A glimpse inside Convivial. © Scott Suchman
SHAW DEBUT Chef and proprietor Cedric Maupillier have garnered rave reviews for Convivial, his new restaurant in Shaw. Designed by Peter Hapstak of HapstakDemetriou+, it features furniture by Pam Bothwell and lighting by Patrick Townsend Design. Medium-plate entrées such as beef pot-au-feu reflect “French heritage and American identity.” A garden patio will open in spring. 801 O Street, NW; 202-525-2870. convivialdc.com
SEA CHANGE DC’s BlackSalt Fish Market and Restaurant sports a fresh look courtesy of design fabricator Molly Allen of Atreus Works, who created new booths, banquettes, and light fixtures. To go with the makeover, BlackSalt has a new menu including mussels with chorizo, poblanos and red mole; and jumbo prawn and red miso stew with fresh shrimp dumplings. 4883 MacArthur Boulevard, NW; 202-342-9101. blacksaltrestaurant.com
ODE TO JAPAN Chefs Mike Isabella and Jonah Kim (formerly of Pabu) have opened Yona—a Japanese noodle bar and a small-plates spot in Arlington. Interiors by Natalie Park Design Studio focus on natural cedar millwork. This simple background allows the menu—which includes apples and radishes with roasted sesame miso butter and the Lucy cocktail—to take center stage. 4000 Wilson Boulevard; 703-465-1100. yonava.com