Comments
I really want it to be great,but he needs to relax and stop trying so hard. Yes, and put a little more on the plate. I really like the bartenders they are very nice and make great cocktails.
Posted by: Volt, Oct 21, 2009 07:02:26 PM
When was the last time that you updated your website? There is a title picture of a meal from Farrah Olivia for the "Washingtonian’s 100 Best Restaurants" List and that restaurant has been closed for several months now.
Posted by: Janice, Oct 15, 2009 10:47:30 AM
For many years, I have looked to the Washingtonian Top 100 Restaurant list as a fairly reliable resource. I never agreed with it completely, but I thought the rankings were generally accurate and that it was a useful gauge of Washington cuisine. Each year, there would be some minor shuffling among positions and a handful of restaurants would be bumped or promoted to the list, but the list was relatively stable. In the last few years, however, I’ve noticed an increasing tendency for them to want to "shake things up" on the list. Now, even when a restaurant’s quality remains unchanged from year to year, their ranking can fluctuate dramatically. I guess Washingtonian was afraid that people were getting bored with a list that didn’t change a whole lot each year. Well, for my part, I would rather have a more stable, but consistent and accurate list, than one that unduly rewards the trendy restaurants. I recognize that the reviews are inherently subjective, but now, the rankings almost appear to be random. I’m sorry, but The Inn at Little Washington has not suddenly slipped to be only the 8th best restaurant in the area.
Posted by: William N., Sep 04, 2009 08:46:52 PM
What! Where is Wegman’s buffet? By far the best meal in Northern VA! It is my charge to sample that buffet!
Posted by: Kelthuzad, Aug 13, 2009 04:38:18 AM
Where on earth is *Willow Restaurant*, which is a fantastic spot in Arlington, VA, that has enjoyed the Washingtonian’s top-100 ranking for the past couple years. Its fate is particularly telling. It was removed in the 2009 list, not because its quality declined--in fact, I have always found it to be remarkably consistent; rather, I suspect it was cut because the editors couldn’t figure out how to squeeze in new places and feature all cuisines. The problem is simple: The top-100 list lumps together distinct types of cuisine, as if there were one scale along which all restaurants could be placed. I imagine that lots of places -- some noted by people above -- have been ignored in this fashion. It really is a tragedy. It is a poorly conceived system that does a disservice to restaurants in the DC metro area. I have abandoned it. Give us reviews, sure, but do not give us a list like this.
Posted by: George, Jul 16, 2009 04:30:00 PM
Saigon Quan Vietnamese Restaurant in Springfield, Backlick Plaza is my favorite one now. They have outstanding noodle soup and their grills, pork chops, chicken, shrimps, and much more are all excellent. Everything is very fresh and tasty. Great restaurant if you want to spend less than $10 each for great meal!!!
Posted by: Mark McNeil, Jun 17, 2009 09:09:45 PM
I recently had dinner at Marvin’s, and although I enjoyed the bar in the past, I found the restaurant exceptionally disappointing. The food was bland and an overwhelming amount of oil was used in an attempt to give the food any flavor. The service was abhorrent--our waiter never stopped by our table until our entrees were served an hour and a half later and he failed to give us any bread. If you must go to a restaurant on U-street go to Tabaq, or just stick to Penn Quarter/Gallery Place for slightly expensive yet quality food. This food is a tremendous disservice to Marvin Gaye.
Posted by: No to Marvin food, yes to music, Jun 13, 2009 09:47:01 PM
I recently had dinner at Marvin’s, and although I enjoyed the bar in the past, I found the restaurant exceptionally disappointing. The food was bland and an overwhelming amount of oil was used in an attempt to give the food any flavor. The service was abhorrent--our waiter never stopped by our table until our entrees were served an hour and a half later and he failed to give us any bread. If you must go to a restaurant on U-street go to Tabaq, or just stick to Penn Quarter/Gallery Place for slightly expensive yet quality food. This food is a tremendous disservice to Marvin Gaye. Finally, Washingtonian magazine, I will no longer give your advice any weight.
Posted by: Redo list, Jun 13, 2009 09:45:39 PM
does any one know the address of the new restaurant in spring field?? I think it’s call Saigon Quan Restaurant.
Posted by: Coco, Jun 13, 2009 09:35:02 PM
Hey Bill,
Saigon Quan Vietnamese Restaurant just recently opened like 3 weeks. That’s y you couldn’t search for it. Agreed they have excellent Pho soup and grilled dished there, very cheap too...but I work in DC, only can go there once in a while :(...
Posted by: Jason Fulk, Jun 09, 2009 04:27:25 PM
I was looking for the Pho Saigon Quan restaurant in Backlick Plaza, Springfield. Great food, great price!!! No result???
Posted by: William Semones, Jun 09, 2009 04:19:54 PM
Hey, can you include the link to each restaurant’s web site on each review page that has the restaurant’s other contact info?
Thanks.
Posted by: Nova Foodie, May 28, 2009 09:13:57 AM
"People who care about the environment should not be denied the opportunity to eat at top-notch restaurants." Welcome the self-righteous.
Posted by: K, May 16, 2009 11:12:30 AM
I just tried pulling up all ’Vegetarian/Vegan’ restaurants from the Restaurant Finder and it brought back Butterfield 9, but doesn’t bring back Vegetate. Woohoo! Great tool!
Posted by: Cindy, Apr 16, 2009 09:42:45 AM
Wow there are a lot of angry people posting here. Hungry? No money for meds? Take it easy and read reviews with the knowledge that reviews slways reflect personal preferences.
Posted by: KLS, Apr 09, 2009 07:20:39 AM
trying to select a good resturant for a retirment party
Posted by: Cooley, Apr 01, 2009 09:07:53 AM
Thanks Evan, next time I want Mexican food without having to use my hand as a plate I will go to Chipotle. And when I want free chips and salsa with my meal I’ll go to Baja Fresh or any other Mexican restaurant in existence. Oh, and the fact that you mentioned the Oval Room and Surfside in the same blog post offends me.
You obviously haven’t eaten at either the Oval Room or the Rainbow Room. To liken the two is absurd and amateur.
Posted by: Jessica, Mar 17, 2009 03:23:29 PM
I can’t believe people are complaining about Surfside being on the list. The food is the freshest and some of the best tasting in the area. No frills just good food.
And someones complaint was that their taco didn’t hold together, perhaps you’d be more comfortable at Chipotle, their tacos won’t fall apart I assure you.
Again I’m amazed that the Oval room makes the list. This place is like the Rainbow room, it gets on purely on reputation not on actual quality of food.
Posted by: Evan, Mar 11, 2009 06:36:46 AM
hey moron! Majestic isn’t even on the list! thats where you eat bad meatloaf and overcooked burgers. Inn at Little Washington is the number one restaurant around, we all know that....unless you dined at Komi
Posted by: Max Goldberg, Mar 03, 2009 02:40:00 PM
I have to say theres alot wrong with this list, Komi being ahead of Inn at Little Washington is a gimmick and a joke!
Top 3 overrated:
Majestic
Citronelle
Charlie Palmer
Top 3 underrated
Inn at Little Washington
Vermillion
Oval Room
Posted by: Colin Haskett, Mar 03, 2009 02:32:45 PM
I have dined at the majority of restaurants on this list (especially those in the top 20)and I agree with the comments made by many whom state that this listing is subjective. Farrah Olivia, without a shred of doubt, should definitely have been in the top 10 - no further comment.
Citronelle is possibly surviving on its name alone - from my dining experience there several years ago I decided that there were more competitive restaurants where I would rather spend $$$$.
Also, it just me, or did I miss something.....where are Willow and Il Mulino????
Posted by: GastroFemme, Feb 24, 2009 06:51:40 PM
These lists are incredibly subjective and having such a small number of critics/reviewers will inevitably lead to the outcry of injustice as evidenced by the responses to the article.
I would offer an alternative. How about having the patrons rate the restaurants in addition to critics reviews and provide both to the reader? The comparison would be interesting and it might provide the reader with exposure to options they might not have otherwise considered. In addition, the owners of these establishments would gain the insight of the most important critics, their everyday clients. This feedback mechanism should ultimately improve the quality of dining in DC.
Posted by: Chuck, Feb 23, 2009 11:27:03 AM
Restaurant Eve should have been number one. Im serious. Its amazing. Dont go anywhere else for a great meal
Posted by: Samantha Who, Feb 18, 2009 01:08:04 PM
VOLT?? VOLT??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! This place sucks, and it shouldnt even be around. I cant believe people keep throwing their money away at this place. Its awful food, and anyone with a palate should know that!!
Posted by: Teddy N., Feb 18, 2009 01:06:30 PM
Someone did not fully do their homework when researching the "insider tips" for Bistro Bis (number 22 on the list this year). My fiancee and I visited the restaurant for lunch today, and parked in the garage across the street from Bistro Bis, because (according to the magazine), "parking in the garage across the street is free with validation." That is only half-true--they only validate after 5:30 p.m. So, instead of just metroing in like we would have if we’d known that, we had to dish out $14 for parking for an hour and a half. Thanks, Washingtonian. At least the food was worth it.
Posted by: Mike, Feb 16, 2009 12:58:17 PM
I was very disappointed with my visit to Farrah Olivia. The food is great, but the portions were ridiculously small! I don’t eat a lot, but I had to go get a burger afterwards because I was still hungry after spending almost four hundred dollars!
Posted by: valerie, Feb 12, 2009 08:19:10 AM
This list is a joke just like 95% of the restuarants in this supposedly "world class" city! Please don’t come to DC with an appetite! You will be sadly dissapointed with the mediocre and overrated/overhyped dining options.
Posted by: MikeNFairfax, Feb 11, 2009 08:25:50 PM
I agree that Surfside is mediocre at best and that it probably made the list because of ownership. If 2 tortillas are necessary to keep a taco together (they didn’t--next time try 3?) then something is wrong. Glover Park has other good restaurant like Town Hall, which I rarely read about but always enjoy.
Posted by: JD, Feb 11, 2009 08:17:38 PM
Small portions at the Oval Room?? I don’t know how many ages ago you ate there but their portions are quite large even their tasting menu. This restaurant deserved it’s spot and I firmly believe that it is one of the best restaurants in DC.
From the amuse to the pastrami glazed kanpachi with hot mustard icecream which isn’t over powering. The fish had a nice spice to it and micro crutons with tomato jam.. The flavors balanced so perfectly and ingenious. We also had the beef with three kinds of grains which were creamy and well seasoned and carrots that were glazed and tiny bits of tarragon with a spicy passion fruit mustard sauce.. aww devine.. the beef was perfect medium-rare..
I think Chef Tony Conte is the next best thing to hit the culinary relm in DC. The flavor combination and plating style is bold but subtle questionable but surpring. Flavors that one might question dance on your palate awaking new senses. I am glad they are #9 and looking forward to them moving up in the future
Posted by: Lisa D, Feb 11, 2009 07:47:33 PM
Restaurant Eve is by far the best restaurant in the DC metro area. hands down.
Posted by: Ashley Simons, Feb 11, 2009 05:52:14 PM
The Oval Room is easily the best meal I have ever eaten. I took my parents there when they visited and if I were to liken food to art, this would be a masterpiece.
We did a tasting menu and each course was innovative and absolutely delicious. The "bacon, egg and cheese" was like nothing I have ever tasted, the beet salad is a salad prodigy, and the seared piece of ahi tuna with hot mustard ice cream made to taste like a pastrami sandwich astounded all of us. The tuna tartare with cripsy tapioca was a fun and fresh take on tartare with a bite of chipotle. The corn custard with basil and popcorn powders was surprisingly delectible. Everything was light, right down to the steak, but filling. The plates were the perfect size. Nothing was typical or expected. The food at the Oval Room has litterally ruined dining out for me, simply because I know I can’t eat food of that quality on a regular basis.
And that’s just the food, the service is impeccable. Our waiter knew the ingrediants to every dish, and explained Chef Tony Conte’s thought process behind each of them. He was attentive, but not over bearing. He was friendly and comical, but not obnoxious.
I don’t think I could have asked for a better dining experience. My family and I left the restaurant stunned. I overwhelmed my friends as I explained what I had just eaten, frustrated because I knew they wouldn’t understand unless they ate there too. All the more reason to go back for seconds...and thrids...
Posted by: Jessica, Feb 11, 2009 09:36:12 AM
How you can rate the mexican restaurant on Wisconsin(which is not to be named because it is so awful)in the top 100 restaurants is absurd. The fact that the restaurant may have a nice atmosphere does not ameliorate the fact that the food is horrible. The guacamole might as well have been lime juice and the cheese dip tasted like cheeze whiz and cream mixed together. I would have rathered to order a burrito at Chipotle. I do not understand how places like this get recognition while good mexican restaurants, like cactus cantina, are overshadowed because they do not also own Smith Point. oh well.
Posted by: GP, Feb 10, 2009 09:20:28 AM
Vidalia should be ranked higher then Palena, Eve and why is the mini bar even up here its attached to Cafe Atlantico!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Goerge, Feb 09, 2009 03:23:13 PM
I’m perplexed everytime I see the Oval room rated so high. The one time I ate there I had literally one of the worst meals I’ve ever had at a fine dining establishment. It was egg noodles with a celery foam. The noodles were overcooked and the foam was tasteless. This restaurant exists on reputation alone.
Posted by: Evan, Feb 09, 2009 09:37:32 AM
Portions are "big" at Oval Room? You have got to be kidding me! Two of the overpriced dishes I recently had at the Oval Room were easily the smallest dishes I’ve ever had, which is funny considering I was living in Spain at the height of the deconstructed food craze!
Posted by: Gary, Feb 05, 2009 07:18:39 PM
I cannot believe that Cava did not make the list. It was number 76 last year and I believe it has only improved and trust me, I am a frequent diner. There is no way that some of these restaurants are better than Cava!!!
Posted by: Karen, Feb 05, 2009 05:13:48 PM
I am a vegetarian who has enjoyed exquisite meals at Komi, Obelisk, Restaurant Eve, and City Zen. Any restaurant that is serious about serving top quality food will make a veg option available, so everyone can enjoy their cuisine. Furthermore, there is nothing substandard about vegetarian food. People who care about the environment should not be denied the opportunity to eat at top-notch restaurants.
Posted by: Priya, Feb 04, 2009 11:31:55 AM
I appreciate all that goes into this list, and it’s fun to read. It’s also fun to check out many of the restaurants. No matter who makes the list, there will always be those unhappy that their favorites were not chosen.
Posted by: Bob, Feb 03, 2009 06:16:29 AM
Emily, I’d also like to see information on vegetarian possibilities in the Washingtonian restaurant reviews. You certainly don’t need to eat meat in order to have an amazing meal, despite what Jon opines.
Another thing I’d like to see is information on PARKING! Metro isn’t available or convenient for everyone.
Posted by: Transplanted Texan, Feb 02, 2009 02:00:24 PM
The Washingtonian should abandon the ridiculous forced rankings. Does anyone really think that a number 18 is truly better than a number 19 or 20? You can’t rank something as subjective as a dining experience. Go back to the star rankings, it makes more sense. It’s less absurd.
Posted by: Barkie T. Woofington, Feb 02, 2009 07:58:43 AM
Hi AJ - the photo is of sliders at Wolfgang Puck’s the Source. Glad you enjoyed!
Posted by: Catherine (washingtonian.com), Jan 30, 2009 06:00:46 AM
Where is the cover picture from? Looks so good I’ve been craving them since I got the magazine in the mail.
Posted by: Aj, Jan 29, 2009 11:30:21 AM
Vegan restaurants and upscale cuisine are oxymoronic, Emily.
Even Ubuntu, in Napa, the best vegetarian restaurant in the country, wouldn’t be considered upscale. And its chef is a meat-eater, which is the only reason it’s good. Animal fat and meat stocks are the backbone of fine dining. And bacon is delicious.
Posted by: Jon F., Jan 29, 2009 09:56:39 AM
Delighted to see that Bistro l’Hermitage is on the list.
Posted by: Paul, Jan 29, 2009 01:59:32 AM
This list can join the ranks with the top ten steakhouse list in airline magazines. washingtonian needs a food critic that knows food and restaurants. Komi, #1 It will take them ten years to remember everything Michele Ricahrd has forgotten, Dino’s is one of the worst restaurants in DC and deserves not to be ranked at all. Where did Todd Kliman cut his teeth, The Olive Garden? Please no more restaurant reviews, they are awful, inaccurate and seriously biased, we can’t take it anymore, give us a real critic, please!!!!
Posted by: bon vivant #3, Jan 28, 2009 04:05:32 PM
Corduroy does not deserve the above review. The new space is nice and actually quite lovely. Food was good but not great. I didn’t even finish my duck, which I normally love, and my husband thought his steak just ok.
Service needs major work, and at these prices? We waited for our menus after being seated, and for someone to take our drink order. My husband had to ask for bread. I ordered a glass of red wine to accompany my dinner, and the waiter dribbled it across the (white) table.
A big disappointment.
Posted by: NB, Jan 28, 2009 02:16:41 PM
I have only one comment, and it is in response to Lisa. Komi’s rise from #10 to #3 in two years does not seem nearly so surprising for those who have tried the place. Komi is above and beyond the best restaurant in DC. You don’t get to be the best simply because you are around the longest. I give big props to the new comer who can cruise to the top of such a competitive list. Congrats Komi. I am saving up so I can go back again soon.
And in a side note (so mayeb two comments), it is about time that Citronelle fell from its high rank as number 1. The place is nothing if not overrated and egocentric.
Posted by: Katherine, Jan 28, 2009 09:04:30 AM
Touchy, touchy....people like Fred & anon need to relax, take a deep breath, and realize that they’re not the ones being paid to review these restaurants. Paragraph breaks and a quick spell check (truly has no "e") might also lend credence to people’s rants.
Washingtonian’s restaurant finder has a pulldown to select "Vegetarian/Vegan" as your cuisine of choice. I don’t see the value of Washingtonian compiling a list of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants, given the difficulty in classifying restaurants as such and the limited population it would serve. Do you only include restaurants that serve no meat (or any animal products for the vegans)? Rasika is a great restaurant that features a number of vegetarian dishes, but is not a strictly vegetarian restaurant.
Posted by: Brian Flores, Jan 28, 2009 09:00:17 AM
the list is a waste, not only were great restaurants excluded, which could have been ignored or written off as the growth of good food in the area, but worse restaurants were viewed favorably. Places like rays the steaks and hellburger are hardly more than the average cafe delux. They also lay waste to the only possible excuse to not having black salt on the list (two restaurants same group) marcels made it, but no beck? It seems tradition has gone to the wayside in favor of the psuedo fusion. As for marvin and matchbox, truely two of the most over-rated restaurants in the city, so bravo for seeing through that clouded veil of hype and trend. But if the focus is truely on food then places like surfside, great though they are should not be placed above the likes of bistro du coin. In all a relatively mediocre list that continues to honor the same old same in the top ten, then adjusts for its perrenial consistancy by shock factor in the remainder.
Posted by: anon, Jan 27, 2009 10:27:01 AM
I can’t believe Poste made your list. While we had a nice breakfast there, the dinner we had was very mixed: a great Beef Bourgignon, but the Lamb Shank was inedible and tasted of being a couple of days past its prime - and on the same plate the Lamb Loin was perfect!
The desserts were awful. A Baba au Rhum with a citrus flavor crossed with what was supposed to be almond resulted in furniture polish and the ginger bread/ice cream/pear was awful too except for the ice cream.
Posted by: Lawrence of Suburbia, Jan 26, 2009 11:38:13 AM
Hi Jonathan - we are only counting down the top 20 online. For the full 100, you can purchase the issue, which is now on stands.
Posted by: Catherine (washingtonian.com), Jan 26, 2009 09:31:19 AM
I’m a little surprised at this year’s list. First and foremost, the fact that Michel Richard’s Citronelle has slipped to number two is a really big deal. In 2007, Komi was #10 I think it is very difficult to move from #10 to #3 in just two years. I’ve heard through the grapevine that the reason Citronelle was ousted from #1 is due to their lack of superb service. There was no mention of these things in the review. Also I think Farrah Olivia should be in the top 10.
Posted by: Lisa Shapiro, Jan 26, 2009 09:20:51 AM
Perhaps, I am an idiot, but where can I see restaurants 100-21?
Posted by: Jonathan, Jan 26, 2009 09:09:38 AM
Dino is terrible! Seriously the worst two dinners I’ve had in the district and the only place where I didn’t even like the dessert. Otherwise, I love the list. Proof I do think should be ranked much higher. I would love to see a list of current lunch specials.
Posted by: TM, Jan 26, 2009 08:51:57 AM
I would love to see a break out box on the best vegan/vegetarian restaurants in DC. As a long-term vegan and resident of DC, I still find it challenging to locate upscale vegetarian-friendly restaurants, or places that serve different and delicious veggie-friendly plates in the district.
Due to mainstream tastes and diets, it is understandable that most of the restaurants on the Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best list would not be as comnpatible with a restricted diet such as my own. Please consider doing a smaller, similar style list or review section for vegans/vegetarians to compliment the current 100 Very Best Restaurants. Thank you!
Posted by: Emily, Jan 26, 2009 06:54:37 AM
I haven’t seen much for McLean or Tysons.. we’ve been to Monterey Bay a dozen times even with your poor review.. it’s been GREAT everytime, tasting menus, chef amuse bouche, very good overall appeal. I don’t see anything here in my home-base, even though we subscribe to the Washingtonian to see whats going on around us.. very sad
Posted by: Michelle, Jan 24, 2009 08:08:49 PM
Have to disagree with Fred. I actually find the turnover in the top 100 list very refreshing. For years, the list was comprised of the same overrated, stoggy, tired restaurants living on their past glory. It’s nice to see a little shakeup and it’s even nicer to see restaurants on the list that have non-senior citizens as patrons! Chefs need to stay current and deliver! Glad to see them rewarded!
Posted by: Happy w/ List, Jan 24, 2009 03:25:21 PM
How does Matchbox and Cava not make your list. How is Marvin only #100. These places are so much better than the same old boring list.
Posted by: what?, Jan 23, 2009 09:48:28 AM
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21. Jan 2009 |
By
Todd Kliman
,
Ann Limpert
,
Cynthia Hacinli
,
Rina Rapuano
,
Eve Zibart
