Are you as obsessed with all things Japan as many chefs are these days? Then get yourself to this tiny, macramé-hung Petworth dining room. Co-owner Carlie Steiner, formerly of Barmini, works the door (alas, the place doesn’t take reservations), steers you to quirky-cool wines, and mixes up playful cocktails—ours came with a pink carnation and a Selena lyric pinned to the rim. Meanwhile, chef/co-owner Kevin Tien creates food you’ll think about for days after, including an Asian-accented riff on oysters Rockefeller and a gorgeous lineup of crudos. Expensive.
Also great: Hamachi crudo; uni toast; eggplant with yuzu and miso; Wagyu steak and eggs.
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.
