Washington, D.C./ Food & Drinks
Published on May 17, 2018
Wine and dine: Get to know the newest businesses to debut in D.C.Photo: Mikko/Yelp

Want to explore the newest additions to Washington? From a modern Nordic cafe to a winery in the heart of D.C., read on to see the newest hot spots to debut near you.

Lupo Verde Osteria

PHOTO: alan c./YELP

New to 4814 MacArthur Blvd. NW in Foxhall Crescent is upscale Italian establishment Lupo Verde Osteria, the long-awaited sister restaurant of
Italian-born chef Matteo Venini's Lupo Verde.

Venini will be helming both kitchens and the menus will be similar, Thrillist  reports. The housemade pastas include offerings like the nettle gnocchi with morel mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest and ramps; and cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) with tonnarelli pasta, cacio de roma cheese, toasted black pepper and Pecorino Romano. (You can check out the full menu here.)

The Smith

PHOTO: neluka w./YELP

A recent addition at 1314 U St. NW in Cardoza is The Smith, a cocktail bar and New American spot featuring bistro classics and seasonal fare. 

Hailing from New York's East Village, this restaurant marks the second D.C. location for the chain, with the other centered in Penn Quarter. Menu offerings include an extensive raw bar, pizzas, housemade pastas, slushies and craft cocktails. (Check out the menu here.)

Angolo Ristorante

Photo: heather p./Yelp

Next up is Angolo Ristorante, located at 2934 M St. NW in Waterfront Georgetown. This fresh Italian restaurant takes the place of former Cajun seafood eatery — Pier 2934 — that closed a few months ago.

Angolo's menu includes traditional Italian appetizers, pastas, entrees, salads and pizzas, and it has a patio with outdoor seating to boot. 

Spice 6 Modern Indian

Photo: Spice 6 Modern Indian/Yelp

If you're craving Indian but short on time, this recent fast-casual fusion spot is need-to-know. The fresh arrival to Chinatown, called Spice 6 Modern Indian, is located at 740 Sixth St. NW, the third location for the Maryland-based chain.

Naan pizza, naan wraps, rice bowls and salads are all on offer from Nepal-born chef Upendra Thapaliya, in addition to traditional dishes like butter chicken and biryani. Diners can also customize their meals by choosing a base (greens, naan or rice), protein (lamb, chicken, paneer and tofu), curries and chutneys. (See the menu here.)

Mikko

Photo: mikko/Yelp

Mikko, a European cafe serving up modern Nordic dishes, recently opened at 1636 R St. NW in Dupont Circle. 

When chef Mikko Kosonen was 13 years old, he began cooking in his family's Stockholm restaurant, called Cassi. He later went on to prepare food for ambassadors, diplomats and royalty around the world, including a 15-year stint as the Finnish ambassador's chef in Washington, D.C.

Mikko's menu revolves around rye, seafood, mushrooms, berries and roots that are cooked, cured, smoked, pickled and prepared in true Nordic fashion. Expect both weekly and daily specials, like the grilled shrimp sandwich, house-smoked salmon and Finnish-style fish soup. (Check out the full menu here.)

City Winery

PHOTO: gail b./YELP

Last (but not least), check out City Winery — a winery and music venue now open at 1350 Okie St. NE in Ivy City.

Brought to you courtesy of Michael Dorf, founder of the iconic Knitting Factory, this spot seeks to "pair the culinary experience with a cultural experience," while sharing wine, music and culinary arts with its patrons. From food and wine classes to intimate concerts, this establishment brings a wine country experience to the middle of Washington, D.C.