Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Van Ness

This was an amazing experience I really enjoyed the fact that from the moment you arrive they make it feel personal as if you and your guest as if you rented out the place.. every dish was explained in great culinary fashion and I love the way each server and host incorporated their knowledge of the dish being served. Hands down one of the premier experiences in the D.C area and a must for impressing any level of company you have. The value is very worth it but the experience is priceless..

I was excited to come here especially given I had just been to Spain, but was sadly disappointed. Service was attentive, although the sommelier seemed a little stuffy. Drinks by the glass were limited (only those offered for the wine pairing) and pricey for either a 2 or 5oz pour; mostly bottles (all high $$$). Surprisingly there were no cocktail offerings, which was also disappointing. Some dishes were delicious but some hit the mark. The first course/Act 1, which was a platter of small bites, was a bad start. The rose water apple had good texture but was overpowered by rose water…it felt like I was eating a grandmother’s old perfume bottle. I suppose if you like rose water you might like it but it was a terrible first bite (instructed to start with apple rose, followed by another; and the rest in the order of our choice…didn’t finish a single one). It definitely made us worried about the rest. Thankfully the octopus dish was much better-but I’m a sucker for Uni and who doesn’t like beurre blanc sauce?!? The star of the show was the paella…perfection! Could have eaten that all day! The pork and waygu beef dish was also well executed but not a wow. The dessert assortment was eh…the main one was some sort of chocolate donut-didn’t finish that one; however the little bites in the box-gelee, pistachio, and some other tiny bites were pretty good. Overall I was disappointed for a Michelin star…not worth the price-point, and sadly would not return.

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Lee, who was incredibly kind and took the time to personally greet everyone. The staff were just as welcoming, demonstrating excellent communication and attentiveness. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy warmth. The course meal exceeded all expectations—each dish was thoughtfully designed with exceptional taste, creativity, and a seamless flow of service. The alcohol pairing was also expertly curated, enhancing the overall experience. What stood out most was Chef Lee’s dedication to sustainability in his restaurant. I recommend visiting the website prior to your visit to understand his intent with the non-profit org. His vision is truly inspiring, and I deeply respect his ambition. Highly recommended to everyone. - Isaac

Beyond amazing! Such a special experience. Details are my thing and I was more than impressed!!!

Had a wonderful experience. The food was delicious and the service was great. We sat at the counter and were able to watch the chef make everything. Since we went on a Monday, wine was market price, so we enjoyed the salmon special and pork chop with a bottle of wine. Too bad they're closing the restaurant portion, because we would definitely go back. Looking forward to taking some cooking classes there though!