Almeda

Walking into Almeda felt like I was walking into a family member’s kitchen. I was immediately transported back to the hearty meals I used to have as a kid- hot, spicy, rich and bursting with flavor. The stars of the show were the ribs, the jollof risotto and the coconut rum cake. The ribs were fantastic, it was such a good balance of spices. I especially loved the way that it was presented. You’re supposed to eat it in a lettuce wrap with fresh tomatoes, red onions and a delicious pink sauce. It was such a rich bite, packed with so much flavor. The meat was cooked to perfection. The jollof risotto didn’t stand a chance, we gobbled it up in minutes. I think what I loved the most about it was the bits of texture that were sprinkled throughout, it really added a different element to the dish, which I really appreciated. Overall, the entire dining experience felt like a hug from a family member- familiar, warm and cozy. Loved!!!

We received a warm welcome when we came in. The menu included some nice call backs to familiar dishes, like fish and spaghetti, and a play on dishes I’ve come to know and love in my adulthood like the Jollof Risotto. The portion sizes are just right, the Risotto was generous in fact. Do not pass up the dessert. The pound cake reminded me of my Auntie’s, but the drizzle of cream over top, shards of raspberry chocolate, and moat of toasted coconut surrounding the mini Bundt take it to another level. I plan to go back to try other dishes for sure!!

Refined Afro-Caribbean cuisine on Upshur is just what we needed. We loved everything we ate. Doubles, ribs, prawns, risotto (basically super flavorful jambalaya) coconut cake. Ribs were my top choice, my wife doubles. Prawns were giant (I mean GIANT) — slightly undercooked which I like, but if thats not your thing, just ask the chef to give it a nice charr (the kitchen is right there you can talk to everyone) Awesome time and will be back

The three dishes we ordered were perfectly seasoned, mixing different textures and layering flavors of various products with distinct cooking points. The dishes appear homely, but I am sure they take lots of effort to be presented in this form. Almeida offers a delicious travel through the African Diaspora cuisines. Some flavors reminded me of the food of Bahia, a primarily black state from my home country, Brazil. Highly recommended.

The food was SO GOOD. I was doing the little food happy shimmy the entire time I was here. My favorite dish was the jollof, it was rich in flavor and it had pickled plantains, which was a new to me flavor and they were delicious. I also really loved the plantain tostadas with chickpeas. My friend and I also split the pork tenderloin. I was happy with every plate. I will definitely be going back to try the chicken! They also have a fun drink selection. The staff was really nice and knowledgeable.

We had just about everything on the menu minus the shrimp small plate, whole chicken large plate, and dessert, and everything was delicious. My favorites: ribs, jollof risotto, jerk pork loin with sweet potato purée, bread plate, catfish & spaghetti…basically everything. Will be back soon for more!

My wife and I had a wonderful dinner at Almeda- arguably the best meal we’ve had in DC! The staff is absolutely wonderful. They called to let me know that they were running 15 minutes late and offered to comp our first round of drinks. This courtesy was much appreciated. They were up front but not pushy regarding their favorite items on the menu. Moreover, they arrived at just the right time to refill our water, ask if we wanted another drink, etc. The food is phenomenal! We ordered the tostones, ribs, and jerk pork tenderloin. It is difficult to select a favorite. The spicing was just right, the presentation was inviting, and the dishes were cooked perfectly.

10/10 across all fronts: music, vibes, drinks, menu, people. incredible menu and cocktails take you on a journey — all while listening to an incredible soul/r&b playlist. Chef Danielle and her team are warm and welcoming. I’ll be back very soon! 🥰

We really enjoyed dining at Almeda. Every single dish we ordered tasted delicious. The service was fantastic as well. It is an intimate space so they are unable to accommodate too many diners a night so i recommend booking a reservation before you go. Unlike a lot of restaurants nowadays, you will see the chefs when you are at Almeda and they do so much to make each patron feel welcomed.

This place has been on my list for sometime and I was happy to finally be able to check it out. Came here for a weekday dinner with a group of friends. It's a small but cute location. The owner Danielle took our order amd brought us our food where she explained the dishes and we were able to connect with her which was nice. We ordered good to share and everything was delicious. Our favorites were blood orange margarita for drinks, the tostone doubles, my friend enjoyed the short ribs. The whole chicken came with potato braves and green beans and the both dessert options were yummy! I can't wait to go back!

Four years ago, Chef Danielle was working at a top chef's restaurant as a server. Now, she's the owner of three concepts in Petworth, one with a review from The Washinton Post's long-time food critic Tom Sietsema. Five stars for Almeda, an Afro fusion restaurant that blends Black food with the chef/owner's personal story. Making a reservation during DC Veg Week, my friend and I walked into the 18-seat space ready to eat. Here's our experience. 1) Food: For DC Veg Week, our meal included three course that are always on the menu- 1) Spring Bread Service with yellow split peas, carrot caramel, and suya dukkah, 2) Tostone Doubles with chana chickpeas, pickled onion, and pepper sauce, and 3) Jollof Risotto with cabbage, pickled plantain, peanuts, and jollof sauce. Everything was excellent, but especially the tostone doubles and jollof risotto. The flavors and textures play off of each other well. 2) Drinks: Four cocktails and five wine options are on the menu. For a more refreshing drink for the summer, order the White Peach Rum Punch. 3) Service: From the hostess to the chef, everyone was kind and efficient. 4) Space: It's small, but cozy and inviting. The kitchen is open and close to the diners. The restroom has a beautiful tile. Every design piece just works. 5) Area: If you give it a few minutes, street parking should be easier to find compared to other parts of town. The restaurant is also within walking distance from the Petworth Metro station. On the same block are many long-time and new businesses from a bookstore to a clothing shop to a popular pizza place.

I had the pleasure of dining at Almeda and meeting the wonderful Chef Danielle. From the moment I walked in, it was an exciting and welcoming environment. My eyes wanted one of everything, but my belly said come back another time to try the rest. We ordered all the small plates (3), large plates (2) and desserts (2). For drinks we had the house made peach lemonade and the blood orange margarita. My favorite surprise dish was the WATERMELON KACHUMBARI made with Maryland Crab, Labne, Puffed Millet, and Piri Piri Vinaigrette. The bread for the SPRING BREAD SERVICE is house made, light and fluffy. I'm also a lover of FRIED CATFISH & SPAGHETTI so I had to try this. It reminded me of home after church service flavorful and well balanced. The COCONUT CRUNCH CAKE was amazing and had a nice contrast with the chocolate bark. Also the hibiscus cream on the BROWNIE BAR was out of this world. I wanted a jar to take home. Chef Danielle is one to look out for. She worked under my favorite Chicago chef Stephanie Izard and her work ethic is top notch. I'm excited to try Chef Danielle's other concepts in petworth area as well. Make sure to make a reservation as this place stays booked and busy. You won't regret eating the delicious afro-fusion and traditional dishes!

We live very close so my husband, our neighbors and I were excited to try this place. We had eaten at the prior restaurant so we knew how small the space and made a reservation a few weeks out. We arrived and were immediately seated. Our server walked us through the menu and made suggestions for how many of each size plate to get. We ordered all three small, one medium, one large, one platter and two desserts and felt satiated but not stuffed. Everything we had was tasty especially the Jollof--warm and comforting; loved the texture of the peanuts; and how the cabbage was similar to a roasted Brussel sprouts. The pork tenderloin was cooked perfectly. I could've done without the crab on the salad or maybe a different preparation. The brownie bar was awesome--loved when I mixed the hibiscus cream with it and some butterscotch. Our server was attentive and offered to swap out our plates after especially messy dishes. We plan to return!

A new favorite restaurant of mine in DC. If I could give this place 6 stars I would. This was the most wonderful dinner I've had in a while. The inside of the restaurant is cute and features an open kitchen. There is so much love and thought put into each dish.   Shrimp Boil Aguachile - So good. A solid start to the meal. There was more shrimp than I expected, and the dish was fresh and flavorful. (5/5)   Tostone Doubles - Surprising favorite of the night. I was hesitant to order it at first, but my friend convinced me to share it with them and I'm glad we did. Best chickpeas I've ever had in my life. The pairing of the tostone and the doubles filling was amazing. I will have dreams about this dish. (5/5)   Spicy Awaze Galbi Ribs - Absolutely delicious and cohesive fusion of African and Korean cooking. (5/5)   Jollof Risotto - Good but not as mind blowing as the other dishes here. With that said, I appreciated the thought put into it. I liked the brown sugar pickled plantains; they were my favorite component. The cabbage was also cooked creatively. The dish was very heavy with all the risotto, and I thought it could have been made more interesting flavor-wise. (4/5)   Fried Catfish & Spaghetti - Fantastic. Perfectly fried catfish. The Crystal Hot Sauce really elevated the dish. Tasted like home. (5/5)

I came here for my birthday dinner after being drawn in by IG reviews, and I was excited about African fusion food. I made a reservation because I knew it was a tiny space, and hoping for a walk-in spot is more like gambling. It was an intimate space, great for dates and dinners. The waitstaff was attentive, making for a good dining experience. We ordered a lot of food: ceviche, Jollof risotto, awaze beef tibs, tostones, and spaghetti catfish. Since it was my birthday, I received a free cookie, which was surprisingly delicious. My friend did not enjoy the ceviche; according to her, the shrimp needed to be seasoned. But we thoroughly enjoyed the tostones! The ingredients at first, do not seem like they would mesh well but it was very delicious. I definitely recommend it! The awaze beef tibs were also tasty, albeit salty and too bony. A little more flesh and less bones would have been much better. But it was still a very flavorful meal, and I also recommend this dish. The jollof risotto was a miss for me, sadly. There were some crunchy bits and some overcooked bits. It was my first time eating risotto but I do not think it's not meant to be like that. The spaghetti catfish was a slight miss for me as well because the spaghetti sauce tasted too raw. However, the catfish was delicious. Overall, I had a wonderful time here for dinner, save for a few meals. I would return to try more items on the menu and repeat some of my favorites!

Wow, I am so glad that something this good took over the space formerly occupied by Magpie and the Tiger. Almeda is keeping this stretch of Upshur a dining destination. They have a small menu but every single thing we ordered was super tasty--I love West African food and their fusion dishes bring a great twist to the cuisine. The tostone doubles (so delicious) and the jollof risotto (so creamy) are a must. They've got a good wine and drink list but I also appreciated the N/A options. Plus multiple solid vegan options on the menu! Looks like they change up the menu seasonally so I'm excited to see what the spring dishes will be. The space is small so reserve your table ahead of time! It's somewhat upscale and the vibe is intimate so it would be a good date night spot. Also the service was great, attentive and friendly!

Me and my husband made a reservation a few weeks in advance to celebrate some recent wins. I really looked forward to my meal and can generally say that we appreciated the African diaspora fusion concept. I had the bourbon colada which was great. I wish I would have tried pretty much everything on the cocktail menu honestly! We split a few dishes. The tostone doubles were good though the curry chickpeas were maybe over seasoned? I love doubles generally (and DC has a dearth of decent doubles) so while I did not expect these to taste like doubles from a trini roti shop, there was something slightly off with the curry chickpeas. We then split the jollof risotto. It was delicious. Certainly served al dente as it should be, though if you are unfamiliar with risotto that might throw you off. But this was my husband's favorite dish. No notes, spectacular. There was a curiously long time in between the risotto and our next dish, the jerk pork tenderloin. Service was okay. There was one server (it's a very small place) and she wasn't always attentive regarding the wait on our dish or refilling waters. The pork tenderloin was delicious. It came with a jerk sauce, which similar to the curry chickpeas, felt a little concentrated and maybe unnecessary. My husband said it tasted like the Grace jerk marinade. I disagree, I felt like it was probably scratch made but it didn't quite go with the tenderloin. Jerk is more of a preparation than a sauce, so eh it was fine. But the pork tenderloin was delicious. We concluded with the brownie bar which I would also recommend. Ultimately I do recommend this spot. Though there were some misses, I generally enjoyed everything I had. The menu is limited and a little pricey, so just know that going in.

Oh my sweet Jesus..... need I say more? Yes and oh heck yes! We ordered: Fish & Spaghetti, Whole Chicken, and Pork Tenderloin. The flavors are sooooo yummy. Truthfully, the family was so hungry that all I could take a picture of was the Catfish & Spaghetti. Catfish was crunchy and spaghetti was presented in a cute roll. Whole chicken was tender and juicy. The crunch from the skin with the special sauces was fire! The green beans were so delicious had me asking the Chef for the recipe hey this girl likes to cook too! Pork Tenderloin on a bed of creamy yams was very flavorful. The pork was tender. Although I can't find the right word, it was darn . My tummy was pleased. How about you come and try the whole menu and you will see what I'm talking about

I have no notes. What a fantastic dining experience. My friends and I practically ordered the entire menu. From the small plates to the dessert, everything was 10s across the board. I was especially taken aback by the ribs, my god. Such a beautiful balance of spices. The meat was cooked to perfection. Another star of the menu was the jollof risotto, the flavors were bursting. The coconut rum cake was absolutely amazing. It transported me back to my childhood, it was warm, rich and full of spices- delicious. Our waitress was so sweet and readily available for any questions we had. She walked us through the menu and gave us great recommendations. I will definitely be coming back for seconds!

I knew I was going to love Almeda before I stepped foot in this restaurant because I wanted to try every menu item i saw online. My experience in person did not disappoint. The space is cozy and intimate, and the food is meant to be shared so I would caution against walking in with a larger group. The music was good (not so loud where it's hard to hold a conversation), the decor felt familiar, and the service was friendly and warm. It felt like I was having dinner at a close friend or family member's home. We even got to meet Chef Danielle when she cleared our table for the next round. Now for the food, everything was good. If you don't come here and try at least half the menu, you're missing out. Nothing tasted how I thought it would because it was better. This is a fusion restaurant so expect your favorite foods like jollof rice or doubles (which I'm coming back for next time) to come with a twist. The one Passionfruit Rum Punch I had was deliciously tart and my only regret was being too full to try more cocktails!

I cannot name a better restaurant experience I've had lately than Almeda. Everything was perfect. Drinks, food, the small space, interaction with the staff--even those cooking, everything was incredible. I came specifically for the jollof risotto, but was blown away by the catfish and spaghetti. Like, the fish and spaghetti each on their own were the best I've had. Very much looking forward to coming back.

Food was delicious with generous portions. So why only 3 stars? The waitress was suggesting we order 4-5 items to "get a range of flavors". Two people shouldn't eat that many plates of food. Not appetizers mind you. Plates. We ordered two and we're satisfied. We're both 220lbs. Then she seemed offended that we questioned her recommendation. Last. Small but nice ambiance.

Chef and Owner Dani was amazing to watch in her element. Unique and memorable dishes from the diaspora alongside some delicious wine and cocktail selections. Definitely an experience. I will be back for sure.

I keep hearing about how delicious the food is and the service is amazing but you can't forget about the ambiance gives you home sweet home chilling with my sisters vibes

Love Almeda! Stopped in on a weekday evening and was able to get a table, the playlist vibes were high, service was friendly. The Tostone Doubles and Coconut Crunch Cake were exciting and delicious. Can't wait to return and try the rest of the menu.

One of my favorite restaurants in DC. It's such a cute space, and the service is so friendly. All the food is excellent. Treat yourself to the coconut crunch cake. It's amazing.

The food was fantastic and had something new for everyone with unique flavors. We had the chickpeas, lentil spread with bread, jollof risotto, and whole chicken. The sparkling lemonade with mango was fabulous. Would definitely come back. The owner came to greet us and was very accommodating with questions since we had a larger party.

Service was fantastic. Food was fantastic. Decor was classy for a tiny spot. Foods a little spicy but very well balanced so that's just a warning and not all of it was-ask your server! The ribs and risotto were my favs.

Top to bottom delicious! The ribs were fantastic. Don't skip on the dessert. Possibly the best brownie ever! Service was also excellent!

Delicious and innovative food and cocktails. Excellent service and ambiance. Looking forward to going back to try more dishes!

We had the BEST experience at Almeda this past weekend. It's not that big a venue but very inviting and cozy. We ordered the crawfish (new on the menu), tostone doubles and fried catfish & spaghetti. Everything is a must have!! The flavors were delicious and unexpected, especially the catfish & spaghetti. Such a pleasant surprise. We also ordered delicious cocktails, the poblano margarita and passion fruit rum punch. Next time we're getting some dessert too! The staff were super attentive and even gave us some of their spicy sauce to go Can't wait to go back and make sure you snag a reservation because it's that good!!

Amazing food and incredible service. Trust the recommendations of the owner! Make reservations as. It only seats about 20 people. Highly recommend.

The Jollof Risotto is delicious. Vibes are intimate and welcoming. Get a reservation early since it can fill up quick

This is a quaint Afro-fusion spot with excellent small plates and dishes to share. Tried the Fall Bread Service and Shrimp Boil Aguachile small plates as well as a Spicy Awaze Galbi Ribs which was a medium sized plate. The food and service were both extraordinary. I arrived only an hour before close and they couldn't have been more welcoming. Go eat at Almeda!

Great experience: service, food, ambiance and all. The jollof risotto and the catfish with spaghetti definitely shined. Service was super friendly and prompt. The open kitchen is fun and welcoming. I just hope they stay around a while - something needs to prove that lot can withstand a good restaurant.

Really great food and an enjoyable experience. Definitely a must visit for anyone who appreciates good food. I'll definitely be going back. Wishing the chef and the entire crew continued success

Exceptionally good meal. The smoked fried chicken was divine. We didn't have a bad dish. Really nice and intimate space. I will be back.