Washington, DC’s hospitality scene is buzzing with energy this summer. A wave of new restaurants, hotels and events is bringing fresh flavors, inventive cocktails and memorable experiences to the nation’s capital. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking for something new to try, here’s what should be on your radar.
Selva: Latin American Adventure on 14th Street
One of the city’s most talked-about openings is Selva, a Latin American spot that launched in mid-July. The restaurant bills itself as a culinary adventure; the menu roams from cheese and charcuterie boards to Peruvian-style ceviches and roasted chicken. Diners share small plates like patatas bravas made with crispy yuca and vibrant ceviches garnished with edible flowers. The interior matches the food’s exuberance: the dining room is awash in deep greens inspired by tropical jungles. Selva is located on the north end of 14th Street NW and provides a lively bar program alongside its menu of Central and South-American classics. You can explore the full menu and make reservations on the restaurant’s official website.
Casamara & Reynold’s at SIXTY DC
Dupont Circle’s hospitality scene has been reshaped by SIXTY DC, an 80-room hotel that opened this spring with two new food-and-drink destinations: Casamara and Reynold’s. Casamara is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offering flavors from Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Guests can dine in a chic dining room with checkered marble floors and a 54-foot tapestry or head to the expansive rooftop patio to enjoy views of Connecticut Avenue. Signature dishes include Sardine Toast with avocado aioli, Branzino Crudo with basil and lemon, and a double-boned Iberico pork chop. Chef Zachary Albertsen balances coastal Mediterranean cuisine with local produce and handmade pastas.
Next door, Reynold’s is an Americana-inspired cocktail bar that leans playful. The bar’s jewel-toned room and velvety booths set the stage for drinks like the Pepperoncini-tini and Donatella’s Kiss. Small plates such as caviar-dill chips and mini burgers complement a martini-driven menu. For more details, read our in-depth review of Casamara and Reynold’s here on The Washington Lobbyist.
Karravaan: Silk Road Flavors at Union Market
Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya’s newest venture, Karravaan, brings the ancient Silk Road to DC’s Union Market. Mandhaiya created the restaurant to weave modern techniques with regional recipes collected from countries along the historic trade route. Karravaan offers timeless favorites, lost recipes and dishes that combine flavors from Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. The concept opened at 325 Morse Street NE in June 2025. With vibrant spices, smoky tandoors and a lively dining room, Karravaan promises an explorative dining experience that transports guests well beyond DC. Find menus and reservation details at the restaurant’s official site.
Tapori: South Asian Street-Food Party on H Street
From the team behind the acclaimed cocktail bar Daru comes Tapori, a restaurant celebrating South Asian street-food culture. Named after the Hindi slang for “rowdy” street culture, Tapori draws inspiration from markets in Kerala and Mumbai. The menu features crunchy snacks, savory curries and creative cocktails, all served in a vibrant, communal setting. Visitors can expect craft drinks with tropical fruit and spice and a “rowdy, flavorful and memorable” vibe. Tapori is located on H Street and welcomes guests for lunch, dinner and late-night bites. See its menu and hours at taporidc.com.
Wonder Food Hall: A Multi-Restaurant Playground
DC’s fast-casual landscape has been upended by Wonder, a new food hall and delivery concept that opened its flagship location at 1925 14th Street NW this summer. Wonder allows diners to order from multiple restaurants at once—perfect for groups with diverse cravings. The food hall partners with celebrated chefs and iconic restaurants and offers lightning-fast delivery or dine-in service. Customers can mix and match dishes from around 20 different restaurant partners, from pizzas and Thai curries to burgers and kid-friendly meals. Wonder’s expansion across DC, Maryland and Virginia demonstrates its commitment to convenient, chef-driven meals. Visit Wonder.com to browse the lineup and order.
Noteworthy DC Events This Summer
Mubadala Citi DC Open: Top-Tier Tennis
Tennis fans can catch world-class play at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, a WTA 500 event at the William H. G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park. The tournament runs July 21 – 27 2025 and features a 32-player singles draw and 16-team doubles draw. As a WTA 500 event, the champion earns 500 rankings points and plenty of prestige. The main stadium seats 7,500 spectators. Visit the tournament’s official site for tickets and schedule information.
Summer Restaurant Week: Celebrate DC Dining
Mark your calendar for Summer Restaurant Week from August 18 – 24. Organized by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, the event offers special three-course menus for brunch, lunch and dinner at participating restaurants. Many venues pair the meals with cocktail or wine specials, and new restaurants are added daily. It’s the perfect opportunity to revisit old favorites or sample the city’s newest dining rooms. Check https://www.ramw.org/ for an updated list of participating restaurants.
Planning Your DC Summer
With innovative restaurants, stylish hotels and vibrant events, Washington DC is ready to welcome locals and visitors to a summer full of flavor and fun. Explore Latin American tapas at Selva, sip Mediterranean wine under the stars at Casamara, taste Silk Road spices at Karravaan, snack on South Asian street food at Tapori and enjoy the convenience of Wonder’s multi-restaurant delivery service. Don’t forget to experience the culture and excitement of our free museums, cheer on world-class athletes at the Mubadala Citi DC Open and dine your way through Summer Restaurant Week.
Hungry for more? Bookmark The Washington Lobbyist for continuous updates on DC’s dining scene, hotel openings and event highlights.
