Whether it’s a fresh lunch option or a place you've seen getting ready to open in your neighborhood, great new restaurants have been popping up all over the city. We took a closer look at five of the up-and-coming spots.
Maiwand
Adams Morgan
Afghan restaurant Maiwand may have gotten its start in Maryland, but its new D.C. location at 1764 Columbia Road is gaining a loyal following, thanks to its well-seasoned and grilled offerings that cost $4.50-$18 a plate. The casual space with a large red awning out front, offers appetizers like eggplant, chickpea curry, samosas and more, along with entrees including chow pan, grilled salmon and five variations of the kebab. The fast-casual eatery doesn't offer alcoholic beverages, but there are other appealing options like a yogurt drink, strawberry shake, soda, mango shake and more to wash down your meal.
Chiko
Capitol Hill
This new Korean and Chinese fusion restaurant has limited seating but that hasn't stopped people from waiting in line to get a taste of what they have to offer. Menu options include wok blistered pea shoots, chilled acorn noodles, double fried chicken wings, kimchi stew and many others that you would normally find in individual Korean and Chinese restaurants. Smaller items go for around $10, larger ones for around $15.
Chicken + Whiskey
Logan Circle
Chicken + Whiskey in Logan Circle is a sort of casual Latin fusion spot, specializing in Peruvian rotisserie chicken and Venezuelan sandwiches. The eatery, which offers seating at the bar and all along the perimeter of the space, has chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, and chicken plates with your choice of sides available, which range from black beans and corn to yuca fries, sweet plantains and more. In addition, the restaurant has an expansive menu of whiskey, bourbon and rum based drinks to go along with your meal. Sandwiches cost around $10, with a whole chicken available for $17.
Imm Thai
Brightwood
Over in Brightwood on Georgia Ave., IMM Thai opened its doors this past June and seems to already be hit amongst the locals in the area. The entrance is adorned with a ton of single bulb lights that hang over a large metal signage that spells out the restaurant's name. You can expect to find traditional Thai dishes like chicken curry puff, tom yum soup, papaya salad, and multiple variations of noodle, rice and curry based dishes with mains going for above $15.
Coming Soon
Nobu
West End
Nobu will be opening its first Washington D.C. location on the ground floor of the 2501 Residents building on September 12th. The Peruvian/Japanese restaurant, which opened its first outpost more than 30 years ago, will be large enough to accommodate about 220 people. Diners won't be able to order the omakase option yet when it first opens for business, but you can expect to find other popular items like the yellow tail jalapeño (pictured above), king crab tempura amazu ponzu, spicy bigeye tuna and many more, on its opening day menu.
