Tufted-leather walls lead into Mirabelle's dining room.
French Classic
James Beard Award-winning chef Frank Ruta’s latest hot spot, Mirabelle, is just two blocks away from his former kitchen at The White House. Georgia-based Norris Design Studio decked out the chic interiors, from the entry vestibule with tufted-leather walls to the chic dining room. The menu offers a fresh take on French classics. After dinner, a floating dessert cart tempts diners to sample the creations of pastry chef Aggie Chin. 900 16th Street, NW; 202-506-3833. mirabelledc.com
Rising Star
Ryan Ratino, the former executive chef at Ripple and a 2017 Rammy award-winner for rising star, is slated to open his own restaurant, Bresca, in fall 2017. It will celebrate the European movement of “bistronomy,” putting a less formal, “bistro” spin on traditional French gastronomy. Ratino says the menu—featuring cured ocean trout and sea urchin linguini —“will create new traditions that everyone can enjoy.” 1906 14th Street, NW; brescadc.com