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The Michelin Guide released its Bib Gourmand selections for the tire company’s 2019 guide that will come out on Sept. 17. These “high value” restaurants, selected by anonymous inspectors, are moderately priced ($40 or less for two courses and a glass of wine or dessert before tax and tip). According to Michelin, they’re the type of restaurants Michelin inspectors frequent when they’re “dining off the clock.”
Thirty-nine D.C. restaurants made the cut this year, including 19 new additions. One notable surprise is Rose Previte’s mega-hit Maydan. With the live-fire restaurant’s near constant stream of national accolades, one could have predicted they’d be on the short list for a star instead of a Bib Gourmand nod. Bad Saint continues to be in the same situation.
Another possible eyebrow-raiser? The omission of CHIKO, the Chinese and Korean “fine-casual” restaurant from Danny Lee, Scott Drewno, and Drew Kim.
Boqueria and 2 Amy’s were on the list last year but not this year. The latter restaurant was likely excluded because it has been closed after suffering water damage, making it difficult for inspectors to dine there.
The new additions represent diverse cuisines from vegan fine dining and Caribbean barbecue to Georgian food and a neighborhood pasta joint. See the complete list below.
New
Ambar
Chloe
Fancy Radish
Joselito Casa de Comidas
Kaliwa
Maydan
Millie’s
Mola
Napoli Pasta Bar
Sababa
Spark at Engine 12
Spoken English
Succotash
Supra
Tiger Fork
Timber Pizza Co.
Toki Underground
Unconventional Diner
Whaley’s
Returning
Bad Saint
Bidwell
Chercher
China Chilcano
Das Ethiopian
Doi Moi
Hazel
Ivy City Smokehouse
Jaleo
Kyirisan
Lapis
Maketto
Ottoman Taverna
Oyamel
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
The Red hen
The Royal
Sfoglina
Thip Khao
Zaytinya
Is it really possible to dine at some of these restaurants for $40 or less? City Paper put the category to the test last year.