By the Editors By the Editors | December 12, 2021 | Food & Drink, Style & Beauty,
From vegan restaurants to hair salons and everything in between, here are our best recommendations of 2021 in DC.
The Best Italian Restaurant
Fiola Mare
Take in stunning views of the Potomac river as you indulge in sophisticated frutti di mare. Stars on the Italian coastal cuisine menu include the Fiola Mare lobster ravioli with ginger, chives and a port wine reduction and the wild turbot with smoked dashi, perigord truffles and olive-oil whipped potatoes. fiolamaredc.com
The Best Bakery
Buttercream Bakeshop
Arguably the most celebrated bakery in the area, this Shaw neighborhood eatery has been featured in the Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal for their food contributions to weddings, birthdays and other large celebrations. Our suggestion? Try some of their fan favorite dishes, such as their Cinnacone, a luscious hybrid of a cinnamon roll and a scone, or their Hawiian-inspired 808 bar, which is made with a chocolate-macadamia nut crust, a pile of coconut cream and a chocolate ganache topping. 1250 Ninth St. NW, 202.735.0102, buttercreamdc.com
The Best Brunch Spot
Le Diplomate
The European decor and classic Gallic dishes are why Le Diplomate is a Logan Circle mainstay. Their new COVID-friendly al fresco dining makes customers feel as if they are inside a restaurant, thanks to cozy, covered and separated spaces with blue and white detailed interior. Order the selection of cheeses and Belon oysters to share before trying les oeufs, such as the gruyere omelet and poached eggs basquaise, or entrees like the quiche florentine and croque madame. 1601 14th St. NW, 202.332.3333, lediplomatedc.com
The Best Coffee Shop
Vigilante Coffee
Vigilante Coffee was founded in 2012 by Christopher Vigilante who wanted to bring his specialty coffee training from Hawaii back to the East Coast. Now with multiple locations in Prince George’s County, Vigilante Coffee sells some of the best quality coffee beans from Latin America, Indonesia, and Ethiopia throughout the city. Whether picking up one of their fresh-served espressos or taking home one of their specialty beans to make your own home brew, patrons are sure to be satisfied with the global tasting experience. Multiple locations, 301.200.3110, vigilantecoffee.com
The Best Ice Cream Shop
Moorenko’s
Since its opening in 2002, Moorenko’s has crafted Washington D.C.’s finest, ultra-premium ice cream. These wholly-satisfying desserts are made by hand daily using only the highest quality, natural ingredients. Dishing out a distinctive range of ice cream and sorbet flavors, like fresh ginger or honey lavender, guests are sure to find new and unexpected twists on this classic frozen treat. 8030-B Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 301.565.7804, moorenkos.com
The Best Golf Course
Creighton Farms
Creighton Farms offers players a nationally-recognized Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Between the picturesque scenery and luxurious amenities, it’s truly a golfer’s paradise. Creighton is stepping into the modern era with its online interactive course map and state of the art indoor performance center. 22050 Creighton Farms Dr., Aldie, Va., 703.957.4800, creightonfarms.com
The Best Date Spot
Cranes
Explore the intersections of Spanish and Japanese cuisine at Cranes, a restaurant and sake lounge by chef Pepe Moncayo. The design of the 12,000-square-foot restaurant space includes a beautifully striking bar, large sake lounge, raised dining area, open kitchen and private dining room suitable for 30 guests. Choose from one of the spectacular seasonal menu’s dishes, such as shrimp and squid tempura or stuffed spanish mackerel, while sipping on a shiso mojito made with aged rum, lime, shiso simple and club soda. 724 Ninth St. NW, 202.525.4900, cranes-dc.com
The Best Vegan Restaurant
Fancy Radish
James Beard Award-Winning chefs Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby are famed for their Philadelphia vegan restaurant, Vedge, so locals can only expect the best from its DC counterpart. Start the meal with a “The Spice Is Worth The Squeeze” cocktail made with tequila, pineapple, fresno chile and lime before diving into delicacies like rutabaga fondue, Peruvian potatoes and stuffed avocados. 600 H St., 202.675.8341, fancyradishdc.com
The Best Hair Salon
Ferro Salon
An afternoon at Ferro Salon is well spent, thanks to the light and airy salon stocked with products from R + Co and Kératase. While you wait for your appointment to begin (or for your color to process), sit by the moss wall with a good read in hand. 1125 18th St. NW, ferrosalon.com
Photography by: Moritz Knoringer/Unsplash