The Best Latin American Food in Washington
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The best Latin American food in Washington, according to the experts: Michelin Guide, Punch, and James Beard Awards have all weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. Mita comes out on top.
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Rank 1. Mita
Latin American
Plant-based Peruvian tasting menus in Shaw sounds like a premise that requires a disclaimer, yet Mita holds a Michelin star and a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant. The chef's team pulls from across Latin America, so the flavors run from Andean to coastal without apology. Two tasting menu lengths mean you can commit at whatever level feels reasonable on a Tuesday. The bar program is serious enough that Punch named the team among its best new bartenders.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: 1 Star
- Punch Punch: Best New Bartenders · Lou Bernard
- James Beard Awards James Beard Awards: 2025 · Nominee · Best New Restaurant
- Michelin Guide 1 Star
- Punch Best New Bartenders · Lou Bernard
- James Beard Awards 2025 · Nominee · Best New Restaurant
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Rank 2. Royal
Latin American
The arepa arrives wrapped like a little gift, seared masa around a fried egg, tomato, cotija, and avocado. This all-day Latin American spot on Florida Avenue runs from morning coffee through dinner without any of the fuss, and the price point reflects that. Upstairs, an intimate room with original details fills with regulars chasing the pork empanadas and masa gnocchi with braised beef.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
- Time Out The 20 Best Coffee Shops and Cafés in Washington, DC
- Eater The 15 Best Coffee Shops Around D.C.
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Rank 3. Seven Reasons
Latin American
The bi-level dining room turns heads before a plate arrives, all warm light and an open kitchen pulling focus. Seven Reasons is a contemporary Caribbean restaurant drawing from Venezuela, Peru, and the islands, with portions generous enough to make a point. The cooking leans bold and colorful, the kind of place where a dessert list actually earns your attention. A James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
- James Beard Awards James Beard Awards: 2023 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Enrique Limardo
- Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
- James Beard Awards 2023 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Enrique Limardo