Itching to check out the newest businesses to open in the Palisades? From a Taiwanese cafe to an Italian restaurant, read on for a list of the newest dining options in this area of Washington.
Momo's Cafe
4828 MacArthur Blvd. NW
Momo's Cafe is a Taiwanese food and tea spot that recently opened its doors in the neighborhood. The modern eatery features an Instagram-ready wall of flowers just outside its entryway.
On the food side of the concise menu, you'll find appetizers like popcorn chicken (and the less common popcorn beef), basil french fries and Taiwanese sausage, and entrees like hot skillets of noodles and ribeye steak.
For drinks, there's an array of Taiwanese teas, including milk tea, milk foam tea and matcha. The handful of dessert options include fried ice cream and fried honey toast with a scoop of ice cream.
Momo's Cafe currently holds 4.5 stars out of 10 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Astor C., who reviewed it on Aug. 8, wrote, "I'm really satisfied with what I ordered. They all taste really good. For drink, their milk foam is really well made; it tastes exactly the same as what I had in China, and they also give you rich amount of it. I had honey toast at the end, and it was amazing."
And Vivian R. wrote, "The menu is quite good but still evolving — notably, there are no vegetarian options, but we were told that the chef is working on some items. We were still happy with our food selections: a simple and satisfying chicken katsu sandwich and rich, buttery sizzling noodles. "
Momo's Cafe is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday, noon–midnight on Saturday, and noon–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Lupo Verde Osteria
4814 MacArthur Blvd. NW
Lupo Verde Osteria is a new Italian spot from the owners of the popular Lupo Verde Cucina and Bar near U Street.
A menu of rustic Italian fare features a variety of small plates, house-made charcuteries, breads, cheeses and antipasti. At lunch, there is a selection of paninis, salads, pastas and Roman-style pizza by the slice. Four entrée selections, including whole roasted fish and a selection of meats, are available during dinner, as are pasta dishes like cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) and lobster ravioli.
A gourmet grocery store on the lower level sells fresh and dried house-made pasta by the kilo, along with jams, olive oils, pastries, sauces and other imported Italian products.
Yelpers are generally positive about Lupo Verde Osteria, which currently holds four stars out of 22 reviews on the site.
Christina L., who reviewed it on July 7, wrote, "They have a good-sized menu — not too many options in each category, but just the right amount to find something you'll like. They make their own pasta in-house, which is rare to see, but always the best when they know what they are doing."
Tatyana F. noted, "The food is absolutely delicious. Each pasta dish is very savory. Bear in mind that entrees are tiny, even by Italian standards."
Black Coffee
4885 MacArthur Blvd. NW
Black Coffee is a cafe and New American spot that comes from local chefs Jeff and Barbara Black (Black Market Bistro, Black's Bar & Kitchen, and the nearby BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant).
The new establishment offers coffee and pastries, plus an all-day menu of starters, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Examples of each include roasted cauliflower with pine nuts, currants, capers and lemon butter; a grilled apricot salad with arugula, radicchio, toasted walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette and goat cheese; a swordfish club sandwich with applewood smoked bacon, lemon aioli, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun; and steak frites with pea greens and cabernet jus.
A separate brunch menu adds breakfast entrees like chilaquiles and eggs Benedict, plus mimosas, bloody marys and bellinis.
Black Coffee is off to a strong start with four stars out of 15 reviews on the site.
Yelper Erica T., who reviewed it on July 7, wrote, "The coffee is excellent. The food is delicious and hits the spot. The baked goods are wonderful. Much better food and more food options than a typical coffee shop."
Yelper Vivian R. wrote, "Staff members were very pleasant and quick to prepare our vanilla lattes. I'm generally wary of mushy, overly sugary pastries in coffee shops but was pleased by the lemon danish: sweet-tart lemon custard in a crisp, croissant-like crust."
Black Coffee is open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekends.
