DINING AND
DRINKING
Wondering what to choose at The Wharf for
some sustenance? With so many distinctive
restaurants and bars opening there, it may
take a few visits to try all the spots that strike
your fancy. We’d start with Hank’s Oyster
Bar – The Wharf, especially if you’ve been to
one of Jamie Leeds’ other Hank’s outposts.
Her welcoming, award-winning restaurants
(named after her father) serve Northeast
classics like oysters on the half shell,
crabcakes, lobster rolls (and bisque, too), clam
chowder and more. At The Wharf, Hank’s has
a large patio and river views from every seat
inside as well.
For a more elevated dining experience, Del
Mar de Fabio Trabocchi brings the James
Beard Award winner (along with his wife
and culinary business partner Maria) to the
riverfront, where this upscale, two-level
Spanish eatery serves tapas, paellas, hand-
carved Jamon Iberico slices, charcoal-grilled
seafood and more. No matter what your
favorite food is here, match it with a glass of
crisp Albarino white wine from the Rias Baixas
region of Spain for a sublime pairing.
For food with a French coastline flair, check
out Requin, Chef Michael Rafidi’s hotspot in
District Square. There he’s making everything
from escargot croissants to bay scallop crudo,
bouillabaisse, lobster thermador and steak
frites, so arrive hungry, especially since prices
here rival the best that Paris has to offer.
The Anthem
Credit: John Shore
Other popular (and less pricey) places include
Shake Shack, Taylor Gourmet, Jenny’s at
the Wharf (don’t miss her Banh Mi); and for
those that love a good pub with a great view,
Whiskey Charlie’s rooftop lounge. That’s the
perfect spot for watching the sunset over
the water while sipping a rum-based Dark
and Stormy. And speaking of rum, watch for
mixologist Todd Thrasher’s Potomac Distilling
Company to open in Spring 2018, with an
in-house rum distillery and a tavern with three
bars, complete with tiki torches and plenty
of high-quality firewater coming to life in the
distillery’s caskets.
Also coming soon to The Wharf is Officina,
Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Steffanelli’s
next eatery (following Masseria’s starred
success). The large three-story complex will
include a specialty food emporium, a trattoria-
style Italian restaurant and a rooftop bar
serving cocktails, wine and antipasti with a
view. Look for that to open in Spring 2018.
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 50 SPRING 2018
Foie Gras French Toast from Requin
Credit: Greg Powers