(Nonprofit Zero Food Print also recognized Bresca as the city’s first carbon neutral fine-dining restaurant.) Ratino’s surprising flavor combinations usually delight and always keep things interesting. Consider foie gras “black forest” with sour cherry, dark chocolate, and beets, or burrata and baby carrots with figs and chamomile. Much of the menu consists of these snacks and medium-size plates, and the decor has a similar vibrancy, from the wall of live moss in an electric shade of green to the brilliant blue velvet and tile work.

Bresca, a contemporary French bistro boasting one Michelin star, is in the U St Corridor, one of DC’s liveliest neighborhoods. While the menu features several fun twists on European dishes, the potato pierogi is a standout – the secret is a family potato dough recipe. Unlike other pierogies in the city, these delicious pockets are bread-like: fluffy, soft and buttery.

Chef Ryan Ratino was named Rising Culinary Star of the Year at the 2017 RAMMYS, DC’s local culinary awards ceremony, and it’s clear to see why at Bresca, his Michelin-starred venture on hip and happening 14th Street. The restaurant’s namesake is Catalan for honeycomb and the inspiration for the bright-yet-earthy decor. An inventive menu melds tantalizing flavors and Ratino’s one-of-a-kind vision: pastrami beets are served with whipped feta and dill on rye, foie gras is made into a “PB&J” and sea urchin linguini with truffles and chili delivers a deliciously rich umami bomb.

As part of its reopening for dining this month, Michelin-starred Bresca set up six two-person “lodges” on 14th Street for those hesitant to venture indoors. (Reservations require a $20 per person deposit but no additional charge.) Diners a deux can go a la carte, opt for a four-course $75 prix-fixe dinner, or splurge on a European-style Sunday lunch filled with decadences—think canapes, caviar, Champagne, and suckling pig ($65 per person).

We can't speak for your date in particular, but there's something romantic about being in a space that feels alive. While some neo-bistros aim for the toned-down approach of a neighborhood hang-out serving high-end food, the ambiance feels as haute as the culinary program at Bresca. The assertive, enlivening approach is one of the many reasons why Chef Ryan Ratino has once again brought home a Michelin star to his restaurant.

At chef Ryan Ratino’s Bresca, an inventive menu melds tantalizing flavors and the chef’s one-of-a-kind vision: pastrami beets are served with whipped feta and dill on rye, foie gras is made into a “PB&J” and sea urchin linguini with truffles and chili delivers a deliciously rich umami bomb. To top it off, many of the herbs and floral garnishes for dishes are grown on the restaurant’s rooftop garden.

Bresca is a welcoming bistro in Washington, DC that highlights responsibly sourced ingredients in its French-influenced cooking. The space feels friendly yet refined, making it a comfortable spot for anyone to enjoy carefully crafted meals. With a focus on seasonality and quality, Bresca offers an inviting experience that’s both modern and approachable.

Daniella Senior is the co-owner of several restaurants in Washington, D.C., such as Michelin-starred Bresca, Colada Shop (three locations) and Serenata. She began her career as a young chef after finishing her studies at the Culinary Institute of America and then moved into management positions, which led to restaurant ownership.

Bresca is a highly acclaimed restaurant located in the heart of Washington, D.C’s busy 14th street. The restaurant is very close to the popular French restaurant Le Diplomate. Bresca has a modern and inventive dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

A creative twist on American elegance with golden-age flair, Bresca brings unbelievably delicious dishes with novel presentations, all in a fabulously fancy environment. The restaurant embodies true Michelin star gravitas—treat yourself to one of D.C.’s top 100!

Opt for dinner from a Michelin-starred restaurant to really impress your date this year. Available from Friday, Feb. 10 to Tuesday, Feb. 14, the menu will feature six French-inspired courses. Dinner is priced starting at $195 per person.

Michelin also honored Nicole Ramée, Alisa Watts, and the team at Xiquet for the Sommelier of the Year award. Will Patton and the teams at Bresca and Jônt won this year’s Exceptional Cocktails award.

They will be offering a special 4-course Easter lunch (11:30 am – 3:30 pm) at $105 per person and special 6-course Easter supper (3:30 pm – 8 pm) at $135 per person.

1906 14th St. N.W. Telephone (202) 518-7926 Websitebrescadc.com Award of Excellence. Bresca is a French-bistro concept from chef Ryan Ratino. (Courtesy of Brescay)

Bresca’s Elevated Easter: Step into the world of culinary elegance at Bresca with their unique take on Easter fare. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.

Guests will have the choice of a four-course lunch, available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or a chef’s tasting for dinner, served from 3 p.m.

This New American and French eatery is one of the best among Washington D.C. restaurants for a daring chef-driven prix fixe menu.