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Washington, D.C.’s 6 most exciting restaurant debuts of 2023

A photo of Red logo
by Christabel Lobo
Updated December 18, 2023
Washington, DC’s, dining scene is like a mesmerizing mosaic, and its newest crop of restaurants only amp up that signature diversity. Choose from a MICHELIN-starred Indian hotspot in Penn Quarter, a sleek and sceney sushi shrine in Georgetown, and an award-winning Creole place in Anacostia. In a city that thrives on differences, these newcomers stand out for being especially unique. Read on for a guide to the six best DC restaurant debuts of 2023.
A photo of Philippe Chow - DC restaurant
4.4
4.4 (889)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Southwest Waterfront
About the restaurant

The Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema singled out the Peking duck at this NYC import as a “splurge to remember” soon after it opened in June. Crispy, glossy, and just the right kind of decadent, Philippe Chow’s claim to fame isn’t just a signature dish—it’s an experience (it can take an hour to prep) that makes this swanky Chinese restaurant one of the hottest spots in town. A wraparound patio with IG-worthy Potomac River views adds to the destination vibes as you devour a family-style Chinese feast. Run, don’t walk—and bring someone you want to impress, because this newcomer is all about the wow factor.


Top review
DCCouple
Dined 4 days ago
A wonderful evening for a birthday celebration. Looking forward to our next meal there.
A photo of Kitchen Savages restaurant
4.6
4.6 (171)
$31 to $50
American
Navy Yard
About the restaurant

Darrell Gaston’s vibrant love letter to his Anacostia community burst onto DC’s dining scene in April, serving remixed Southern comfort food like crab cake egg rolls, extra-crunchy mumbo wings, and banana pudding cheesecake. The soul-warming spot hasn’t gone unnoticed—Washington City Paper readers voted it the best new restaurant in the “Best of DC” awards this summer. Gaston is all about uplifting his surroundings, which is why he hires many employees from Ward 8 and offers a culinary training experience for at-risk youth.


Top review
Jasmine
Dined on Jan 26, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed the food and drinks here. First time but it certainly won’t be my last.
A photo of Any Day Now restaurant
4.5
4.5 (37)
$31 to $50
American
Navy Yard
About the restaurant

If you think you know diner food, chef and restaurateur Tim Ma wants you to think again. Any Day Now debuted in June and specializes in global comfort fare, pairing Ma’s Asian American background with chef de cuisine Matt Sperber’s Puerto Rican heritage. The plantain tots with adobo shuttle you to San Juan, and the honey-walnut calamari is Sperber’s answer to a Chinese restaurant classic. The runaway hit here is Ma’s genius take on the classic egg and cheese, which swaps the traditional bagel or English muffin with a couple of scallion pancakes—the cafe griddles over 100 an hour on some days (!) and they still regularly sell out.


Top review
JeremyVIP
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
Really interesting and surprising flavors throughout the menu. Staff were warm and welcoming. Just a great overall experience
A photo of Kyojin Sushi restaurant
4.6
4.6 (468)
$50 and over
Sushi
Washington
About the restaurant

This subterranean sushi spot from Arlington’s Yume Sushi team opened in July and quickly scored glowing reviews for its refined but experimental menu, which includes seared foie gras nigiri, gyozas stuffed with wagyu and lobster, and a large list of signature rolls. The 5,000-square-foot space is decorated with over-the-top Japanese murals and kimonos that stand in for seat cushions. It’s a total vibe on weekends (read: it gets packed, so reserve well in advance), complete with live DJs and late-night seatings. Stay tuned for a 10-seat omakase counter coming next year.


Top review
Yumna
Dined 4 days ago
We were served by Mariano and had a great experience!
A photo of Rania DC restaurant
4.7
4.7 (554)
$50 and over
Indian
Penn Quarter
About the restaurant

Hello, glow up. In May, the former Punjab Grill was reborn as Rania, a regal South Asian spot led by Indian Accent alum Chetan Shetty. Fittingly, its name means “queen” in Sanskrit and the royal vibes are strong, thanks to lots of mother-of-pearl inlay and a carved piece of pink sandstone that tops the bar. Not to mention a private dining room decked with thousands of hand-laid mirrors. From the monkfish in red-onion masala to the ghee-roasted lamb with paper-thin lentil pancakes and tangy buttermilk mousse, every inventive dish here feels worthy of the MICHELIN star Rania recently earned.


Top review
FulviaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
A lot of fun! Our Maitre d from Armenia was very knowledgeable!
A photo of Makers Union - The Wharf restaurant
4.1
4.1 (294)
$31 to $50
American
Southwest Waterfront
About the restaurant

This Virginia-based pub unveiled its second location in October—and it isn’t your average watering hole. Makers draws District residents for killer local brews, a knockout seafood selection, and is already setting itself apart as a weekend favorite. Bottomless Makers Union has quickly anchored itself as a popular neighborhood gem on the Southwest Waterfront.brunch here is a treasure chest of hits like crab cake benedict and smoked lox with lemon-parsley cream cheese.


Top review
AlexanderVIP
Dined 3 days ago
★★★★★ Amazing Bottomless Brunch Experience! If you’re looking for the ultimate brunch experience, look no further! From start to finish, everything about this bottomless brunch was perfection. The drinks kept flowing—mimosas, sangria and old fashioneds, all crafted to perfection and never an empty glass in sight. The food was just as incredible! Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Whether you’re in the mood for classic brunch staples or something a little more creative, there’s something for everyone. The portions were generous, and the service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and always making sure we had everything we needed. The vibe was lively yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion. I can’t recommend this place enough—bottomless brunch done right! Will definitely be back again soon.
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