitchen has a tiny tiny bit of catching up to do. And I say that having come back almost a week later on a whim. Still good, just not great. And last thing, which may sound nit-picky, but for a place that starts at $100 minimum per person for a full meal, don't ask me if I want tap water lol. "Still, sparkling or tap" was not something I expected to hear. I'll probably visit ONE more time to see if my experience changes (when it comes to the food) but that's it. read more

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4 stars. It was a really good experience, save for a few things that keep this from being a 5-star review. We were greeted promptly and taken to our table - no wait. Food: Frankly, IMHO, the food was exceptional. We had the piri piri salad, pork belly, and hoe crab for appetizers, and the branzino and oxtail (special) for dinner. The flavors...the sauces...just magical. I honestly asked my husband if I could bathe in more than one of the sauces. The piri piri salad was fresh, the pork belly was incredible (great sear and that SAUCE) and I really enjoyed the hoe crab. The oxtail was excellent - another AMAZING sauce - and the branzino was very good too (again, another wonderful sauce). However, while the server deboned the branzino, my husband got a ton of bones, and I got a few, which did detract from the experience. Service: We had an excellent server. He took the time to explain everything to us and made a few recommendations. Ambiance: I was actually worried about the music/noise level reading the other reviews. I will say that maybe because we went the weekend after the New Year - perhaps it wasn't as crowded/loud (although it still seemed pretty crowded)? We got a table for 2 by a pillar, which may have helped with the noise level. We didn't have to shout at all, which, honestly, I expected. The music...I'd call it present. I wouldn't call it loud. They are definitely going for a specific vibe, and actually, it's a cool one. Other: We ordered glasses of sparkling wine to start. Reading the other reviews, I assumed this would be a long dining (2-3 hours) experience. However, our appetizers came out really quickly - not enough time for us to finish our sparkling wine and order more wine to go with the apps. Then, there was a long(er) period between apps and mains, where we felt we had to savor our wine as to not run out. Maybe that was our fault - perhaps we shouldn't have ordered the apps until we were done with our bubbles if we wanted to attempt to pace things a bit. Oh well - lesson learned for next time (and yes, there will be a next time). A great addition to DC. read more

It's good music and lighting along with great service. Nice addition to the Salamander and love the cuisine type being of Caribbean descent! My wife and I sat at the bar, which was not a bad option at all. We started with drinks and got two Manhattans. The bar tender (Gregory) was amazing. He was extremely knowledgeable and offered a variation of the Manhattan, which was great. We split the snapper fish and coco bread meal. The cocoa bread was soft! The butter was real creamy. Our goal was to have it paired with the snapper but we couldn't wait that long. The snapper was great. It was fried with a sauce on it that enhanced the taste. The fish came with a peas and rice dish that was fluffy and so soft. There was also a pepper sauce that was HOT. I normally like spicy, but that one got me. The only challenge really was that it was just expensive. I think you have to expect to drop at least $80-$90 a person. I like nice, but even I was like dang. Lollll It's worth at least going once. There is not much around the hotel, so I would bank on this being your evening. It is definitely worth a visit if you are doing things at the hotel (I.e. spa, night stay, etc) read more

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Finally made it to Dogon! The vibe of this place was great. They had a great playlist playing but it wasn't loud or disruptive in anyway. It was a nice addition to the atmosphere. Jesse was our waiter and he was so great! Always checked up on us and had great recommendations and answers to our questions. Nothing in the cocktails list was speaking to me. So I got a glass of bubbly which I loved. I think it was the Cremante. My brother got the mango basil smash and my sister in law got the coco con leche. They said they were okay. Nothing special. We decided to get 4 small plates and 2 large plates. Might have been too much but there were too many things we wanted to try. We started off with the Ben's bowl. The lamb was soft and the sauce was so flavorful. This was a great start but at the end this ended up being low on the list compared to the other dishes. Then we got the hoe crab. This is such a unique dish. The pancakes were perfect. The sauce packed a punch. The crab was soft tasty. This was my favorite dish. Then the steak tartar which was good but nothing special. Then we had the tuna. The sauce on this was so good but the tuna and avocado was just okay. Then we had the curry branzino. The skin was so crispy and the fish was so soft. Amazing how they did that. The braised oxtail was probably the most disappointing. We got a lot of fatty pieces and thought the meat would be softer. Flavor also wasn't on par with the other dishes. For the price we expected more. Overall very happy with our experience. Will definitely be back. read more

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I ate here as part of a one-night solo staycation I planned at The Salamander. I was there to use my FHR $300 amex plat credit and my $100 resy credit. You can charge meals here to your room. If you pay with your credit card, it shows up as Salamander instead of Dogon, but you still get the resy credit since the charge category comes up as Restaurant and not Lodging. I had a 5:45 pm reservation. Nice to have dinner without leaving the hotel. The ambiance is low light and r&b music. The tables are kind of close together. There's nothing really to look at but your food and other people. The food was Excellent. The Hoe Crab is worth every bit of the hype. The little pancakes look and taste just like the pancakes I make with Aunt Jemima just add water pancake mix. I know this might sound like an insult, but it's a huge compliment. The crab meat is plump and the seasoning is delicious. I also had the Ben's Bowl crispy lamb. I love stewed lamb. It's like stewed lamb in crispy squares. It was really good but kinda dry. It needed something, but I can't say what. For desert, I got the rum cake. I enjoyed it. It's the kind that doesn't have a heavy rum flavor. I wouldn't have been mad if it did. The drink menu oddly had no tequila drinks. I ordered one of the rum cocktails and switched the rum out for mezcal. Very tasty. Ok, now let's talk about the service... My waiter annoyed me. He comes out very friendly and helpful, explaining the sharing-style of the menu and making recommendations. He takes your drink order, several minutes later, your food order, then you basically never see him again. The water glasses are small. Mine wasn't filled as often as I would have liked. I finished my cocktail with my first course. I wanted a second but he never came back until I after I had finished my second course and called him over to order desert. What I disliked most of all is that he had this odd way of seeming irritated when I didn't order a lot of dishes. It wasn't just me because he did the same with the table next to me. He wanted me to order one of the big plates, which is for sharing. I'm one person--121 lbs. That's too much food on top of the Hoe Crab. I actually took half my desert and half my Ben's Bowl to go. To me and the couple next to me he essentially said, with an irritated tone, "Is that all? No big plates? Ok, let me know if you need to see the menu again later..." and walked away. What turned me off was, why does it bother you how much food people order unless it's about wanting a bigger tip? There was another guy who seemed like a maitre d who came to check on me whose pleasantness and helpfulness with setting me up to take my food back to the room felt very genuine. I liked him. Overall, the food is great. The music is a vibe. I would go back. read more

Dōgon - rum cake - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've been to this restaurant a few times now and have tried a some of their dishes multiple times. The food is consistently good. The service is always great and the ambiance is lively. Piri Piri Salad: 10/10 - the gooseberries were a nice touch! Hoe Crab: 9.5/10 - I think this is a creative dish. I would never think to put stew with crab but it works! Ben's Bowl: 8.5/10 Charbroiled Oysters: 8.5/10 - Adding stew to an oyster dish is creative. Other than that these are just regular grilled oysters. They're definitely good. Corn Bread: 10/10 - The bread is soft. The butter is immaculate. No notes! Branzini: 8/10 - This is a solid dish. I'd definitely get it again. Mom Dukes Shrimp: 7.5/10 The dish was good but I've had better shrimp. Rice & Chicken: 10/10 - Very flavorful! Rum Cake: 10/10 - Soooo good! Cherries & Cream: 8/10 - it's good but the rum cake is better. read more

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Omg this place is definitely a great dining experienxe. From the moment we entered in, we were well-treated from the hosting stand to our water. The waiter gave some wonderful suggestions, which we ended up taking. He suggested we get the collared greens and branzjno, which were great. My friend and I also agree the carrots and lamb. The food came as it was being made and paired with the appropriate dishes. Everything was so wonderful. I would definitely come back, perhaps getting the bread also. Note because this is a dining experience, it does take a minute for all the food to come. They are preparing it as fresh as possible. We stayed for the full 2-3 hours for our experience. Just enjoy your dining company and enjoying the ambiance. The music in the background is also great! read more

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Chef Kwame does it again! I was a fan of Kith/Kin at the Wharf, and Dogon brings a cool vibe here with the same flavorful food. Our server, Lumi (not sure of spelling), was awesome! Very attentive and gave great food recs. Loved the Coco bread, bbq greens, curry fish, and rum cake. Valet parking was a little steep at $30, but wouldn't deter me from visiting again. read more

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First, I have to say (get your wallet prepared) --when I stepped into the restaurant, the atmosphere was completely different from the hotel (Salamander). It felt like walking into a chic, seductive space (def the perf date night spot). The lighting was dim, everyone was speaking at a respectful tone and even though we arrived 30 minutes past our reservation time (thank you, DC traffic), they still accommodated us! We were seated in the bar area (which we LOVED) since our original table was given away. However, that ended up working out because we were greeted by the lovely Ms. Ivory, She made one of the best drinks I've had in a while--my taste buds were dancing. I ordered the Flower Pot Punch and my friend had a mango-based NA drink (name slipped my mind), and both were well-balanced, flavorful, and the liquor DID NOT get lost in the mix lol. Her service was outstanding; she checked on us consistently and clearly knew the menu and dishes very well. Now on to the food. The cocoa bread was a 10/10. The oysters, unfortunately, were disappointing--they tasted reheated & was not fresh, so 2/10. The wagyu was incredibly tender and moist, practically melting in my mouth--9/10. The hoe crab dish? I could eat that every day. It had the perfect kick (I love spice), and they were generous with the crab--10/10. As for the chicken and Jollof rice--the chicken was moist but could've benefited from a longer marinade to deepen the flavor (ironically, it tasted better the next day). The Jollof rice was cooked in a shrimp broth, which I wasn't expecting, and the flavor threw me off. I disliked it, and the guest seated next to me agreed. I was anticipating a more traditional Naija-style Jollof--so that's a 6/10. And the rum cake? Make sure you order two--one to enjoy there and one to take home. It absolutely broke the scale. PS: whoever was in charge of the playlist, tell them I need it expeditiously! read more

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LOVE LOVE LOVE! The food, service, and ambience was all 5 stars. I wish I lived closer to DC so I can eat here everyday. We ordered a variety of dishes after discussion with our waitress. Such a kind soul (sorry I don't recall their name). We had fired fish, corn bread, jollof rice (least favorite), greens ( favorite, favorite). I wish I can each meal in detail. The culinary experience of all items except the jollof rice was magical. A bit of a heads up: nothing is like what you think it will be. The corn bread was nothing I've ever tasted. The jollof rice will not taste like how your mom would cook it. So don't walk in with tastebud expectations. Though we didn't try everything on the menu, I don't think you will be disappointed with any of their options. Note: I am writing this review months after so skimpy on the details. Go try this place for yourself. Please! read more

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Made a resy since I would be in town for a race that weekend. First off, the Salamander Hotel is beautiful. As I approached I was taken aback by how grand the building was from the outside. Once inside it's easy to see that Dogon and Tatiana are sister restaurants. They share similar vibes, color schemes, etc. As for the food, the dishes are made to share so if you're dining alone (like me) you're going to have a bit of an issue ordering. I decided to get two Small Share plates and a side of cornbread. The cornbread had this spiced butter which added the perfect kick to the cornbread. For my small shares I ordered the BBQ Greens and the Hoe Crab. Both were flavorful and because I ate them by myself, they were VERY filling. read more

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As someone who's been to Dogon a couple of times I can definitely say that I've experienced a few hits and misses. Let's start off with the interior which is dimmed slightly beyond perfection and is sure to have a more seasoned crowd reaching for their phone light. The spacing of the tables also needs a bit work as they're far too close for comfort and forces one to whisper during intimate conversations or fear that all will know that your cousin Sara ran off with the milk man lol. Despite the interior I can definitely say that the service is solid. All of my servers have been great, however something was missing 4/5. Now the piece de resistance: the food. I can appreciate it when restaurants revamp not only their food but their drink menu as well. However, their new cocktail menu dulls in comparison to their summer option which was filled with several martini options. I asked for the server to see if they could recreate the P Star martini (sans vanilla as they apparently didn't have any in house). They gave it their best shot, but it was mediocre and they apparently topped it off in the back with sparkling wine as well. Yikes! Don't they realize one of the best parts is when you can top it off yourself. Some of my favorite bites were the bbq greens, Ben's bowl, the curry branzino (per a friend) and the rum cake. Some misses were the coco bread ( I know don't shoot me), sweet and sour cabbage, bone marrow with shredded lamb (no longer on the menu). Long story short, I may stop by if they have an early resy. However, I don't think that I'll be back for a celebratory occasion 3.8/5. read more

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Us 4 were seated within 10 min of arriving. Your evening is accompanied by smooth jams at a volume that doesn't requiring hollering across the table at your dining partners. It's a dark, moody space. You can dress all the way up or wear something fancy casual. Two of us had mocktails, and lemme tell you something... they cost just as much as the cocktails eg ~$20. It costs just as much to be sober as it does to get boozy, boo. Also, our waiter mixed up the drinks and gave the alcoholic one to a pregnant person. He quickly corrected when we told him. We were told to get 4-6 smalls and at least 2 large plates for the 4 of us. It turned out fitting and became somewhat like a tasting since we shared everything. They ask that you order everything all at once. Yes, you can add more dishes later. We enjoyed every single thing that came out. I couldn't wrap my head around the concept of bbq greens but it was very good and tasted like traditional black American holiday greens, yanno the kind where you wanna drink the soup/base lol. My top faves were that, the pork belly, and tuna. We did feel that at least 2 of the dishes had very similar flavor profiles and weren't as distinct as we'd hope for but it didn't take away from a well done meal. We look forward to returning! read more

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