Two exciting new destinations, Isla and Goodlove, are now open at Midtown Center.
A New Downtown Destination Arrives
Washington’s Midtown Center is officially the city’s hottest block. Joining popular neighbors like Grazie Nonna and Shōtō, Isla and Goodlove are bringing two distinct new experiences to 1100 15th Street NW. Isla is a sprawling, globally inspired fine-dining restaurant focusing on soulful, seasonal fare with island roots. Goodlove is its counterpart: an intimate, sexy, and music-driven cocktail lounge. Together, they are poised to hit a new high note for sophisticated DC nightlife, offering live-fire cooking at Isla and perfectly executed cocktails with nightly DJs at Goodlove.
Toronto Visionaries Bring Their Concepts South
These new openings come from the minds behind Toronto’s celebrity-favorite spots like Miss Likklemore’s. Chef Lonie Murdock takes the helm at Isla, celebrating her heritage with globe-trotting flavors, while partner Darren Hinds, a veteran nightlife impresario, curates the vibe at Goodlove. The pair chose Washington DC for its internationalism and eclectic energy, teaming up with local restaurateur Hanif Harji (Casamara, Reynold’s Bar). They felt an organic connection to the city and are adding their unique perspective to DC’s always-evolving food scene.
Expect Elevated Island Flavors Cooked Over Fire
At Isla, Chef Murdock’s menu is a stunning blend of tradition and experimentation, all kissed by open-flame cooking. You’ll want to try the Snapper Crudo with passionfruit ponzu or the Bone-in Pork Chop bathed in a spice rub and luscious crab butter. The real standout might be the Pumpkin Gnocchi; handmade with flame-fired pumpkin, it melts in your mouth with a coconut ricotta cream and a jerk beef ragu from Murdock’s own grandmother’s recipe. Pair it all with a drink from the stunning Rum Room or a creative cocktail like the ‘Style and Grace,’ a brilliant mash-up of a peanut punch and an espresso martini.
The Design is Pure Transportive Drama
Get ready for an incredible scene. Isla is 8,000 square feet of elegance, filled with warm jewel tones, high-gloss walnut, and velvet. The showstopper is a custom, blush-pink chandelier cascading 10 feet over the main dining room. Steps away, Goodlove is the chic escape, guided by maximalist design, a custom sound system, and jaguar table lamps. It’s the perfect spot for happy hour bites from the Isla kitchen or a late-night date surrounded by stylish people-watching. This is the DC opening everyone will be talking about!
For more information, visit IslaDC.com and Goodlovedc.com.
Featured images photo credit: Sophie Macaluso
