The MICHELIN Guide selects the best restaurants and hotels in the 28 countries it covers. Today Michelin released the first selection of the MICHELIN Guide Washington 2017, which highlights the diversity and richness of the local culinary scene. 

In this first selection, three restaurants have been awarded two stars: Minibar, where under the eyes of his customers, chef Jose Andres offers particularly avant-garde and innovative cuisine in the form of a tasting menu featuring whimsical and fun dishes; Pineapple & Pearls, opened earlier this year by chef Aaron Silverman, has perfectly flavoured dishes reflecting a wide range of influences; and The Inn at Little Washington, which is outside of Washington and has long offered the classic and eclectic French cuisine in a stunning setting, all of which is orchestrated by celebrity chef Patrick O’Connell.

“Over the last five years the culinary offering has significantly developed in the city, driven by chefs who have travelled, have trained abroad and have enriched their cuisine on their return by incorporating new techniques, new flavours, and new seasonings,” says Michael Ellis, International Director of the Michelin guides. “This gastronomic revival is amplified and supported by the “Mid-Atlantic cuisine” led by young chefs who have decided to take advantage of their terroir and work local products, thereby giving Washington a unique culinary identity.”

Figureheads in this “Mid-Atlantic cuisine”, the restaurant Rose’s Luxury, opened by chef Aaron SILVERMAN, and The Dabney, run by chef Jeremiah LANGHORNE, have been awarded one star in this first selection for the MICHELIN Guide Washington. Seven other restaurants have been awarded one star – the Blue Duck Tavern, Kinship, Plume, Tail Up Goat, the Italian restaurants Masseria and Fiola and finally the Japanese restaurant Sushi Taro.

The MICHELIN Guide Washington 2017 is available on the MICHELIN Restaurants US application, and is available in bookstores at $12.95.

This first selection includes:

  • 3 restaurants with two stars 
  • 9 restaurants with one star 
  • 19 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand, including China Chilcano.

Looks like we may need to book another trip to D.C. soon.