2020 Michelin Star Dining in D.C.
Counting stars? Get ready to do a re-count: Michelin just released its 2020 Guide for those dining in D.C.
The 2020 list is the 4th iteration of Michelin Guide in D.C. This year, Michelin keeps things consistent, adding no new 3-star to the D.C. restaurant scene. No new changes have been made to the 2 star recommendations, but four new additions have been made to Michelin’s list of 1 star restaurants.
The Inn at Little Washington maintains its status as a three star for the second year in a row, making it the only 3 star Michelin restaurant in the D.C. area.
For 2 star restaurants, a no changes were made. minibar seemed the most likely to acquire an additional star, as a widely lauded and highly praised restaurant in D.C and this year’s #1 Restaurant in D.C. by Washingtonian Magazine. minibar has long been one of the most difficult and coveted reservations in the city to secure. For me, dining there has been one of the most memorable experiences that I have had to date.
The one star list is where things get shaken up. One of my favorite restaurants, Maydān, finally makes the list this year. Unforgettable halloumi cheese, pita bread, and flavorful meats are freshly prepared from an impressive hearth in the center of the dining room. I’m not a fan of waiting in line to eat there, but it is sure to satisfy the tummy if you can manage a reservation there! The best sushi in the city is served up at the controversially located Sushi Nakazawa, which rightfully earns a mention in the 2020 Michelin Guide.
Rounding things out, the outstanding team behind Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple and Pearls can now add one new star to its collection: Little Pearl. The last new addition is Gravitas, a tasting menu restaurant in Ivy City with cuisine inspired by the Cheseapeake Bay.
The only restaurant removed from the list was Blue Duck Tavern. Blue Duck Tavern had been a mainstay since the inaugural Michelin Guide in 2017. Inspectors told writers at the Washington Post that the “technique and quality” were not sufficient to warrant remaining on the list.
Admittedly, I was a bit disappointed that The Dabney did not earn what is, in my opinion, a well deserved upgrade from 1 star in the 2019 guide to 2 stars this year. This is one of my favorite haunts in D.C. – the team at The Dabney never fails to impress with their consistently outstanding service and seasonally inspired takes on favorite comfort foods.
One of the most interesting things about this year’s guide is that Bad Saint did not make the 2020 Bib Gourmand list for D.C. when a technical error caused it to be released early. Many people assumed that the nationally recognized Filipino restaurant would be upgraded to at least a 1-star status, but that turned out not to be the case. Other popular hopefuls, like Little Serow and Himitsu, were not included in the Michelin star guide for this year.
The List
3 stars – “Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey”
2 stars – “Excellent cooking that is worth a detour”
1 star – “A very good restaurant”
