New DC-area restaurant and menu recommendations from our readers, for your eating pleasure

There's always room for more restaurant recommendations, no matter how packed your Google Maps list is. In this round of Eater DC's Most Wanted, readers have doled out suggestions for American-Chinese cuisine in Vienna, a new brunch spot in Del Ray, seafood pizza in Georgetown, and more.

Friday, April 26

For American Chinese takeout

If you're ever in Vienna, Chan's Kitchen is a solid choice. I ordered chicken and broccoli, beef chow fun, and wonton soup. The chicken and broccoli were swimming in a generous amount of meat and properly steamed vegetables. The noodles in the chow fun were tender, and the sauce was perfectly balanced. The wonton soup was also a surprise standout, with flavorful broth and plump wontons. It's definitely going on my rotation.

For all-day patty melts

Brunch is a competitive affair in Del Ray. You'd better have a reservation, and even then, you might find yourself waiting for tables as diners linger over coffee or cocktails. Matt & Tony's has emerged as a neighborhood favorite, and it's easy to see why. The menu features a formidable mix of savory and sweet offerings, like caramelized cauliflower with hunks of fried gruyere and short rib hash. It also offers a variety of Bloody Marys, including a solid classic and a soon-to-be-tried short rib variation. What really surprised me, though, was the ability to get a patty melt not just for lunch or dinner but for breakfast as well. Matt & Tony's version is stacked tall with Catalina dressing and rye bread, adding some sweet and salty contrast to the classic sandwich.

For seafood pizza and cuddles in Georgetown

I just went back to Flavio in Georgetown, and I immediately remembered why I love this Italian gem that doesn't take itself too seriously. Two oversized stuffed toy bears, sitting on patio chairs like proper people, match the fun-loving personality of the place and its partner, Mekki Karrakchou. It's known for its light take on gnocchi and pizzas. This time, I shook things up and ordered its namesake pizza, which was perfectly crispy and covered with generous chunks of shrimp, scallops, and lobster meat. Our group saddled up to the bar and enjoyed reading through the various phrases written on the restaurant's chalkboard walls. Don't forget to hug the bears on your way out.

Friday, March 15

For lunchtime tacos

Amparo Fondita in DC is a newcomer that's worth checking out. Chef Christian Irabién is clearly aware that diners eat with their eyes, and his plates are as pretty as they are tasty. Standouts include the carne asada tacos, accented with just the right amount of salsa macha, and a salad with tangy fermented pineapple. A milanesa sandwich is also on my to-try list; I wouldn't be surprised if Irabién can make a beautiful sandwich out of anything.

For great ramen and some tableside theatrics

It took me awhile to get to Kyuramen in Falls Church, even though it's in my neighborhood. I expect it's been discovered by the TikTok crowd; there are frequently lines out the door. I've now been twice with minimal wait, and I'm glad I had the patience. The chain's ramen broth is complex and well-developed, with flavors like curry and black garlic. The Instagram crowd will likely be seduced by the restaurant's take on omurice (a dish not particularly prevalent around here), which is served theatrically. The omelet is cut and poured atop a mound of rice, with curry or demiglace sauce poured over. It's a great spectacle, and a decent version of the dish, but my heart lies with the ramen.

For disco and duck

Adams Morgan's year-old Le Mont Royal is a lively, French-Canadian hangout dripping in disco balls. It's a great place for a lively night out, with a big-name D.C. chef cooking inside. Hamilton Johnson (Vidalia, Honeysuckle, American Son) is previewing his forthcoming Mallard restaurant with a pop-up menu full of coriander-rubbed Jurgielewicz duck breast, oysters dressed in a passionfruit mignonette, mortadella toast, and an excellent take on Brussels sprouts with smoked hay aioli and pickled raisins. Le Mont Royal's opening poutines have not gone anywhere; they're perfectly paired with fast-flowing cocktails like frothy espresso martinis from a custom draft line. A seat at the bar with a DJ booth built into it was the prime place to be for a nightcap.

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