Had such a wonderful time at Dogon! The whole experience felt personal and special from the moment we walked into the Salamander Hotel and were guided right to the restaurant. Huge shoutout to our waiter, Travis. He was amazing. He remembered our names, gave great recommendations, and made the night feel extra memorable. We tried the hoe crab, charbroiled oysters, the chicken and rice and the rum cake. Everything was delicious and perfectly seasoned. The ambiance is stunning, modern yet cozy, with beautiful lighting and great energy. It's the perfect spot for a nice dinner in D.C. with amazing service and great food. read more

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I had very high hopes for Dogon, so much so that I chose this place for our anniversary dinner. The ambiance is really beautiful with the dim lighting and everything. However, what really fell short for me was the food and wait time between dishes. The ben's bowl was extremely disappointing for me. It was almost inedibly salty to me. My husband who has a very high tolerance for salt even said the dish was way too salty. If it wasn't for the sauce that it came with (which felt cut down the saltiness a bit) I would have had to send it back, which I very very rarely do. This is what we started the meal with so I was disappointed from the get-go. The hoe crab came next, and truly was the best thing we tried there. It was phenomenal and an extremely well balanced dish. So good that I wish it came with a couple more blinis. The last dish we tried was the Curry Branzino and this was also pretty good in terms of flavor. The rice and peas it came with perfectly complimented the dish. However, they filleted it not so great. There was tons of bones in this fish, almost in every bite. I was surprised a restaurant like this would serve fish this way. I was able to dig out the bones from my mouth but can't say this for everyone--it can definitely get stuck in someone's throat. We got a few cocktails which were quite enjoyable, although on the pricy side. Got the rum cake for dessert which was pretty good, you could definitely taste the rum, however little too big for two people to share. The service itself was pretty good, however we sat for 25+ minutes simply waiting for our Branzino to come out. We were done with our other dishes but that dish took so long to come out that we were running late to our next plans. We told our waiter we were in a rush to he thankfully sped up the dessert and check. Also I've been to hundreds of nice dinners in DC and have rarely felt that the food was overpriced, but that's exactly how I felt at Dogon. Paying $72 dollars for essentially a chicken and rice dish felt pretty insane (so we didn't get that dish). But truly many items on the menu were so costly it deterred me from trying and ordering a bunch of dishes. Unfortunately I don't think I would go back. I'm glad I got to try it though and very happy to see a successful high-end African restaurant in DC! read more

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My 500th review goes to none other than the place I enjoyed my BEST MEAL OF 2025. Dōgon's ambiance felt so upscale, intentional, and sexy. It took me back to the energy of 90's hip hop and R&B with the perfect soundtrack loud enough to hear Jodeci, Babyface, and some of my other timeless faves playing in the background. Dark woodworking wrapped the space in warmth, while dim, moody lighting set the tone for intimacy and indulgence. Plush navy velvet lounge seating invited you to linger, sip slowly, and sink into the rhythm of the room. This place was such a vibe... a big mood, a whole experience, not to be missed. There wasn't a single bite I didn't love or plate we didn't devour. The Coco Bread was nice and warm with the most pillowy soft inside and came with a yummy sorghum butter. The Charbroiled Oysters arrived smoldering, drenched in Croatian butter, topped with Parmigiano, and a bold red sauce, merging a light smokey flavor with the perfect amount of brine. They were so decadent that we almost ordered a second round but we wanted to try more of the menu selections. The carrot Tigua was delicious, rich in flavor, and presented beautifully as were the Mom Duke's shrimp and that utterly divine, crispy lamb plate. The Hoe Crab was phenomenal and like nothing I'd ever had before.... Pricey but worth every penny. The Curry Branzino was my favorite dish I tried and made me roll my eyes back in my head and sing in my seat, LOL... The most perfectly cooked fish nestled in a velvety coconut mussel curry, with zucchini and callaloo, I have been dreaming about having again, since the moment we left. The lobster escovitch also did not disappoint and had just the right amount of kick to it. Lastly, that rum cake wasn't anything I expected to "wow" me, but I ended up loving it and cleaning the dessert plate. Special shout out to Chef Kwame and manager Caro for coming over throughout the night to engage us and our (then) infant daughter, so warm and kindly. They made us feel like family and invited us back with the sweetest affirmations and compliments extended about our mini and us as new parents. This was genuinely the best date night of our year and we can't wait to check them out again for another epic date night in 2026. read more

I was so excited to try Dogon as someone who has dined at Tatiana three times to date and loved every meal I had there. I truly had hoped Dogon would be even better, and the reviews were pushing that narrative. Then I went to Dogon and disappointment reigned supreme. The space in the Salamander hotel is pretty, but doesn't feel right for Dogon - it just feels like a fancy hotel restaurant rather than it's trying to make a statement. You might think Tatiana has this problem, but Tatiana is about New York, and so putting Tatiana in Lincoln Center in the NY Phil's home as an homage to what was there before is actually touching. Maybe there is a historical piece here that I'm missing, but if not, it looks like a nice hotel restaurant. The menu is simple and understandable, we started with cocktails that were good, but not $25 good. Then the cornbread at $15 for two pieces of cornbread solidified the concern I had after having a drink that everything was going to be very overpriced for the value. Truly too bad because that cornbread was great, but maybe worth $9 at most - honestly had it come free for the table, it would have set a very different tone for the rest of the meal. Dishes came after we ordered and there were good dishes and bad. Hoe crab for example couldn't actually be better. The crab was just so perfectly tasty and the flavors stunning in every way. There could have been more pancakes for it though. The other truly standout dish was the bone marrow - so rich, so beautiful, exactly what I wanted. This was maybe the best dish of the meal. On the other side of the spectrum was a $90+ wagyu short rib that was so bad. Nobody wanted to eat any of it - it was truly terrible. The oysters were good and they tasted like cheese, however, there were only 3 when we ordered 4. We pointed this out, they said they'd bring another, and 15 minutes later hadn't. The oysters were cold, so they brought us a new set of four comped on the house. It was silly though, why not just get it right, or fix it right away. The chicken was good, but not that much better than street cart Chicken and Rice at a portion of that price. That became the theme of the night. We ended up spending over $800 for 4 people without trying to spend too much money. We won't be going back. read more

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Dogon is giving 5-star luxury flavor all in one. From the moment I stepped out of the Uber Black, and onto the pavement the vibe was elevate. Upon entry I was greeted with R&B classics sleek design, attentive staff, & ambiance. The music made me feel like I was at a friend's home jamming' and vibing. It's definitely more than your average night out; this was an experience. The Food: * Coco Bread: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. Perfect warm-up to the meal. * Charbroiled Oysters: Smoky, rich, and balanced with just the right seasoning. Not authentic Nawlins deliciousness but they'll do. * Chicken & Rice: T'was not your grandmas chicken & rice it was Berbere Chicken with Jollof Rice: Bold, fragrant, and absolutely unforgettable. The chicken was so tender with that perfect berbere spice kick layered, complex, and not overpowering. The jollof rice paired beautifully with the chicken. The chicken alone is reason to come back. * Cherries & Cream: Light, refreshing, and the perfect sweet ending without being heavy. * Flower Pot Punch: Gorgeous presentation almost too pretty to drink. Fruity, vibrant, and had the kind of smooth kick that sneaks up on you. The service was impeccable. Warm, attentive without hovering, and the timing of each course felt effortless. Every dish came out looking like a piece of art but also delivered on taste not one weak link. Final word: Dogon didn't just meet the hype; it set the standard! If you're in DC and want a true dining experience that feeds both your appetite and your soul, Dogon is it. read more

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As a hugeeeee fan of Tatiana, I was super excited to hear that Chef Kwame Onwuachi had a restaurant in DC. Ambiance was beautiful-- the mood is very dark, vibey, and classy, just like its sister restaurant Tatiana. Overall, food and drinks were amazingggg! It was as good as Tatiana!! Service was a bit... questionable. One of my biggest icks is when the staff keeps coming back to take the plates away (when it's clear that we have a lot of food left and we are still working on it). Once or twice is fine, but when different staff come back in the span of 10 minutes 5X times? That's when it gets... a bit annoying. - Hoe crab: 100/10 (the crab was sooo yummy! It was slightly spicy and it went really well with the buttery potato pancakes and the creamy green sauce) - Branzino: 100000/10 (honestly probably the best branzino I've eaten ever) - Cocktails: 100/10 (we went a bit crazy on the cocktails and ordered one of each and wowww they were all amazing! We especially loved the GT&T-- it was like a really refreshing gin and tonic) Overall, I def want to be back but I'm hoping I won't be rushed the next time I'm here!! read more

Dōgon - Hoe crab - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Came here for an anniversary dinner, and wow! Food, drinks, service, and ambience were all incredible! Staff were extremely attentive and gave great recommendations, even received a congratulatory sparkling wine for our anniversary. For starters, got the Jerk Mushroom, Hoe Crab, Pork Belly, and Mom Duke's Shrimp. The Hoe Crab and Shrimp were by far my favorite of the night - the hoe crab was EXCEPTIONAL, and came with these delightfully fluffy plantain cakes. I don't normally enjoy crab, but the crab was delicious, served with this chili oil type sauce and creamy sauce that paired so well with the subtly sweet and fluffy plantain cake. Also, the Mom Duke's Shrimp was AMAZING!! The shrimp head in particular was so flavorful, and we made sure to use the bread to soak up all of the delicious sauce. The jerk mushroom and pork belly I honestly could have done without though, the charring was uneven on the mushrooms and the pork belly, while still good, didn't seem particularly special and was a little dry. For our main, we ordered the Curry Branzino which was also exceptional. It was served in a curry sauce which was reminiscent of massaman or red Thai curry, but the jollof rice that it came with was also one of my favorites! Seasoned very well and paired well. I loved all the drinks I got as well, all of which well balanced. (astronomer, flower pot punch, and mango basil) For dessert, got an absolutely scrumptious rum cake that had gooseberries on top, which was SO unique and did such a great job cutting the richness of the cake! Would love to come back to try more items, was sad the oxtail patties were out. read more

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Food 5.0/5.0 Service 4.0/5.0 Value 3.0/5.0 Decor 4.0/5.0 Overall 4.5/5.0 Amazing meal. Service was very smooth, and Travis in particular was great. The flavors were amazing... just amazing. I must come back... if I can get a reservation again. And I really need to try to myself to Tatiana... somehow... read more

It took a long time to secure a reservation at Dōgon, but we finally got one for our anniversary. The hostess staff were friendly and very helpful, and we were seated near the bar. I was eager to try several dishes on the menu, but unfortunately, the short rib was removed shortly before our visit. The hoe crab appetizer was unique and tasty, which I enjoyed as a seafood lover. The mom dukes shrimp was good, though I would have preferred it with less sauce. My wife, who is a vegetarian, found limited options on the menu. She ordered the cabbage, which was just okay but incredibly overpriced for what it was. She did love the cornbread. We didn't like the rum cake at all. The cocktails were flavorful and offered a nice variety. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I wouldn't mind returning, but it would probably be if someone invited me. Accessibility: We sat close to the door and didn't see the entire restaurant, but it was easy to get to our seat with a mobility scooter, and the staff kindly provided a place to store it. read more

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We had a lovely evening celebrating a birthday at Dōgon at the Salamnder on a Tuesday evening. We set reservations for 5 PM a few weeks before and had no problem grabbing a spot. We did valet but had some trouble locating (drive to the entrance of the Salamander Hotel). We ordered everything lol. The drinks were too sweet but everything else was amazing. We ordered the cabbage, branzino (amazing), chicken (very good), hoe crab (definitely a highlight), piri piri salad (light and lovely), rum cake (huge but good), shrimp, and lamb. The restaurant is beautiful and the service is amazing. I've been to Tatiana and they're very similar (Tatiana has better food). This is quite the dining experience. Love Chef Kwame; I'll be back! read more

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From the second we walked through the doors, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. From beginning to end, service was fantastic and thoughtful (especially our server, Oliver like Oliver Twist), explaining each dish and moving at a perfect pace, with just the right balance between attentiveness while being left to enjoy the moment. Standout dishes were the coco bread and the chicken and rice. The hoe cakes were a more popular small plate but we actually preferred Ben's Bowl, which packed more punch without being too filling. The chicken and rice was both delicious and spicy, making me feel like I was invited to someone's home to experience their food rather than being built to suit my untrained palette. The rum cake closed off the night perfectly, elevating the dessert from my childhood in a way I could never replicate at home. My companion and I are both from the Caribbean (Haiti & Cuba) and I am a DC Native with strong ties to NYC and Dogon expertly took us through a narrative story of Chef Kwame's experience and culture, making a stop at each city or region of influence. Visited Nov 2025 read more

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I've been lucky to visit Dōgon four times in recent months. Every single time, the food has been absolutely incredible- some of the most delicious and memorable dishes I've tried anywhere in DC. The piri piri salad is one of the best things I've eaten all year and is the only thing I've gotten every single time I've visited; I would also recommend pretty much any of the small plates. Although the food is a standout, I do think the service in the main restaurant could be stronger. Every time I've eaten in the main dining room, there are runners constantly circulating to try to take away your plates. We had three different runners in the span of under 10 minutes come to our table last week to try to take away the same dishes. I think it's kind of unfair to tell customers food will come out as it's ready, but then to whisk away plates the second your fork picks up the last mouthful. It makes a wonderful meal feel more rushed and doesn't match the upscale ambiance of the dining room and experience. I also think some of the pricing is pretty steep for what you get, especially the bread courses. $15 for coco bread or two pieces of cornbread is tough to swallow. $98 for shortrib that was pretty fatty was also disappointing- I wouldn't get it again. In general, I think the small plates are more impressive than the larger share options, although the chicken and rice is surprisingly delicious and flavorful- the BBQ greens, piri piri salad, hoe crab, Ben's bowl, and charbroiled oysters are honestly all incredible. I do think the menu should note that extra hoe cakes for the hoe crab are an upcharge ($6), because you don't get very many for the portion of crab. On a more personal note, I was so disappointed that the cocktail menu was rotated out- the collection of sidecars here (especially the Chevalier and Yasuke) were so memorable and some of the best cocktails I've had. The replacements were great, but I really missed those and wish they had still been available off menu! I will say that the bar at Dōgon is exceptional and I've only had a few misses (the flower pot punch is pretty syrupy). read more

Celebrity-chef (is that correct? I don't know ‍ but he is famous) Kwame Onwuachi had a previous restaurant called Kith & Kin in DC but it closed right around the pandemic and I was DYING to try it! Now Chef Kwame has an extremely popular restaurant in NYC and catered the Met Gala and brought some sort of branch of his empire back to DC. Hmmm... that was definitely a run-on sentence, #grammarfailure ... Anyway, I was super excited to be able to finally go to his restaurant, even with my misgivings about hotel restaurants (notoriously over-priced, often over-hyped) and don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the meal, the food is not necessarily over-hyped, but man is it over-priced!!!! Like probably 30% more than it should be. And look, I will pay a pretty penny for something truly exciting and unique (something like $40 for three of the same dessert at Perry's and $60 for king crab legs, also as dessert), but there is a Ghanaian restaurant called Elmina also in DC that is doing some great things with African curries, skewers and some truly delightful crudos - and at like 2/3 the price! Maybe if I hadn't just been to Elmina and had a superior time there, dining on some exquisite dishes, this experience would have been a little more titillating, but alas - we left before dessert Honestly, it was the price. I am truly over the $25+ cocktails and paying for bread - something that used to be free! I get paying for specialty bread, but those coco breads are $15.00 for 5 and they are small and hardly anything more than a white dinner roll. PLUS you get three of them with the bone marrow dish, so just order that. Also the cornbread, though delightful, was $15 for two small slices?!? Highway robbery! It's comparable at Founding Farmers or Wildfire and there you get a small skillet and it's like 5 bucks! I don't know, I was just super excited for this experience and I just can't say it's worth it. The food was very good, but I can't justify recommending the place due to the price... read more

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Had the opportunity to check out Dogon. This place is great for a date night! The decor and the lighting definitely give grown and intimate vibes. They do offer valet parking which is a great option. Reservations are hard to snag. Our waitress was very friendly and personable and explained the menu well. The portions are made for sharing. However the items that we ordered all came out at different times. The meal felt a little disjointed. Coco Bread 10/10 Corn Bread 9/10 Sweet and Sour Cabbage 8/10 Bbq Greens 8/10 a little kick at the end Curry Branzino 9/10 I'm not sure if I would return. The service was great and loved the experience, but I'm not sure there are enough options that I would want to go back and try. read more

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DOGON by Chef Kwame: I had dinner at this exclusive black-owned restaurant. It is difficult to get Saturday night reservations so we were lucky. REVIEW: DECOR: 8/10 It's very minimalistic, but classy. Very dark inside, so perfect for date night. The music playing in the background was R&B. SERVICE: From the doorman to the waiters, it was great 10/10. At one point we had at least 2-3 serving us. FOOD: 7/10 Breakdown: Bone Marrow=9, Coco Bread=10, Shrimp=6, We opted for the whole fish=9 with the Jollof rice=2. Rum cake=10. Very delicious. Overall, I'm would recommend the place for a luxurious dining experience for special occasions. Want more authentic opinions? Check out my video reviews and more on my various platforms: CocoaAlmondJoy/CocoasJoy read more

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I was happy to finally have the opportunity to visit this restaurant. It's been the talk of the town for a while. The restaurant is an intimate setting with dim lighting. Great spot for a date night or girls night out. Reservation: Highly Recommended. We were seated at the bar after being added to the waitlist. Our bartender Ivy, was very knowledgeable of the menu. She offered great suggestions when we couldn't decide what to order. We visiting for after dinner drinks and dessert. The menu is divided into a small share and large share. Cocktail : Espresso Martini delicious Ordering two is a must!! 5 Coco bread: Not sweet. Tastes like a regular yeast roll. 3 Mom Dukes Shrimp: way too spicy for my taste buds. I wasn't able to finish them due to the spice level. It simply wasn't for me. Highly recommend if you prefer spicy seafood. 3 Rum Cakes: The rum cake was AMAZING! I didn't care for the fruit or the whipped cream. I was pleasantly surprised my the delicious flavors. I've been thinking about this cake for days Highly recommend 10 Overall, I really enjoyed my visit. The service was excellent, the drinks were well-crafted, and the rum cake alone is reason enough to come back. I'm already looking forward to returning to try the Branzino. read more

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Everything was all I expected. Great service Waiter very attentive A/C was on high (a lil too cold for me) Overall experience "10" read more

Dogon is located at the Salamander Hotel, located in a more quieter part of Southwest and away from the Wharf. My girlfriend was able to score an early dinner reservation at 5:30 for two. We were in awe of the lux atmosphere and enjoyed everything on the menu. We ordered charboiled oysters (just okay compared to Cordelia Fishbar), Piri Piri salad (refreshing but slightly underwhelming), Curry Brazino (star of the night), and Chicken and rice (nothing special but executed well). The waiter had a cool and relaxed demeanor throughout the night, but recommended way too many dishes for two people. We were stuffed. Wished we had ordered less and focused more on the appetizers and one main. Definitely would love to come back to try other mains! read more

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This place was amazing! I can see why it's on the Michelin list as well as why it doesn't have a Michelin star. The service was great, but those putting down the food and explaining them could've been a little bit better. The hostesses had a little bit of an attitude, but the food was AMAZING. Our favorite things on the menu were the cornbread and rum cake. The cabbage was ok. My partner really liked the pork belly as well as the Wagyu. read more

I decided to take my hubs on a date for an elevated experience of fan favorites (think branzino and greens). From the first step into the space, we were welcomed with warmth and professionalism. The decor and feel of the space immediately served romatic, home, and cozy vibes. After being walked to our table, water service was prompt. I appreciated the staff helping each other with things like drinks, service, and follow-ups. There was a lot of movement as it appeared there was to be no table left unseen/unheard. I tried to order everything that initially caught our eye. Food delivery was quick and very good. My favs included the Coco Bread (could eat a million of those), BBQ Greens, Branzino, and Rum Cake.There was only item that I would change, and that would be the Jollof Rice. I am not a heavy seafood eater, and my rice had a strong(er) seafood taste. I later found out they did offer a version without the seafood flavor, so if I tried it again, this would be my preference. Even with the rice rating, I would still give this experience 5 stars! As a note, they do offer menu changes, so my options may or may not be available during your visit. I would love to know what you loved off the menu and I look forward to visiting again soon!! Parking Note: we did utilize their valet services for ease, but you may be able to find alternative parking should you decide. read more

Thoughtful menu, with well prepared food. Flavors hit every part of tongue. Confident spices. Service was the best I've had (ever?). Excellent storytelling. Every staff member owns the place. There is a deep pride here. The ambiance was perfect--elevated, but accessible. The playlist is a vibe. GREAT lighting. I cannot wait to return. TIP: If you book an early dinner and arrive before restaurant opens.....the lobby of Salamander is a great place to enjoy a drink beforehand. They have excellent bar snacks-- popcorn. I personally love early reservations for popular spots....best time to get prime service. Experience feels curated. read more

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Dogon has been on my list for awhile so I'm glad I finally made it out there. I will say driving up to the hotel/restaurant was really breathtaking. I love to layout and architecture. And I could immediately tell a perfect place for a date night. They currently have valet for about $50 for the first 2 hours and I'm unsure of how much it is after that. I took an Uber in because I wasn't too sure about the parking based off the reviews. When you first walk in there's this beautiful instagramable fringe decor in front. The interior of the restaurant is very dimly lit and the music added to the whole vibe. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the restaurant. A lot of the items on the menu have some spicy ingredients so I definitely relied on him to tell me the best options. A few standouts: FLOWER POT PUNCH |24| I wanted a sweet drink and this was one of the 2 cocktails available. It came in a glass that was much smaller than expected. While good, I don't think I'd order this again. COCO BREAD |15| This was one of my favorite items. The bread was warm, fluffy and paired very well with the butter. I'm used to cook a bread being a tad bit sweeter than what this was, it tasted more like a roll. Which I'm completely fine with. PIRI PIRI SALAD |26| I heard a lot about this dish as in it was definitely unique salad. I was more so intrigued by the reviews. But all in all I was very disappointed by this dish. I know that there was a lot of technique that probably went into it but in the end it's still felt like a salad to me. When I think I went in with my expectations a little too high. BEN'S BOWL |25| This was also another favorite that I had. I love the crispy exterior with how the lamb breaks apart. I loved the texture and how flavorful it was. RUM CAKE |17| I really enjoyed how moist the cake was. Definitely a highlight however me and my friend agreed that it would be amazing with some ice cream. OVERALL: I would definitely return as it looks like they change some items on their menu from time to time. You can definitely tell a lot of technique and thought went into the dishes read more

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The food, the service, the ambiance is top tier!! From the moment you walk into this restaurant, it's a modern, chic, artsy, lounge vibe with 90s/2000s r&b playing in the background. The decor is stunning!! The mix of different fabrics, metals, navy blue, gold accents, wood...chef's kiss The unisex single stall bathrooms are a wonderful concept, and the open kitchen is intriguing. The cocktails (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) are available, which I truly appreciate, and everything on the menu is described in detail. The food....spectacular!! We enjoyed everythannnggg we ordered! I can't wait to return. Our server was the star of the show (well...besides the food), and unfortunately, I did not catch their name. They recommended dishes with such enthusiasm and descriptive details. And they were spot on! Also, everyone (from the front desk to the different servers and bussers) was so cordial and attentive. And Even though we were celebrating very belated birthdays, we received a few complimentary glasses of prosecco. so thoughtful! I can't wait to return, but know this place is pricey! yelp tip: Parking....valet $50, but street parking, which is down the street, and around the corner is $2.75...pick your battle! read more

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Let me start by saying this restaurant is absolutely beautiful. I loved the decor and moody vibe inside. My friends and I had a reservation but arrived early so we did have to wait since our table wasn't ready. We sat in the hotel lobby and waited. The table was ready exactly on time which is great. The service throughout was amazing. Our waiter was thorough and checked on us frequently. He also made drink and food recommendations. We ordered the coco bread, charbroiled oysters, Mom Dukes Shrimp, and chicken and rice. The food was flavorful but the coco bread was my favorite item. The shrimp was saucy and could've used bread, rice, or grits to balance it out more. I also ordered the flower pot drink which was really good--fruity and sweet. I will say, If you're not looking to spend a lot of money, this might not be the spot to try just yet. It's on the pricier side but that's honestly what I expected. Parking can be a hassle but they do offer valet parking for $30 if you're visiting the restaurant. Overall, the experience was amazing and worth a try. read more

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Celebrated my birthday here earlier this year. The food, service, and music were all fantastic. Additionally there was a delay with our oxtail dish in the kitchen, after our greens dish had already been brought out and got cold because we wanted to enjoy the dishes together. I say this to say our server was very attentive and made sure to have the kitchen bring us out another hot greens dish at the same time as our oxtail dish, WITHOUT us asking. Top notch customer service and attention to detail. Definitely a great experience with the ambiance to match. read more

Cons: I docked a point because first and foremost, you guys need to have a phone system. I tried calling multiple times the day of my reservation for some questions I had and no one answered and one of the hostess's had the nerve to lie and say they do answer their phones. Why can't anyone reach you guys? Secondly, Chef Kwame was outside of the restaurant when I walked out and I walked up to big him up on the restaurant and how great the food was. He was on the phone and told me to hold on, fair right? When he got off the phone, I saw him walk away as fast as he could and went into the restaurant. He could've at least said something before walking off so as an owner, that's not a good luck from a customer who just paid for an expensive dining experience. Have likkle class sir. Yuh nuh "too big" fi talk to people. Anyways, on to the food, despite the cons, the food was DELICIOUS. I'll give them that. The servers were great. Great attitudes as well. As a real Jamaican, please do not expect the food to mirror ours lol. He tried but he has his spin on it. The oxtail is by no means Jamaican Oxtail so don't come expecting that. But the Branzino and rum cake are a MUST ORDER. The rice? Probably some of the best I've ever had. That's the kind of rice you can eat by itself. So flavorful. For the small plates, I highly recommend the Hoe Cake. 10/10. The flavors were well balanced and nothing tasted bad or flavorless. I'd come back for the food alone. It did NOT disappoint. read more

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Great atmosphere and food! Great for a date night, but a bit pricey for the offerings

The only thing holding back this spot from a Michelin Star is the service. I'll start with what needs improvement and end with the true accolades of this deserving spot. From the start the hostess leading people to their seats seemed uninterested. it's an attitude we see all too often in the D.C area, but you should haven't this kind of attitude working in one fo the best restaurants in the city. The waitress was helpful but not enthusiastic. Very ho-hum attitude. The food pacing was far too quick...like lightning. As soon as we finished a small plate it was replaced by another. We were just finishing our last bite of the 2nd shared plate and the main was delivered. No time to relax, discuss, savor. The large shared portion curry branzino was delivered before the greens instead of accompanying. We had to hunt down our waitress to order another cocktail, 5 minutes after our entree was delivered. Now the positives, and there are many. The hotel is obviously beautiful, as it was when it was opened as the Mandarin Oriental. The former space of Cityzen, although massively renovated, is beautiful as well. The cocktails are inventive, very well crafted, and extremely well balanced. The tamarind pork belly was absolutely delicious. Perfectly cooked and rendered with some char flavor and a sweet tamarind glaze. The hoe crab is a star in the restaurant. Just stunning flavors with a back end heat to bring everything to life. I would absolutely order this every time we visit. This dish alone deserves accolades. The curry branzino is expertly cooked. Super moist flaky fish with a perfectly crispy seared crust. Combine that with the greens and one of the best cornbread's I've ever tasted. Seriously...I want to know their secret. We didn't have any room left for dessert, b/c everything was so rich and filling, but that's par for the course for us unless it's a tasting menu. Absolutely try this place, just don't expect top tier service, which is sad. If they fix this, and it's a lot of staff replacement/training that needs to occur, they should absolutely be considered for James Beard and Michelin awards. read more

We were really looking forward to a relaxing and deliciously elegant meal at Dogon to cap off a special day.  Because we were working with other plans, our dinner was scheduled for the earliest time, as the restaurant opened.  I mention this because it was very quiet with not a lot of diners when we were there.  We enjoyed the food, though several of the flavors were more subtle than we expected and the service in general was very attentive and gracious. However, the pacing of the meal and especially the delivery of the check - unrequested - and stood up on our table before we had even started our dessert was upsetting enough to crash the whole meal.  We have no idea why our check was left to loom over our table so early.  The restaurant was in no way even a fifth full and we had barely been there one hour from sitting down to being given the bum's rush out the door.  How did they even know if we would want coffee, tea or other after meal drink?  It was so unceremoniously almost confrontational that we were stunned.  What had been a day of community and volunteering ended as one of being made to feel completely unwelcome.   It was very off putting and for that reason, we will not be going back.  The other issue with the meal pacing was that, although they mention that food will come out of the kitchen as it is prepared, we in no way thought this would mean that the entrée would arrive before all the appetizers - including a cold salad.  We have no idea why they would fire an entrée in the kitchen before the appetizers were delivered.  This is what began that feeling of being rushed.  The décor of the restaurant is simple and elegant although very dark.  You will definitely need the flashlight from your phone to read the menu.  We followed the recommendations of our server and ordered the coco bread which came with a tasty butter.  For apps, we had the piri piri salad (which oddly enough was the last non dessert item to arrive).  The suya pork belly was very tasty with a great amount of heat. The curry branzino didn't seem to have as much curry flavor as we would have wished but the fish was so well cooked we really enjoyed it.  For dessert, which I will again mention arrived virtually at the same time as the check, we had the rum cake which was also a great texture and a generous portion. We had told the server we were going to share and two forks were provided but only one plate which made one of us feel a little piggy eating out of the serving platter while the other ate off a regular plate.  I want to mention that we really appreciated the fact that serving spoons were always provided.  This is very helpful.  Additionally the young man who was responsible for filling the water glasses was great - always aware and with such a wonderful table side manner.  When these things are so well done - they are notable.  And, when things are not as well done - like that hostile check delivery - they leave a deep impression as well.  Can you tell how much that affected us by the number of times I have mentioned it?  Hopefully, future diners will not have their meal end so abruptly and unpleasantly as our did. read more

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If you are ever lucky enough to get a reservation at Tatiana in NYC, you already expect Chef Kwame to blow your senses and tastebuds away. Dōgon far exceeded my expectations. Inside the Salamander Hotel, Dōgon is almost tucked away and hidden to the side. I checked in early for the reservation, and only had about a 10 or so-minute wait before I was seated before my reservation time. The ambiance is dimly lit, cozy aesthetically, and seating-wise, with loud R&B music throughout. I had 2 servers attend to me throughout the night, Ida and Nya. Nya recommended the Venus Envy over the other drink that initially caught my eye, and I was glad I went with it. The Venus Envy contains Mijenta Reposado Tequila, Chinola Passionfruit, Spiced Pineapple, Vanilla, Coconut, and Boba Jelly on the side. All of the flavors created a captivating drink well worth its price. I ordered the Hoe Crab as my appetizer, which came out surprisingly fast (as did my main course.) I was instructed the best way to eat it was to layer the crab on top of the plantain cake and dip it into the sauce. Beyond the fact that I've never seen a plantain cake before, it instantly became a party in my mouth! Each bite transported your senses to a ride of warmth and flavors. The cakes were the right balance of crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. For dinner, I ordered the Jerk BBQ Lamb bone marrow. The lamb was lined across an open bone, and it was accompanied by 3 pieces of coco bread to make a slider. Another 10/10 dish. I preferred the white grape sauce over the calypso, but the lamb itself could not have been any more spectacular. To end the night, I had a very generous piece of Rum Cake. The vanilla whip and fruit made for an excellent pairing, and the cake itself was thick, moist, and not lacking any rum flavor. If you can score a reservation here, run and don't walk! read more

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Celebrated our 5 year anniversary here. Great vibes, love the story behind the chef. Wanted to give a 5 but not every dish hit unfortunately. We ubered over so I can't speak to parking. Service was 5/5, very professional and knowledgeable. Since it was our 5 year anniversary, we were greater with champagne! 2.5/5 coco bread - nothing outstanding. Didn't even eat a full one to save room in my stomach. 3/5 oysters - really wanted to love them but I'm afraid we didn't eat them the second they came out and the broiled part on top was like one big piece. 3/5 Ben's Bowl - not our fav. Maybe it was over cooked because it was fried? Just didn't stand out. Almost forgot to review it. 5/5 Hoe crab - unique, spicy, delish on the mini pancakes. 5/5 branzino - massive serving after a few small plates. Unique flavors, tender fish, great sauce. 5/5 wagyu - almost didnt order based on unfavorable reviews but we thought it was good! Large portion with the toast so maybe don't go "all out" if you're also getting this. Meat was tender, bread was crispy and topped with yummy salad 5/5 cocktails - we got the P martini and the bourbon special drink (for the month of May) and both were delish! Overall, I enjoyed the vibe and service but don't feel like I need to go back. If we did however the branzino and hoe crab would be reorderable. read more

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Nice. It was a really nice experience. Family style so prepare to share and taste everything. We all ranked top three and here they are: Awaze Short Ribs (not my fave but got multiple votes for #1)... piri piri salad ... mom dukes shrimp... rum cake. Branzino was also cool. I didn't even taste the greens cause the callaloo under the branzino was great. Yes you pay for bread. I'd suggest don't. Bread elements come in meals- hocakes or garlic toast. Dark ambiance was cute and made it a personalized experience. Everyone wasn't minding everyone's business. Staff was great. Attentive, professional and friendly. Also... did i say get the rum cake?? So great. Not at all disappointed read more

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There was a mouse running around the dining area. It was probably 4 inches or so and the staff could not catch it. This is supposedly one of the best restaurants in DC and the food was amazing however I was shocked when me and one of the other people at the table noticed the mouse running across the floor. They didn't seat anyone in the area where they thought the mouse had went. The manager told us that they had been trying to catch it and it had been running around for a little while. Service was wonderful and the food was great however that definitely affected the experience. read more

Dōgon - Chicken and rice, oxtail with rice and beans - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Service: 10/10 because of Gregory. He was warm, engaging, genuinely helpful, and made one of the best cocktails I've had in a long time. He's the kind of staff member who makes you want to come back. The overall vibe of the restaurant is beautiful, calm, and welcoming even the hosts at the door set the right tone. Food: not worth the price. The Wagyu itself was great, but pairing it with some basic cheese toast made it feel like two completely different meals. For $100+, it should come with a more thoughtful side or presentation. I added cocoa bread, which actually worked better than what came with it. I also ordered the hoe cakes appetizer, which was served on actual rocks and one accidentally ended up in my mouth. And small shells throughout the dish with a sauce that lacked flavor. Presentation was unique, but not in a good way. Between the appetizers, entrée, and drink, I spent over $250, and the food just didn't rise to the level of the service or the beautiful setting. Bottom line: Gorgeous space. Exceptional service from Gregory. Great drink. But the food felt lackluster and overpriced for what you get. read more

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Stunning establishment! Modern, sleek contemporary design. The restaurant is gorgeous! Upon arriving the hosts were charming, first impression, I'm immediately reminded that this is a "fine dining" establishment. The playlist was everything! From Lauryn Hill, to Ro James, and even Jay Z, "Excuse me, Miss, what's your name". The place is live! Once seated, our waitress came over and immediately welcomed us to Dōgon. She gave her recommendation on dishes and how to order. For fine dining experiences, I'm always on the lookout for manager presence which I saw. There may have been two people who looked the part but I never confirmed who they were as neither came to our table to check in or greet us. For me, if we are spending 200$-500$ for dinner, yes I need to know everyone! Especially if you want me to come back! There is nothing better than good genuine hospitality. Our food was well executed and came quickly! The food was exquisite and presentation was great. They could have cleaned the plates for precise presentation but overall good! We will get into it in just a moment. We fine dine all the time. The DMV area is saturated with great restaurants so for me I need a reason to come back or not. Even with all the good, I'm not sure if I'd come back, the food was great, the ambiance was great but the "It" factor wasn't there for me. Our waitress was good but fine dine details with her service were amiss. The small portions with big price tags were to be expected but an up charge for extra plantain cakes for the Hoe crab was offensive. $8 for an additional 6, silver dollar plantain cakes. My mouth dropped. I'll spend money, no issue but some things should be complimentary when you're already paying a premium for a dish. Egregious! Let's Get Into It! Charbroiled Oysters - Good but not the best in the DMV. Hoe Crab - Full of flavor! Excellent. The side plantain hoe cakes were delicious. Curry Branzino- Delicious! Mama Dukes Shrimp- Delicious! Rum Cake - Good! With the limited menu, this place is less desirable than expected. I was looking forward to coming here, just won't be running back anytime soon. read more

Truly a wonderful dining experience. The menu is like a story that just keeps unfolding with each dish! We had the Hoe Crab, Charbroiled Oysters, Shrimp, Crispy Lamb and Chicken and Jollof. First off, honorable mention to the coco bread which was a greater starter and paired well with our small plates. The Hoe Crab was simply delicious-- it was paired with red stew which I wasn't expected but it went well with the pancakes which were like pillows of heaven. The crispy lamb had a great texture and the typical gaminess of lamb. The charbroiled oyster were near perfection and I wanted more immediately, but ironically, the chicken and jollof was the least appealing plate. I knew better than to spend $70 on chicken and jollof LOL but the chicken was bland and the jollof kind of just tasted like tomato rice. That being said, I still a wonderful dining experience and the waiters made really excellent recs (apart from the rice and chicken). read more

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Dogon's popularity may be its own worse enemy. Just like standing in line for an hour and spending $100 to get "in the club"..not that I've ever done that.. Lol, but I digress. Expectations are heightened when these things happen, so here we go. Located inside the stunning Salamander Hotel (formally the Mandarin Oriental), Dogon is as sexy a restaurant you'll ever see. Reservations are extremely hard to come by and you have to make them weeks in advance, so my mistake could have been critical. Probably distracted, I booked for the 20th instead of the 13th. The lovely hosts somehow squeezed us in and this place was JUMPING even at our 930 time slot. Kudos to the hosts!! This interaction was part of the good so lets continue with the good. Our food was GOOOD! The charbroiled oysters, jumbo shrimp, HOE Crab, and especially the Branzino all were loaded with flavor and delicious. The quality of our food was top notch! The rum cake made you close your eyes it was so good.. Damn! 5 star dining experiences are more than just about food, especially at this price point. Our server was sweet but unrefined. She needs a bit more training for such a Cosmopolitan restaurant. For instance, she was fast to remove our used plates and silverware, however, she left our table completely dirty with crumbs and put our dessert plates right on top of them. Me and my girl looked at each other like.. WTH? When I asked for a beer, she came with a can and a glass and handed both to me.. Never offering to pour the beer.. Again, you're competing with a plethora of high end restaurants in the area...pay attention to details. The last gaff I didn't notice until the bill came. My girl informed me the extra bread that we needed to finish our HOE Crab cost us an additional $8!!! Did our server inform us that we would be charged, hellllllz no. We would have finished the crab without it. Many restaurants start off popular and guess what, many fall off. Please get a hold on everything in your establishment. Parking alone may turn folks off. $30 + tip, when the Conrad charges $14 to eat at their on site restaurant. The way this Hotel is situated, valet is really your only option... So you gotta pay $40 to spend at least $300 for two?? .. Jus sayin!! I guess I would return although the menu is EXTREMELY limited, but my girl said she wouldn't. There lies the dilemma! read more

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Getting reservations at Dōgon was challenging. I'd hope being a guest at the hotel would help me secure dinner reservations, but I was only able to get a 9:30pm seating in the lounge. Upon arrival, we were seated in the main dining room instead of the lounge, giving us access to the full menu. We opted to order a variety of small plates to accompany our drinks since we ate dinner elsewhere beforehand. The lighting is very dim inside. It may be the right ambiance for date night, but I needed to turn on my phone's flashlight to see. We ordered a dozen Charbroiled Oysters, two orders of Hoe Crab, Coco Bread, and Peppa Sauce to share. The oysters were good-meaty and soft, but had too much cheese on top. The hoe crab was delicious. Perfectly seasoned and paired. I'd asked about the plantain hoe cake and was told five came with the crab. All four of us were shocked to discover they were dollar sized hoe cakes. Each hoe cake was about one bite. The coco bread was buttery soft. The star of this dining experience were the craft cocktails. Everyone raved about their drinks. I ordered the Flower Pot Punch, my sister ordered the Astronomer, and a friend ordered the Sorel Ricky. The punch came in the smallest glass, but packed a punch (potent). I can't wait to return to further explore the menu. I like the way they do food here. High marks for presentation and taste. read more

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Really thrilled to be able to check out Dogon after being an avid fan of Top Chef and various spin off shows featuring food by Kwame Onwuachi. Have to say the ambiance is lit. In the very dim way possible, its so sexy and surreal in here. You definitely feel like you're in your own space. Originally I had concerned that they booked us in the lounge area as opposed to the dining room, but dare I say the lounge is even better than the dining room because it's more secluded with more comfortable seating and still a regular seated table dinner experience. We elected to order a variety of things for our own tasting menu and everything was an absolute hit. In fact we got a gift from the kitchen of the whole fried fish which was mindblowingly delicious. Great drinks, great cocktails, and great food. Definitely a return! read more

I came here with a friend for my birthday. We had a 9pm reservation and had to wait 15-20 minutes to be seated. I was most attentive to the service at the restaurant. It wasn't bad service but I felt as though our waiter missed on several accounts. Our waiter didn't introduce the menu to us, he could not answer questions about the cocktail menu or offer suggestions, he forgot to mention that one dish (the lamb) was unavailable, and he also completely forgot to put in the peanut stew we ordered. For the price tag at Dogon these are the misses I pay attention because of the attention the restaurant has received. Now on to the food, the curry branzino was amazing I'd eat it again! The sauce had a slight heat to it and it paired nicely with the jollof rice. We also had the crab dish, the flavors were unique and nicely paired. I was a little disappointed with the presentation because the crab comes in a small bowl that's in a bigger bowl with some assortment of seems to be peppercorns and salt rocks that are not edible. I initially thought it might be a rice in the dimly lit restaurant but when I went to touch the "rice" with my fork I realized it was inedible. I wish they were more explicit about this because it feels like a dental disaster waiting to happen. The last dish that came out for us were the short ribs. I personally wouldn't recommend the short ribs, they didn't have any flavor and they were fatty. I was expecting to be blown away for $94. If you go I would recommend the crab and branzino without question. read more

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