There are 5 new starred restaurants in town!
Earlier last week Michelin announced it would soon be revealing its 2021 guide to Washington DC. This year, Michelin inspectors based their verdicts based on how restaurants have fared during the pandemic, leaving many of us wondering what would happen to those restaurants with stars that had chosen to remain closed or delivery-only throughout it.
Luckily for us, it looks like not only did 2020 star winners not lose their stars but we now also have five new starred restaurants in the District including a two-starred one!
Tasting counter, Jônt, where patrons can sample Chef Ryan Rantino’s blend of Continental luxury and Japanese fermentation techniques, was the only establishment to be awarded two stars this year. The restaurant is now one of three DC establishments, along with Minibar and Pineapple and Pearls, with two of the much-coveted stars and Rantino’s second starred establishment (his French-influenced bistro, Bresca, also boasts one Michelin star).
Michelin awarded one star to four additional restaurants including Chef Yuan Tang’s Rooster & Owl, offering tasting menus with an eclectic mix of American, Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern flavors; Xiquet, Chef Danny Lledo’s Valencian inspired spot in Glover Park; Spanish-Japanese fusion restaurant Cranes by Chef Pepe Moncayo; and El Cielo, a modernist Colombian spot by Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos.
Also earlier this week, Michelin unveiled its DC Bib Gourmand list on Tuesday, recognizing more moderately priced destinations. Six restaurants were added to the list, including Elle, Queen’s English, Makan, Residents Cafe & Bar, Hitching Post and Karma Modern Indian.
See also: 15 Of DC’s Most Romantic Restaurants
[Featured image: Facebook / Cranes]