Michelin Recommended Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Washington, DC

Dine at these affordable places to eat featured in Washington, DC’s Michelin Guide.

Although Michelin stars are highly coveted, the Bib Gourmand designation signifies a restaurant delivering a high-quality dining experience at a reasonable price. To be precise, a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant must offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40. In total, 
36 DC restaurants have received the honor in the Washington, DC guide.

What’s in a Name? You know the adorable, sashed, puffy white Michelin Man mascot? Well, that’s Bibendum, or “Bib” for short, and he lends his name to this dining honor.

We’ve picked out some of our Bib Gourmand selections that you should order from this year.

The Red Hen

It’s no surprise that this cozy neighbourhood abode received Michelin Guide love. A woodfire-powered kitchen, bucolic decor and a menu filled with Italian favourites make it Bib Gourmand-worthy. Pasta lovers will have difficulty resisting dishes such as mezze rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu or squid ink linguini, while those hankering for seafood can savour caramelized scallops or grilled swordfish.

Karma Modern Indian

Time for tandoori at the upscale Karma Modern Indian, an ambitious, contemporary take on Indian classics. Lobster masala is adorned with a halo of beet poriyal and lamb roganjosh stars tender lamb bathed in a chili-ginger-tomato sauce. Fear not, Karma dishes out classics like chicken tikka and butter chicken for the Indian cuisine traditionalist.

Stellina Pizzeria

You’ll find some of the best pizza in the nation’s capital just around the corner from Union Market at Stellina Pizzeria, where DC dining veterans Antonio Matarazzo and Matteo Venini have brought to life “neo-Neapolitan” pies in a fast-casual setting. Stellina’s menu also pays homage to coastal Italian street food (such as fried seafood served in paper cones, also known as a “cuoppo”), while every item on the menu is under $20. You’ll want to make sure Stellina – which is named after Matarazzo’s daughter and means “little star” in Italian – is the star of your next trip to bustling Union Market.

Thip Khao

Columbia Heights is home to Chef/Co-Owner Seng Luangrath’s Laotian adventure, Thip Khao. Michelin raves about the naem khao, a coconut rice salad, as well as the muu som, a delicious take on slow-cooked pork belly. There’s also the Chilean sea bass, known as “knap paa,” which comes dressed in curry paste and coconut cream. Expect snacks, salads, soups, curries and a variety of entrees sure to send you home happy.

Ellé

Marvel at the retro décor and then dig in. Ellē offers up delicious baked goods at the start of the day, sandwiches and quiches for lunch and a full dinner carte in the evenings. Daily bread specials are featured and the eatery’s baguettes and sourdough are rich with flavor. Standout prepared items include the uni grilled cheese (raclette, caramelized onion, fermented chili powder, brioche) and the labneh roasted vegetable salad dressed with citrus savarin and almond liqueur. Visit Elle’s website for hours, ordering details and COVID-19 safety measures.

Lapis

This casual neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Adams Morgan brings the vibrant flavors of Afghanistan to one of DC’s most diverse neighbourhoods. The Popal family left their home country in the early 1980s, yet have operated primarily French-focused eateries before returning to their roots with this labour of love. Open for dinner and brunch on the weekends, treat your taste buds to veggie dishes – described on the menu as Afghanistan’s “best-kept secret” – as well as tantalizing lamb chop kebabs and traditional dumplings.

Jaleo

Another Andrés attraction, Jaleo first opened in the same Penn Quarter neighbourhood back in 1993, helping to enliven DC’s downtown along the way. The sleek and stylish eatery serves up some of the finest tapas in the District, as well as Spanish paellas. Drinks pair perfectly with the plates, as you can choose from Spanish wines, sherries, sangria, and cocktails to make your (affordable) meal perfect.

Residents Café & Bar

Situated in the Dupont Circle neighbourhood, this newcomer has won the hearts of Washingtonians, while welcoming “travellers” at every turn. The name of the eatery recognizes the owners, who immigrated to the U.S. and are now proud residents of this country and city. Expect unmatched ambiance full of lush greenery and laid-back vibes, whether savouring a cocktail, or anything on the food menu, which bounces around Europe and the Mediterranean with dishes like sesame-crusted chicken schnitzel, miniature gyros and lobster risotto. Guests are encouraged to reserve a table in advance or order online.

 

Fancy Radish

Calling all vegetarians: Fancy Radish is your new home-away-from-home on H Street NE. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, this eatery is worth a visit. Unique dishes include a rutabaga fondue served with a soft pretzel, while the restaurant’s namesake “fancy radishes” are plated with shico, shichito, yuzu avocado, pickled tofu and smoked soy.

(This  story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a media release.)