They do everything prior to your visit to make it feel like it's going to be a very special evening. I love that they have plenty of thoughtful non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. If you tell them it's a special occasion, they'll leave you a card in celebration. A kind gesture, but I have to say that I was expecting something a little more elegant. The service wasn't what I would call warm, but it was professional and timing perfect. There was a surprising number of families that appeared to be regulars. I wish their children's behavior had been a bit more restrained, but what can you do?
The menu is presented in "experiences", suggested progressions based on a personal experience the chef had.
The food was magnificent and felt special. We were both pleasantly surprised with each course. It was a delicious, unique experience and we loved it.
The food was amazing, I wish I had a second stomach so I could have eaten more. We split the pork jowl and the roast chicken. Both were amazing.
The pork all but fell apart when you went to cut it with a fork and had some amazing flavor profiles. The chicken was also delicious. Perfectly roasted and seasoned and with all the sides it really made me wish I could have kept eating.
We finished off with a desert which was a bit smaller than I had hoped but still delicious and they were able to accommodate for a nut allergy which was much appreciated.
The restaurant is nice, with a warm atmosphere. We actually had to sit downstairs because they were having issues with the AC, but that was fine. The food is delicious, but be aware that the plates are somewhat well-served, so you don't need to order more than 3 in total. We made the mistake of ordering 4 each thinking that the portions would be small, but in the end it was too much food. The crab crepe/salad, the scallops, and the lobster French toast were the highlights, and the cocktails were great too. The service is formal but nice. I went to celebrate my anniversary and they had a card for us and gave us a tiny dessert to celebrate. The desserts were good, but honestly I was expecting more.
This is my favorite fine dining in the city (so brace yourself for a detailed review). The food is incredible and the ambiance is refined without being uptight. It's expensive, but I think it's actually great value - especially for a Michelin-starred experience.
The menu is odd, with dishes broken out into categories. The waiter will explain it to you. The dishes themselves are creative and extremely well thought out. The menu changes often to showcase ingredients that are in season. Dishes incorporate things you've never tried before - pekin duck with poached rhubarb and pistachio butter, crab pastry with compressed melon and red pepper sorbet, a corn crema fritta with basil infused blueberry gelée and corn ice cream.
I've tried about a dozen dishes and every bite has been amazing.
As you'd expect, service is flawless. The waitstaff will answer your every question and offered the perfect wine pairing for us (and a reasonably priced option, too). The cocktails are delicious, but we limited ourselves to one each. Your money is better spent on the food, in my opinion.
My mild criticisms would be that it's on a busy street, so try to get seated in the back if you can. They also serve foie gras which really needs to be outlawed. There are so many foods that don't require animal cruelty, so I would love to see that respected in fine dining. Also, you should make a reservation in advance.
All in all, if you're looking to spend <$100 pp for a starter, entrée, and dessert at an immaculate fine dining establishment, this is THE place. Put on your best dress, step out of your culinary comfort zone, and let Kinship wow you. It doesn't really get better than this.
My son and daughter (in-law, but she is definitely my daughter) took me to Kinship for an early birthday dinner. It was amazing! I have to say reviews are so subjective! I did not experience any of the negative events others describe. The staff were on point and professional at all levels.
Timing of course was on target and not rushed.Staff were all very pleasant and accommodating. I felt like the portions were perfect. I did not feel overstuffed at the end of the meal, but rather satisfied.
This was my first time (not my children’s) eating at a Michelin star restaurant and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. One of the best surprises is that the atmosphere was not at all pretentious. I believe anyone would feel comfortable dining at Kinship. I may be completely “off base,” but feel the atmosphere is intentional.
I had the lobster French toast as a starter, lamb chops for the entree, and pineapple shortbread for dessert. WOW is the only way to sum it up. I would love to visit again and relive the experience!
P.S. The slightly less formal vibe was a PLUS!
Thank you for making a wonderful birthday memory that was about an experience, not a gift that adds to the collection!
I thought of taking pictures well after I began to eat, so please be forgiving!
This is some of the best food I have ever had. The flavors, the presentation, the freshness of the food were all outstanding. The knowledgeable staff have no problem explaining any questions you may have with the menu. If you are in DC this is a place you must eat.
Service is really great there. Food is affordable for the quality. I liked the fisherman assortment—flavorful and generous portion.
My husband and I celebrated our 16th anniversary dinner here this week. We had an awesome time. The service was amazing, and the atmosphere was perfect. Great lighting, good background music, and the restaurant was cozy but not overcrowded. The food and drinks were top notch. Paced well. The plating was beautiful and the various combinations of flavor profiles was really interesting and delicious. Highly recommend making reservations as they book up sometimes a week out. Only open Wed-Sun
Lovely dinner. Scallops were fantastic. Fine service.
(Dont skip dessert, but maybe pass on the espresso though).
I enjoyed dining at Kinship. The environment was very elegant and the service was great. The food was of high quality. Their homemade bread was definitely a highlight of the night to me. I got the lobster French toast since I heard a lot of good things about it. The taste was fine though not very impressive and the portion was small to its price.
We were beyond pleased with our experience at Kinship. We were promptly seated upon arrival and the menu was explained to us. Drinks and food all came out in a very timely manner. We ordered the following:
Puree of Brussels Sprouts Soup
Lemon Crusted Filet of Halibut
Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder
Unfortunately I can't remember what the other dishes were called because this was a few months ago and the menu has been updated since then. Everything was excellent but the soup, the lamb, and the dessert were the stars of the night. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a nice night out.
I’ve been to kinship twice now and I have loved each experience. The first time I went I didn’t have a reservation but I was able to be seated at the bar, and the second time was recently and I was able to make a reservation 3 weeks in advance.
The staff are professional and knowledgeable! The food is fantastic and appropriately priced for a fine dining restaurant! I would and have recommended this restaurant to everyone who has come to visit DC. It’s a memorable experience every time.
One of the best dinners I’ve had in DC to date! My boyfriend took me here for my birthday, and there was a little handwritten birthday note at the table when we arrived. Food was amazing; we truly loved everything we ordered (the potatoes served with the ribeye were too salty, though). Drinks were good too. Service was awesome, and I wish I could remember our main server’s name, because he was incredible. In summary, I highly recommend this spot for your next special occasion!!
Saminda Wijegunawardena
+5
Extraordinary dining experience from start to finish.
We began with their custom Manhatten, one of the best versions of the cocktail I've had. Perfectly balanced.
We then had the lobster french toast with cucumber, rhubarb, and sesame mouse. Just stupendous in rich buttery flavor.
Then it was the morel mushroom gratin with potato gnocchi and asparagus, a very creamy, savory delight.
We rounded out our starters with the foie gras, with onion fondue and fresh strawberry. Otherworldly flavor.
For our mains, we had the Louisiana crayfish scampi and the sauteed duck breast. The crayfish with linguine, pea shoots, and lemon shallot was the only thing that tasted just ok. In contrast, the duck, with poached rhubarb and pistachio butter was tremendous, I savored every succulent bite.
Our dessert options were hits as well, both the pistachio custard cake and the caramel peanut bar were decadent ends to this epic culinary adventure!
The dimly lit rooms encourage you to slow down and enjoy the experience. Service from Matthew was impeccable.
Highly recommended. They have earned every bit of that Michelin star.
The ambiance is very modern and light. It feels like you are in an art gallery waiting for new paintings to arrive, in between exhibits. The food is definitely above your average restaurant, with well thought flavor combinations and lovely presentation. Most of the dishes did not dazzle me, but the kinship roast chicken is a delight. Roast chicken done to perfection. I was also very surprised by the black forest cake. Overall a good experience, but am not planning a return for now.
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