Not to brag, but our team eats. We’ve visited hundreds of D.C. restaurants this year for work or pleasure. That’s a lot of dishes, but we do have our standouts that have lived in our minds rent free. Without further ado, here were our team's most memorable bites of 2025.
Seaweed Dessert from Moon Rabbit
Downtown
It’s no secret that Pastry Chef Susan Bae is D.C.’s dessert queen — I mean she literally won this year’s Best Pastry Chef award from 50 Best. As someone with a big sweet tooth, this dish convinced me that the best desserts actually should be a little savory. The pandan panna cotta base makes for a luxurious bite, while the coconut granite and salty seaweed sit on top as a refreshing palette cleanser that keeps you going back for more. This dessert is light, visually stunning, and positively worth an extra trip. [Kaela Cote-Stemmermann, Newsletter Editor]
The Bird Reynolds from Boogy and Peel
Dupont Circle
Pizza with a perfectly blistered crust and melty cheese? Check. Buffalo wings with cool ranch and shredduce? Double check. Chef and owner Rachael Jennings created the best kind of monster here — a non-traditional pizza topped with spicy chicken and all your favorite burger toppings. Funky pizza is a big leap from her background at Rose’s Luxury and Tail Up Goat (RIP), but somehow it all comes together to create one of the best pies in the city. Plus, during Wednesday's happy hour, select pizzas are half off. [Julia Karron, Senior Producer]
Chicken Biryani and momos at Moh Moh Licious (Ashe Durban/City Cast DC)
Chicken Biryani at Moh Moh Licious
Shepherd Park
Tucked away in D.C.’s northernmost corner is this understated Nepalese joint. Despite the biryani’s massive portion size, its juicy chicken and sneaky sweetness make it hard to save leftovers. Somehow, the food tastes better because it's served on plastic trays, cafeteria style. Obviously get some momos on the side. Dip those in the tamarind sauce and you’re levitating. [Ashe Durban, Production Assistant]
Disco Bhel from Chai Pani
Union Market
Asheville-based Chai Pani exploded onto the D.C. food scene this fall, adding another restaurant to the already booming Union Market neighborhood. After marveling at how colorful paint can transform an otherwise drab space into something completely transporting, I had one of the best meals of my year. The menu is banger after banger but I found myself thinking about the “Disco Bhel” chaat long after the meal ended. $14 may be steep for those familiar with chaat as an authentic Indian street food, but I’d happily pay more to eat plate after plate of it. [Annie Rees, Executive Producer]
Dàn Dàn Boy stall in Union Market. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Dan Dan Noodles at Dàn Dàn Boy
Union Market
Not everything in Union Market is a hit, but the Dan Dan Noodles from this Chinese street market stall are a D.C. cult classic. I’m a little late to the game, but they have quickly become my favorite winter comfort meal. Aside from springy noodles, ground pork, and spices, there’s not much else to it — it’s simply well done Sichuan cooking, made without fuss but with a great punch of savory, spicy goodness. [Bridget Todd, Podcast Co-Host]
BBQ’d Lamb Kebabs at Albi
Navy Yard
The rest of my family aren’t into lamb, so I’m a cheap date for it. But the Albi kebabs were a revelation (even if they were the opposite of cheap). Made with a fermented chili honey and accompanied by charred turnips and sumac onions, it's a dish that shows off the full potential of the kitchen’s live-fire heart. [Michael Schaffer, Podcast Co-Host]
