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Missed the Mark. We arrived at 7:15 for our dinner reservation and were immediately seated upstairs, the upstairs is dimly lit and well air conditioned. We came to Nina May for summer restaurant week dinner. I started with an espresso martini and unfortunately it had a burnt flavor. The menu included a chefs choice menu (with up-charge for select items). We were told that some of the items on the menu would come out and others wouldn't. I think they were banking on most people choosing the freestyle option. We did and well let's just say I'm disappointed. The first round of dishes were what I think was supposed to be a burrata salad but the cheese was completely melted- good flavor but really just a plate of tomatoes. The second dish was like a small waffle like base with a piece of thin sliced ham and some pickled veggies- definitely a miss. The third was rolls with pimento cheese and bacon crumbles - this was good but they took it away before I was finished. The second round was great a small piece of rockfish with a tomato salsa and a pasta dish that had some real flavor! The next round was their take on jerk chicken- unfortunately the chicken was dried out and the pea purée was an interesting touch but it wasn't jerk it was baked chicken, no spice/flavor. The other dish was their take on elote ribs- an all around miss, they could have just given us corn on the cob. I believe they felt that was suffice but my friend really wanted to try the lamb chops. She asked for them and our server said they may or may not come out. They didn't we got a chop but it was a pork chops dressed with warm baby mushrooms and possibly asparagus the veggies were well flavored but the meat was dry. Lastly for dessert the strawberries and cream was the final disappointment the cake was dried out, topped with maybe two fresh strawberries, dried strawberries and strawberry sorbet. It was honestly just too much strawberry. I will point out all of the dishes were more like tapas (the pork chop and chicken being the only full dish and they were all shared) I was really looking forward to visiting Nina May so I'm let down by my experience and cannot say I would return.
First, we did not have any reservations but the hostess was quick to accommodate us. Thank you! Next, staff were very friendly. Everyone greeted us with a smile and offered help as needed. Great hospitality The ambiance is simply unmatched! I felt like I was dining in a beautiful garden home, tucked away from the bustling DC streets. It was peaceful, scenic, and pleasant for date night. I loved the decor! For drinks we ordered: The Terence Espresso Martini- named after a regular at the restaurant, this espresso martini has a fun twist which includes chocolate and cane syrup. It was not sweet at all and oh so delightful to try. From Oaxaca with Love- my boyfriend loved this! He said that the balance between smokiness and spiciness made this a drink worth ordering over and over again. Strawberry lemonade- refreshing and not sweet at all. The only bitterness to this drink is that you are charged $8 extra for the strawberries because this is apparently regular house lemonade which was infused. A little costly sending this single drink over $20-not expected. We had to try the Chef's Choice because very few places offer such a steal at this price. The joy to the deal is that you get to choose how many courses you can enjoy by simply keeping the orders going. We tapped out early because the servings were very generous and some of the dishes swept away our appetite and tummy space lol First: Roasted Oyster (not on menu)- this was a new dish and a creative way to indulge in this aphrodisiac. The oysters were charred to perfection and the accompanying butter lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, turnips, kimchi, and jalapeño made for a fun wrap. The flavors all complemented each other well-I hope this stays on the menu! Chicory Caesar Salad- what a divine salad! Mouthwatering and fresh. There were some crunchy and savory moments while trying it as the Parmesan cheese was evenly distributed throughout the dish. Parker house roll- this roll can go up against any other rolls and win in softness and taste! The spring green garlic butter added another layer to the taste, making this one of the best rolls I've ever had. Second: Ricotta Cavatelli + Little Neck Clams- SO divine. Just when you thought that you met a few favs, here comes this delicious dish. The cook on the Ricotta Cavatelli was perfecto! And the clams, gosh the clams were so so sooooo good. The sauce seeping throughout the dish was dangerously delicious, not too salty. Roasted asparagus- another added favorite and the best asparagus I've had. The cook on this dish was perfection!!!! It wasn't soggy as some asparagus could be but these rather large asparagus had just the right crunch in each bite and the accompanying aioli sauce was scrumptious! Lemon + Thyme Roasted Pennsylvania Chicken- Sadly this was a miss for us and part of that was because we weren't too fond of the taste. There wasn't much flavor profile to carry the chicken but we did enjoy those delicious white kidney beans which were added. Third: A moment of silence please as both of these dishes were award winning!!!!! Served at the same time, we made it a little meal inside the meal and could not stop talking about both dishes. "Autumn Olive Farms" BBQ Pork Chop- the cook on this pork chops could only be mastered by an extraordinary chef! It was divine! Perfectly cooked and bursting with juicy flavors! Gosh this was some incredible pork chops. Cauliflower Risotto- another star! Dangerously good! Just the right cook on the risotto and the cheesiness you could appreciate! The grilled cauliflower was an added touch, making this dish memorable! We concluded our Chef's Choice with "Moon Valley Farm" Carrot Cake. This wasn't too sweet and was a subtle way to end an amazing dining experience. Parking is a bit tough as majority of the surrounding area is residential so it was hard to find parking. Nonetheless, please don't let that stop you from experiencing the beauty of this restaurant and the amazing food that they offer!
This place is definitely special! I love how everything is locally sourced and was so excited about the chef tasting menu. My main issue was the lack of attention to allergies. Our server was great - but he wasn't the person who brought all the food and there was a breakdown in communication that resulted in us getting served multiple plates that had foods that we specifically said we were allergic to (and I tasted one before realizing). The only other complaint was the portions were way too big fir 2 people - I felt bad wasting so much delicious food, but a person can only eat so many heirloom tomatoes (no matter how tasty they are). Some of my favs: that bread was SO yummy. The cucumber smash was the perfect summer cocktail - so refreshing. The seasonal room during the golden hour - such a vibe. I'd definitely go back for that cucumber drink and would go back for specific plates, but probably wouldn't do the chef tasting again, based on that experience (having an allergic reaction is not fun).
I went to Nina May for a pre fixed birthday brunch. I try to eat mostly GF and they were really accommodating! The Caesar salad was excellent and I got the smash burger with a lettuce wrap. I also really enjoyed the seasonal mimosas which were made with fresh strawberry juice.
I've heard tales of the wonders of @ninamay_dc but was not prepared for how perfect these appetizers would be! These herb-scented Parker house rolls with onion butter were fresh out the oven and hands down the best bite of the night but I also cannot go back without having these spaghetti squash and cheese croquettes with basil pesto on top For mains I had their crispy brussels sprouts with caramelized onions in a carrot and brown butter sauce and tried a bite of my friend's creamy ravioli
Very unsure how this place has such great reviews. I can only think out of towners? Each dish was bland and needed salt. Appealing to the eye but underwhelming to the taste. I love a good tasting menu but I'm having a very difficult time on how each dish was a miss - besides the pear tart. Moot review for the salad and Parker house rolls, pretty hard to mess those up but 3 stars for those three items. Unfortunately won't be back and can't recommend.
This is really a hidden gem! The pre fixe menu is a great deal because they will continue to bring out food until you are ready for dessert without an additional charge. The vibes and service was great. They continued to replace plates & cutlery every course. The chicken was the most flavorful dish! In general the spice level is low for the other plates.
Finally tried this gem. Loved everything from the ambience to the attentive and pleasant waitstaff to the beautifully plated and delicious food. Standouts: Roasted carrots Cauliflower risotto French toast My mom had the rockfish, which was cooked perfectly. It came with carrot-ginger purée (yum), charred broccoli (a tad too crunch on the stalks for her liking), and pickled onions. We both had seasonal drinks. Hers: strawberry mimosa Mine: strawberry margarita Now I want to return for dinner!
I've always wanted to come here, so I was delighted when my friend hosted his birthday brunch at Nina May! There were 14 people, so we had a private section of the second floor partitioned off with a curtain. The staff was very attentive and professional. Everything was well-timed. The star of the meal was the dessert -- the blueberry lemon tart laid on a bed of homemade caramel that was the stuff of dreams and its moist filling paired perfectly with the crunchy crust. The french toast is very filling -- nearly everyone got it as their second course and couldn't finish it or the dessert due to its richness and size. I loved the baking bread at the beginning, but our butter had some spice in it that hit the back of my throat intensely. The hash browns and lox were a good soft/crispy contrast, but the dessert will live in my heart forever.
Fun prix fixe chef's menu at a great price. Lots of food and filled up. Main course was lamb shank tender and tasty. Carrot cake was a good finisher. Service was good and dishes were well explained. Ambience was modern, nice and great date nite ambience.
I've been wanting to try this spot for a while, and I'm so glad I finally came for happy hour with my sisters! We had such a great time -- and our server, Richard, was amazing. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and super accommodating. Honestly, all of the staff were great! The restaurant is right on the corner, and from the outside I thought it was just the bottom floor with outdoor seating. To my surprise, they also have an upstairs dining area and a closed-in patio (which unfortunately wasn't open -- otherwise we definitely would've sat there!). Inside and out, the place is beautiful, so I recommend dressing up a little and snapping some photos. Now, the food! We started with their rolls, which come with radish butter, oil, and crispy onions -- omg, to die for! I also had the fritters (don't remember the exact name), and they were just as delicious. For our entrées, my sisters both ordered burgers -- one with a bun and one lettuce-wrapped -- and they loved them. I had a pasta dish (again, can't recall the full name ), but it was packed with flavor. We also enjoyed some drinks -- I had a mocktail, and it was so refreshing. I can't wait to come back and try even more from their menu!
First time there tonight. Service was slow, the workers were fine, The clams were very dry and no flavor. The chicken was good, the Oysters didn't seem right. Asparagus was good, the carrot cake was good. No free refills on Coke so it was $9 for 2 glasses that were half ice. Carrot cake was good. I might be back but other options in DC to try
Service was great, our waiter was friendly. Decor was comfortable but chic. Blue ocean theme feels like a seaside restaurant almost. Food and drinks were amazing! Really the standout of the experience. Both filling and flavorful. We split 3 plates between two people and were stuffed. Our favorite was definitely the French toast. But the omelette and chicken were also memorable. I think it was a bit pricey but it's DC and seems like a farm to table restaurant so I get it. Spent about $120 for two drinks, and 3 plates during Brunch. Would definitely comeback as the menu rotates each season. Honorable mention to the watermelon margarita and espresso martini! read more
Best. Brunch. Place. In. DC. Finally a great brunch place after being disappointed again and again in DC. First off, vibes are immaculate--- super pretty and airy so def bring your camera to take cute pictures! Service was really good too-- everyone was super friendly! The French toast just MELTS in your mouth. This is possibly the best French toast I've ever had so far. The trout was fantastic and the cocktails were amazing too. I am definitely going back to try their dinner menu, but also will be back for those oh so delicious French toast!! read more
2 years ago
Overall a pleasant experience. There was a hiccup early on in our visit but the manager, Aire (I hope I spelled that correctly) saved the day. He was very empathetic and made it a point that we had a good experience at Nina May. I really appreciated that and the attention to detail (i.e., food and drink restrictions). I ordered the Smoked Chimney Rainbow Trout Fillet and man was it delicious! The fish was super fresh and the fingerling potatoes were just right. The flavors were flavoring so much that I finished my meal with no hesitation. I also want to note that I did not feel miserable after eating. You could tell they used quality ingredients. For dessert, I ordered the carrot cake and it did not disappoint! My friend ordered the rockfish and she loved her meal. The restaurant is so cozy, and well decorated. I loved how spacious the area was and there was a variety of seating. I definitely want to visit this restaurant again for brunch. I have heard good things about their brunch and the look forward to checking it out for myself. read more
Fantastic food, although the service and ambiance needed to be improved enough that I deducted one star. I recently went here for an early weekend evening dinner with two friends and we were seated immediately at our reservation time. The ambiance is relatively plain albeit with a nice bar. However, Nina May was loud and my friends and I also seated under the speaker, which made things difficult to hear and have a conversation. Our service was slow, with dishes taking 20 minutes to arrive from beginning through each course. We had to ask our server a couple of times about our order status as we had not received any updates. Nina May is best enjoyed by sharing everything, and my friends and I shared the following dishes: Parker House Rolls: The rolls were warm and buttery, baked properly, and the butter had amazing flavor. White Kidney Bean Falafel: Delicious falafel-one of the five best falafels I have ever had in the DC area. The falafel were crunchy on the outside and rich and creamy on the inside. The white kidney beans were an excellent choice of base and the falafel had no excess grease (which is extremely rare). Leek and Cheese Croquettes: The croquettes were bursting with delicious cheese, complemented well by the leeks and the ranch. Mustard Glazed Rack of Lamb: The lamb chops were perfectly cooked medium rare and the chimichurri was a great pairing. Smoked Chimney Rainbow Trout Fillet: My favorite dish of the evening. The trout was perfectly cooked, the skin was crispy, the potatoes paired perfectly, and the cilantro chimichurri and the ndujan were deliciously spicy. Karma Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto: A rich and creamy risotto with ample parmesan, although the risotto could have used more flavor and crunch. Although Nina May is pricey (e.g., $16 for Parker House rolls with butter is exorbitant), even my least favorite dish (the risotto) was good and I would order everything we got again. read more
The interior of the restaurant is so cutely set-up. When I first walked in, I was surprised by how small it was but didn't realize there was a second floor. They also have patio seating for those who want to enjoy their meal outside. The second floor is filled with large windows to let in natural sunlight. The server was so kind. We were first given a complimentary cocktail (that I unfortunately do not remember the name of) that was delicious! The wine selection is vast, but they also allow you to bring your own wine. The food was absolutely delicious. Apparently, their Parker House Rolls are the only thing on the menu that has not changed. They were delicious with a soft buttery interior and a crispy salty exterior. The salad was delicious and refreshing. The cavatelli was also delicious. The main course steak was beautifully cooked. The little potato bites on the side were to die for and the string beans were lightly seasoned, rounding out the meal. The steak was so tender and juicy as well. I heard that their brunch menu is also delicious so will definitely be coming again to try it out! read more
I've been to Nina May before and it's such a great deal for a multicourse tasting menu. $65 a full tasting menu that rotates seasonally. Starting with the tomato salad is always solid, very fresh with hem tomatoes. We also had oysters, to each, with the flavor, fold dressing and pieces of vegetable to kind of act like a chip. The bread was really good with crispy onion on the butter, but it was also perfect to dip into the chicken and bean sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked and had a tasty barbecue ish flavored sauce. The beans were also really good, and I prefer to just having chicken over rice. The pasta dish, cacio Pepe was so rich and also perfectly portioned between three people. At the end of the meal I wasn't stuffed but was sadisfied. Ending with the carrot cake with the goat cheese icing was a fun take on a classic. There weren't any raisins or walnuts, it was just carrot and cake with the savory cheese icing receded upstairs in there enclosed patio space which was nice and not too crowded but by the end of the night it got a little dark because they don't have any overhead lighting besides a string light. Our Waiter explained every dish And service slowed down toward the end of the night when it was getting more crowded, which was understandable. A great place to go on a date or to go out to a nice dinner! read more
2 years ago
Nina May's brunch is still one of my top favorites in the city! They keep things fresh by changing up their menu with the seasons, so it's always worth checking what's new before you go. I visited for a friend's birthday weekend and everything was fantastic. Our table kicked things off with the seasonal margaritas and apple mimosas (a great twist). A few of us went with the burger, which was amazing, and we shared the French toast--super delicious--and a side of crispy hash browns and fries. The service was on point too; our waitress was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed. Two of my friends went for the chef's tasting menu and loved most of it, though the duck didn't quite hit the mark for them (but that's usually an acquired taste). Overall, a solid brunch spot that never disappoints! The heated patio was just right. Cozy and warm. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
I recently hosted a private birthday party for about 18 people at Nina May, and it was absolutely incredible--easily one of my best visits yet (and this was my third time here!). Ben was our server for the evening and truly went above and beyond. He was attentive, timely, and made sure our wine glasses were never empty. He checked in often to ensure everything ran smoothly, which made the whole experience feel seamless. The managers, Peter and Arie, were also fantastic. They both made it a point to check in throughout the night, making sure everything was perfect. That kind of attentiveness really makes a difference. The food? Outstanding. Every course from the Chef's Choice menu was delicious, and the kitchen did a great job accommodating dietary restrictions without compromising on quality or creativity. I'll absolutely be back to Nina May. And if you're thinking of hosting a private event--don't think twice. This is the place to do it! read more
Came to Nina May for restaurant week brunch and was not disappointed. 4 dishes for $35 was a great deal. I loved the homemade hash browns with smoked salmon. The presentation was beautiful, the salmon was abundant and the flavor combo, seasonings, and texture played well with one another. I also loved the hollandaise brisket eggs Benedict. The eggs were cooked perfectly and I liked the seasonings. The salad was good but a bit boring and the chicken, wasn't the biggest fan of the sauce and it was a bit overdone. Def would come back and try more food here! read more
If I could base this review on service - they get a 12 out of 10! The staff is absolutely excellent! From the table bussing team to the actual wait staff. My problem lies with the food - it was pretty terrible! We came here for the DC summer restaurant week and every single part of the meal made no sense to us. Going back to how great the staff was again, one of the dishes we did not enjoy, and they decided to comp us a fusion of two dishes, which was... Just OK. I spent a ridiculous amount of money and it was NOT worth it. This is my second time trying this spot, and unfortunately, I will not be back. read more
I'm so glaf my friend brought me to thoe spoy for brunch, every course was a treat for the taste buds. We got the chef's choice: the hashbrowns were delicate, caesar salad fresh, the braised short- ribs benedict were the right morsel and the chicken with the crispy skin was excellent read more
2 years ago
Good ambiance and some great inventive dishes. The upstairs is super cozy and service was very personable and kind. The chicken was overcooked and we were also oddly charged for the carrot cake we got through the prix fixe. But overall, a great place I'd try again. The vegetarian ham and beans dish and clam toast were my absolute favorites. Highly recommend the carrot cake as well - and good drinks here too. read more
From the first day they opened, Nina May has been on my list and I'm so glad we finally dined there. In a farmhouse-style restaurant in Logan Circle, the chefs create a seasonal neo-American menu. My wife and I went for dinner during the last week of Nina May's summer menu. Here's our experience. 1) Food: To feed the two of us, we ordered the heirloom tomato salad with smoked whipped feta, Parker House rolls, brisket, corn cavatelli with crab, and chocolate mousse. Every dish was well presented and tasty, especially the rolls. They are the best Parker House rolls I've ever had and the butter it comes with is perfect. The only thing we didn't love were the corn dumplings that came with the smoked beef pastrami. They were dry. 2) Drinks: Their list is impressive with wine from all parts of the world, including Serbia and Moldova. Their Moldovan Sauvignon Blanc was refreshing and the seasonal watermelon margarita good. 3) Service: From start to finish, it was efficient and helpful. Gratuity is not included so be sure to tip well. 4) Space: It's inside an old rowhouse with two levels of dining and a bar on each floor. (Unisex bathrooms are on both floors too.) The dishwater is gorgeous and the decorations on the walls match the farmhouse theme, except for the large photos of D.C. monuments. 5) Location: On the edge of Logan Circle, it's central with many other restaurants and cafes nearby. Street parking is hard to find. It took us 20 minutes to find a spot. If you want a more intimate date night, book this spot. It's truly local and quaint. read more
9 months ago
Came in just for a cocktail and beef Wellington bites because I never had beef Wellington, so might as well get a taste. The menu had the alcoholic warm cozy drinks of egg nog or hot chocolate. Unfortunately, they were both not available, sad! Though it is nice they still had four other options, so I went with this citrusy one and felt like I was getting medicated (good thing) lol. The staff did their best for me, can't say much because I was there for a short time. The decor of the place is nice as well, dimly lit and welcoming for intimate dinners. I didn't experience enough to say I can recommend this place, but they do take the InKind App payment for 20% back. Have nothing negative about my experience as they were out of the business' control (unavailability of popular drinks). Not a place for solo dining because chef's experience requires two people, so not for solo travelers like me. read more
3 years ago
Went to celebrate my Bridal Dinner Party with my mother and aunties on a Wednesday night (+ Restaurant Week extension). First time visiting the restaurant! I want to start with the great customer service and communication from the Host and Manager, by accommodating my diet (pescatarian) and still make the other members of the party enjoy the main "meat dish" (the chicken entree). What a great pick to celebrate a special dinner, definitely ticks all the points for a romantic spot (if you plan taking your date here). The lights are dim, background music not loud, even you barely can hear other people's talk (great acoustics of the place), this is not a chatty or loud spot! Without feeling like it's too sober/serious. Loved just enjoying our meal, chat and vibe with the relaxing atmosphere! The meal itself was fantastic! Family style dishes, several courses. We tried their crafted menu for Winter Restaurant Week 2024! Not much different from their current seasonal a la Carte Menu. Since this was a celebration dinner, the host gifted us sparkling wines to toast/cheer! So nice of them! (5 stars on customer service!). The star of the first courses was the Chestnut Agnolotti! Would melt in your mouth! And so comforting during winter! The rockfish was delicious, the sauce was velvet-y and the right spices on the fish. Since I was driving home, got the non alcoholic espresso martini, definitely more in the lighter roast side with some orange blossom notes? Best carrot cake (if carrot cake marries Red Velvet cake and have the perfect baby!!!) the sponge itself was very moist and less chewy than a normal carrot cake. Also that buttercream is game changer! They gifted me the Chocolate Pot the Creme! That was very rich in terms of the chocolate and the mouse has a pretty good consistency (many pot the cremes I've had in the past, feel too gluey due to the gelatin!). Overall one of the greatest dining experiences! Hopefully one day they'll receive a Michelin Star!! read more
Three years later, Nina May is still my favorite special occasion restaurant in DC. I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more hype! The prices have gone up since 2020 (the chef's choice is now $59/person - I blame inflation), but the food remains fantastic: fresh, delicious, seasonal, and well-portioned. It's a great deal for finer dining, especially given how expensive the DC food scene has gotten in recent years. The restaurant is gorgeous, too - upscale without any stuffiness - and the service is some of the best I've found in DC. Our waiter checked on us frequently to top up our water, replace our plates/silverware, and ask how everything was tasting. The kitchen was also kind enough to swap out an onion-heavy dish in the chef's tasting menu for the rainbow trout because of my aversion to onions. The food was just delicious: the rainbow trout was standout (that roe sauce!), and I loved the freshness of the heirloom tomato salad. I also love that Nina May doesn't skimp on the portions for the chef's choice menu - I was so full by the end of the meal. We also tried several of their cocktails. I had the Juniper Punch (good, complex, a bit more muted in terms of flavor than I expected) and It's My Jam (bright, jammy, really really good - get this!). I can't wait to be back! read more
2 years ago
What a gorgeous little place!!! :) So perfect for brunch! In the best little area. I brought my bestie and we met some other friends for brunch. It was awesome! The Christmas decorations are so cute. The food is phenomenal. I like that the menu is small because I didn't get overwhelmed with options. The food came out quickly and everything has a ton of flavor. The Shisito peppers were bomb... idk what all wa sin them but I'd get em again! The eggs Benedict was tasty too. I could have eaten the whole thing if I wasn't sharing! Wait staff was nice. Everything turned out well! Very photo esque** read more
2 years ago
I am a foodie that has lived in DC for nearly four years. Nina May is my new favorite restaurant, maybe ever. I came for restaurant week and had the chef's choice with the wine pairing. My table wasn't ready and I received a complementary glass of champagne. I was solo, and called ahead of time to ask if I could do the chefs choice with only one person. The manager said yes! Although, I personally think it is too much food for one person and I thought they'd just reduce the portions. Anyway, my favorites were by beer battered fish, gnocchi, carrot cake, and the cannolis. The chicken was a bit dry, but still tasty! I have been shouting from the rooftops about Nina May since I visited! I'm looking forward to returning. read more
3 years ago
Nina May is tucked at the corner in the Shaw neighborhood. The restaurant is so adorable and cute. We sat on the third floor closed-in patio area. It overlooked the neighborhood. There were heaters in the patio area which was perfect since it was chilly outside. This is definitely the perfect vibe for a girl's Sunday brunch. The service was mediocre. The waitress barely checked on our table after we ordered our food. I had to ask twice for a cup of hot tea. However, the other staff that refilled our water glasses and took our dirty plates were phenomenal! The food was pretty good. I got the cheese omelet. The omelet was very oily and had ricotta in it. I'm not a fan of ricotta, so it wasn't that good to me. I tried a piece of the French toast. The apple and cinnamon flavor of the French toast was good. It was definitely more of a desert. read more
Nina May took me on a rollercoaster that I didn't want to be on.. Came here for dinner, all I can say is AVOID the Chef's tasting like the plague... it's not worth, it's not worth it, It's not worth it. We ordered the chef's tasting at first, and the first two dishes were so bad we told them to stop the tasting and ordered our entrees a la carte. The first two dishes didn't make any sense. The first was a play on a Caesar salad but they just threw a bunch of veggies together and it was too bitter... there was wayy too much radicchio on dish. We didn't finish it. The second dish was a crudo, but again with random ingredients that didn't go well together. I was confused. The a la carte items were the dishes that saved this place from being 2 stars. The Grilled Matheson Oysters were great, I highly suggest getting that as an appetizer. Then we got the dry aged beef short ribs which was overpriced but tasted good. If you're not super hungry you could split this between two people. The service was terribly slow. We had an early dinner so there was only one of table that was seated on the first floor by us and it took an arm and a leg to wave our waiter down, and she was standing less than 10 ft away. And we had to wave her down every. single. time... cocktails were meh, their espresso martini was terrible, it tasted like I was drinking cheap vodka straight. However, the red wine the staff suggested tasted great. All in all, I wouldn't come back here for dinner. The menu is minimal so there's not much else I'd want to try. The reviews seem better for brunch so that might be your best bet when coming here. read more
We had a fabulous date night last Friday at Nina May! We have been wanting to check it out, and we were pleasantly surprised with everything we ordered, the atmosphere and the service. We sat upstairs on the covered rooftop. There are multiple indoor and outdoor seating options. We started with the Parker house rolls, fritters & croquettes. The Parker house rolls are a must order and I loved the fritters! The Cacio e Pepe was surprisingly my favorite thing we ordered along with the incredible moon valley roasted carrots. Highly recommend ordering the carrots & a pasta dish. For drinks, we ordered the espresso martini and cucumber basil smash - loved both! The carrot cake was absolutely AMAZING! Save room for dessert! So glad this spot is in our neighborhood, apparently they rotate the menu with hyper local and seasonal ingredients, so there's always something new to try. read more
We were showering our bride this past weekend and I was invited here for brunch. We sat outside at a round table under a fan, covered. It wasn't too hot despite the heat warnings in the city that weekend. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, kind, and a complete joy during our entire service--such that when she recognized that we were celebrating, she surprised us with espresso martini shots. We all opted to pick the chefs choice option. Hands down, the best decision we likely made ALL day (bc we had a timeeeeee all weekend and this place was our top food and dining experience without a doubt). I had an espresso martini for my brunch booze. As a go to these days, I was completely satisfied. The body of this martini wasn't as full as I like, but I'm such a fan either way--I like baileys in mine! As for the food. Where to start? The Chesapeake croquettes were so good. Crunchy, crispy exterior with a gooey warm center. The tomato salad was so refreshing, each bite, the acidity, the flavors. A great helping. The hash brown squares were so so good, crispy on the outside, savory warm center. An amazing compliment to the smoked salmon. Eating both items as a single bite is a must. The eggs Benedict was so good too! I was getting quite full by the time I reached this bite. Even though I'm not a Benny girl, this was solid. Who doesn't love bacon either? A star, was the chicken. The chefs put their FOOT in the chicken jus (I almost called it gravy lol). The chicken was moist, seasoned exceptionally. I didn't have any food left from my plate to take home. This place deserves repeat visits, like monthly if not every two weeks (bc you seen this economy?!). I cant wait to try dinner! read more
Ragz, Lily and I grabbed brunch at their patio today. The weather was gorgeous and I think their patio is rather cute with the pink umbrellas, rattan furniture and green bushes. Our server was very sweet throughout the experience. We started with the French toast and the leek/ cheese croquettes. The French toast was delish, especially with the maple syrup and the citrus butter. I didn't care much for the stewed peaches - the texture and taste were both not great. If I get this dish again, I'll likely ask for the peaches on the side or not at all. Fair warning - the toast itself ate more like pancake than French toast, especially with the texture. The leek croquettes were tasty - crispy on the outside and yummy gooey inside. I tasted cheese more than the leek and the sauce it came with was pretty good too. For the main course, Ragz enjoyed his medium well burger and the fries were pretty good, but could be crispier. I did like that the fries were not super thick. Portion side was substantial. I had the corn agnolotti and I wanted to love this dish honestly. The overall flavor profile was okay, too much butter in my opinion (never thought I'd utter those words, haha). The texture of the pasta itself was off - it was too thick, not cooked enough and the corn filling inside felt gritty. I enjoyed the mushrooms on the pasta. Lily opted for the carrot risotto. The roasted carrots were a nice touch, but the hazelnut chilli crisp felt out of place on the dish tbh. She did not finish her food, primarily because the rice was not all cooked through. There were almost crunchy pieces in between which was off putting. I felt that the flavor profile of the dish was very one note too. Overall, for the price we paid for brunch (over $60 per person from their ala carte menu), I expected food that knocked my socks off! It's was a pleasant experience overall, but the food left a lot to be desired tbh. Likely not coming back again. read more
I worked with Nina May to organize a small birthday party for my friend and they were very professional, accommodating, and communicative. We had a lovely space upstairs near their bay window. The restaurant is beautiful, loved the decor. We had the choice between plated dinner and family style. I definitely recommend family style as you get to sample multiple dishes. I enjoyed EVERYTHING. Favorites were the clams, green goddess salad. I'll be back! read more
This review is closer to 3.5 stars than 3! Ok so I came back here in 2025 and the follow up was a little less impressive than my first time around. I, of course did the chefs table again with the multiple rounds of food, because it's such a delight having several rounds of food lol. The price obviously has increased, but the options haven't changed much and the taste was cool whereas the first time I had this (pre-pandemic) I was blown away! The service was friendly but pretty slow, we did go on a Saturday night so maybe that's why. The interior is still welcoming and clean! read more
Went here for brunch on Mother's day and was a great experience. Food was very good, service was good, and roof top seating area is a great place to eat on a beautiful day. We ordered off their shared plates section of their menu. We got the French Toast, Croquettes, and the Agnolotti. The French toast has a nice sweet and brown sugar taste. Its not over sweet and has a nice savory flavor as well. The Croquettes were very have a great crunchy shell. The fish on the inside is nice and tender with good seasoning. The dish is elevated with the sauce which is habanero, lemon, and dill. Agnolotti was the star it was perfectly done pasta along with a creamy and savory sauce that was perfectly balanced with the heat of the Szechuan peppercorns balanced with ricotta and parmesion. Overall 3 shared dishes was perfect for two people. Will definitely go back read more
Nina May is always absolutely fantastic! The chef's table is always great to share with friends. If you're not feeling too hungry, their other dishes are great. My friends and I went there for brunch and we all enjoyed our food! The ambiance is beautiful though we were close to where they drop the dishes off. I highly suggest this place to anyone looking for good food! read more
What a wonderful brunch. Took a friend to brunch, we decided to go with the Chefs Choice, although Stephanie, our waitress, went through the entire menu and made some incredible recommendations. 4 dishes over 2 courses shared between 2 people. Heirloom tomato salad: wow. Just wow. A summery blast of perfectly ripe and juicy tomatoes, the smoked tofu and sumac onions offered the right balance of cream and acidity, and the rice crisp was a perfect vessel for dipping. Yukon gold hashbrown with smoked salmon: this was my second favorite dish of the afternoon, the hashbrown was epic, the accompaniments to the smoked salmon really highlighted the flavor. Short rib Benedict: this was good, but honestly I'd rather have this course separate, it was served with the final dish, and it felt a little rushed, especially considering how sensitive Benedicts are to temperature in my opinion. But delicious. Lemon thyme chicken: this was the star, absolutely perfectly cooked chicken, the dumplings were better than my mother's, just perfect. The ambiance was perfect, light and eclectic while keeping a professional service. Stephanie was absolutely incredible, one of the best servers I've ever had in my life. Will definitely be back. read more
2 years ago
Had the most outstanding birthday dinner here! Right from the second we walked in the staff was warm and hospitable and allowed us to move outside to sit in the beautiful patio section so we could take photos. We tried four different cocktails and they were all excellent! Some standouts were the cucumber basil smash and espresso martini also tried the beet cocktail which was fun but you really need to love beets. The standout here was the food. We ordered the chefs table and were allowed to sub the shrimp for one of the appetizers and were even given bonus dessert because our kind server noticed that I was torn between the two choices. I even loved the cucumber radish salad with a little chili crunch kick and usually salad is one of the least memorable parts of a meal. Overall I had an awesome experience at Nina may and look forward to coming back again soon! read more
1 year ago
On a recent trip to DC my friend and I wanted to have brunch and he chose this place. We were able to get a reservation for brunch on a lovely Saturday afternoon. The menu is a variety of new Americana brunch items, and while most of the menu is nothing that's going to surprise you in terms of creativity, the dishes are all very well executed. I had the butternut squash taleggio agnolotti and it was outstanding. The flavors were sweet and savory and the ingredients had a lovely freshness to them that made me want more. We were all pretty full (there were three of us), but we also shared a slice of carrot cake at the end which was also superb. The atmosphere feels is light and airy, and there is also an outside seating area If I remember correctly (but it was too cold for us that day). The service was decent but could have been more attentive overall - however nothing that detracted from the brunch. I will definitely be back next time I am in DC. read more
2 years ago
Overall mediocre and at a high price point ($20 a dish minimum). We came here for a Saturday brunch and were seated outside in the heat. Their patio has a small overhead fan but it really didn't do much. We ordered the French Toast which was okay? I thought the carmelized edge and lemon flavor was interesting. The burger was the most disappointing. I ordered it medium and it came out well-done. Nothing really stood out about the burger otherwise and although the fries portion is generous, the fries are really thin so you end up just eating a bunch of grease. If you ever had In-N-Out fries, it's similar. The Agnolotti was probably the best thing we ordered. Good texture on the pasta. Overall though not worth the cost IMO read more
Fantastic brunch! The pear and sourdough toast was a particular standout--absolutely delicious! Also thoroughly enjoyed the fingerling sweet potatoes in a hot honey sauce (that actually was not particularly hot) and the apple and gem lettuce salad. Fun cocktail options as well in a cute setting with wonderful service! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Dropped in for a work event. Service was prompt; the ambiance was excellent. No food yet; but did start with the non alcoholic espresso martini. read more
4 years ago
Great brunch! We had been meaning to try Nina May for sometime after seeing it on a number of good DC brunch spot lists. I'm happy to report it lived up to it. Highly recommend doing the Chefs Choice. All of the dishes were great, but the standout was definitely the Duck. And at $35 a person and decent size plates your money goes a long way! We are looking forward to trying their dinner menu next! read more
More info about Nina May
1337 11th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Shaw, Downtown
Directions
(202) 518-3609
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http://www.ninamaydc.com
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Ask the Community - Nina May
Is there an automatic service charge? And if so how much?
Nope! Only for large parties
Is there any dress code or recommended attire?
Its casual .. no suit and tie needed unless you want to wear it
Do they have bottomless mimosas?
We do not have bottomless mimosas but we have a full cocktail list including specialty brunch cocktails for our Saturday and Sunday brunch menu :)
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Nina May - newamerican - Updated September 2026
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