Creme Restaurant and Bar

Restaurant · Columbia Heights

Creme Restaurant and Bar

Restaurant · Columbia Heights

1

2436 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null
Creme Restaurant and Bar by null

Highlights

Southern fare, including brunch dishes like chicken and waffles, served in streamlined, modern digs.  

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2436 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

$$ · Menu

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2436 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

+1 202 234 1884
creme14th

$$ · Menu

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dine in
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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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"Creme, the U Street institution that sought a second life on the trendy 14th Street corridor, is closing June 18 after a 20-year-run in the local hospitality scene. Owner Tegist Ayalew says in a statement sent to Eater. 'We have made great relationships, had amazing staff, worked with wonderful vendors, made great memories, and most importantly served outstanding guests,' owner Tegist Ayalew says. Ayalew’s original intent was to serve Ethiopian cuisine. Over the years that mission morphed into preparing comfort foods including fried chicken and waffles as well as Cajun-style Benedicts featuring shrimp and andouille sausage." - Warren Rojas

Soul Food Mainstay Creme Is Closing June 18 - Eater DC
View Postcard for Creme Restaurant and Bar

andre holmes

Google
Wonderful Brunches bottomless Mimosa's great themed Happy Hours great place to next work and meet friends and co workers Helpful staff and Zagat rated!

E. Stone

Google
The brunch menu offered great options but due to my seafood allergies I chose the chicken and waffles BUT that was not a lesser choice by any means. It's was DELISH!! The chicken was well seasoned and the waffle was fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. It also, unlike most waffles I have had, had flavor without syrup. I didn't have to drench my waffle in order to enjoy it. I will definitely be back!! The table beside me had the shrimp and grits and they were raving about it!!! Check this place out. It's an intimate setting with stellar service and superb food. Two thumbs up and five stars!!

Bradford Burke

Google
Unfortunately had a very lousy experience here. Their “NY Strip and Eggs” was actually a pounded out sirloin and was extremely tough to chew. Very low quality meat. The pancakes were raw on the inside and lacking flavor. The entire party agreed the food wasn’t great. Unfortunately there was only one or two servers in the entire restaurant. Our poor server busted his butt. We tipped him well. Bad food isn’t his fault. I’d recommend a different lunch place.

Nelson Cortes

Google
We went there for Sunday brunch. We had a couple cocktails and the same entree (not very original I know). One of the cocktails was good, while the other one tasted more like mango juice. I would recommend the bartender to work on his alcoholic mix. For the entree we had the waffle with fried chicken... well, it is just that a delicious waffle with tasty (but unhealthy) fried chicken. Overall good. Service could be improved.

Sophia B Liu

Google
More cake than (lump) crab so it's not real crab at all but the salad is decent

Cassie Fowler

Google
The food is so good! I went for brunch. I was pleasantly surprised that the crab cakes actually had a lot of crab in them. The gumbo was certainly not my grandma's, but it was very flavorful and delicious. My only issue was the poor tea selection.

Tekia Tolson

Google
The service at this place was terrible. We had to almost yell for our server’s attention to get refills. When the food came, the server spilled mimosas on my food and he said “oh it’s not much. You will be fine” it wasn’t until the other people at my table began to complain that he replaced the champagne soaked waffle. The food was cold and subpar at best. I️ would not suggest this place at all.

Nette Casting

Google
Fantastic! Talk about hospitality. They accommodated our party during their closed hours voluntarily. The rum punch was delicious aND the shrimp and grits are still #1 on my best shrimp & grit scale. This one is my new tradition when in DC. It's definitely a must try. Enjoy!!

Brian C.

Yelp
The deserts were very salty and left an ending of not wanting to return. The pot roast was something that could have been produced at home. The fish was overcooked. The beat and walnut appetizer was over powered by the "cream cheese".

Chris R.

Yelp
Phenomenal food. Great service. Seasonal and delicious menu. One of my favorite places to stop in and have a meal when in DC. Highly recommend.

Angel P.

Yelp
My partner and I came for our anniversary and it was a great experience. Rooster & Owl is a four course menu, with an option to add any other dish for an additional $15 each. Each course has four choices to pick from. We also opted for the wine pairing. We were started with their chive oil butter and bread. I enjoy chives so I was a fan of the butter. I would say most dishes were executed well, some that had minor hiccups, and a few that were ok. Our favorites were the cacio e pepe, parisian gnocchi, and maple cake. I enjoyed the "pot roast" however it was a little overly salty. The shrimp toast was our least favorite, quite oily and not a fan in general. The staff surprised us with a card for our anniversary and it was signed by the staff. Our server was wonderful and knowledgable. The wines from the wine pairing were great, however at least one course we felt like the pairing could have been better. There was a mix up on one course, so they just gifted us with the dish, and then gifted us another course dish. Overall, very good and I would definitely come back again.

Ashley B.

Yelp
I came in with pretty high expectations because it was Michelin rated and because so many people rated this place so highly. I know my review is a bit harsh, but if you're spending over $100+ per person (before tax, tip, etc) it should've be more worth it to me. I've been to a few Michelin restaurants and this didn't really feel on par to the ones at similar price point. I really enjoyed my experience but I think this menu was a bit of a let down. I also didn't have an issue with parking but two other women were seated way before their partner arrived after parking. I appreciated how casual the restaurant was and how they encourage sharing dishes instead of getting the same experience as everyone else like other Michelin restaurants. The service was good and I didn't have any issues with that. The size of the table was a really consistent thing for me that made me conscious. I felt like the utensils, glasses and serving plates were all too big/too much for the size of the table and every time they brought out food I had to move stuff around or accidentally bumped something when eating. I really enjoyed the pineapple bread starter because I personally love pineapple bread but to be honest, it was like a Kings Hawaiian roll with the pineapple crust on top. Although I loved the shrimp toast and "pot roast". I think those two dishes were the best course of our meal together. Unfortunately for me, the main courses is what threw me off from this experience. We ordered an extra entree because we wanted to try three dishes. The bass was too much of a fishy flavor for me (my bf liked it more than me). The braised short rib was not balanced enough. I hoped to have more of the congee underneath and the broccolini was wayyy too salty. I really enjoyed the pavlova dessert because the sweet meringue contrasted with the tartness of the yuzu really well. There were a few other dishes that were alright but didn't stand out to me. Maybe this menu just didn't match my tastebuds but there weren't many things that made me experience something I never have before.

Tova W.

Yelp
Came here with two other friends. We ordered basically everything. 4 course meal. Restaurant is decently sized for the area. The bathroom music was too loud and was on the darker side which was fine. Servers were on it with picking up dishes, replacing silverware, and cleaning table once done with each course. Constant drink refill. My friend's only comment: I wish the big dumbass white puff thing was better but the yuzu was good. Gnocchi pear dish was delicious. I think great food quality for your money. Overall I would eat here again - great dining experience with a group.

Cassy B.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I came here for their New Year's Eve tapas experience and enjoyed every dish and cocktail! We sat in the heated patio which took $50 off of the total price and stayed warm and toasty. For food they had a two menus, the second being a vegetarian option. We elected to do both menus to try out more of their dishes. I don't believe this is listed on the menu, but they started us off with a spoonful of caviar, which is a first for me and it was surprisingly tasty. As for main dishes, my favorite was the Shima Aji tartar and my boyfriend's was the Angolloti butternut stuffed squash. This restaurant has one Michelin star and we both agree it deserves it. The waitress and waitresses all work together well to deliver an exceptional experience for guests.

Gian D.

Yelp
Being big fans of Ellie Bird, my wife and I decided to try Rooster & Owl for our anniversary, and it was the perfect choice. The staff went above and beyond, signing a card for us and making sure it was a truly special evening. The food and service was incredible. Honestly this place in my opinion is even better than the The Inn at Little Washington, which is saying a lot! Rooster & Owl made our anniversary memorable, and we're already looking forward to celebrating many more special occasions here. Highly recommend!

Savannah L.

Yelp
This is my second time at rooster and owl, and this time we came for our first wedding anniversary. I was really excited by their summer menu and I wanted to try it. They start you off with a pineapple bun, which is so delicious. We got so many different courses between the two of us and shared them. I really like how you can add any course for $15 if you're still hungry at the end. The highlight of this visit in terms of the food was the fish course with the congee and the crispies. We also really loved the seasonal tomato salad-ish thing whose name I can't remember. One thing I love about rooster and owl is their service. We got a nice little card signed by all the staff for our anniversary and a complementary glass of champagne. They're also very thoughtful and gave me a purse hook for my bag. I can't wait to see what they cook up for this next year and I look forward to trying it.

Len S.

Yelp
Excellent food choices on a tasting menu . We enjoyed everything about our dining experience. One of the more expensive meals you will enjoy in DC . Honestly it was worth the price. Service was excellent the servers were well trained on the menu and were on top of everything. Switching out plates and silverware after every course. The dining room was small and the tables were very close. We enjoyed our evening and recommend you try them too.

Vivian Z.

Yelp
Came here for the first time a few weeks ago and wished I had discovered this place earlier! Food and service were amazing and while plates were inventive, they didn't compromise on taste which is really important to me. We were able to try a lot of dishes since we all did the tasting menu which was also reasonably priced. The ambiance is less polished/formal than what you would see at other similar restaurants, but barely detracts from the dining experience. Will definitely be checking this place out again!

Ericka S.

Yelp
Michelin star worthy without all the fuss and circumstance. What stood out most to me was the quality of service, as the servers were attentive, friendly and not overly pretentious. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. We sat in the main dining area, although you could make a reservation at the bar. There was also a patio option, but it was raining. We were provided detailed explanations about the meal, and we both felt the amount of food was sufficient after dining. While some people claimed they remained hungry, that was not our experience. There is an optional wine pairing and the wines were perfectly selected. We truely had an amazing experience here and I continue to recommend the restaurant to others who want a quality meal, relaxed atmosphere, and creative bites.

Kirk B.

Yelp
I hadn't heard of the Rooster & Owl prior to going for a friend's birthday and what an amazing experience I have been missing out on. We had awonderful staff from arrival to departure, as they were courteous, attentive, and considerate. Equally impressive, was each dish and drink we had. We were fortunate to try the full menu for the evening and there was nothing I wouldn't order again. Props to the chef! The environs are inviting and it wasn't too noisy or cramped. Look forward to making a return visit soon.

Joshua H.

Yelp
Came here with my fiancee for her birthday dinner and it was a fantastic experience. Despite the Michelin star the vibe was not pretentious but with the same quality and excellence one would come to expect. We started with the steak tartare which was absolutely fantastic. The highlight of the night for me was the shrimp toast for the second course. As someone who is half chinese the shrimp toast felt like a bite of home. I finally understand how Ego felt when he drops his pen in Ratatouille. The steak and salmon were delicious but did not blow me away like the previous two courses. The basil/pomegranate dessert was my favorite and a delight to eat. Lots of complimentary surprises and excellent service leads to 5* from me!

Becca H.

Yelp
Rooster and Owl was my first Michelin experience about two years ago. My fiancée and I returned this week. Their menu is pre fixed with 4 courses each offering 3-4 options to choose from. We typically try to order different items so we can try more of the menu. It's $95 per person for the tasting menu plus tax and tip. Without ordering any drinks you should expect to pay about $250-275 for just the meal for 2 people. My only knock for our recent trip is I personally didn't find the NY strip dish worth the additional $15. I thought it was good but I wouldn't do it again. You can add on any dish for $15 also if you are still hungry and want to try more of the menu! Their cocktails and mocktails are awesome! We especially like the kids choice awards drink. The service here is spectacular. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable and very accommodating. The restaurant itself is fairly small. You can somewhat see into the kitchen. They also offer a covered outdoor patio. The bar is right when you walk in the door. We really enjoy this place. If you're looking to try your first Michelin star restaurant you won't find one better (or cheaper) than Rooster and Owl

Braden J.

Yelp
Sometimes you go to a city and you try a place that's highly recommended. You have expectations, and sometimes those expectations are over hyped. Fortunately this is not the case, I came with high expectations on my DC trip for Rooster and Owl and they easily surpassed all expectations. Most definitely the highlight of the foods I tried. Atmosphere: Modern esque decor with a minimalist design but hints of asian themes as well as view of a beautiful bar and kitchen. Very cozy and fitting for parties, complete with patio. Food: At first glance Rooster and Owl may seem like the typical chef's tasting kind of place where you may think you're getting smaller bites of a course. Not at all, the big distinction for me is that you could choose what courses you wanted, but not only were they fairly sized, but every one of them had a unique experience that I would easily recommend or try again. My favorite at the time being the tar tar. Service: Excellent service, everyone was attentive. After every course was finished they'll come by, clean your table, and give new utensils. That extra bit of charm and attentiveness just adds even more to an already excellent experience. Though my time in DC was short, this was easily the top food highlight. I'd recommend this easily if you are looking to spend a nice night out with a bit of fancy style food, and/or just need a reason to celebrate.

Amanda L.

Yelp
From the start--we had a top notch experience from the food to the service. The maitre d literally held a parking spot for us out front! Amazing. Loved every course. Favorites were the gnocchi, cacio e Pepe pear, pavlova and the roast chicken. We sat on the covered patio and it was a lovely setting. They brought out an additional birthday treat and card from the staff for our celebration tonight!

Kim X.

Yelp
I made a reservation a few weeks in advance for two. The service from arrival to departure was phenomenal. We started off with complimentary bread. Then our prix fixe dinner started with four courses for around 95 dollars. So about 20-25 per course not including tip and tax. There were a few options per course. For the first course, we were impressed by the beets and the crudo. The flavors were on point. Then we split the crab and the Rangoon. These two options were not nearly as good as the first courses. The crab was heavily marinated in fish sauce and spices when it should be highlighting the natural flavors of the crab. Then came the best pasta dish I've had all year in an unforgettable umami sauce topped with brie. It was so sad how small the portion was. It was about half a portion size of a normal pasta entree. Usually with a prix fixe menu, the portion size does get a bit bigger as you progress to the entree portion but it was as small as the apps. We finished off with a chocolate and olive cake. Overall, some amazing flavors but it was very expensive for the portion size. I don't mind a splurge for good food when I leave feeling full. They did have a deal where you can add an additional course for 15 dollars... which is a lot cheaper than 20-25 dollars per course.

Ting Z.

Yelp
Okay this place absolutely deserved their Michelin star. Not only was everything prepared well and aesthetically pleasing, they were also really creative with their dishes, which I don't always see. The dishes were all texturally complex as well. It's one of those places that starts off solid but gets progressively better with each dish. Would recommend to anyone visiting DC and I'd love to come here again. Mocktails were well crafted. Their starter bread is a play off pineapple buns, and were so warm and fluffy. Started off with the BBQ carrots with "cornbread" appetizer, which was yummy with some fun flavors. Tuna carpaccio was good but didn't stand out to me like some of the other dishes. For our second course, I loved the scallion naan and thought the accompanying dip paired perfectly. My least favorite dish of the night was probably the white asparagus--lot of components going on there but I didn't think the end product really came together. Now on to the highlights-- mains and dessert. Lamb was so, so tender and the morels stuffed with foie gras were very creative and absolutely delicious. The cod also was legitimately one of the tenderest, most buttery pieces of fish I've ever had (it's very rare for me to see cod prepared so well). Desserts were absolutely stellar. Got the chocolate cremeux (perfect mix of chocolate, espresso, and salted caramel flavors) and the hummingbird cake, which may be one of my favorite desserts I've gotten in a restaurant ever (think carrot cake but like, better, and the flavors were so tropical and fun!).

Cyrus A.

Yelp
I can see why the tire company gave this place a star! Rooster & Owl definitely lived up to the hype, with an amazing prix fixe menu that left my tastebuds in awe. Rather than going through dish by dish, I'll try to focus on some themes. The proteins in the dishes were all cooked to perfection. The cod was my favorite, with consistent temperature throughout the entire piece. It practically melted off my fork with each bite. The scallops were equally amazing, and so was the braised rib in the tortellini. Flavors were jumping off the plate, and varied widely from course to course. The BBQ carrots were so zesty, and the tuna tartare was bursting with citrus. Then the scallops were a nice contrast, served up in a smooth, creamy sauce. The menu felt like a journey from dish to dish, and I enjoyed every step along the way. Finally, the desserts were great. I feel like after a great meal, desserts might be an afterthought. Not so at Rooster & Owl. The pavlova was unreal, a nice crispy puff with a creamy center, and lots of fruit flavor. The cheesecake was a perfect blend of salty and sweet. This is one of those meals that will keep me happy for quite some time, definitely worth a splurge for a nice meal in DC!

Soo L.

Yelp
4.5 star michelin dining experience! I love seeing asian flavors and chefs getting the recognition they deserve (where are my fellow asian foodie folks at?! ‍) Came for an early dinner on a Saturday night. We got a table outside bc the cooler temperatures are making it perfect for all fresco dining! Their outdoor dining has an enclosed canopy and even has carpet which I thought was a nice touch. Indoor ambiance looked nice and bathroom had a cutesy owl theme. Servers are knowledgeable about the menu and attentive in clearing away plates, refilling your drinks, and wiping down the table after each course so definitely getting the Michelin star level service. Menu features a good mix of familiar things with Asian flavor profiles and elements surprise and creativity which I totally loved! Drinks are nice and stiff ;) Food portions are a good size so you can comfortably share and leave full and happy! We got the "cacio e pepe" (my runner up favorite dish! Definitely order, just trust me), steak tartare (had a bit of a kick and appreciated the potato chips for texture), shrimp toast (my favorite! It was slighty crunchy but soft inside, flavorful, creamy, and salty. Reminded me a bit of freshly fried oden), "pot roast" (another home run dish! The oxtail was *chefs kiss*), scallion naan (good but didn't live up to the hype for me), poached salmon (salmon was cooked just the right temperature with extra crispy skin and the sauce was a great complement), chicken presse (chicken was very flavorful), olive oil cake (I would recommend to add the ice cream they give you on top and eat together w the fruit. So good!) and chocolate mousse (mousse is very chocolatey and has a peanut butter filling like a fancy reese's cup. Good but couldn't finish bc I was so full and may have preferred trying the pavlova). Also, the pineapples buns to start were amazing! If they sold these to go I'd definitely be getting them regularly. I'm not a big candy person but the treats at the end are nice too. Overall great fine dining experience! I wish it was a little bit more convenient location wise for me but I think I would make it out again to try once they change up the menu but inside just to compare.

Courtney R.

Yelp
Such an amazing experience for dinner! We had reservations on the covered patio for 6. We were seated early and ordered drinks until the rest of our party showed up. I recommend having a table of 4 and then ordering all 4 dishes for all 4 courses. While it's probably not enough food for 4 people, once you taste everything you can add another dish or 2 to round out the meal! Service was incredible and the food was amazing. I'm shocked to say my favorite bite was the Naan and hummus followed by the beef tartare. I recommend for anyone looking for Michelin Star food and service without the stuffy environment.

Danielle F.

Yelp
Solo diner review: I treated myself to dinner here on Friday, April 19th. To start, the dining room has a relatively small footprint -- longer than deep. However, I did not feel like I was sitting on top of anyone, nor could I hear the conversations of the tables closest to me. I had a nice view of the kitchen. Dinner was very efficient. I was in and out in less than 90 minutes. This efficiency was lovely for things like not having to wait ages for a water refill. But it was also a downside when they too enthusiastically cleared my napkin, purse hook, and menu when I went to the bathroom before the dessert course. Also, I opted for the wine pairing and when my dessert was served there wasn't a beverage to go with it. No matter, dessert doesn't always get a dessert wine, but I was surprised when no one offered me coffee. Much to my surprise, I was 2/3rds of the way through my dessert when my wine was brought to me. Again -- their over zealous serving made it so that I couldn't fully enjoy the dessert/wine/dessert & wine. Each course was an exciting combination of textures and flavors. Highlights of the meal were the excellent first course of the beets with Meyer lemon (earthy and bright!), and the spring lamb, asparagus, yogurt, and foie gras stuffed morels (crunchy and fatty and tender and rich!). I had a lovely time and was certainly full at the end of my meal. I do think their concept is great for parties as each course is easily shared, but it was enjoyable as solo diner as well. Bathroom was a spacious single stall with the whimsical rooster decor theme carried into the space. I wore a long-sleeved maxi dress and saw many diners in more casual looks (like jeans), but also some in more business casual looks.

Lola L.

Yelp
Absolutely exquisite food and service without feeling pretentious at all. Id gladly come back any day.

Brooke P.

Yelp
Exactly what we wanted and needed after nights of large group dinners. We got a cozy spot at the bar, and Gregory was welcoming and kind, walking us through the menu and also bringing an alternate bottle of the chateauneuf du pape to consider (it was amazing and same price point). Dan the bartender had some time to chat as it was a Tuesday night - we enjoyed visiting with him. Food was wonderful and we ordered different things so we could try more options. I loved the bbq carrots, and he enjoyed the fluke tartare. Second course, the hasselback potato was super satisfying and the bacon jam amazing. He had scallops and they were cooked perfectly. On third course, he ordered the cod and I ordered the tortellini, which is the opposite of our typical choices. Both were great but I give the cod top honors, kind of a riff on an upscale and delicious clam chowder. We had the hummingbird cake and chocolate cremeaux for dessert and Dan made us a great after dinner drink with a fruit liqueur and some calvados. Best meal of our trip, by far, and up there in terms of recent faves.

Judy L.

Yelp
Asian inspired, creativity blends with extraordinary food at this Michelin Star restaurant. Smalls plates to share but leave feeling fulfilled. We also had the imperial Ossetra: caviars with brown butter steam buns and champagne for $135 for 20g. Highly recommend you go all in with this luxury. Small restaurant and tables were tightly packed. We sat in the heated patio. Incredibly friendly servers and super casual. I've been to Michelin star restaurants where if you're wearing black, they switched out my napkin to a black one. But Rooster & Owl didn't. Just an observation to prove that while upscale, the vibe is casual. Next time I'll bring 4 people so I could try all of the dishes!!!

Jen P.

Yelp
Okay this place is super expensive but wow I was blown away! It's a tasting menu and we loved everything we tried! Pictures below I will say the one thing I'm knocking a star off for is the lamb. You get three tiny pieces and the price was extra in addition to the $100 you already have to spend. Perfect for a special occasion.

Louis B.

Yelp
We arrived in DC and headed to our hotel in Scott Circle to relax a bit before the kids called us up and wanted us to go to dinner. Walked around a bit and admired the changes in the neighborhood as we were walking up 14th Street. My old condo was on 15th and Belmont, on the other side of the block where the Roosters & Owl is located, so it was a wonderful memory lane. I remember that block as an unsafe strip mall and it is so welcome to see the entire block shrine. We got to the restaurant and admired the up-to-date, beautiful decor and furnishings. Our reservations were honored on the spot and we sat close to the bar and kitchen prep area, so we got an amazing view of the beehive of activity that is Rooster & Owl. There was a small army of restaurant staff whio made us feel at home. Ginger was awesome as a server. And so were the assistants. Our water glasses were always full. The courtesy, efficiency and competence of the entire staff is a testimony to good hiring practices and good training and team spirit. The inspiring menu is a prix fixe setup with four sets of four dishes each, the guest can choose one of each for $95. There is another addition available of wine pairings for $85 per person. However, as we all wanted different things, we opted to sit this one out. We started the evening with some absolutely amazing cocktails designed by the Beverage Director Chris Sang. Each was better than the previous one. As we were four, we got one each of every item in the menu. Appetizers featured the Cucumber spirals with pickled fresno, garlic crunch, on a bed of tahini, a distinct dish. Then the Baby Red beets with lemon and hazelnut, added to the faire. Next were the ocean trout Carpaccio, followed by the Steak Tartare, this last one with Thai green papaya, mango and potato chips. The next wave of courses included Scallion Nann, with sesame hummus; the English Pea Rangoon; the White Asparagus with trout roe and smoked tomato; and the pork belly with braised eel and succotash relish. The third batch contained the Spinach Cavatelli with mushrooms and Brie; the Kampachi Congee with Tempura Crunch; a delightful Chicken Presse with roasted subchokes and ramps; a Spring Lamb with green harissa and asparagus. As if that wasn't enough, we were treated to four desserts that included a Hummingbird Cake with chili pineapple, cream cheese and coconut sorbet; a burnt orange pavlova with Yuzu curd; an Olive Oil Cake with mascarpone; and a Chocolate Cremeux We had a fantastic evening with family and enjoying the meaning of Father's Day in the midst of some of the best food and service in the business. This is a gem of a place, well worth the Michelin star unique to very few restaurants in the country.

Connie H.

Yelp
It's not every day you get to eat at a Michelin star restaurant... and even then, it's not every day you get to eat at Rooster & Owl. I only use the #treatyoself card every so often and I am so happy I chose to use it here. This place is exceptional. Loves: + The service. These people are so down to earth and kind. This is the fondest memory I have of this place, of how everyone makes you feel so welcome and special. + The food. For starters, it's so nice to have four options per the four courses in the prix fixe menu. But even after that, everything is SO good. There is a dish with carrots and you're like, but that's so normal? Well they make even simple carrots damn good. + The ambiance. Yes it's a Michelin star but it also feels so accessible to a normal person like me. I came here with one of my oldest and dearest friends in DC, and we both agreed that this place is special. This place is a gem. This place is so worth the experience. We wish them all the success as they are so worthy of their star and more! :)

Joanna B.

Yelp
We had an amazing anniversary dinner. The card and champagne were a sweet touch. The service and food were excellent. It was an experience and I highly recommend you try it. We can't wait to come back.

Casey J.

Yelp
Went to Rooster and Owl during a Resy event week so we got some "extras" as part of our meal. We were greeted with a glass of champagne and a caviar bump- what a treat! Everything we tried was tasty and felt well thought out. Another perk of the event was that we got an extra first course which was great as the option we didn't choose, the steak tartare, ended up being one of my favorite bites with the compressed watermelon being a close second. The desserts were also very well done- still thinking of that olive oil cake! I will say the meal started off strong and while the food quality stayed strong, drink service and food pacing was slow after the first courses. We did a "no electronics" dinner so no pictures but this is one of those places that whatever you order will probably be delicious.

Daniel R.

Yelp
It is abundantly clear that this restaurant puts so much heart into their food! Each bite is exquisitely prepared with the care that you expect at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Our four-course meal, while extremely pricy, was exceptional. We began with complimentary rolls that were so good! Our first course was my favorite. I was blown away by the spanakopita with duck fat crust. I would have paid $95 for that alone! The scallop appetizer was also heavenly. Our second course was the only place I was slightly let down. This course was fun and whimsical but not quite substantial enough. Inexpensive ingredients like cabbage and potatoes were well done but could have been much more. That said... the scallop in the second course was probably the best scallop I've ever had. The third course had perfectly cooked meats and a delicious ravioli too. The technique was on full display here. Marvelous! Our desserts and complimentary gummies at the end were the perfect end to a wonderful meal. I especially loved the fig frangipane. And the complimentary birthday treats for my friends, whose birthdays we were celebrating! Service was wonderful here--as you'd expect. We felt so well taken care of. Thank you, Rooster and Owl!

Two Gays Three Takes ..

Yelp
6.8/10 Dined on 7/27/24 Rooster and Owl's menu is seasonally driven with flavors that lean Asian but also incorporate other regional influences and cooking techniques. Carrying a Michelin star since 2021, we were anticipating a knockout meal. While we appreciated the diversity of the prix fixe menu, the starters and desserts were ultimately the strongest offerings. The rest ranged from fine to completely missing the mark. The plating and styling of the food, however, were consistently well done. The cocktail list was well conceptualized but promised more than what was delivered. The quality and quantity of the food for $95 per person felt like good value, but the meal was not impressive enough to warrant another trip over similarly priced options in the city. Follow us on Instagram for our full review @twogaysthreetakes ________________________________ scallop crudo strawberry, nuoc cham, katsuobushi steak tartare thai green papaya, mango, potato chips english pea rangoon green aioli, sweet pepper relish, calabrian honey pork belly corn pudding, braisel eel, succotash relish spinach cavatelli mushroom duxelles hon-shimeji, petit basque kampachi congee, ginger scallion, tempura crunch chicken presse roasted sunchokes, swiss chard, chicken jus olive oil cake semolina, cherry, mascarpone chocolate ganache devil's food cake, caramel, espresso foam ________________________________ On paper, Rooster and Owl had a lot of interesting dishes, but when actualized, most of them fell flat. This isn't to say we had a bad meal, but my overall impression was mid. We started strong with the steak tartare -- it was aggressively seasoned with a level of heat that actually packed a punch. The mango added some fruitiness and textural variation to round things out. The scallop crudo had potential, but the strawberry sorbet belonged on a dessert plate - it was cloyingly sweet and honestly spoiled what could have been a stand out dish. The rangoon was a fun concept, but the wonton shell was greasy. Between the honey and the sweet pepper relish there was a need for some acid to lighten things up. The spinach cavatelli were perfectly cooked, although the 'everything but the bagel seasoning' garnish felt gimmicky and didn't complement the rest of the dish. The kanpachi was bland and frankly looked horrid on the plate - the ginger scallion condiment was absolutely delicious, but only a quarter sized serving made its way onto the fish. The other offerings were good, but ultimately forgettable. The desserts, however, were both strong and ended the evening on a good note. -TWP ________________________________ Rooster and Owl had components of a Michelin star-worthy meal, but everything just seemed a bit off. The service was attentive to the point of being hovering. The food attempted innovation, but the creativity was ill-conceptualized or was drowned out by other flaws. The sorbet on the scallop crudo was a miss--it was too sweet and overpowered a delicate ingredient. The aioli, relish, and honey on the rangoon were delicious, but were barely noticeable paired with steaming cream cheese in a not-crisp-enough wonton. The eel and pork belly terrine was a no--just too weird of a flavor combination. I could go on. Some stuff, especially the tartare, was quite good and I appreciate thinking outside the box, but ultimately there was just a lot that missed the mark. -JB

Camille B.

Yelp
My partner and I wanted to like this place, but left disappointed. We ordered 12 plates and we found that 3/12 were very salty (vegetable gratin, short rib, and the "cacio e Pepe" to which the "cacio" honestly didn't taste great). Some of the food were excellent like the mushrooms and coconut espuma. Notably, we were eating our 2nd course when the waiter brought out our 3rd course too - we had 5 dishes at one point. Naturally, some of the food got cold and not the best experience. I wish they timed our courses better. Very minor thing I also noticed was that the plating wasn't as clean as I expected in a Michelin restaurant with smudged lines, sauce drippings on the plate rim, etc. I wanted to like the restaurant, but our experience was mediocre mostly due to the saltiness level of several dishes. We also thought some of the main proteins like the short rib and sea bass were too simple and could be made at home/typical restaurant quality. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the ability to order additional plates hence we had 12.

Erika T.

Yelp
Wonderful dinner experience at Rooster and Owl. My partner and I visited on a weeknight and tried the tasting menu. Everything was delicious and we especially loved the short rib tortellini. R&O was sensitive to my partner's shellfish allergy, clearly noting the dishes with shellfish and confirming what was shellfish free as it was presented to our table. The cocktails were delicious and service was 10/10.

Erin M.

Yelp
Do not sleep on Rooster & Owl! I was able to make reservations for Friday night the week of thanks to Resy alerts and had the best night. I had only ever had their takeout during Covid and definitely underestimated the in house experience. It is a fairly small place with a single bathroom but surprisingly, there was never a line each time I went. I would also say that Rooster & Owl is a more lively dinner spot than a traditional fancy Michelin restaurant, which I prefer. Our server, Kennedy, added so much to the entire experience! She helped with the ordering process by validating our choices/making recommendations and selected my wines based on my typical preference (I loved all of them). The way she described the wines she selected for me was so animated and descriptive too. Truly the best service! We were feeling fancy and started with the champagne and caviar which included the caviar plate and two glass of champagne and while delicious, I wouldn't get it again. My friend and I ordered different options for each course to share except for the Short Rib tortellini which we both wanted as our entrees. For the amazing deal of $15 to add any course, we added the Chicken Presse entree to also try. Definitely take advantage of this to taste and add more options! My favorites for each course were the BBQ Carrots, Seared Scallops, Short Rib Tortellini, and Hummingbird Cake. I also don't normally order chicken but this was a standout! The chocolate cremeux was good but I wouldn't order it again and it didn't even come close in a competition with the hummingbird cake! Next time, I would like to also try the Hasselback Potato which Kennedy had recommended. I will be returning for sure!

Rebecca A.

Yelp
Overall the experience at Rooster and Owl was a pleasant one. We went on a Tuesday night and every table was full. The decor is relaxed, more coffee house than fancy shmancy... with shelves stacked with cook books and wood tables and comfy leather chairs. The service was prompt and servers were polite and always kept my utensils clean and water filled. The food was excellent, despite not being enough. However, my mocktail (lychee vanilla) tasted slightly of vanilla but lacked any other flavor. Basically I paid $10 for some vanilla iced water. I dropped a star here related to the logistics of this type of service with a group. We came with a large group and were required to sign a contract and reserve an early or late mealtime. We got the tasting menu and I enjoy the adventure that tasting menus take me on. However, I hadn't expected to be sharing dishes with folks at my table (total of 6). I also ended up requesting serving utensils as it's not sanitary to have everyone digging into the dishes with a dirty utensil. The portions were small and sometimes we would get one serving of a dish, sometimes two. It was hard to discern if there was a pattern as the quantity of food varied. For instance, for our table of six and the dry aged strip only came with 5 pieces. Usually I got only one or two bites of each dish, really not enough to savor. I would recommend for a date or maybe for up to four people who are comfortable sharing dishes. I would not recommend for a larger party.

Julia P.

Yelp
We went for a birthday dinner and this might have been the best meal I've had thus far in DC! They offer a prix fixe menu for $95 per person (4 courses) and menu seems to change every so often. Before the meal begins, they give you a pineapple bun -- to die for! So soft and chewy with a pint of pineapple flavor. Reminds me of a great brioche bun. We ordered a variety of dishes but our favorite was the sea bass (Norwegian) that basically melted in our mouth and scallion naan. Scallop was well cooked too - buttery, soft, and not rubbery at all. Overall loved their asian fusion twist to every single dish; executed very well. Flavors balance was on spot! Ambiance is nice - slightly loud given it's a small space, but it's fun, cozy, and pretty modern. Service was good, very attentive and not overbearing. Our waitress seemed to in training or newer (she was nice, but a little awkward), but still nice. Oh I got a cute little birthday card signed from staff and a complementary ice cream cake (black sesame flavor). A nice touch to our evening. Had an amazing experience at Rooster & Owl and we'll definitely be back again!

Tiffany T.

Yelp
Second time coming here and both times were absolutely delicious! The waiters are so friendly and attentive to every little detail. They explained the foods wonderfully and the dishes all tasted as good or even better than they looked. I came with 4 people including me so we got the pleasure of being able to taste every single thing on the menu. Some of the highlights were for sure the striped bass which was all of our favorites. The starter pineapple buns were so good, scallop crudo, tuna tartare, scallion naan, banh mi, quail, calcio elote, dry age strip, humming bird cake, and pecan pie. It's a big list but that's how good everything was! Only dishes I'd pass on would be the shishito peppers and tzatziki salad as they were pretty simple. The restaurant is not big and pretty casual inside with some outdoor seatings as well.

Steven T.

Yelp
Finally got to try the super popular 1 Michelin restaurant. For as much as I heard about the place, I'm not sure it lived up to the hype. There were lots of good dishes, some amazing, and some that were maybe not for my palette. While I was not blown away, I think it was still a nice place to try. My favorites were the Hasselback Potato, Seared Scallop, and the Hummingbird Cake. Service was absolutely amazing and attentive.

Mas P.

Yelp
I choose this restaurant to celebrate a friend's birthday! We truly enjoyed the meal. The highlights of the meal were the spanakopita and the goat cheese cheesecake. The staff were amazingly friendly. They explained the meals and made my friend's birthday wonderful with the small touches.

Lauren S.

Yelp
Incredible tasting menu with each dish hitting the spot. You start with pineapple buns that were so good, I ordered us a second round. Then came the courses. Highlights for my meal included the beets, ravioli, chicken and naan (wait until you taste the toum and hummus all in one bite!). But all the others are a close second -- including the hassleback potato, pork belly, spanakopita, chocolate cake and pecan cheesecake. I'd probably pass on the wine pairing next time (not any really great tasting glasses and the dessert wine I didn't enjoy at all) and just stick with the cocktails -- which looked incredible. Can't wait to come back!

Allie H.

Yelp
Incredible!!!! This place is perfect for a fancy date or special occasion. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. The food was amazing!!! Special shout-out to the bread and the pasta and burrata and scallops which were some of the highlights for me!

Jin P.

Yelp
The best meal I've had in DC so far! Rooster and Owl is a snug little spot that offers a course menu for a decent price. All of the dishes have an Asian twist to it and the chefs here do an amazing job balancing the flavors very well. We came to celebrate a birthday and it was a total success. Every dish was cooked to perfection -- from their starter brioche pineapple bread all the way to dessert. They even offered us a complementary birthday cake off the menu. Last but not least, they have their own / specialty whiskey made specifically for them from a local distillery. Loved it so much that I ended up getting a bottle from them. Service is great, our night was perfect. We will definitely be back again to try their rotating menu!

Whitney W.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing meal. Chef's tasting menu and wines were superb. Incredible pairings, attention to detail and service was excellent. Highly recommend!!!

Yutao Z.

Yelp
Pleasant dining experience. Three of us went here for a Friday dinner. We were very happy with the food and the service. We decided to try everything on the menu family style except for the dessert. We each picked our own dessert and we each ordered a mocktail drink. Overall, we loved the variety and appreciate the quality ingredients used. Here are a few highlights- 1. Swiss chard tart, my favorite of the first courses. Wonderful texture of the Swiss chard, on the crunchy side, with very crumbly tart shell, nice contrast. 2. Cod, very fresh, the delicate texture is so enjoyable. 3. Very tasty mocktails. I appreciate that the drinks are not overly sugary. Unfortunately not lots places put in efforts in making the mocktails. They simply just add tons of sugar. We tried the pear and lychee drinks. I like the lychee better because of its stronger fruit flavor. 4. My only disappointment was the frangipane, a little too sweet. The chocolate cake was very good, loved the bittersweet taste. Very nice interior setting, intimate with decent space between tables. Very tentative service.

Jessica O.

Yelp
4.5 stars. I loved starting out the pineapple bun as an app (they just give this to you). I wish I could get MORE - I actually don't know if you can order more. Then my friend and I picked out what we wanted to try and shared. The portions are small, but we don't eat too much so it was really PERFECT portions for us. I think in terms of the food, there is a lot of thought and care put into creating the dishes, plating, presentation, and bringing it out to you. The servers were so nice and my water was always filled. They also were happy to stop over to explain the dish again bc I forgot what I was eating or found some really cool flavors popping out in my mouth! Just pick the dishes based on what you want to try/your preference and you'll probably really enjoy it! I did find the bouillabaisse to be a little weird, can't really put my finger on it, but maybe it's the fusion of kimchi with French seafood stew. Normally I love both, but separately. Other than that, I think I really enjoyed everything. I really liked the cornbread ice cream, which I thought was very unique! Restrooms - they have 2 single-person use restrooms, both very clean. One was decorated with rooster theme and the other - you guessed it! - owl. I thought that was also really thoughtful and charming. It was easy to get to with public transit in DC (parking is hard in DC!) and we really had a nice experience with the chef's tasting menu. Make sure you do reservations!

Jessica H.

Yelp
We were here for our anniversary, and it was the perfect place for that. I really want to emphasize how PHENOMENAL their service is. For our anniversary, we got a card that was hand signed by all the staff, and some even wrote little messages. It was easily the best card I have gotten from ANY restaurant, and that made everything feel so personal and special (along with some free drinks). I liked all their food, but my personal favorites were the pineapple buns, potato gnocchi, and burrata. As a Taiwanese American who grew up eating pineapple buns, I was so impressed by how soft and flaky these were and got some serious nostalgia. The potato gnocchi were so soft, and I loved the presentation flavor of the burrata. Next stop: Ellie Bird, their sister cafe in Falls Church!

Ryan C.

Yelp
We came here for a third time but decided to bring family to celebrate a huge milestone birthday. Big shout out to Carey Tang for helping me secure the reservation months in advance too, very much appreciated. We already thought this was our favorite restaurant but the meal we had really just solidified it. Every drink and dish was spot on. Since there was four of us we ordered every dish and shared it. We also ordered a few extras and they gave us a few on the house which was amazing of them. Our server was so attentive and engaging. The whole staff was perfect top to bottom. Highlights off the top of my head were the Asparagus Dan Dan, Scallop Crudo, Fancy Tots (ordered 2), Bahn Mi (had 2), Braised Lamb, and the Chocolate Cremeux. Our favorites really were the the Bahn Mi and the Braised Lamb which we talked about so much after we left they were so good. We all also got different cocktails that I don't exactly remember but they were so amazing that we got 2 rounds. Really just amazing experience. There is still a great casual feel with such a high quality of food and plating. There is no doubt that we will all be back!

Attiya H.

Yelp
Celebrated my birthday here with my husband and dinner was AMAZING. The flavor combinations were so unique and I felt like the meal was nothing like other nice dinners we have had in DC. We added an extra item for $15 and this was perfect for the two of us, we left full and happy. The few stand out must have dishes on the current menu for us were the scallion naan, the flavors in the homemade sesame hummus were great. We also really enjoyed the seared scallops which were large and melted in your mouth. Finally we loved the ravioli, this was our top dish of the night! The dessert you can't go wrong with either the hummingbird or cheesecake, the hummingbird cake was a tropical style of a carrot cake with pineapples. The service was was phenomenal and all the courses came out at the perfect time, we will definitely be back!