Reverie — Restaurant in Washington

Reverie is not just a restaurant, it's an odyssey. Tucked away in Washington D.C., this Michelin-star haven crafts an experience that transcends the ordinary, capturing the soul of what dining should be. You don't just eat here - you embark on a journey through taste, texture, and technique.

The atmosphere is a harmonious blend of elegance and edge. The decor, dinnerware, and even utensils whisper sophistication, with an undercurrent of rebellious creativity. The lighting is just right, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary performance.

The menu at Reverie is a testament to culinary audacity, and the use of butter in each dish is nothing short of revelatory. Every dish is meticulously crafted, a symphony of flavors that sing in perfect harmony. The abalone, crab, and scallops are sublime, their richness elevated by the silkiest, most ethereal butter you've ever tasted, melting in your mouth like an ephemeral dream. Their inventive use of Jonah and green crab consommé not only showcases their culinary prowess but also their commitment to sustainability, transforming an invasive species into a luxurious, flavorful centerpiece of fine dining. The seafood is so fresh, it might as well have been plucked from the ocean moments before arriving at your table, each bite enhanced by a delicate butter glaze that dances on your palate. Each plate is a work of art, almost too beautiful to eat – but eat you must.

Service here is an exercise in precision. They're knowledgeable, passionate, and just the right amount of unobtrusive. I had dropped my napkin by accident fully intending to reuse it and not wanting to bother the staff but within seconds, I was offered another from a server on the other side of the restaurant who happened to see it. It feels less like being served and more like being taken care of by a friend who happens to know a heck of a lot about food, wine, and incredible non-alcoholic drinks.

Speaking of, the non-alcoholic drink list is a treasure trove for the discerning palate. Each bottle, each pour, is a story waiting to be told and I couldn't recommend it enough.

Reverie is more than a restaurant; it's a testament to what happens when passion, creativity, and skill converge. It's a place that makes you fall in love with food all over again. One of the servers told me that this culinary gem was nearly lost to a fire a couple of years ago, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Reverie has returned stronger, more vibrant, and even more dedicated to the art of dining. Even the decor and ambiance of the restaurant embrace its charred past. In a world filled with noise, this place sings a beautiful, unpretentious song of culinary excellence. It's a place that Anthony Bourdain himself would have celebrated, a reminder that food is not just sustenance – it’s a way to connect, to dream, and to revel in the beauty of the moment.

We came here to celebrate our anniversary and needless to say, we'll likely be coming back for many future special occassions. If you find yourself in D.C., make a reservation at Reverie. Allow yourself to be transported. Because in a city full of power plays and politics, places like this are where magic...

For a special occasion, make a reservation at Michelin star Reverie, a small restaurant inside a Georgetown alley. If you're lucky, you'll meet Poppy the Alley Cat that is taken care of by the community, including by the staff at Reverie. My wife dined at Reverie on a Thursday evening. Here's our experience.

1. Experience: It's a Michelin star restaurant so expect superb service. It's clear that the chef is passionate about his craft and his passion is contagious. Every staff member from our server to the chefs who brought out our food, everyone was knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable. Throughout the stay, we were given wet towels to wash our hands in between snacks. Our water glasses were kept full. If we really loved a dish, our server would point out elements or teach us tips on how to use similar flavors at home.

The journey begins with savory snacks and ends with sweet ones. Since the menu changes often, a copy of your dinner's meu is given to you to take home at the end. It's a perfect memento, especially if you're celebrating something special.

2. Food: Reverie's menu changes, but whatever you're served will be innovative, fresh, and full of flavor. It's also a tasting menu. When we went in May 2025, the menu included 17 different bites/dishes. The meal starts and ends with three small bites. The next nine dishes mainly included seafood and one was elk. Every dish is presented on a design-forward plate and came in full color and plated perfectly.

A sign of a good restaurant is perfection in every dish and there wasn't a bad one. We thoroughly enjoyed every single one, but our favorites were the Scallop, which comes in a fun sunchoke cracker sandwich, Hiramasa with juniper and caviar, and the Carolina Gold Rice.

3. Drink: Reverie's drink menu comes with cocktails named after neighborhoods from around the world, wine, and other options. The "Golden Gai" is now my wife's favorite Old Fashioned. She ordered two. For a sweeter refreshing cocktail, get the "Old San Juan." For a refreshing, but sherry-forward cocktail, I recommend the "Roma Notre."

The dinner begins with chilled tea for all and it is very tasty. Savor it. At the end, you'll have an opportunity to order more tea. Each blend is unique. I recommend any of it.

4. Price: It's $245 a person for the tasting menu and additional prices for drinks, but for a quality dinner experience, it could be more expensive. We found it to be a fair price, especially for a special occasion.

5. Space: It's beautiful! The design is not ornate, but rather simple, making it classy. There are two unisex restrooms in the back. When you sit down, you're offered small stools to place your phones, belongings, etc.

6. Neighborhood: Inside an alley, there's much to explore nearby from other top restaurants, cafes, and historic homes. We usually find street parking nearby by the Georgetown...

Tldr; highly recommended. Just go.

The definition of a good restaurant has evolved perpetually for me. I used to rely on reviews and ratings from various sites when I first started dining out on my own as a young adult. I came to realize that the reviews and ratings were collections of limited insights; they were often misleading and did not reflect the depth of the restaurants. I then transitioned into relying more heavily on reputable guides such as the Michelin Dining Guide. The Michelin Guide and other reputable writers offered more accurate insights and background. I followed these writers religiously and made it my mission to dine in every recommended restaurant. This continued for about four years until I found myself being boxed into the world of "fine dining." These restaurants offer great food and great service, but I found that they are all too similar to each other: expensive, delicate, detailed, trendy, and chic. It was as if the restaurants were following specific rules of the game to receive their stars. Majority of the Michelin recommendations--while masterful and complex--became dull, recurring, and familiar. There were exceptions, of course, but I no longer found myself reading their reviews. I now keep a list of my own developed through personal recommendations.

Reverie is a fairly new development in Georgetown that clearly aspires to rise to the top. In a way, Reverie also falls into the typical category of trendy and chic New-American restaurants. This joint will, without a doubt, satisfy food critiques as well as upscale diners. Unlike other New-American restaurants, however, Reverie offers personality, comfort, and intimacy. Diners can find Chef Johnny Spero's playful and easy-going attitude in every corner of 'Reverie.'

Each dish offers a glimpse into the Chef's personality. They are bold, layered, and balanced without being pretentious or too exquisite. The food looks and tastes familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. 'Reverie' makes me feel like I am dining at home but this time my dad isn't a politician but a dude who can create amazing recipes and cook killer food.

Restaurants on this level are like people. You vibe with a few, you are OK with some, and you just absolutely hate the others. Reverie, I vibe with. I can say with confidence that Reverie is a...