In the mood for a little fine dining? Treat your taste buds to mouthwatering bites from these extravagant tasting menus. 
Rooster & Owl's late winter tasting menu
Gravitas
Experience mid-Atlantic dining like never before with chef Matt Baker’s carefully crafted five-course tasting menu. Start with the yellowfish tuna sashimi topped with shaved jalapeños and crispy shallots and end with the chocolate dome, a Carmelia chocolate mousse with Amarena cherries and white coffee ice cream. Guests can also peruse decadent dishes from the other tasting menu, Taste of Gravitas, like roasted lamb loin over ravioli and a watercress puree. 140 Okie St. NE, 202.763.7942, gravitasdc.com
The Inn at Little Washington
Headline your romantic dinner party with American-inspired tastes from two of chef Patrick O’Connell’s masterful sampling menus. The Gastronaut’s Menu offers a variety of palate-pleasing options, like the pepper-crusted Long Island duck breast served with brandy-glazed apples, duck sausage and cornbread pain perdu, while The Good Earth Menu features heavenly vegetarian creations, like glazed sesame-crusted tofu over rice noodles with marinated garden radishes and cucumber sorbet. 309 Middle St., 540.675.3800, theinnatlittlewashington.com
Jônt
Enjoy savory sips from Jônt’s Iconic Wine Pairing as you revel in a lineup of dynamic flavor profiles designed by chef Ryan Ratino. This progressive winter tasting menu focuses on extraordinary Japanese seafood, like the Hokkaido sea urchin topped with a hand-crafted custard and English peas, or the Iwate scallop over shiro dashi served with an East Asian edible kelp, traditionally referred to as kombu. 1904 14th St. NW, jontdc.com
Métier
Nestled in the heart of DC, this intimate eatery specializes in creative and contemporary American cuisine. Unwind in Métier’s private salon with hor d’oeuvres and Champagne before entering the dining room. Chef Eric Ziebold’s seven-course tasting menu offers exquisite fare like the Maine lobster confit served over creamy coconut rice with spiced mango, ginger and cilantro, or grilled Martin Farms beef with charred scallion, hay smoked persimmon, puffed rice and miso glaze. 1015 Seventh St. NW, 202.737.7500, metierdc.com
minibar by José Andrés
This two Michelin-starred restaurant has mastered avant garde cooking where each bite is designed to thrill the senses. Combining art and science, as well as tradition and technique, chef José Andrés delivers an imaginative and progressive tasting menu, featuring dishes like a freeze-dried soy chicharron with mouthwatering wasabi guacamole and lightly seared wagyu beef with a sphere of beef consomme. 866 E. St. NW, 202.393.0812, minibarbyjoseandres.com
Pineapple and Pearls
Embark on an evening of fine dining with chef Scott Muns’s elegant yet playful tasting menu, composed of approximately nine courses with your choice of paired beverages. Start with a scrumptious sea scallop balanced with diced kohlrabi and dressed in a brown butter sabayon, before indulging in monkfish en papillote set atop Carolina Gold rice. Not to mention, this two Michelin-starred eatery also flaunts a flavorful five-course sampling menu exclusive to the bar. 715 Eighth St. SE, 202.595.7375, pineappleandpearls.com
Rooster & Owl
Rooster & Owl matches a chic, contemporary ambiance with modern and edgy flavors. Start with ricotta on pumpernickel toast garnished with pickled kumquats and sunflower seeds before dining on grilled mackerel coated in salsa verde and toasted almonds. After this, choose one of chef Yuan Tang’s five main courses, like the striped bass served over cauliflower-almond tabbouleh and coconut broth. Top off your evening with an old fashioned chess pie adorned with orange chantilly and bourbon ice cream. 2436 14th St. NW, 202.915.9004, roosterowl.com
Xiquet
Transport yourself to the warm coastal climate of Valencia with modern Spanish fare by international award-winning chef Danny Lledó. Settle in with a round of drinks and savor tantalizing canapés on the first level. Continue to the top-floor dining room as you indulge in rare jewels, like the Llom de Wagyu—an Australian wagyu strip loin with a potato puree, swiss chard and bone marrow. Wrap up your evening in the elegant mezzanine lounge with ambrosial after-dinner treats. 2404 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202.913.4671, xiquetdl.com
Photography by: Albert Ting
