Perfect Simplicity: A Return to The Hamilton

As DC residents, my wife and I have come to appreciate restaurants that blend quality, atmosphere, and consistency. Our recent dinner at The Hamilton, a repeat visit during the vibrant Cherry Blossom season, once again confirmed its place among the city’s most satisfying dining experiences. “Perfect Simplicity” best describes our evening—not because the dishes were simple in execution, but because everything felt effortlessly right.

🌸 The Cherry Blossom Glow: Atmosphere & Service With DC in full bloom and visitors flowing in from across the country and abroad, The Hamilton was lively and energetic. The space was bustling but never chaotic, and the service stood out—attentive, polished, and unhurried, allowing us to fully enjoy each course in comfort.

🍜 Starter: Miso Soup I began with the Miso Soup, which turned out to be a quiet revelation. The broth was velvety and savory, its umami notes deepened by shiitake mushrooms sliced to perfection, silky tofu, scallions, and the subtle marine touch of seaweed. This was a dish in harmony—elegant, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

🧀 Shared Starter: Grayson Cheese Plate We shared the Grayson cheese, part of the American Farmhouse Cheese selection, and it delivered a beautiful range of flavors and textures. The semi-soft, aromatic cow’s milk cheese was accompanied by pickled red onions with a delightful crunch, tangy and vibrant. The cranberry walnut bread was both chewy and fragrant, and the two accompanying spreads added complexity—one fig-forward and sweet, the other earthy and savory. It was a starter that invited slow bites and long conversation.

🍝 Main: Classic Meatballs & Pomodoro I followed with the Classic Meatballs & Pomodoro—an unfussy but comforting dish done impeccably well. The meatballs were tender and well-seasoned, nestled in a bright and savory pomodoro sauce, with a base of Parmesan polenta that was creamy, rich, and wonderfully textured. It felt like something straight out of a rustic Italian kitchen.

🥪 Her Main: Roasted Turkey Sandwich My wife enjoyed the Roasted Turkey Sandwich, built on everything ciabatta and layered with pimento cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and scallion aioli. She noted the turkey’s shaved texture, which gave the sandwich a light yet satisfying mouthfeel. The flavors were vibrant and well-integrated, especially the subtle heat of the pimento cheese and the crisp, smoky bacon. Served with golden, perfectly crisped fries, it was hearty and delightful.

🍷 A Place We’ll Keep Coming Back To While we are still getting to know DC’s full culinary landscape, The Hamilton has quickly become a favorite—a spot that balances crowd-pleasing versatility with thoughtful execution. The space is elegant yet relaxed, the menu broad but curated, and the service consistently warm and professional.

Whether it’s a simple bowl of soup or a full entrée, The Hamilton doesn’t overreach—it delivers with confidence and care, and that makes it one of the most dependable and rewarding dining options in downtown DC.

Rating: 5/5 Standouts: Miso Soup, Grayson Cheese Plate, Classic Meatballs Vibe: Warm, lively, welcoming—great for both locals and visitors Would we return? Absolutely. Again and again. Prior Visit: We stopped a week ago in for an early dinner at The Hamilton in DC and had a wonderful experience. I went with the Cobb salad, and my wife had Evan’s Chicken — both were delicious and beautifully prepared. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance: stylish and energetic, yet still warm and welcoming. It felt very DC, in the best possible way. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back, we we have done recently before this visit. Definitively we are becoming regular customers