Before the official release of the DC Michelin guide on October 13, Michelin released the Bib Gourmand list of the District. This is essentially the best cheap-eats of DC. Cheap, in this scenario, meaning not the usual grandeur of Michelin restaurants but rather a place where you can get two courses and a dessert for $40.
Here are the highlights of the 19 restaurants listed:
1. Oyamel
Oyamel is only one of the four José Andrés restaurants listed on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list. Oyamel is a Mexican restaurant and tapas bar. The guac is made table side, meaning everyone should experience it.
2. Ottoman Taverna
While Ottoman Taverna has more typical Mediterranean fair like falafel and kabobs, it also has more complex dishes. The menu includes köfte and flatbreads.
3. 2 Amys Neapolitan Pizza
A favorite of almost every single American University student, 2 Amy’s was the first DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) certified pizzeria in DC. This means that 2 Amy’s legally uses permitted ingredients and preparation methods to produce authentic Neapolitan pizza.
4. Maketto
Maketto is a communal marketplace that combines retail, restaurants, bars and cafes. Maketto includes two buildings, a courtyard, a roof deck, and a catwalk which connects the areas.
5. DAS
Combining traditional Ethiopian dishes with new mixtures like eggplant and carrot wot. DAS often features collard greens and red lentils flavored with Ethiopian herbs.
6. Bidwell
Bidwell is known as sustainably and locally sourced restaurant found in DC’s Union Market. Featuring a Southern flair, Bidwell’s menu contains items such as organic cornflake crusted stuffed French toast and a grilled cheese with white truffles.
7. Bad Saint
A Filipino restaurant that doesn’t take reservations, Bad Saint is known for being worth its long lines. Bad Saint is also known for its Ukoy, which is shredded sweet potato mixed with fried soft shell crab and a soy, vinegar and onion dipping sauce.
Restaurants deemed as Bib Gourmand eateries do not receive Michelin stars but do have remarkable value. These restaurants are frequented by anonymous Michelin experts and call Bib Gourmand restaurants the venues where they eat “when they’re off the clock.” The 19 restaurants listed will definitely live up to the Michelin name and provide all its patrons the formal Michelin reputation.