Tonight, Washington, D.C.'s selection got a bit starrier. That's due in large part to two new One Stars rooted in culture-focused cuisine. The first explores Peru's coastline through an elegant prix-fixe tasting menu highlighting delicacies from the sea. Chef Carlos Delgado celebrates the multifaceted landscape through a progressive menu allowing diners to travel to Peru without leaving the country.
The other new Star hails from the mind of chef Chetan Shetty who draws inspiration from his birthplace and childhood. His restaurant, Rania, aims to elevate the typical Indian dining experience with innovative takes on classics like braised pork belly vindaloo or monkfish with red onion masala.
The brilliance of these additions is a testament to the diverse and rich culinary landscape of our nation's capital. Only now, it's only gotten (even) more delicious.
New One Stars
Causa
Cuisine: Peruvian
Chef Carlos Delgado delivers a taste of his birthplace in a dual concept space in Blagden Alley. Nestled on the first floor, Causa seats around 20 for a tasting menu that takes diners on a journey of flavors inspired by the topography of Peru. It all begins in Lima with coastal seafood, then progresses into the Andes and the Amazon. Chicha morada kombucha, made from purple corn, is a perfect partner for the Peruvian classic and namesake dish, causa, with its mashed potatoes hit with aji amarillo paste, then topped with cucumber, avocado and tuna tartare. Next, the humble bomba rice is given a luxe glow-up courtesy of uni, caviar and a criolla sauce. Dessert definitely doesn't disappoint, as in the passion fruit and mint gelato scoops piped with macambo mousse.
Rania
Cuisine: Indian
This fine dining concept seems fit for a queen, and good thing too, since Rania translates to "queen" in Hindi and Sanskrit. Chef Chetan Shetty delivers something entirely enticing here with his inventive menu. There are plenty of contemporary touches along with a few surprises (think braised pork belly vindalooo). Dishes like shiso leaf chaat balance a playful spirit with elegant overtones, while ghee-roasted lamb folded inside a delicate lentil cheela has a spicy kick that is tempered with a buttermilk mousse. Finally, a slightly sweet strained yogurt mousse with a hint of pistachio and cardamom is the perfect finale. Cocktails are designed to complement the rich, bold flavors.
Previous Three Stars and Green Star
The Inn at Little Washington
Cuisine: American, French
Previous Two Stars
Jônt
Cuisine: Contemporary
minibar
Cuisine: Contemporary
Pineapple and Pearls
Cuisine: Contemporary
Previous One Stars
Albi
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Bresca
Cuisine: Contemporary
Elcielo D.C.
Cuisine: Colombian
Fiola
Cuisine: Italian
Gravitas
Cuisine: Contemporary
Imperfecto: The Chef's Table
Cuisine: Latin American
Kinship
Cuisine: Contemporary
Little Pearl
Cuisine: Contemporary
Masseria
Cuisine: Italian
Maydān
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Métier
Cuisine: Contemporary
Oyster Oyster
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Reverie
Cuisine: Contemporary
Rooster & Owl
Cuisine: Contemporary
Rose’s Luxury
Cuisine: Contemporary
Sushi Nakazawa
Cuisine: Japanese
Tail Up Goat
Cuisine: Contemporary
The Dabney
Cuisine: American
Xiquet
Cuisine: Spanish
Hero: Hawkeye Johnson/Rania
Thumbnail: Hawkeye Johnson/Rania
