We’re often stumped by the term “upscale casual,” but if there’s any place that helps clarify the description, it’s this waterfront seafood spot, as destination-worthy for oysters and beers before a Nats game as it is for celebrating with bubbles and a triple-decker shellfish tower. Daniel Perron’s menu nimbly balances finer-dining dishes—think langoustines with caviar—with creations that elicit weeknight cravings (we’ll take a bowl of his oyster stew anytime). The vibe, too, walks a line. Service is knowledgeable and attentive, and an elegant rum cart roves the room. But the place isn’t too upscale for ambient indie rock or, come summer, a pop-up rosé garden. Moderate.
Also great: Hamachi crudo; clams casino; curried-seafood risotto; passionfruit panna cotta.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
