D.C. Still Has No Three-Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Michelin announced its 2018 stars for Washington D.C. today, with few surprises — and for the second year, no three-star restaurants. The second Michelin guide to the nation’s capital has just two new additions: chef Eric Ziebold’s intimate tasting menu restaurant Métier and chef Johnny Monis’s greek-inspired Komi, both with one star.

Last year, Michelin made the interesting decision to grant Ziebold’s relaxed, modern American restaurant Kinship one star over his finer dining option, Métier, located in the same historic brick building. But this year, both of Michelin’s new selections are in keeping with the guide’s tendency to favor high-end restaurants — jackets are required at Métier, which offers a $200 seven-course tasting menu, and at Komi, where chef Monis serves a “leisurely” 12-course tasting for $150 per person.

Eater predicted that Komi would fall under Michelin consideration for this year’s guide. Last year, Eater DC called Michelin’s omission of Komi, one of D.C.’s “most lauded and ambitious restaurants,” one of the guide’s biggest snubs. The restaurant received a four-star review from Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema this fall, who deemed it “impeccable.” Métier also earned four stars from Sietsema just this month and the number 5 spot on the dining critic’s 2017 fall dining guide.

Meanwhile, D.C.’s list of two-star restaurants have held steady for 2018. They include José Andrés’s Minbar, Aaron Silverman’s Pineapple and Pearls, and Patrick O'Connell’s the Inn at Little Washington.

However, none of these acclaimed restaurants, in Michelin’s estimation, have the "exceptional cuisine” that would earn them three stars, and it will be at least another year before D.C.’s dining scene merits a “special journey.”

Head to Eater DC for the full list of D.C. Michelin stars and analysis.

• These Are D.C.'s New Michelin-Starred Restaurants for 2018 [EDC]