Spanish cuisine is on the rise in Washington, and the most promising newcomer of them all is this Mike Isabella–owned dining room in the Marriott Marquis. Deep-blue walls and keyhole booths help shake the feeling that you’re in a mega-hotel, but it’s Michael Rafidi’s reimagined tapas—with Middle Eastern and North African accents—that are most transportive. Salt-cod fritters get a hit of salt and vinegar, while luscious lamb ribs go beautifully with spiced yogurt and coriander honey. Expensive.
Also great: Burnt eggplant; foie gras parfait with ras el hanout doughnut; fried-chicken bocadillos; aged-duck and Berkshire-pig bomba rice; cookie plate.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
