BEST FOODS IN D.C.’s NOMA NEIGHBORHOOD
BEST FOODS IN D.C.’s NOMA NEIGHBORHOOD
(short for “north of Massachusetts Avenue”) is a vibrant neighborhood full with innovative restaurants that is sure to please your palette, whether you’re the kind that makes restaurant reservations in advance or you just want to have a decent meal while you’re in town. For anything gourmet, NoMa is the place to go. From stores offering gourmet ingredients and cooking equipment to eateries serving food with a global flair, this is the place to go. Here’s where to get the best local cuisine.BEST FOODS IN D.C.’s NOMA NEIGHBORHOOD
Union Market
What once served as a meat-and-produce market now holds various options to satiate the appetite, interspersed with kitchenware boutiques to assist the at-home chef. Buy knives or have your favorites sharpened at , elevate your tablescape via the offerings at , and purchase a bottle of wine from to enjoy at your place. You can also get a fine line tattoo at or buy music at , where you can select among vintage vinyl and more contemporary albums.
Although shopping is undoubtedly a highlight at , the main draw is the market-style food stalls with the only challenge being which one to choose. Start your morning off at by ordering the Lox’d and Loaded, a Bloody Mary topped with a “loaded” everything bagel that showcases their inventive menu. For lunch, grab a taco at , which gained popularity as a food truck, or savor delicacies at , where you can also purchase fresh fish to cook yourself. To end your day, grab a craft cocktail on the rooftop at , eat barbecue at , and savor ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients at .
Around Union Market
Union Market acts as a cornerstone with many other places to nosh at surrounding the historic food hall, including the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, . As Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s first and premier restaurant, the “big, harmonious flavors” of the six-course tasting menu reflect his Italian heritage, but with his own inventive twist and using ingredients sourced from regional farms and producers. Just across the street from the market lies , which specializes in grilled meats. Delight your taste buds from late morning ’til night with dishes like Salmon Collar and the Ax-Handle Ribeye or have Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread while you sip a mimosa over brunch.
Complementing the market, is a Latin American marketplace that’s close to its counterpart. Seek out for authentic dishes from Peru, experience for modern Mexican cuisine, or dine on made-to-order Salvadorian street food at . To savor specific tastes from afar, you can try Venezuelan chocolates from or head to to get a cup of coffee made with Panamanian beans.
Ivy City
Less than a mile from Union Market is Ivy City, a neighborhood with its own bustling food-centric scene. The district’s only 100-percent gay-owned brewery, makes a fabulous place to grab a bite and brew. It’s also known for its games, trivia nights, and the occasional rousing drag show. Another popular option for a drink-and-entertainment combination is , where you can sip varietals while watching a live performance.
Even if you aren’t planning to ride the train, stepping inside D.C.’s Union Station opens up a world of dining opportunities, all housed in a majestic 1907 building that’s been gorgeously restored. Transport your mouth to France as you experience delectable crepes at or fall in love at first bite with a bowl or salad at . If you prefer people-watching as you dine, take a seat at , which offers a variety of East Asian cuisine from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. Wherever you wander in NoMa, you can’t help but discover some of the capital’s most heavenly cuisine.
BEST FOODS IN D.C.’s NOMA NEIGHBORHOOD
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