I was in town for the weekend Looking for live…read moreentertainment and stumbled upon Lydia's. Its a small cozy environment. 2nd Saturday is live music. FutureBandDC played and killed it. We sat directly in front of the band and speakers. Id suggest pushing tables back a bit. We ordered from the late night menu. Pls note after 10pm the menu is limited. We ordered the honey hot wing and fries as well as the jerk wings. I assumed the jerk was grilled and it wasn't. They were very spicy if you like spice. We didn't order cocktails. The jerk chicken sandwich was kinda small and Chicken thighs are used. The overall vibe was decent and the price wasn't bad at all. I would visit again

Lydia on H is a cozy Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Washington, D.C., offering a unique fusion of…read moreMalawian and Caribbean flavors. It's a small but quaint spot with a mix of booth and table seating, making it a nice place for a relaxed dinner with friends. As a picky eater visiting for the first time, I kept my order simple with wings and rice. The wings were the highlight of the meal--crispy, flavorful, and well-seasoned. The rice, however, was disappointing. It was dry and lacked seasoning, and I found myself wishing it had at least a little butter and salt to enhance the flavor. The mocktails were delicious and complemented the meal well. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The music was at the perfect volume--easy to enjoy while still being able to carry on a conversation without shouting, which made for a pleasant evening with friends. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made us feel welcome throughout the meal. One small note: the ladies' restroom was clean but very small and narrow. It had a hook-and-latch style door but no place to hang a purse, which would be a nice addition. Parking on H Street is always a hit or miss, so plan accordingly if you're driving. Ratings: * Food: (3/5) * Atmosphere: (3/5) * Service: (4/5) * Dinner with Friends: (5/5) Overall, Lydia on H is a pleasant neighborhood spot with friendly service, tasty wings, and excellent mocktails. While the rice missed the mark for me, I enjoyed the company, the conversation, and the relaxed atmosphere. I would consider returning to try other menu items.

Another DC restaurant that's been on my must-visit list has been Jerk at Nite. Being that its roots…read morestarted at Howard University, I had to come and bring an incoming freshman and her family. I was greeted by the owner Denny, who explained that once we order we're able to dine inside. The Jamaican vibe is heavily prevalent, with colors, paintings, foliage, and wooden sculptures throughout. I had my mind set on the Jerk Box N' Mac once I saw it on Instagram, and boy did it not disappoint. If you're a fan of spicy food, the heat is not lacking here. The jerk was jerking! I didn't find it overpowering to where I couldn't enjoy the meal. Even the mac and cheese had a little kick to it, even in its cheesy and creamy goodness. The slices of Rasta bread were a nice complement to the meal. You'll be hard pressed to find Jamaican food that checks all the boxes like Jerk at Nite.

This experience was actually from the food truck. I ordered the "Yaddie", which was their jerk…read morechicken with cabbage and rice and peas. I really appreciated that it wasn't too spicy. I often can't enjoy Caribbean food because spice doesn't agree with me. This wasnt the case. There was some spice, but it wasnt overwhelming. The meal was fresh with some flavor. It wasn't the best jerk chicken I've had, but far from the worst. I also tasted the rasta pasta which was ok. If I happen upon them again, I will likely try something else that they offer. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit them.

Randomly stopped in for lunch today and I'm so glad I did! This spot was perfect for my Jamaican…read morefood craving. I actually enjoyed the outdoor order counter with the option of indoor seating. I went with the Di Yaddie and it was delicious!! The jerk chicken was very flavorful but not overpowering while the rice and peas were great with the curry sauce. Their plantains are SO good -- sweet and fried perfectly. The gentleman and woman working the counter were very helpful and friendly. Not sure if the guy was a manager or owner but he ensured we were satisfied with everything. The interior is eclectic and true to the Jamaican culture. Music is great as well! I'll be sure to stop by every time I'm back home in the city.

Expect a bit of a wait but that's because they're preparing the food fresh. The presentation is…read moremouth watering. The sides were delicious. Mac & cheese, 8/10. Cabbage, 9/10. However, I found the proteins to be incredibly over seasoned. The jerk seasoning over powered the salmon completely and I was unable to actually taste the fish.

I was super excited to find out that Exotic Taste does a food stand at the Thursday farmers market…read moreat Bethesda Crossing. They open at 11 a.m, and you want to be in line then. They are popular and sell out quickly, and have the sweetest staff ever. I ordered the curry chicken with rice and peas and cabbage, along with sorrel. The curry chicken is slightly spicy, and perhaps a bit too salty for me, but overall is tasty and fall-off-the-bone-tender. The rice and peas and cabbage are good, but I really loved the sorrel juice. It's got a hint of heat and just the right balance of sweetness. I'm looking forward to Thursdays now because I know what I'll be having for lunch.

This is what I've was looking for: real jerked chicken. I've only have found this in Brooklyn, NY…read moreand Jamaica. Shout out to the places with the barrel smoking outside on Church Ave and the road side spots in JA. If you are specifically looking for real jerk then go to Coco Jerk. I've had dark and white and both were juicy and delicious.

The service was friendly but on the slow side. The oxtail bowl was mostly rice and full of herb…read moretwigs. Possibly the herb bouquet bust loose and they didn't fish it out. The oxtail was good but the bowl contains very little oxtail.

Today I decided to trust the stars on Uber Eats. Eclectic Cafe has an 4.8 rating so it was a must…read moretry. I ordered a combination lunch/dinner with Oxtails, Curry Shrimp, rice & peas, and cabbage. When my food arrived I was shocked to see curry chicken instead of shrimp. I REALLY wanted something besides chicken! I'm not allergic and it's just a preference for today so I didn't complain. The food is absolutely delicious. It's been a min since I ordered a Caribbean meal and was pleased in the DC area. The meat was tender ok both the oxtails and chicken. EVERYTHING was flavorful. I also liked that the sodas are $1.99 for a 20 fl oz. So many places are ripping you off so this was definitely a plus. My only dislike is that it comes in a container that's not sectioned. I particularly do not care for my food to touch AT ALL but it came without much damage so I could still eat it lol. They deserved the 4.8 stars on Uber Eats so they easily got a 5 stars from me on here! Try it!

Service is impeccable which is why I didn't want to leave this review. I ordered the special the…read moreTurkey wings with Mac and cheese. Also ordered water and blueberry muffin, unfortunately the only thing that was good was the water. The Turkey wings were cold and Mac and cheese wasn't cheesy and lacked flavor. The Turkey wings gravy had flavor the wings lacked it. The blueberry muffin wasn't sweet and good. Returned back to the cafe because of the temperature of food which lady at the front heated it up and when i told her about the Mac lacking seasoning she gave me salt and pepper i asked her to throw out the muffin she offered me cake. Once again service is great food is just subpar

Had an amazing time here with delicious food by an amazing chef. There is an Afro Caribbean fusion…read moreconcept to the menu that isn't represented necessarily by the listing, but you will not be disappointed. Even down to the thoughtful seasonal drinks this place is super intentional. There's a lovely patio and the interior is quaint for fine dining with white tablecloths, but there are TVs throughout so you can watch the games... Even in the bathroom! The staff was very attentive the whole time, helping to decide what we were going to eat. And they are very involved in wanting to see how to have even more engagement from their clientele. I look forward to an upcoming open mic night.

Had a group mixer here. Not too far from Stadium/Armoury metro station. A nice small spot. I just…read moregot an appetizer the Catfish bites and a glass of wine. They were good and a nice amount as well. The manager or just on duty was attentive to our group and the staff was good. I would return and try something else. Nice patio area

We came to El Cielo to celebrate my wife's birthday and chose the Journey tasting menu. It was a…read morememorable evening, though not without some reservations. El Cielo is located in the vibrant Union Market neighborhood, surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops and clothing stores. The restaurant itself is elegant without being opulent, with comfortable chairs spaced generously apart. A large garage door next to the entrance looks like it opens to the outside in warmer weather -- a nice touch we didn't get to experience. El Cielo holds the distinction of being the first Colombian restaurant in the world to earn a Michelin star. That alone makes it worth a visit for anyone who follows the culinary world. Our server Carla was excellent. She took her time explaining each dish carefully and patiently answered every question. The meal is a journey in every sense -- nine courses, each a small surprise. We began with cocktails. The Don't Give Papaya was fruit forward and satisfyingly alcohol forward. The passion fruit toddy that opened the tasting menu was not too sweet, with fresh fruit juice added to the spirit already in the glass. The truffle buñuelo was the first revelation -- a warm liquid center encased in a delicate corn vessel, eaten in one bite. The texture alone was remarkable. The caviarmañola followed, a delicate crispy croquette, beautifully presented with caviar and sauces. The Tree of Life, a pull-apart bread baked around mild melted cheese, was warm, satisfying and genuinely fun to eat. The tuna was exceptionally fresh and fatty, its sauce a perfect complement. The hiramasa, a kingfish new to me, was served with quinoa that added texture and visual beauty. The Hanami dessert closed the meal with just the right touch of sweetness. The birthday experience -- an edible white chocolate candle with a surprise filling -- was a delightful gesture. And the rose petal hand cream that ended the meal was an elegant final touch. Two caveats worth mentioning. The ambience leans pretentious -- El Cielo takes itself too seriously. And at $600 for two with service included, the price is steep even for a Michelin one-star. I've had equally memorable meals elsewhere for considerably less.

Michelin Star me PLEASE!…read more I'm a foodie and when I told my friend I was one, he asked how many Michelin Star restaurants I'd been to. I chuckled, because honestly I'm not a foodie snob but perhaps I need to be. Pre Bday dinner before heading out of the country he chose El Cielo to celebrate me first! Located in Union Market, El Cielo hides in plain sight on the corner. Parking is always a win at Union Market hence why I am always there! Ambiance: dimly lit, reservations only, couples galore, and definitely an intimate atmosphere. Service: TOP NOTCH this is why you pay the big bucks! Nothing was amiss! My friend has experience with high‑end restaurants, Michelin star restaurants to be exact so his perspective added a helpful benchmark with what to order. He took the lead and ensured I tried all the top favorites! *They do offer an À la Carte Menu, or traditional Pre-Fixe menu* Let's get into it! Tree of Life - Yucca bread, Brown butter, Cilantro sauce - Such a cute presentation! Butter is amazing! Ensaladita Caliente - Grilled Romaine letuce, Parmigiano, Hearts of Palms, Kumquats - Soooooo Good! Yes to this dish! Catch of the day - SeaBass Buttermilk reduction, Green oil, Chontaduro - Perfectly cooked! Loved it! Yucca Gnocchi Pecorino cheese, Shitake mushrooms, Sweet plantain, Added Truffle - VERY YUMMY! Flan - Vanilla, Salted caramel - Fantastic! Mucholate - Rum Ice Cream - I mixed both this and the Flan! Loved it!

My friend and I wanted to try a few spots in here so we started at Platos fuertes. We got the…read morestrawberry marg pitcher. It was delicious a little dangerously delicious if you know what I mean. The calamari was a little overcooked for me. Next we went to Mosaico and let me tell you that Perro Caraqueño was GAS!! I hate mustard and I couldn't imagine this hot dog not having it. 10000/10 I wish I would have gotten two but this was the warm up for dinner. We ate in the dining area on one of the couches. I love how you can get food from a couple different spots & lounge together.

I mean I can post pictures of the exterior and interior of La Cosecha market, but I can also post…read morepictures of alpacas who visit the market! This is a great venue that hosts businesses that range from arepa shops to bars to a community space. Honestly have fallen in love with how vibrant the space is. The food is unique in the sense that you can go beyond traditional Mexican food and try Venezuelan and El Salvadoran cuisines. If you're ever in DC, check this spot out!