The Henri's bar serves casual fare such as the Maryland Crab Roll. PHOTO: GREG POWERS
The Henri debuts in Washington
Belgian chef Frederik de Pue has opened The Henri in downtown DC. The modern, 8,000-square-foot bistro houses a 60-seat restaurant and eight private dining rooms that can accommodate parties large and small. With an emphasis on seasonal French-Belgian cuisine, a summery repast may include a starter of sea bass tartare, meat or fish grilled on the open Bonnet rotisserie and a finale of strawberry-rhubarb panna cotta. A clubby bar that features brass accents and recycled-cardboard light fixtures by Graypants serves casual fare like the Maryland Crab Roll. 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 202-989-5881. thehenridc.com
Il Piatto celebrates classic Italian fare
Restaurateur Hakan Ilhan recently unveiled Il Piatto, a new Italian hot spot in downtown DC. Born in Naples, Italy, executive chef Lina Nicolai joined Ilhan after Al Crostino, the DC restaurant she ran with her mother for 12 years, closed during covid. Atlanta-based Norris Design Studio conceived interiors that harken back to the mid-20th century. Near the entry, a brass screen in a Mondrian-inspired motif offsets the bar. Look for Italian mainstays such as fried calamari, gnocchi with gorgonzola, veal scallopini and pasta with truffle-infused ricotta and assorted mushrooms. 900 16th Street, NW; 202-506-3833. ilpiattodc.com