Arrels DC — Restaurant in Washington

If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Washington, D.C., look no further than Arrels, the latest culinary gem from acclaimed Chef Pepe Moncayo. Nestled within the Arlo Hotel, Arrels beautifully captures the essence of Spanish cuisine, offering a modern twist on traditional dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to Spain. From the moment you step into Arrels, you are greeted by a chic yet comfortable ambiance that reflects a contemporary Spanish farmhouse aesthetic. The dining room and courtyard provide the perfect setting for everything from intimate dinner dates to lively gatherings with friends. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. The menu at Arrels is a true testament to Chef Moncayo's culinary expertise and deep-rooted heritage. Drawing inspiration from his Barcelona upbringing and travels across Spain, each dish is a masterful blend of local ingredients and traditional techniques. The use of a state-of-the-art charcoal grill and oven adds a unique depth of flavor to every plate, ensuring that even the simplest ingredients shine. Start your meal with an array of tapas that showcase Chef Moncayo’s refined technique. The charred vegetables are a must-try, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. For the main course, the grilled whole fish is not to be missed—its smoky finish and delicate seasoning exemplify the heart of Spanish cooking. And if you're in the mood for something comforting, the paella dishes are simply divine, with rich flavors that evoke memories of sun-soaked summers in Andalucia. Complement your meal with one of their expertly crafted cocktails or a refreshing sangria that perfectly balances the flavors of your dishes. The beverage menu is thoughtfully curated to enhance your dining experience. What truly sets Arrels apart is Chef Moncayo's passion for sharing his culinary roots with Washington, D.C. He aims to create an inviting space where guests can savor authentic Spanish cuisine while enjoying genuine hospitality. This commitment shines through in every aspect of your visit. In addition to dinner, Arrels offers breakfast options that are equally delightful. Imagine starting your day with sourdough toast topped with grated garlic and tomato, paired with a Spanish omelet and jamón ibérico—truly a breakfast fit for champions! Overall, Arrels by Pepe Moncayo is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Spain in D.C. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, prepare to be enchanted by the flavors, ambiance, and exceptional service that make this restaurant stand out. I can’t wait to return for another...

We went to Arrels for their open brunch, and the food was fantastic and very reminiscent of the food in Catalunya. The 4 stars is just because of service not food, as explained below. All the dished were excellent but there were a few standouts: (a) The Fedeua was one of the best we have ever had outside Spain and the Paella was also excellent, (b) The skewers (lamb, shitake, shrimps) were amazing, (c) The mussels and bravas dishes were delicious. Desserts were great too. The value for money is truly excellent.

That said, the service was poor. First, we ordered several items that were not served. For example, the first dishes we ordered were the Gazpacho shot, the Charcuterie platter, the croquetas, and the skewers. We only got the lamb and shrimp skewers. We ordered the Charcuterie board and croquetas again, the server said they will come soon but that never happened! Hence we did not get to try those dishes. We had to order the Shitake twice also so that we get it the second time. Second, the order in which dishes were served was also weird, and service was extemely slow even though the restaurant was relatively empty. Third, when the Fideua and Paella were served we had not utensils nor plates, and we had to ask for those. We loved the food but we hope that these service mishaps dont...

Update: we were invited back in by the management team and this was the experience we wanted for our original reservation. This restaurant is gorgeous and has a sexy vibe. They also have an outdoor covered dining area with a bar that would be great for happy hour. We tried the all inclusive brunch for $45 and it was worth every dollar! The portions were a nice size. Everything was yummy but I just wanted a pinch of salt on everything. Our server was knowledgeable and kept the mood fun, yet professional. I will absolutely be recommending Arrels and will be back again.

Made a reservation for a bday brunch with friends and showed up to a closed restaurant. Called the restaurant, and they had no idea they had any reservations. They were closed for a maintenance issue and did not contact any reservations to cancel or reschedule. The front desk offered me the option to buy items to go in the "bodega" which was a sorry representation of a new york city corner store, being raised in nyc. They also offered to get pool snacks on the roof, completely tone seaf to the celebratory nature of oue visit. No one seemed to care that they ruined an entire experience for out of town guests. The mood was lazy. They didn't even want to be there. Nothing and no one said please come again, and...