Frank Ruta is a critically acclaimed, James Beard Award-winning chef known for his work in the Washington D.C. culinary scene. He is associated with the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group and is set to oversee a new...
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Insights are still being generated for this restaurant. In the meantime, check the latest reviews below.
Tasting Collective had its monthly dinner and it was definitely worth it. This five course meal and accompanying wine pairing was truly nice and the chef was delightful. My only issues are some courses were slightly underseasoned and the fish skin was not crispy. The first course was a Hamachi crudo, which was very tasty, light and refreshing. The next course was Tortelloni. The pasta though fresh was slightly gummy. The sauce was delicious. The 3rd course was a black cod with a pea veloute. The veloute was scrumptious. The fish was slightly underseasoned with a soggy skin. The main course was a wagyu short rib with a bone marrow bread pudding. Everyone really loved the bread pudding. As a pescetarian, I was served a very underseasoned branzino again, with a soggy skin. Dessert for most was Annabelle's strawberry with fromage blanc. It had some type of gelatin so I received mango and passionfruit sorbet.
Overall, the dinner was good. The ambience is romantic. I would go back for a date night.
Made a mistake of visiting at restaurant week. I felt the chef should feature his own food to showcase talent and bring me back for regular menu items, but the wait staff suggested I try the pressed braised lamb. It was so chewy I could eat it. Graciously, a fish replacement was very good. The brown bread is amazing and butter is properly salted. I found the pork belly also difficult to navigate. Very charming restaurant and excellent service
I’ve been to Annabelle many times. My experience, from the carefully curated seasonal menu, to the craft cocktails, to the service, has always been outstanding. Most recently, I organized a business dinner in the Garden Room and that outstanding experience was taken to a surreal level. Dina and the entire restaurant staff gave our guests the most incredible service and experience. We opted for the 5-course meal, which was exquisite from start to finish. I truly cannot recommend this DC gem enough!
Annabelle was one of the best dining experiences we've had in 2025. Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Kalorama, Annabelle is inside a brick building that used to house the country's first certified organic restaurant. Walk inside and there's a room with a bar, two dining rooms, and a garden oasis. They also have a dog-friendly patio.
From the moment you sit down, the servers warmly welcome you and help keep the flow of the courses natural.
The menu is seasonal and organized around four courses and sides. Every dish we ordered was superbly crafted, but the standouts were the Gingered Koginut Squash Soup, Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio, and Braised Lamb Ragu. All three were delicious and dishes we'll crave.
The bread to start was warm and tasty. The trio of sorbet for dessert was a great way to end the evening.
To drink, my friend enjoyed their negroni and I the Virginia Peach. They have a well curated wine program and the French Sauvignon Blanc was unique and refreeshing.
It's a true gem in Kalorama.
As others have said the service is really outstanding. You really feel welcomed and the staff are so friendly. Really exceptional.
The interior is gorgeous with a relaxed, organic feel. Not at all stuffy, you feel like you're somewhere that's been made intentionally nice for you, they have nailed a very comfortable vibe for the dining room. Easy space to converse in.
Food is quite good. Sounds like the menu may change so your mileage may vary, but the stuffed quail and black cod were both great. The bread too. Good mocktails! The espresso and cream dessert was a real winner.
Definitely recommend.
