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Summertime means a flare-up in cravings for soft-shell crabs and fish tacos. Fortunately, D.C.’s newest restaurants are serving up some stellar seafood, even if that’s not their main attraction. Here are six Y&H-approved seafood dishes from six new hotspots.
Baja beer-battered mahi-mahi with grilled pineapple salsa and jalapeno
MXDC, 600 14th St. NW
Three for $12 or two for $6 during happy hour (weekdays, 4 to 7 p.m.)
Best for: Happy-hour seekers who can appreciate crab and grapefruit in their guacamole
Crispy soft-shell crab with avocado basil purée
Nopa Kitchen + Bar,800 F St. NW
$16
Best for: Locavores down with both crab shacks and upscale dining
Seared diver scallops with fennel, lilies, chili,and dill
Teddy & The Bully Bar, 1200 19th St. NW
$15
Best for: Anyone who appreciates Theodore Roosevelt as much as scallops
Anchovies in green sauce of parsley, mint, lemon zest, and garlic
Etto, 1541 14th St. NW
$11
Best for: Fans of fermented fish and would-be converts
Fishmonger’s Board with smoked, marinated, and house-cured fish and shellfish, pickled vegetables, whipped cream cheese, and toasted mini bagels
Woodward Table, 1426 H St. NW
$15.50 for brunch
Best for: Charcuterie-board lovers who also dig shrimp, scallops, mussels, and salmon
Fried calamari with nuoc cham vinaigrette, spiced peanuts, cilantro, and basil
Azur, 405 8th St. NW
$12
Best for: The dressed up bargoer who loves Vietnamese flavors
Photo by Jessica Sidman