After dining here the other night, I understand what all the fuss is about. This menu is an adventure from the start and doesn't stop until you are handed your Root Beer Lillipop and sent on your way. Each of his meals clearly tells a story and I found myself sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next dish to be sent out.
The one issue with the food I had was the use of of sea salt on EVERYTHING. Sure it brings out the flavor but more than once it dominated the dish.
The service leaves a lot to be desired as our main server wore a high level of pretense on his sleeve when his guests clearly knew more than he did. The Sommellier was a nice as could be and well versed in her trade. Go and enjoy

This is a condensed recapitulation of the outstanding meal I had at Komi. The menu consists of two choices: 1-You decide on your pasta and main dish and the chef picks your starters (Mezzethakia)
2-The Degustazione where the chef selects everything for you. We chose the latter with wine pairings and the meal was unbelievable, we had at least 15 different items of food. The young chef behind these delicate compositions, Johnny Monis, managed to surprise me throughout the entire meal, and his impeccable seasoning of the dishes (always the most perfect amount of sea-salt) won my heart over for good.
For pictures of the dinner and my favorite mezzes from that night please go to: http://www.thepresidentwearsprada.com/2008/06/relish-and-gasp.html

I was very disappointed after reading so much about this supposedly wonderful restaurant. Yes, the food was good, but not exquisite. Yes, the service was good, but not outstanding. The austere atmosphere was not intriguing, but it was austere. For special occasions, there are a good number of top-notch, exceptional restaurants to choose from in DC, where every taste is unbelievably great, where the atmosphere is luxurious, and where the service makes you feel ultimately special and pampered. I would not put Komi in that category. I don't agree with all the fuss.