The selection for the MICHELIN Guide Washington, D.C. 2020 has been released, recognizing 18 starred establishments, four of which are new. “Our inspectors are especially impressed by the range and diversity of cuisine in Washington, D.C., which reflects Washington’s culture as a global crossroads for governments and travelers,” says Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guide. “Of the four new one-star restaurants recognized in the 2020 guide, two are contemporary, one Middle Eastern and one Japanese, all offering rich and unique dining experiences and high-quality cooking.” The nearly 130 restaurants that appear in the MICHELIN Guide Washington, D.C. represent 36 cuisine types. Gravitas , earning one star in the 2020 guide, features an impressive series of creative, astutely composed dishes offered by chef Matt Baker. Newly opened in D.C.’s Ivy City, Gravitas is the perfect locale for a social gathering or an intimate dinner at the chef’s counter.

Chef/owner Aaron Silverman adds another star to his collection with Little Pearl. The same team behind Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple and Pearls, with one and two stars, respectively, leads Little Pearl, a café with an evening tasting menu offering seven to eight courses for less than $50 (tax and gratuity not included). Culinary delights include the angel eggs, a riff on deviled eggs featuring a savory meringue egg white and classic yolk filling.



MICHELIN inspectors have closely watched Maydān since its opening in the fall of 2017. Formerly a Bib Gourmand, Maydān earns one star in the 2020 edition for the kitchen’s skill and vision to cook consistently on an impressive hearth. The fare, from pita bread to lamb shoulder, is delivered with dazzling finesse.



Sushi Nakazawa, the D.C. edition of this one-starred New York City sushi restaurant, earns one star in the 2020 D.C. guide. Worth a stop, this intimate and elegant restaurant offers a laser focus on quality, seasonality and technique, thanks to the vigilance of chef Daisuke Nakazawa.



The Inn at Little Washington led by chef Patrick O’Connell retains three stars, the highest recognition offered by the Guide.



In total, the 2020 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Washington, D.C. includes 18 starred restaurants, 44 Bib Gourmand eateries and 120 establishments recognized with the Plate symbol, a designation given to restaurants that inspectors recommend to travelers and locals for a good meal with fresh ingredients and capable preparation.



Congratulations to all restaurants, chefs and teams. View the full list of starred establishments below.





MICHELIN Guide Washington, D.C. 2020





Three Stars





Two Stars



