Oro Nami

I absolutely love this spot! Great vibe, cool decor, outstanding sushi and such a nice atmosphere. I really appreciate that this is a safe, kosher, top quality kosher dining experience.

This was the best tasting menu we’ve ever had! Each dish was crafted with incredible detail and described by the chef! There are only 6 tables and one seating at 630 for the tasting menu! The ambiance was amazing and the staff was incredibly friendly. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion look no further. The drinks are also amazing and a cocktail pairing is also available. The menu changes seasonally. We’ll be back for the fall menu!

RUN, don’t walk to this hip new restaurant in DC. Chef Snyder finally had his own brick and mortar and has an amazing seasonal menu. 10 plates, each transporting you to different parts of the world—Japan, Georgia, India, and beyond. The service was impeccable and staff is so kind. Everything is eaten with your hands so no need for cutlery. Each dish was prepared perfectly and the chef, himself, comes to your table with each plate to explain his inspiration. This had to be one of the best meals I’ve had in DC. Even the drink pairings were wonderful. The space is small but artful. This is truly a hidden gem and a worthy experience. Once you see the kitchen at the end of the meal, you’ll be even more blown away! Will definitely come back to try next season’s offerings.

This should be getting a Michelin star soon. The executive chef and his team have done a stellar job at making this place inviting, trendy, fun, and spontaneous! The bites are plenty to satisfy the hunger as you enjoy their delicious and cleverly named cocktails! The ingredients chosen and combined from all over the world make for a delicate combustion of flavor in your mouth with each bite! You will not forget this place and your stomach will thank you. Don’t walk, run to The Setting. Escape as a couple for a date night or go with friends to explore new tastes and smells! The kitchen tour is incredible and props to the staff for taking the time despite their busy schedules to engage with the guests! Top notch!!! Come on Michelin, give them the star they deserve!

Fun little bar in DC. We were the only people there because I had expected it to be super busy at 530 on a Friday but it was still a nice experience. The staff is friendly and the cocktails are pretty good for their price point. I'd like to go back when it's a little more crowded to get the full atmosphere and vibe! Recommend for a pre-dinner spot for drinks as a date idea. Worked great for me. Didn't have any food but it looked good 👍

This is the second time my husband and I have gone to The Setting. They change their menu seasonally which means we couldn't wait to go back and see all the amazing food Chef Snyder and his team created for summer! We have been to so many DC restaurants but this one somehow manages to be hip, high-end, and approachable at the same time. This is largely because of the friendly yet professional staff. Chef Snyder, Kiran, and Nick are all at your table bringing you food and drink, explaining what you have in front of you, and taking care of your every need. Each small bite is eaten with your hands and you never know what they are going to bring you next making it an exciting experience. The food is impeccably prepared, delicious, and shows unimaginable attention to detail. The cocktail pairings are beautifully thought out and enhance each dish. This restaurant really has a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) and we already can't wait to return.

This one somewhat improvised bar dining experience at the Setting made me regret how long I had waited to enjoy the exceptional food, cocktails, service, and decor here. My man Devin got me sorted at the bar and was both a great dining and drinking guide throughout the evening. My first cocktail was the Chet Faker (Rittenhouse Rye, Cocchi Torino, Honey, Angostura and Orange Bitters) and it was a very robust spirit-forward cocktail, super well balanced. I enjoyed it quite a bit, like an Old Fashioned. My first course was the Johnny cake (Crème Fraîche, Matcha Chive powder, Golden Osetra Caviar) and it was strong opening that set a high bar for the rest of the meal. Second was the Hokkaido Scallop (Egg custard, Coconut foam, Shiro dashi, Trout Roe) and it was extraordinary, loved the creamy savory flavor of the coconut foam. Next was a tiny Rösti (Yukons from Moon Valley Farms, Hen of the Woods, preserved White Truffle) packed with dense mushroom flavor, another hit in terms of taste and presentation. I had to try the Gnocchi (Parisian Gnocchi, Karma Farms Sweet Potato purée, toasted hazelnuts, Chesapeake Queen Honey air) and combination of flavors and textures (the puree with the hazelnuts) was tremendous. Last but not least, I upgraded to the Wagyu (Snake River Farms Filet Mignon, Amontillado Sherry, Vidalia Onion caramel, Sauce Foie Gras, Loire Valley) and every bite was a bit of Wagyu heaven. Desert was a very simple set of Madeline cookies. A bit anticlimactic but still enjoyable. My other cocktails along the way were pretty epic too. The Hard Sauce (Date and Honey Butter Rittenhouse Rye, Lustau East India Solera Sherry, Cinnamon, Lemon, Blood Orange and Coconut Espuma) was just the most buttery and aromatic cocktail, a bit sweet for me but still fairly well balanced. Devin had me sample a taste of the date and honey butter infused rye and it was like sipping a light caramel, so smooth. Last, the chef's girlfriend insisted that all the patrons try her favorite drink the Golden Bough (Lustau Amontillado, Lustau Fino, Lustau PX, Cocoa Nibs, Cocchi Torino, Angostura Bitters) and this was also a bit sweet but quite elegant little cocktail. Devin as well as the chef Robert were very friendly and welcoming, I can't wait to bring back my wife and friends another time.

From the welcome to the night cap this was a flawless experience. I’ve been to many red guide restaurants, and these guys are on track to get a star at some point if they keep it up. Great presentation, killer flavors either in combination or on their own (hello japanese beef, hello prawns bursting with flavor). Oh and the cocktails are amazing also. I look forward to going back.

WOW. What a hidden gem! This spot had been on our list for awhile. In our defense, the website isn't representative of the creative and funky vibes as soon as you enter, plus the stellar dishes and drinks, so we had put it off. And yes, I regret this! It's located under a jewelry store, so the name makes sense. You descend down a flight of stairs and are welcomed by a dance floor and Alice in Wonderland vibes all over. Clocks on clocks on clocks, making you feel like you fell down the rabbit hole. The dance floor is just a vibe, not for dancing:) Devin is a mocktail and cocktail wizard, and he created the perfect drinks for us. They offer tea as well, which I loved. Even the honey isn't basic, it's been infused by some typa otherworldly sorcery. The Hokkaido Scallop (Egg custard, Coconut foam, Shiro dashi, Trout Roe) was such s surprise, complete with coconut foam. The tiny Rösti (Yukons from Moon Valley Farms, Hen of the Woods, preserved White Truffle) was my fave. Each bite ended with a delicate taste of mushroom flavor. We ordered s second, and I feel no shame about this. I only wish this place offered a dessert menu, because I know it would be epic.

Superior food and drink push boundaries. They make you fall in love with things you don't like. I've had two experiences where this is the case. The first is with Top Chef Bryan Voltaggio's lasagna at Thatcher & Rye in Frederick, Maryland. The other is at The Setting with their bartender's choice cocktail. After explaining to Michael, the bartender, that I enjoy sweet and sour drinks with berries and vodka, he brought over a mezcal drink with chartreuse, absinthe, mint, and coconut milk. All things I don't like in a cocktail, I was put at ease when he said he'd make another drink if I didn't like it. And I did. It was complex, quirky, and sweet and sour at the same time. Masterful. And my first drink was refreshingly sweet without making you feel sick. If you like summer-y drinks, order the "Princess Cup." My friend enjoyed the "Michael's Negroni" and the "Silver Lining's." The atmosphere itself is quirky as well with clock-themed wallpaper in the one of the dining rooms. Street parking can be found nearby. The only thing to be aware of is the price. The cheapest cocktail is $16, but that's the norm at quality cocktail bars in D.C. There are two $10 mocktails on the menu.

Fun bar to check out! Definitely on the pricier side averaging around $18 per drink, these cocktails were well worth it! My friend and I got here around 6:15PM on a Thursday with no reservation and were the only ones there until about 7. The bartender was very knowledgeable and we had a great time talking to him and getting to know more about the cocktails he was making us. My first drink, study abroad swizzle was my favorite since it was the closest to a mojito but I also really enjoyed the Princess cup. The specialty cocktail was a little bitter for my taste but my friend liked it and the bartender carbonated it on the spot! Hard sauce was really cool and because of the date and honey butter rye it was a good amount of sweetness! We didn't get food here but I'd come back for the drinks on special occasions!

We love this place so much!! Everyone here is so nice and you can tell that the team just works really well together. I love the concept of the chef coming out and explaining his creations. They time it so well and though yes we were there for a long time, it didn't feel like that at all! The mocktails and cocktails are amazing and so were the desserts afterwards. I definitely think they will get a Michelin star in the future because it was just so well run. The dishes themselves were so good. I don't even think I have a favorite. Anything with fish really I'm in love. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves but they do change up the menu a bit so don't be surprised if you see something else. I guarantee that you will like your experience though!

I really enjoyed the service and the food here. Other than some of the food being a bit too salty, it is very delicious. From the tuna roll to the caviar bump and the gulguppa, it is definitely a 9-10 stars out of 10. For most restaurants, I would have something different to complain about, but surprisingly, this restaurant delivered in terms of food and service quality. Out of the 18 courses in the New Years menu, there isn't something that I don't enjoy. The snacks retained all of the flavors of the ingredients, and you can actually taste that the different ingredients combined are actually what makes the food taste good. Overall, 9.5/10 for the food, and 9/10 for the service!

This place costs! My fiancé and I went here for our anniversary dinner and it was a fire experience! We ordered the cocktail flight which is about $80 per person. We initially planned to share it. That was a tease, so we splurged! The dinner reservation was the most expensive. For us, the dinner was a unique experience. You get a 10 course meal inspired by street foods around the globe. I love the concept of eating with your hands especially within the realm of fine dining. The renowned chef would explain each meal before serving us. He also gave us a tour of the smallest kitchen I have ever seen. It was impressive to know what was made in that space. Even if you don't come here for dinner, the drinks are also excellent. The space is super picturesque and fun, so there's something for everyone!

3rd time at The Setting and it's still amazing!! Food, service, atmosphere is all on point I can't tell you how much I recommend this restaurant. Do yourself a favor a book a reservation now.

Great drink pours that are craftily made and at good prices. This place means serious business for serious cocktail lovers and for foodies both.

Pros: - Michael is super attentive and has stories about the origins of the food/drink and how they were based on family growing up - cocktails were amazing, whether off the menu or bar tender's choice based on flavor profiles - cute, intimate setting Cons: - no longer serving the tasting menu and switching to a la carte. - items pretty pricey for amount of food - food but over salted - myself and at least 1 other girl at the bar noticed that our eyes were burning the entire time we were in the establishment, like there was smoke in the air or something It's a $75 hold pp +$5 to make a reservation. The hold, minus the $5, can be applied to your total bill. For a party of 2, we ordered everything on the menu except for the dessert. The items progress in size going down the menu. With 3 drinks each, and ur total was over $500; gratuity was automatically included. based on weighing the pros and cons, and the overall cost/value for your buck, I'd probably recommend this spot as a place for drinks first, or a night cap.

Looking for quality bites and cocktails in an intimate, Alice-and-wonderland-vibe spot? The Setting is the place. Tucked away under a jewelry store is a cocktail bar and 10-"bites" tasting menu from a Minibar alum. Came here with my sisters and their partners - we were a total of 6 people and fit comfortably in a booth. The service was excellent - down-to-earth yet refined. Cocktails: we ordered many. My favorite was Con Todo, a mezcal based drink with a small kick. A bit too easy to drink if you ask me. Food run down: Standout bites were: - prawns. The texture of the tart shell and spice that hit after the bite were excellent. Could have this a few times over. - Pani puri with king crab - I'm a sucker for a good crunch and this one hit the mark. The herbs made the flavors bright and super fresh. - hen of the woods mushrooms on what is almost like cube potato latke. - the dessert trio, especially the canele they make fresh in the morning. The menu changes seasonally so I would be more than happy to go again, and see what they cook up. Tip: don't leave without checking out the kitchen. It will give you another level of appreciation for the skills these chefs have.

Three of us dined on a Saturday night. My friend had made the reservation in advance; I included the drink pairing. Wow- what a culinary experience enjoying their tasting menu!!!!! I highly recommend! I mean a meal that starts with a caviar bum off you hand! How can it be bad?! According to my friend, the only negative was making the reservation. I only had to Venmo her money (and show up ) so I can't speak to that. :) Highlights included the beautiful comfortable decor, the outstanding service and the ambiance (in addition to the food and drink)! The chef (who my friend follows on Instagram) came to the table and explained each course. I had hopes of capturing it all but decided to just eat and enjoy! Thus, you'll see pictures of the food and of the printed menu they give at the end to take home. My favorite was the lobster lollipop and the crab inside the puffed crunchy shell. Oh and ALL the desserts! Cocktail pairings went down very smoothly. I did complain about the dessert cocktail because it had coffee and I just can't drink it late at night. I gave them the option of making me a different drink or giving me his phone number so I could call him at 3am because I was still awake! Jk! He made me another drink to substitute.

Whimsical atmosphere, creative cocktails, and unique, delicious food, what more could you ask for? My husband and I celebrated his birthday recently at the Setting and had an amazing time. We arrived a bit early ahead of our reservation time and were invited to the bar for some drinks. Once we were ready to be seated, we were led to our table which was a roomy booth that felt very private. Once we got settled, the food started coming out and every single course was delicious. Almost all the food that is served at the Setting are bites and are expected to be eaten with your hands. At first, I was worried that we would leave hungry since the portions of each course were bite-sized, but we left absolutely stuffed. We also loved that Chef John personally delivered each course to our table and explained what they were and was happy to answer any questions we had. Each course was super creative and presented beautifully. By the end, we actually appreciated that the courses were small since each bite was super flavorful and rich. After we finished dinner, Chef John invited each table to tour the kitchen, which was so much smaller than we expected! Then, we were allowed to stay and order drinks and just hang out in our booth, which was really nice. Overall, we loved our experience at the Setting and highly recommend checking this place out for special occasions.

Oh. My. Gosh. Y'all need to stop reading right now and just make a reservation. Delicious and I mean DELICIOUS food. Fun and unique atmosphere. Personal experience where the chef delivers and explains their inspiration for each dish. Well crafted cocktails that do not disappoint. Amazing staff and all star dining experience. No complaints. Only praise. We'll be back! We love The Setting - DC's Best new restaurant!

RUN, don't walk to this hip new restaurant in DC. Chef Snyder finally had his own brick and mortar and has an amazing seasonal menu. 10 plates, each transporting you to different parts of the world--Japan, Georgia, India, and beyond. The service was impeccable and staff is so kind. Everything is eaten with your hands so no need for cutlery. Each dish was prepared perfectly and the chef, himself, comes to your table with each plate to explain his inspiration. This had to be one of the best meals I've had in DC. Even the drink pairings were wonderful. The space is small but artful. This is truly a hidden gem and a worthy experience. Once you see the kitchen at the end of the meal, you'll be even more blown away! Will definitely come back to try next season's offerings.

If I had one night to live I would come back and have dinner here again. What else can you possibly say! Such a great take on modern cuisine. When you have so many small dishes it is so difficult to hit every note and the young chef and owner hit every note. When you pair the food with the cocktail pairing it's the next level of Phenomenal. If you're picking one great restaurant to go to in the Washington DC area this is it! I would also add that the fiancé of the chef runs the front of the house and could not be any more delightful. The warmth and vibe in the restaurant is so very special. It's just a great experience! Just go !

I've been wanting to visit The Setting for so long, and Deke and I finally got to go for date night. Everything was exceptional, and I can't wait to enjoy more. This intimate lounge is perfect for date night, whether you just want a delicious meal or want to celebrate a special occasion. The decor's really cool, and everything's instagram worthy so you'll undoubtedly want to document your experience. Deke and I actually went after dinner so we didn't eat much, but after trying the food, we'll be back for the tasting menu ASAP. The hoe cakes with caviar were RIDICULOUS! 10 more of those plz. Drinks were fire, too. Expect to be impressed, and def make sure you check out The Setting stat. I promise it's worth the trip to Georgetown!

What a treat!!! This small restaurant produces a lovely tasting menu from a tiny kitchen (no really, you get to see it before you leave!). Not to mention, one of the owners is a woman of color The service was extremely attentive. Our water was always refilled quickly and each dish came with an explanation of the ingredients and preparation. Not to mention the chefs were serving us themselves. As for the food, the tasting menu was made up of a progression of small dishes. My favorite by far was the maitake mushroom toast with the crab salad tart coming in a close second. Everything tasted fresh and the flavor combinations were all balanced and at times refreshing, intensely savory, and umami. Ambiance was super trippy. There's a multi-colored lighted floor and the entire place is brightly colorful and moody at the same time. While the service was impeccable, the atmosphere was still fun and jovial. I always enjoy a dining experience that maintains high quality food while relinquishing stuffy environments. Shout out to the person who took my second drink order. I wasn't sure what to get and he asked me a few questions and brought out a fantastic cocktail.

Talk about DC's hidden gem! The Setting surpassed all of our expectations. From the moment you walk in, everyone is so so friendly and welcoming. The drinks are so unique and good and the food, I mean I'll let you decide for yourself on that one (hint 10/10). It's amazing how much amazing food the chef can produce in their teeny tiny kitchen (that probably takes this experience to the next, next level. Its crazy what goodness comes out of such a small space...). All in all we loved this intimate experience with the chefs and the whole team and will 100% be back!

Where do I start? The Setting is what DC food scene has been missing. Chef Kiran Saund & Chef Dylan Snyder have done it again - creative geniuses. Their attention to detail on all fronts is exemplary. Delicious gourmet bites that you can eat with your hands. Intimate & sensory greatness. BTW, the floor color & music changes with each course (head explosion emoji). Great service from all staff. Michelin star worthy. I am looking forward to going back to experience their new seasonal menu! (mouth watering emoji)

This place pleasantly surprised my boyfriend and I. We are by no means restaurant bloggers, or have any culinary experience outside of what we choose to cook at home or the places we've visited in different cities- but the flavors that j. Schneider and his sous chef Kay at The Setting Dc offered up are easily one of the top 5 places we've eaten at! We could taste all the hard work that the chefs had put into each of these small bites. J. Schneider actually let us know that he previously came from Bar Mini, and his experience shows! Bar mini has always been one of our favorite places for small snacks with drinks, and he has carried those legendary snacks with him to The Setting DC! My favorite moments outside of the food was the tour of the kitchen; when you see it, you will be amazed at how such tasty treats come from this space! Other favorite moments included the chef knowing about a top 50 bar that we visited in Chicago, Three Dots and a Dash, as it showed us the depth of his knowledge, and we enjoyed small talk about how we tried to confit egg yolks ourselves at home! This restaurant offered flavorful drinks and delicious small bites, and a personalized experience from the staff-- we will definitely be returning! If you are looking to take a chance on a restaurant that is brand new-- take a chance on this one!

Hands down - the Best cocktails in town! You should try their Manhattan. You are welcome!!

My sisters and I stumbled on this hidden gem after attending the Ne-Yo concert at the Kennedy Center. It is RIDICULOUSLY adorable and intimate. Upon walking down the stairs, we were "greeted" by Alex who was super flustered with the not huge amounts of people in the bar and proceeded to be rude in our first few moments of entry asking us to wait (and we don't mind waiting, it was simply the rude way he did it), and then making jokes about how he can't be anything else but authentic at his age that need the rest of our life and we just looked and like what. So we were fingertips away from leaving, and then Aaron save the day not only did, we call him to find out where the bark she was and he was polite and friendly on the phone. That friendliness radiated as soon as he walked up and said so sorry for your wait please follow me to this table right here. Customer service at its finest, and then two chefs not just one, came over to check on us multiple times even though they only had a late night menu including dumplings, so the chefs were pulling double duty as servers and water fillers and doing an exceptional job at it. So the dumplings were killer, like I want to eat 50 of them, they were so good, and our drinks were yummy. We each got something different. Mine was a champagne cocktail that was out of this world, and then we had glazed Madeleines that were so good. The bar hard to find but well worth it when you do, and as long as you don't have to engage with Alex, you will have the best time! Sidebar: so this would have been five stars if not for Alex. I think Alex's coworkers, explained to him how rude he was, because on the way out, he did try to be pleasant, but at that point, we were disinterested in engaging. Everyone in the service industry can learn from the chefs and Aaron!

Great service, great bartenders, nice vibe with music that suits the clientele. A Vibe! You wont be disappointed. A bit more on the $$$ side.

Such an incredible experience. Once you walk down the stairs to the dining room, you're transformed into a vibrantly stimulating environment, which was fun and artistic. Cocktails were artfully crafted, and the food was exceptional. It's apparent how much thought and passion goes into each dish, which is personally brought out by the chef. The stories behind each course, along with the explanation of ingredients, really makes one appreciate all that goes into its preparation. The complexity of flavors and textures in these small dishes is incredible, and really elevates the experience. The staff is very professional and attentive, but not annoyingly so. Hands down the best dining experience I've had while living in DC for 6 years.

Wow incredible experience. It is so great to see a vibey & chic, totally unpretentious tasting menu spot open up in dc by a Punjabi woman!!! As a fellow brown girl this made my heart so happy. My only complaint is that the pacing between each course was too slow and spaced out. We were definitely waiting awhile between courses and there were not that many overall. We ended up staying here for almost 4 hours! But it could have been cut to 2. Love the ambience here. Totally lowkey and reminds me of Vegas with the different colored lights and the music and the cozy seating. Just like superfirico. The food was INCREDIBLE. I love that they were Indian spices incorporated into almost every dish. Some highlights that I totally loved were the wagyu tartare bite which was so packed full of three different flavors, the buttery shrimp toast which may have been the sweetest shrimp I have ever had and the Indian curry sauce spiced scallop. I also LOVED the truffle mushroom brioche and the steak sandwich slice. Everything here is handheld (as is the Indian tradition of eating) so no utensils. Can def get messy! Would not recommend this for a first date haha. The desserts I was unimpressed by and they can definitely step up the game here. I hope to come back and try a different menu as they change with the seasons. Thank you for a wonderful experience! I loved that the Somm, owner and chef come to speak with you. Such a personal experience.

Holy @$%&. The Setting did not disappoint, and full disclosure, I was fully expecting it to. As someone who's been to many (20+) Michelin restaurants, both within and outside of the DMV, I was hesitant to try The Setting. With few reviews at the time, it felt like I was essentially taking a gamble on a not-so-vetted meal. That said, I was fully prepared to walk away unsatisfied. Instead, The Setting delivered the MOST beautiful dining experience I've ever had. Reflecting on the food with my dinner partner later, I literally teared up. Firstly, the service is astonishing. While most restaurants encourage their waitstaff to be inviting, friendly, yadda yadda yadda, EVERY SINGLE staff member that interacted with me that evening squatted down to my table, introduced themselves, welcomed me to The Setting, and spoke in such a pragmatically excellent way that they truly had me feeling at home. I joked with my partner throughout the meal that I didn't want to leave--not just because the food was incredible, but because I felt so comfortable. Secondly, THE FOOD. The first dish was a sea urchin bite that had my taste buds screaming for more--every flavor (i.e., spicy, savory, sweet) was proportioned to perfection. The second dish, the caviar on a deviled egg, was the best deviled egg I've had. While I'd rate this dish a 5/5 for sure, it was actually my least favorite of the evening. For brevity's sake, the knock-your-socks-off dishes were: sea urchin, prawns, crab pani puri, wagyu, regal cheese, and macarons (within the "sweet bites" portion of the menu). And note, I only listed the things that were on the official menu. We also got to experience a foie gras dish that was INCREDIBLE and another urchin dish at the end that wound up as my favorite. I gotta say, it's pretty challenging to prepare a tasting menu and have every single dish be a hit. I can't tell you how many times I've been disappointed by a restaurant that couldn't maintain a consistent performance throughout the evening. My favorite restaurant, Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, even started to decline as we headed into the desserts. But not The Setting. Also, everything we ate was a finger food! This made the experience that much more intimate. While we were already feeling heightened intimacy because of the personable staff and the actual structure of the space, eating without utensils brought you so much closer to the food. And, OH MY GOSH. The kitchen tour at the end was incredible. I don't want to spoil this for anyone who's going to go to The Setting, but... The kitchen feels like the final magic trick on top of an already magical evening. How could so many fabulous dishes come from such a small space? How could so many fabulous dishes come from just two people? Go to The Setting.

10/10. One of the most amazing meals I've had in DC. The summer menu was incredible and everything that I could have asked for from a dining experience: creative, bold, and thoughtful dishes perfectly executed in a relaxed and whimsical setting. The standouts of the night for me were the Crab Gol Gappa, the Mushroom Toast, and the corn pudding donut. I loved that the chef came around and explained the vision behind each of the dishes; you could really feel that the chef had a passion for his craft. The drinks were also excellent. The WAP was probably my favorite - really balanced and refreshing. If I could, I would give another 5 stars for just the service alone, which was absolutely amazing. I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped through the door to the second I left.

ONE OF THE BEST FOODIE EXPERIENCES IN THE WORLD. If you've read my other reviews, that includes 129 Michelin restaurants (and 6 of 8 restaurants ever to be named #1 in the world). Within the DMV, this along with minibar are far and away the best foodie experiences. Period. Though outside of complete FLAVOR EXPLOSIONS, what makes The Setting particularly unique is A) all 10 courses (though really 13 distinct bites) are finger food. Zero utensils; B) the setting, for being in a basement, is completely immersive and EYE-GASMIC (see my pic); C) when the chef shows you the kitchen at the end of the meal that he and the co-chef work from, you will be shocked at how so tiny of a space produces such MAGIC. Course reviews below: 1) Sea Urchin (5/5) - OMG. Who would ever think to combine sea urchin with melon, yuzu & shiso? Perhaps a better question - who would ever think such a combination would be one of the best/most complex tasting single bites you've ever had? 2) Prawn Tart (5/5) - Pickled pleasure + perfectly crisp tart + delectable prawns. 3) Caviar Deviled Egg (4/5) - I almost always destroy deviled eggs in my other reviews because of how hackneyed they can be, but this, because of the huge portion of caviar on top, is a standout. 4) King Crab Panipuri (5/5) - RIDICULOUS. Packed with crab & pickled radishes, another one of the best tasting single bites I've ever had. 5) EXTRA COURSE - Foie Gras Custard Tart (5/5) - I JUST CANT. Ask the chef to describe to you how they make the foie gras custard and you can't help but bow at how incredibly meticulous/thoughtful this entire operation is. One of the best foie gras of my life. 6) Mushrooms/Truffle & Potato (4.5/5) - Heaps of mushrooms and truffles on top of a block of perfectly hot and crisp golden potatoes. 7) Wagyu (5/5) - Per my dining partner, "this was the best piece of meat I have ever eaten in my life." 8) Grilled Cheese (5/5) - 5 different types of cheeses topped w/truffle and to be dipped in a divine apple butter dijon. I want this always. 9) Dessert Trio (Double Chocolate Gelato, Espresso Madeleine, Macarons) (4.5/5) - Quite possibly the best madeleine I have ever had. The only reason I don't give this a 5 is the gelato was a bit too frozen and I can't help but wish they had an actual dessert course (in addition to these 3 small bites that are more like mignardises). 10) EXTRA COURSE - Uni on a Stick (5/5) - You have this final bite in the kitchen. The meal started with an uni OMG and ends with an even bigger uni OMG. The flavors just keep hitting as if someone is triggering them every 5 seconds with a button. I'm not sure I've ever rated such a high proportion of courses as highly as I did above. Often, tasting menus have misses here and there, average courses etc. Here, there was no miss, and there were numerous "Bites of Your Life." I would bet my life this place will get a Michelin star, and frankly it deserves 2-3 right out of the gate. The two chefs here are MASTERS. And this place is MAGIC.

Such a fun and personal experience. The tasting menu was delicious, creative, expressive and wonderfully presented. We dined with another couple and had such a great time. My wife and I enjoy eating great food and have been to some very nice restaurants over the years. From the food to the cocktails, to the fun ambiance, The Setting ranks very high. We look forward to dining here again!

Came here last night for drinks with my husband and a couple of our friends since we're visiting the area. I would recommend The Setting to everyone! Super friendly staff that are very knowledgeable about the menu. The drinks were so awesome. The whole vibe of the place was very welcoming and the place is so unique. Definitely will come back next time we visit DC!

Great atmosphere, amazing food, creative cocktails and attentive service. Can't ask for much more. My expectations are incredibly high and The Setting exceeded them.

Love the vibe. It's funky and chill with a real focus on the creativity of the chef and the bartender. They took such great care of us. The food is bold and surprising, and the cocktails were so inventive. Amazing pisco. Would love to come back.

A stunning dinner service and delectable 10-course tasting menu accompanied by unique cocktail pairings in a wonderful train like ambiance surrounded by changing colored lighting. My partner and I went to 'The Setting' for a date night and thoroughly enjoyed every second of the experience. Their 10-course finger food bites were spectacular, featuring the finest ingredients from all over the world, incorporating their culinary expertise to create beautiful texture arrangements in each bite. What's great about this menu is that it will change over the seasons, creating a timeless experience for future visits. The cocktail pairings were some of the most tasteful combinations, some so wonderfully fragrant that you will smell them before they come to your table. I want to thank Dino, Kiran, John, and the entire staff for this experience. This is definitely Michelin worthy, so I would recommend this restaurant for anyone who would like to try.

This was a very cool experience. I was a few minutes late and called to let them know. The person I spoke with was professional and reassuring. When I arrived it was a little hard to find because there isn't a lot of signage. Upon entering I was greeted by the chef and he checked my coat. Space is whimsically decorated but intimate. I was on a solo date and felt very comfortable. The food experience was interesting and engaging. The entire process is definitely about 3hrs. I enjoyed 95% of the dishes presented. All the staff were welcoming and attentive. My only complaint is that it was cold and drafty. I plan to return for the summer menu with a friend.

Amazingly enthusiastic, caring staff! I had a great drink and a lovely experience at this bar. The cocktails are on the pricier side, but the fun ambiance and caring staff come with the price tag, :) I'll be back! Note that there is no signage on the door and that there are stairs to descend, as it's basement level.

WOW! One of the best dining experiences we've had! From start to finish it was superb! Amazingly talented staff! The yelp reviews are spot on! The cocktail tasting is a must with the incredible food as well!

Amazing! We were blown away by a magical evening. The cocktails were all complex and delicious. Every course during the meal was extremely good which is not usually the case when you have a large number of courses. The service was friendly, genuine and superb.

This was really was one of the most special dining experiences I have ever had. I had not heard much about the place and had some notion that this could be more for show than anything else. But the food here completely delivers - while these are framed as snacks, it is a full meal with each course having the precision of the finest small plates. The service model was one I never encountered before in which the chef himself talked through every dish to each table. This is a real gem (ha) in DC that is bound to make more and more noise soon - can't recommend it enough.

This restaurant provides an amazing experience. Excellent food and cocktails. Can't wait to go back!

Ambiance was amazing, drinks were superb, and service was very good and the bartenders made the experience so much fun. The only negative I have to say is that it's very expensive and they included gratuity without posting it anywhere in the bar.

This is a hidden gem in DC. I came for their cocktail after a show at Kennedy Center. Bartender Michael is amazing, he made sure that I liked my drink! After my first drink he already figured out my taste and made me an amazing second drink. I had a great time and really enjoyed my drinks! The deco here is very unique and inviting. Tasting menu looks very Michelin, can't wait to come back to try their tasting menu.

Absolutely wonderful. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere. Highest recommendations. Worth every penny and we will definitely be back!!

The reviews for the setting were all so amazing, i almost didn't believe they were real. After trying the setting myself last night, i can say that i 100% agree with every single positive word. This was the best culinary experience I have ever had. From the unique ambiance, to the wonderful staff, and mind-boggling delicious and creative food, everything was perfect. I challenged myself to think of one negative critique but could not. I cannot wait to try the fall menu!

I can't figure out what I loved more: the ambiance, the service, the food, or the drinks. This place was phenomenal. I CANNOT wait to go back!

We had an amazing experience and this was our first cocktail flight. Food are outstanding. It was truly a unique experience since Chef John Snyder personally brought his masterpieces to each table, interacted with customers and gave everyone a tour of the kitchen. We would definitely come back!!

Have only been here for the drinks. The cocktail menu never gets boring. Nick and Meredith are two of the best bartenders in the city. Friendly, entertaining, and attentive. I have been coming back regularly because of them. Cannot recommend this place enough!

Simply amazing. Every course is an adventure and just the most delicious bites ever. The detail that goes in to the preparation and presentation is just pure art. And the drinks!!! Every one I had just got better and better and I wanted to try them all! A culinary explosion all around for my tastebuds and I will be back.

A great intimate cocktail bar in West End. The lighting and theme are special and make for an almost psychedelic setting. Good service too, with a lot of knowledge and care about the drinks menu. And most importantly, the drinks were delicious, and a nicely extensive menu with lots of options. I'd love to return to try the food.