Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe — Restaurant in Washington

It's always a good experience, although not as great as it was when it first opened. I remember it having more options with some higher end offerings.

I didn't deviate too much from what I had the first time. The Native Woodlands menu always draws me in with their cedar planked salmon. I think it was prepared differently this time. I didn't detect any of the maple juniper glaze. That may have been because of the blueberry sauce. I should have asked them to put it on the side. I ended up getting one side dish. Normally I would get the sampler, but bison wasn't an option that day. It was some sort of venison chili. I'm not fond of venison. However, I did get the rainbow beets. It was a good healthy option to go along with the salmon. Everything was prepared very well. I do kind of wish that I had tried the manoomin cakes. I've read that the rice cakes have smoked candied salmon. That sounds more innovative than just wild rice.

My husband went with the chicken tostada from the Mesoamerican menu. He really liked all the fresh ingredients. We also liked the fresh juices and aqua fresca. There are other stations with bison burgers and chili. They really do have something for everyone. There are many veggie options for those who don't eat meat. It was all very wholesome. The food here embodies the true meaning of living off the land.

The best part was the view of the waterfall. It was relaxing, comfortable, and quiet. There weren't many people there at 11:00 am on a weekday. They've also added a grab & go counter for those who don't want to dine in. We originally thought that it was the entrance. The cafeteria style restaurant is behind it as you walk towards the back of the museum on the ground floor.

The visit brought back memories of my mother. We shared a meal here together and had a discussion about the Native American regional cuisine....

Update: the food still isn't as amazing as people once said it was but the prices have remained the same five years later so I feel like you get a good amount of food for the price. If you're super hungry while strolling the Mall, this isn't the worst option. It's definitely better than the food trucks that rip you off. They didn't have fried bread while I was there but the menu is about to change. Hopefully they bring it back.

2019: I'm afraid I waited too long to visit this cafe. It sounds like the menu is less adventurous now and more like mainstream fast food. I got the Indian Taco which was a like of chili, lettuce, and tomatoes on top of a round piece of fried bread. It tasted great but probably not worth $15. Other options were even more expensive! If you do eat here, order anything with the fried bread. It's delicious.

If you want to eat elsewhere, Air and Space is overpriced but has cheaper items and is nearby. I recommend not eating at museums but if you really have to, try to plan your day so you wind up near the National Museum of African American History. That cafe is worth the price. On weekdays, you can find a few places South of Independence Ave. On all days you can find many more places near...

My wife and I used to live near an isolated Navajo reservation in central New Mexico. When we left, one of the things we found ourselves missing the most was the food. Everything in our area was influenced by Spanish and Native foods. When we saw that the NMAI has a native foods cafe, we knew we had to try it.

First, to counteract some of the negative reviews, yes it’s expensive. It’s a restaurant in a Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, which is one of the most expensive cities in the country. Get over it.

The Indian Taco was the perfect throwback to our New Mexico home. The frybread was sturdy and flavorful, and all of the toppings were perfect.

The Green Chile cheeseburger, New Mexico’s most famous menu item (besides Frito Pie, which they don’t have here, thank God), was made with Bison, a meat considered sacred to natives across this country. I wish we ate more of it. Thanks, General Sherman, for screwing that up.

And the roasted chicken and rice was perfect.

Yes, when you eat here, you’re splurging. Spend the extra money and learn about the foods eaten by the people who lived here long before any of us. And then go to the bookstore and get...