Nichele W.
Yelp
I'll start by saying that when I joined a couple of girlfriends here on a Thursday night, I didn't realize the restaurant had only been open for a few weeks. With that in mind, I want to give them grace as there were definitely a few kinks still being worked out, but that's to be expected for a new establishment. The owner came around to each table and was genuinely open to feedback, which we really appreciated.
If we were rating purely on ambiance and drinks, I'd say this place is closer to 4 stars. The interior is super cute, stylish, and ideal for a girls' night out or pre-event cocktails. It's a bit on the smaller side, so seating felt a little tight. For reference, we came on a night there was a Caps game at Capital One Arena next door. Definitely something to keep in mind as parking was limited and expensive due to the event, so rideshare is probably your best bet.
As for the seating, our party of three was initially placed at a small round table, but we asked to move to a nearby rectangular one, which worked out much better. The plates are regular size even though the menu focuses on small bites and tapas, so a little more table space made a big difference.
Food-wise, the single large dumplings (beef, pork, and chicken) were tasty and sharable. Of the three sushi rolls we tried, the Mango Tango and Tempura Vegetable were solid choices, while the Firecracker roll didn't quite hit the mark for us, so we sent it back.
For the tapas, we sampled the miso garlic sea bass, Thai pesto risotto, and the Szechuan peppercorn filet mignon. The sea bass was a bit underwhelming, and the risotto didn't quite land with my friends. The filet mignon, however, was flavorful, though it had to be sent back once to get the temperature right. Once corrected, it was definitely a highlight.
One note: our reservation was at 7 p.m., and even with daylight still outside, the DJ's music was very loud, making conversation a bit difficult. This might be part of the atmosphere they're aiming for, but it's worth knowing if you're looking for a quieter experience.
Overall, I think this place has great potential. It's a fun spot for cocktails and vibes, especially if you're in the area. I'd give them a bit more time to settle in, but I wouldn't rule out returning in the future as they continue to refine their experience.