How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Washington D.C.: Key Takeaways
- Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has 26 Michelin-starred restaurants as of December 2024.
- There is 1 three-star, 2 two-star, and 23 one-star Michelin restaurants in the area.
- Two new restaurants, Mita and Omakase @ Barracks Row, received their first Michelin stars in 2024.
Washington D.C.'s culinary prestige continues to rise with 26 Michelin-starred establishments highlighting a rich and diverse food scene.
The city's Michelin rankings include prominent three-star, two-star, and one-star restaurants, reflecting a broad range of cuisines and dining experiences.
Overview of Michelin Starred Restaurants in Washington D.C.
In December 2024, the Michelin Guide announced its list of starred restaurants within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, recognizing 26 restaurants with Michelin stars. This distinction showcases the city's expanding reputation as a top culinary destination in the United States.
The list includes a single esteemed three-star restaurant, two two-star establishments, and a diverse group of 23 one-star restaurants. These accolades demonstrate the exceptional talent and variety present in D.C.'s vibrant dining scene.
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The Three-Star Michelin Restaurant in Washington D.C.
The Inn at Little Washington stands out as the sole three-star Michelin restaurant in the region. Known for its refined American and French-inspired cuisine, it consistently earns praise for its exceptional quality, service, and dining experience.
This prestigious rating reflects the restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence and has helped cement Washington D.C.'s place on the global food map.
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Two-Star Michelin Restaurants in Washington D.C.
Two restaurants hold the distinguished two-star Michelin rating:
- Jônt – A contemporary American dining experience that emphasizes innovative techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
- minibar – Offering contemporary cuisine with avant-garde presentations and a focus on tasting menus.
Both establishments continue to push culinary boundaries and contribute to the dynamic food culture of Washington D.C.
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One-Star Michelin Restaurants in Washington D.C.
The majority of starred restaurants in Washington D.C. hold one Michelin star, spotlighting a wide spectrum of cuisines including contemporary, Middle Eastern, Peruvian, Italian, Japanese, Colombian, and vegetarian offerings.
Among these noteworthy one-star restaurants are:
- Albi – Middle Eastern
- Bresca – Contemporary
- Causa – Peruvian
- Elcielo D.C. – Colombian
- Fiola – Italian
- Gravitas – Contemporary
- Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table – Latin American
- Kinship – Contemporary
- Little Pearl – Contemporary
- Masseria – Italian
- Métier – Contemporary
- Mita – Latin American, Plant-Based (new in 2024)
- Omakase @ Barracks Row – Japanese (new in 2024)
- Oyster Oyster – Vegetarian
- Pineapple and Pearls – Contemporary
- Rania – Indian
- Reverie – Contemporary
- Rooster & Owl – Contemporary
- Rose’s Luxury – Contemporary
- Sushi Nakazawa – Japanese
- Tail Up Goat – Contemporary
- The Dabney – American
- Xiquet – Spanish
The addition of Mita and Omakase @ Barracks Row to the list exemplifies how the local food scene embraces innovation and diverse culinary traditions.
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Notable Changes and Sustainability in the 2024 Michelin Guide for D.C.
Alongside the new entries, some changes occurred in the Michelin star status:
- Pineapple and Pearls was downgraded from two stars to one star.
- Maydan lost its single star recognition.
In addition to the standard stars, the Michelin Guide acknowledged Oyster Oyster with the Michelin Green Star, honoring its commitment to sustainability practices in its vegetarian-focused cuisine.
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Bib Gourmand Recognitions in Washington D.C.
The Michelin Guide also highlights restaurants offering excellent quality at moderate prices with its Bib Gourmand award. In 2024, two D.C. restaurants received this honor:
- Amparo Fondita – A modern Mexican dining spot in Dupont Circle.
- L’Ardente – An Italian restaurant near Judiciary Square.
These recognitions help diners discover outstanding food without the Michelin star price tag.
Why the Number of Michelin Starred Restaurants Matters
The growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington D.C. signals the city's rising importance as a global culinary hub.
For food enthusiasts, it offers a rich variety of fine dining choices, from innovative contemporary kitchens to authentic ethnic cuisines, appealing to diverse palates and occasions.
For the local economy, the Michelin distinction boosts tourism and highlights the region’s talented chefs and vibrant hospitality industry.
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Exploring D.C.'s Michelin Dining Experience
Visitors to Washington D.C. looking to explore its Michelin-starred restaurants can expect a journey through flavors and stories from around the world.
From the meticulous craftsmanship of The Inn at Little Washington to the modern creativity at Jônt and minibar, to the intimate settings of one-star restaurants like Rose’s Luxury or Sushi Nakazawa, the city offers diverse experiences for all tastes.
Notably, the inclusion of plant-based and sustainable restaurants like Mita and Oyster Oyster reflects evolving food trends and consumer preferences.
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Additional Resources for Exploring Michelin Restaurant Opportunities in Washington D.C.
For those interested in learning more about Washington D.C.’s Michelin star restaurants or planning a visit, the following official resources can provide valuable information:
- Michelin Guide Official Website – Comprehensive listings and updates on Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.
- Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) – Local industry association with resources and events.
- Washington, D.C. Official Tourism Site – Visitor information and dining recommendations.
- District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs – Regulations and permits for restaurants in D.C.
- U.S. Department of Labor – Workplace regulations and labor standards for hospitality employees.
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