The Continent DC — Restaurant in Washington

The Continent DC is an African-inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of D.C. on Vermont Ave, a notable hotspot for cultural tastemakers. At first glance, the menu leans toward West African flavors, but the experience goes far beyond that. Both visually and culinarily, the restaurant offers a thoughtful homage to the African diaspora. Whether you’re seeking the comforts of home or expanding your cultural palate, The Continent DC is a perfect choice amid the bustle of the city.

We found our way to The Continent DC based on a recommendation from a relative local to the area. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the host. Since it was close to closing time and we weren’t there for a full meal, we opted to sit at the bar. The bartender welcomed us promptly and handed us menus. After browsing the well-curated cocktail selection, we chose a few classics, hoping to use our remaining time to soak in the ambiance.

The cocktails were simple yet crafted with care. The bartender happily accommodated our requests, and the drinks arrived fresh and clean; no sticky glassware or messy presentation to detract from the experience.

From our seats at the larger of the two bars, which was well-lit and perfectly showcasing the liquor selection, we had a clear view of most of the restaurant. The space includes a spacious ground-level dining area and an elevated section, accessible by stairs and separated by sleek glass walls. Additional seating is available on a small adjoining patio. Overlooking the main floor is a raised platform housing a DJ booth, which comes to life on livelier nights and during special events. The decor is tastefully modern, drawing on Afro-futuristic themes without feeling forced.

Soon after we received our drinks, we were approached by a friendly gentleman who, to our surprise, turned out to be one of the restaurant’s owners. His passion for hospitality shone through as he shared the story behind The Continent DC’s name—designed to be a beacon for all members of the diaspora. He spoke with enthusiasm about working closely with the chefs to create a rotating menu and took the time to recommend other local spots. His willingness to promote neighboring businesses spoke volumes about both his confidence in The Continent DC and his investment in the local hospitality community. He also encouraged us to return on a busier night to experience the venue’s full range of offerings.

We took his advice and we were glad we did. The second visit revealed an even more dynamic and hospitable environment. The space had transformed into a lively scene reminiscent of a club bar, perfectly balancing its nightlife persona. Despite the larger crowd, the wait to be seated and served was minimal. The DJ delivered a crowd-pleasing set that energized the room without overwhelming it.

All in all, whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, The Continent DC offers a rich and memorable experience that easily earns a spot on your D.C....

My experience at The Continent DC was absolutely horrible and bewildering. While the server was apologetic and helpful, I will never return. My reservation was at 7 PM, I was greeted and provided with water and ordered a drink. At this time, it was only four other tables. The drink was lukewarm and unbalanced - too sweet and too strong. Also, some of the ingredients (champagne) were missing. At 7:30, my friend and I ordered an appetizer, and after 30 minutes, we received them. We requested the beef suya and shrimp samosas - we received the beef. We ate them because we were hungry, and after 10 minutes, the server told us another table received our order of shrimp, and we received theirs, the beef. We never received our shrimp samosas, and they tried to charge us for them.

We ordered our entrées and received them after 30 minutes. My friend ordered the branzino, and I ordered the grilled lamb chops (medium). I saw other tables order the  “lamb chops,” but their plates didn’t look like a lamb but a bone-in ribeye steak. I keep referring to the menu because it says grilled lamb chops, and there are no other meat options; however, I keep seeing steak served. I’m totally confused, but let it go. I then was served a bone in ribeye (not medium/ no pink center) with cold spinach and mashed potatoes! After I order Grilled Lamb Chops as listed on the menu! My friend’s sides (mashed potatoes and spinach) were also cold. We sent the food back and received a second round of plates. After another 30 minutes, I  received three lamb chops with another batch of cold spinach and mashed potatoes. And my friend, another cold set of sides this time and even dryer branzino. I was astonished. You had lamb the entire time, but are you only serving steak?  How is the second round as bad? I had so many what-ifs and questions as to why. And I’ve never experienced this while dining. The table of 2 next to me had ordered lamb chops but was served steak and mentioned their sides were cold. While going to the bathroom, I overheard a man tell the server his food was cold and to get the manager. The manager went to his table first. We had arrived first and asked for his assistance. After an hour, he finally came over to us. They tried to charge us for the food. We pushed back and paid for the drinks only, and I had to get my to-go container (after waiting for 20 minutes) because there was one server in our section the entire time. I was finally able to call my Uber and leave at 9:50.

Note: They also had a catered event on the other side of the restaurant with a loud DJ. The noise was so disruptive that it significantly detracted from our dining experience. I had to ask my friend what she was saying several times.

A 3-hour ordeal for a cold falsely advertised meal,...

Continent DC is a delightful addition to the DC dining scene, offering an extraordinary culinary journey through the diverse and rich flavors of Africa. Located in the heart of the city, this upscale restaurant stands out not only for its unique concept but also for its impeccable execution.

Ambiance and Decor: From the moment you step into Continent DC, you are greeted by an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The decor is a perfect blend of modern sophistication and cultural elements that pay homage to the African continent. The ambient lighting and tasteful artwork create a warm and welcoming environment, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Culinary Experience: The menu at Continent DC is a testament to the culinary prowess of Chef Tony Ijaodola. Each dish is a masterpiece, showcasing the diverse flavors and cooking techniques from various regions of Africa. During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying the red snapper and the Bronzino. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients and the chef's meticulous attention to detail.

The red snapper was a revelation, with its perfectly crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh. The Bronzino, equally impressive, was beautifully presented and seasoned to perfection, offering a delightful balance of flavors that left me craving more. Chef Tony's dedication to excellence is evident in every bite, and his ability to elevate traditional African dishes to a fine dining experience is truly commendable.

*Service: The service at Continent DC is top-notch, with a team of attentive and knowledgeable staff who are eager to enhance your dining experience. They are well-versed in the menu and are more than happy to provide recommendations based on your preferences. The staff's professionalism and friendliness contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Overall: Continent DC is a culinary gem that promises a memorable dining experience. With its exquisite dishes, sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional service, it is poised to become one of the premier upscale African restaurants in the DMV area. I highly recommend visiting Continent DC and exploring the diverse and delicious offerings on their menu. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to my next visit and discovering more of what Chef Tony Ijaodola has to offer.

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