The Complete Guide to All of José Andrés’ Restaurants in Washington, DC
José Andrés is an award-winning Spanish-American chef famed for bringing a diverse array of culinary concepts to the modern dining scene. While José Andrés restaurants can be found in several cities around the country, Washington, DC is where his veritable food empire began! That’s why visiting a José Andrés restaurant here is such a treat. Take your pick from this essential guide to all of José Andrés’ restaurants in Washington, DC.
1. Barmini and Minibar by José Andrés
501 9TH Street NW, Washington, DC
(202) 393-0812
The science of food meets the art of presentation at Barmini and Minibar. This cocktail “lab” that’s adjacent to a full-scale restaurant is the perfect place to sample a flight with friends! The menu here offers more than 100 drink options made with “experimental touches” that can be enjoyed with a mix of 30 courses. Menu items to look forward to include wagyu, tuna, caviar, egg custard, a soy chicharron butterfly, and gourmet donuts. What makes the concept behind minibar unique is that the chefs and bartenders work together to create a curated menu that combines heritage with innovation. The result is an experience that’s both familiar and jolting.
2. Beefsteak
800 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC
(202) 296-1439
Beefsteak is a fast-casual concept from José Andrés that only people in Washington, DC get to enjoy! What makes this José Andrés creation different from all the rest is that every menu item caters to vegan and vegetarian tastes! The restaurant’s name is an ode to the juicy beefsteak tomato that serves as the foundation for the beefsteak burger made with a beefsteak tomato patty, mixed greens, pickled red onions, vegan herb caper mayo, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt on a brioche bun. The hot bowls on the menu are made of couscous, quinoa, or rice topped with luscious helpings of vegetables and seasonings. Plant-based sandwiches, cold salads, and a famous apple beet ginger juice round out the rest of the menu. The best part about this restaurant is that it’s as affordable as any other fast-casual chain!
3. China Chilcano
418 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
(202) 783-0941
China Chilcano is an exploration of Peru’s culinary landscape that encompasses influences from Peruvian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. Expect delicious juxtapositions in every bite! There are several ways to experience a meal at China Chilcano. The chef’s tasting menus bring you preselected culinary odysseys focused on traditional Peruvian dishes, José’s favorite dishes, wine pairings, or cocktail pairings. Diners can also choose small plates, large plates, ceviches, meat and seafood, noodle plates, and a collection of sensational desserts. The enchanted interior of this restaurant also deserves a mention! You’ll dine among interesting tapestries and touches while enjoying tons of privacy.
4. Jaleo by José Andrés
480 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
(202) 628-7949
This is the restaurant that started everything! Founded in 1993, Jaleo is where José Andrés began forging his culinary legacy. In fact, the restaurant is credited with helping to turn Penn Quarter into the hip, bustling spot that it’s known as today. If you’re looking for a quick bite, stop in for “sangria hour” to enjoy drinks and small plates! If you’re looking for a scrumptious meal, the dinner menu features hearty portions of meat, poultry, and fish. A standout dish that is near and dear to the chef’s own heart is the Paella Valenciana made with chicken, rabbit, and green beans. Chef Andrés credits his childhood spent helping his father prepare paella with igniting his passion for cooking! Jaleo also has an incredible queso menu featuring cheeses made from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk.
5. Oyamel
401 7th Street NW, Washington, DC
(202) 628-1005
Oyamel explores Mexican cuisine’s rich regional diversity using small plates, tacos, and ceviches. When you dive into the dinner menu, you’ll experience marinated chicken, pork with avocado, raw shrimp, sautéed grasshoppers, wild mushrooms, and cactus while making your way through Mexico’s towns and cities one bite at a time. Don’t skip the freshly made guacamole! The brunch menu that’s available on Saturdays and Sundays offers many different ways to experience eggs, sweetbreads, house-made tortilla chips, and soups. Brunch is served with a collection of mimosas and cocktails that have been personally curated by José Andrés.
6. Zaytinya
701 9th Street NW, Washington, DC
(202) 638-0800
Zaytinya has been a staple on the Washington, DC dining scene since opening its doors in 2002! It remains one of the most exciting places to eat in the country! With Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese influences directing its menu, Zaytinya feels like a culinary trip around the world. In fact, Andrés channeled his years of travel and research into creating this menu to be able to offer authentic dishes and cocktails. The lamb, kebob, and fish dishes impress with their authenticity. The Octopus Santorini made with grilled Mediterranean octopus, marinated onions, capers, and yellow split-pea purée is a standout menu item! Additionally, the flatbreads served with exotic cheeses are incredible for sharing with the table.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Washington, DC city page!
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