From fine dining to chic staycations and high-end shopping, we’ve scoured the best of DC’s welcoming West End.
The chic dining room at Imperfecto
Blue Duck Tavern
Dark oak elements, a dramatic open kitchen and seasonal American cuisine set the stage for the Park Hyatt Washington DC’s signature restaurant. The market-based menu boasts rustic American classics, from a sumptuous caviar service to line-caught North American tuna crudo, oven-roasted bone marrow, Rohan duck breast and pan-seared scallops sourced from George’s Bank, Mass. Also of note: The resto’s decadent dishes have consistently caught the eye of Michelin Guide since 2017. 1201 24th St. NW, 202.419.6755, blueducktavern.com
Rasika West End
Enjoy modern Indian cuisine at Rasika West End, a resto serving up tawa (griddle), sigri (open barbecue), tandoori and regional curry dishes and small plates to hungry diners. Group executive chef Vikram Sunderam is a James Beard Award winner, so it’s safe to say the food is to die for—think housemade mango chutney, lobster Bengali curry, lamb biryani, and so much more. 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 202.466.2500, rasikarestaurant.com
Chef Geoff’s
A DC staple for over 20 years, chef Geoff’s is the perfect spot for contemporary American cuisine, from pizza and burgers to steak, seafood and housemade pasta. Popular offerings include the truffled bacon popcorn, CG Brussels appetizer, the grilled 12-ounce New York strip with truffled pave potatoes, shrimp and grits and blackened fish tacos. 2201 M St. NW, 202.524.7815, chefgeoff.com
Decadent cuisine at The Saga.
The Saga
Chef Enrique Limardo’s inventive take on Spanish cooking shines bright at The Saga. Expect 45-day dry-aged meats; gazpacho with mango, tangerine and a manchego foam; and pan con tomate. OOAK designed some seriously chic environs, including blown glass, burned wood, handmade ceramics, marble, seagrass stone and illustrated wall tiles reminiscent of ancient cave paintings. 1190 22nd St. NW, 202.480.9892, thesagadc.com
Ris
The menus at Ris are updated every two weeks according to the wares available at local farmer’s markets. Chef-owner Ris Lacoste, a James Beard Award nominee, helms the kitchen, crafting high-end courses inspired by her New England roots, Parisian training and love of classic diner fare. Staple menu items include the chicken Milanese and clams linguini, while seasonal specialties run the gamut from Portuguese seafood stew, grilled beef tenderloin and crispy whole red snapper. 2275 L St. NW, 202.730.2500, risdc.com
Nobu
Nobu’s innovative Japanese-Peruvian fresh fish fusion has made headlines worldwide, and the West End’s stunning location is no exception. Chow down on famous menu items like beef toban yaki, chu-toro carpaccio with black truffles, wagyu dumplings, nori caviar tacos and, of course, the typical nigiri, sashimi, sushi and maki offerings. 2525 M St. NW, 202.871.6565, noburestaurants.com
Imperfecto
Thought-provoking Imperfecto takes guests on an exploratory culinary journey. The menu changes daily based on sourcing, but previous dishes have included a truffle tagliolini, slow-roasted suckling pig and an innovative moussaka cigar made with phyllo dough, ground lamb, smoked eggplant and pine nuts with a goat and manchego cream cheese. We recommend the 12-plus The Degustació omakase tasting menu. 1124 23rd St. NW, 202.964.1012, imperfectodc.com
The Westin Georgetown, Washington DC
Book a boutique stay at the renovated The Westin Georgetown, Washington DC. The redesign features cool-toned hues and contemporary furnishings, customizable Sleep Well products, Westin Heavenly beds, a 24-hour workout studio, a seasonal pool and a courtyard. The hotel allows dogs, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends! 2350 M. St. NW, 202.429.0100, marriott.com
Park Hyatt Washington DC’s executive Park suite sitting area
Park Hyatt Washington DC
For a decidedly decadent five-star hotel experience, head to the Park Hyatt. The 134 residential suites offer spa-inspired rain showers and separate soaking tubs, while all 220 guest rooms boast chic American folk art and collections of books highlighting American crafts and heritage. Other amenities include a well-appointed spa, an indoor skylit saltwater pool, a relaxing whirlpool and a 24-hour fitness center. 1201 24th St. NW, 202.789.1234, hyatt.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC
Our favorite room at The Ritz is the eponymous Ritz-Carlton Suite, fully equipped with a primary bedroom, living room and cozy fireplace, formal eight-seat dining room, adjacent pantry and one-and-a-half marble bathrooms (with a Jacuzzi bathtub and rainforest shower to boot). An expansive outdoor terrace with sprawling views completes the designer digs. Spa services are available at the hotel’s sister property, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington DC, with luxury private transportation offered each way. 1150 22nd St. NW, 202.835.0500, ritzcarlton.com
A spacious living area in one of Fairmont Washington DC Georgetown’s sumptuous suites.
Fairmont Washington DC Georgetown
The Fairmont Washington DC Georgetown’s timeless design takes inspiration from the area’s neoclassical architecture—grand, ornamental and lush. The property houses 413 guest rooms, including 33 private suites. Hit the three-floor gym—featuring an indoor saltwater pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpool—then head to the Courtyard Bar for a deliciously crafted cocktail featuring fresh honey from the hotel’s rooftop hives. 2401 M St. NW, 202.429.2400, fairmont.com/washington
Brilliant Earth
A short walk away in Georgetown, Brilliant Earth’s sparking creations convey comfort, quality and durability. Shop collections of gorgeous engagement and wedding rings alongside various fine jewelry, or work with an expert to create a piece. Either way, these beautiful baubles are guaranteed to shine bright. 3332 Cady’s Alley NW, 202.448.9055, brilliantearth.com
Relish
Also in Georgetown, luxury boutique owner Nancy Pearlstein has brought high-end designer finds to clients for over 20 years. This specialty store embraces the artisanal side of fashion, featuring the latest and most fabulous styles from lauded brands like Dries Van Noten, Guidi, Jil Sander, Marni and Simone Rocha. 3312 Cady’s Alley NW, 202.333.5343, relishdc.com
S+P MedSpa
From flawless facials and peels to lasers, microneedling and lymphatic massage, Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman are redefining luxury skincare and whole-body wellness. S+P MedSpa believes that taking care of your skin is just as important as eating well or getting enough sleep, and the team’s extensive lineup of treatments is the proof. The DiamondGlow dermal infusion uses advanced technology to exfoliate, extract and infuse, revealing radiant and rejuvenated skin. 2440 M St. NW, 5th Floor, 202.810.7700, Full menu of services at spmedspa.com
Photography by: JEN CHASE; DEB LINDSEY; SCOTT SUCHMAN; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND
