I celebrated a milestone birthday at Pineapple & Pearls, and it was easily one of the most…read moreextraordinary meals of my life. From the moment we walked in, the staff set the tone with a signature cocktail, Polaroid photos, and a New Year's Eve themed atmosphere that felt magical and intentional. We sat at the center of the chef's table, where watching Chef Tyler and his team work was a masterclass in precision and care. Every dish was an elevated, nostalgic nod to childhood favorites like fish and chips reimagined as black cod & caviar, buttered noodles transformed into delicate, mind‑opening gnocchi, and a playful pork‑and‑beans course that transported my husband straight back to age six. The wine pairings were thoughtful and beautifully matched to each course. Chef Tyler took time to connect with us personally, sharing stories of growing up in North Carolina that made the flavors even more meaningful. The music, the pacing, the service, every detail was curated. And the birthday finale, a pancake "cake" with a butter candle, brought me to tears. This wasn't just dinner; it was an experience crafted with heart, creativity, and intention. I'm deeply grateful to every hand involved. Everyone deserves a meal like this at least once in their life.

Pineapple & Pearls is a masterclass in what fine dining should be. What impressed me most was the…read morechef's incredible ability to elevate the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary. Every course showcased impeccable technique, creativity, and restraint, proving that luxury isn't about expensive ingredients--it's about transforming familiar flavors into unforgettable experiences. Each dish, though small, was beautifully presented, but more importantly, every bite was thoughtfully balanced and full of surprises. The attention to detail was evident from the first course to the last, making the entire meal feel like a carefully curated journey rather than just dinner. I did leave feeling satisfied but not super full. The service was equally exceptional--warm, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced, allowing us to savor every moment. Pineapple & Pearls isn't just a meal; it's an experience full of extraordinary. Ambiance was suited for fine dining. I did notice most people were really dressed up.

Wow! What an incredible dinner last night. We live in Arlington, VA but hadn't had the chance to…read moreeat at The Dabney before last night. My husband and I like to go on dates where we go to one of the many wonderful museums in the area to see an exhibit and then go out to eat. We didn't have reservations so we arrived shortly before opening time at 5:30 pm. We sat at the bar area and our bartender, MJ, was fantastic. He was obviously busy with other patrons but took the time to give us history on the restaurant, food recommendations, etc. I'm glad we got there when we did as the restaurant quickly filled up! Very popular place to be on a Saturday night! The playlist was a mix of classic and newer rock and fun to listen to! The cocktails on the menu were fun and inventive and delicious - a lot of creativity went into creating the drinks and fresh herbs from the garden garnished the drinks. We ordered off the à la carte menu and it was perfect. We ordered the fried zucchini, tomato tartine, hush puppy Caesar salad, and the crabmeat with gazpacho which was out of this world. We also ordered the pole beans which were so tasty! 10/10 for food. We had the Virginian for dessert- chess pie with peanut ice cream and that was topped with a meringue. We had a delicious glass of Chablis with our meal and an after dinner drink of a new take on The Grasshopper- which tasted like an Andes Mint! We then took a look at The Cellar which is a bar and seafood bar. That had a fun vibe there too and enjoyed talking the bartenders - very knowledgeable! Highly recommend The Dabney and we will be back! Thanks for a wonderful and delicious evening!

I was really looking forward to trying The Dabney. My niece, a real foodie, had recommended it, so…read moreI was excited to finally give it a try. We started with a cocktail at Death & Co. next door, which deserves a review of its own for the ambiance, service, and seriously stiff drinks! We arrived a little early for our 8 PM reservation and were told to have a drink at the bar until our table was ready. It turned out to be a very leisurely drink--we waited almost half an hour. Once we were finally seated, though, things improved considerably. We had a delightful waiter named Robert who did a great job guiding us through the nightly menu. After the requisite deviled eggs, we tried the special potato roll with catfish, a terrific salad, and then moved on to the main course. That's where the trouble began. There were two "family-style" options, and we chose the Cape May fluke à la Grenobloise with croutons, brown butter, and lemon. It came with spring pea and herb farrotto (similar to risotto) and grilled asparagus. Unfortunately, the fish was extremely dry and almost completely lacking in flavor. When Robert came back to check on us, he noticed that we had barely touched it. We explained the problem, and to The Dabney's credit, they immediately took the $89 dish off the bill--which was absolutely the right thing to do. The disappointing fish aside, everything else we had was delicious, and the service was excellent. So despite the rocky start and an $89 entrée that missed the mark, it won't keep me from coming back. I'm still glad I finally got to try The Dabney.

What a hidden gem. I never heard of Dauphine's until one of my friends recommended it. I was really…read morepleased by the experience. The service was great. I met some friends at the bar and the hostess took me right to them when I walked in. When I reached the bar the bartender immediately greeted me and gave me a menu. He gave me some suggestions for drinks and food. He was extremely personable, attentive and friendly. I ordered the Negroni and a dozen of the half shell oysters. The Negroni was very strong but refreshing. The oysters were delicious. They gave me all the fixings such as horseradish, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, and vinegar. They tasted amazing. The ambiance was very upscale. It was very crowded but all of the staff were attentive and well trained. They have two levels and also a patio for guests, the bar was rather long and offered a lot of seating. Overall, it was a great experience. I will be back soon. Cheers!

My friends & I went to brunch at Dauphine's. I do not think they have bottomless mimosas. I ordered…read morethe Eggs Benedict & it was pretty decent, not the best I've had. I believe the eggs were a bit undercooked or were not poached correctly. The shrimp po'boy, according to my friends, said it was good bit too spicy for their liking. The other two loved their dishes. The appetizers were fantastic. The service staff were polite and kind. Though I will say it was kinda slow due to how packed it was. The ambiance & vibes are that of Louisiana flare, but not overdoing it. I would likely returning again but try another dish.

First. Get a reservation. This place was packed and rightfully so! It was delicious!…read more We had the Buttermilk Biscuits, Butcher Steak, and Steelhead Trout. All the food was seasoned correctly and served hot. They brought complimentary wine for our anniversary! So awesome! When in the area, I would highly recommend.

I still find myself craving this place! It came highly recommended on TikTok, and it definitely…read morelived up to the hype. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take many photos because my phone was dying, but the hostess was incredibly kind and offered to charge my phone for me in their space. That small gesture made the experience even better. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The biscuits were perfectly done--not dry at all, but buttery, soft, and even better with the pimento cheese spread. The combination was amazing! My steak was tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection, while the broccoli had the perfect crisp texture that added a nice balance to the meal. The restaurant itself has a beautiful rustic yet modern atmosphere. The dim lighting creates a cozy feel, with most of the brightness coming from the natural sunlight that fills the space. Between the incredible food, welcoming service, and inviting ambiance, this spot is definitely one I would return to again.

Went back.....burger is still HER. She is that girl…read more They have a precious HH menu. The vibe feels like a local gem. I don't drink alcohol, but I do enjoy NA beer. They have my fav--Peroni! And, you can get a burger with fries for 20 during Happy Hour.

Food is okay and pricey…read more I've visited twice and both times love the aesthetic and ambiance of this restaurant but service and food are inconsistent. First visit staff was amazing, second time we were rushed to order despite the restaurant being empty. I've ordered... Angie's Burger - 3/5 Wagyu French Dip - 3/5 Blue Crab Rangoon - 4/5 (if it's hot) Raspberry Kiss Mocktail - 4/5 (refreshing!) Overall would only recommend for happy hour because prices are high for the quality, otherwise I'd pass.

Our Captain Steven was on top of the entire service, his direction of the back waiters and front…read moreservers, was an exercise in non obtrusive service. The front of the house are like ninjas They suddenly are there one minute and gone in the next 12 minutes. Our Appetizers were excellent great variety of choices we opted for the Pan Seared Divers Scallops, the salads were tasty and fill d with healthy fresh vegetables. My Mushroom Tartine was earthy and resonate of shallots and herbs. The only noticeable difference was in the Waygu Steak Tartare. It was made with small pieces of fillet rather than a finely minced version that would emulsify with the other ingredients instead of separating. We were anxious to sample some new menu choices since our visit about this time last year. All of the entrees provided just the right amount of flavor and texture. The Halibut in Brioche was the clear winner. The Duck confit was highly praised by one of my companions. Two members of our party ordered the Filet with Trumpet Mushrooms and a rich Demi Glacé. The Rack of lamb was like visiting an old friend and was as memorable as an old friend reconnecting. Dessert choices were all decadent and the ice cream trio was so tasty and it featured house made ice cream flavors. The 1789 is definitely a destination dining spot . The ser is impeccable and the menu is amazing. If you're an old Georgetown alum and want to get together with your besties for a meal as memorable as the Hilltop itself.

We celebrated our anniversary at 1789 Restaurant and it was absolutely perfect…read more The setting is intimate and romantic; ideal for a special night. The food was phenomenal. My husband had the venison and I ordered the lamb; both were stunning in presentation and even better in flavor. Every bite felt thoughtful and elevated. Heidi took amazing care of us, and Stephen and Nick made the entire experience feel warm, polished, and genuinely celebratory. Service like that makes all the difference. Truly a hidden gem in Georgetown. We'll absolutely be back next time we're in DC. Highly recommend for anniversaries or any special occasion.

My friend and I made reservations at minibar to celebrate together last Friday evening. The…read moreexperience began at barmini, where we enjoyed a few bites accompanied by a champagne cocktail made with fermented strawberry and rich strawberry syrup, which was prepared in front of us. The drink was vibrant and fruity! CAVIAR The caviar sat on a freeze-dried beet meringue that was clipped to the rim of our champagne glass. The meringue melted in my mouth instantly, followed by bursts of briny caviar and crème fraîche. MAMMA MARISA CHEESE This was an apple-flavored cookie topped with incredibly airy, almost whipped blue cheese. It was a complete 180 of what I normally think of as a gritty, dense cheese. ONION RING This was intensely savory, with bold garlic and onion flavors in each bite. The exterior was perfectly crisp with a soft, creamy onion filling. Afterwards, we were escorted into minibar, where the open kitchen allowed us to watch the chefs work seamlessly together. Each course came together with incredible precision, as different chefs added their own components onto each plate. Once every dish received its finishing touches, the plates were presented to us simultaneously. It was like watching a choreographed assembly line. CHICHARRÓN A light and crispy chicharrón topped with a wasabi-avocado combination. The airy crunch contrasted nicely with the creamy avocado, while the wasabi delivered heat to make it more interesting. PATHFINDER A pomegranate-flavored drink which was sweet and refreshing, served as a palate cleanser before the next course. SUMMER SALAD A beautifully plated dish with the beet and radish arranged to resemble flower petals, finished with dill oil, grapefruit dressing, and carrot puree. The vegetables were delicate and fresh, while the citrus and herbs added brightness. FABES CON ALMEJAS A silky miso-based purée served with fresh clams and a bright citrus sauce. The puree was exceptionally velvety, while the citrus complemented the brininess of the clams. CAULIFLOWER The most impressive course of the evening. The chilled cauliflower purée was molded to resemble an actual head of cauliflower, with a smooth, ice cream-like interior created using liquid nitrogen. The pickled cauliflower added a bit of tartness, while the caviar brought a burst of umami. Despite being two bold ingredients, neither overpowered the other, and the two complemented each other beautifully. JAMÓN CHAWANMUSHI Served with purple uni, which was velvety with a delicate sweetness from the sea. While I enjoyed the uni, I thought the custard leaned a bit too sweet, which threw off the balance of the dish for me. PISTACHIO TART Another course made using liquid nitrogen, giving it an incredibly creamy texture that instantly melted in my mouth. The pistachio flavor was delicate, though my tart was a bit saltier than I would have liked. One of the chefs personally fed it to every single one of us, since it would have melted in our hands upon touch. 'MAR Y MONTAÑA' The bluefin tuna was lightly seared on the outside and served with a brown butter sauce and parsnip purée. The buttery sauce paired beautifully with the creamy purée without overshadowing the quality of the tuna. TURBOT DONOSTIARRA A dish featuring Spanish turbot filet covered with a collagen-rich fish sauce made from the bones of the fish, squid ink drizzle, a delicate parsley "air", and a thick yuzu compote. The sauce was rich and concentrated, with a subtle hint of spice, while the fish had a firm texture. The parsley air added a light herbal foam, and the squid ink added a bit of umami. TXANGURRO A comforting crab dish with a porridge-like texture, combining a rich crab cream, tender crab meat, and a crispy Old Bay crab cracker. It was heavier than some of the earlier courses, but satisfying and packed with crab flavor. SQUAB A LA CATALANA First, we had the tenderloin on its own, which was incredibly tender, but not my favorite due to the strong cilantro flavor. Next, we were given a squab leg on one plate and morels topped with squab breast on another. The rich sauce paired well with the earthy, umami-packed morels. The squab was tender and juicy. It was a memorable final savory course. CORTE HELADO Lychee jelly and strawberry ice cream in between two pieces of freeze-dried hibiscus meringue, making a fancy ice cream sandwich. Super tangy and bright! CORN & HUITLACOCHE A corn custard with brown butter powder on the side. All I knew was that it's good and that I enjoy corn-based desserts. DONUT I believe the donut was made using Krispy Kreme donuts. The skin was thin and delicate while still holding the ice cream together We were served either a cup of pour-over coffee or brewed tea along with a few dessert bites to end the almost three hour meal. Between the creativity of every course, the precision of the kitchen, and the flawless service, we were never bored at any moment. This was easily one of our favorite dining experiences to date.

Overall, a fun and nice experience with some attentive and friendly staff who definitely noticed a…read morefew things about me and made things even more memorable with conversation and customization of my menu with a Pokemon. The presentation was quite enjoyable too. Food and price wise, I was somewhat disappointed; I did not think the taste of majority of the dishes matches the price given for this experience. Beginning snacks at barmini: Nothing too notable, but I did enjoy the onion ring - probably the best onion ring I've ever had! Savory dishes: Most of these dishes, although, weren't anything amazing or jaw dropping to me unfortunately outside the presentation. Dishes I did enjoy were the jamon chawanmushi with the refreshing uni and the squab a la catalana with the tasty meat alongside the piece that was served on a pitchfork. I did not enjoy the txangurro, as I found the dish too salty except for the cracker aspect. The pistacho tart, although served in a fun way, didn't really taste like much. Dessert: I really loved the corn & huitalcoche dessert; the buttery flavours alongside the ice cream and the salted caramel worked perfectly! I also enjoyed their take of a Krispy Kreme donut. The corte helado was fine, but the sandwich parts were a little too airy that the taste felt almost nonexistent at times. I did like the dessert box at the end. Appreciated the birthday cookie sandwich for me. I do think the star of the show here was the staff throughout the experience that made it enjoyable alongside my friend, but there was nothing too crazy to write about the food, unfortunately. This may be a one and done kind of spot for me.

Our party of four had dinner at this restaurant recently. The decor is modern, without an…read moreidentifiable theme. We ordered the large porterhouse steak and a full rotisserie chicken to share as entrees. For sides, we enjoyed trumpet mushrooms and asparagus. The pumpernickel was fresh and hot--but it cost $14 for a small loaf. Maybe skip that unless you are carb-deprived. The cocktails looked interesting, but expensive. We opted for tap water and a later cocktail at home. Service was excellent, but our waiter was spread thin over several tables. Water refills came often. They charged an $8.13 "kitchen benefit fee", which I don't agree with. Restaurant owners need to handle their staff pay and benefits internally. We may be back later in the Fall when friends visit DC, but we will avoid the cocktails and bread.

The Duck & The Peach is clearly going for something. James Beard finalist, named one of DC's 25…read morebest by the Times, Rammy's pastry chef of the year on staff. The room has warmth and intention. They want you to feel like you're at a dinner party. Fine. But we came for brunch, and brunch is where the concept starts to strain a little. The brunch burger is the best example. A burger, by design, is not an upscale item. You can execute it at a high level, but it fights the premise. This one had a dense, undersized patty sitting inside a brioche bun that was doing too much. The bun-to-meat ratio was so off that I finished the patty and kept chewing bun on its own for another few bites. That's not a burger. That's a bread course that happened to contain meat. The steak and eggs were prepared well, no complaints there. And a note on the "fries": they're actually cubed home fries, which caught me off guard, but the portion was bigger than expected and they were solid. The bakery basket was good. The pastry program here has a real reputation and you can taste why, even if nothing in it made me stop mid-bite. The service charge situation is worth knowing about going in. A 20% service charge is added automatically, in lieu of gratuity. At least they're upfront about it on the website, but it's the kind of thing that makes you do math on every item as you read the menu. The food overall is fine. Genuinely fine. Nothing was bad. But for what they're charging in this context, and with the pedigree they're trading on, "fine" doesn't close the loop. DC has no shortage of brunch spots that either deliver more for the price or at least give you one thing you're still thinking about the next day. Nothing here did that. Maybe dinner is a different story. The rotisserie program is what they're really built around, and I'd be willing to find out. But for brunch specifically, I wouldn't prioritize coming back.