Hey Nomsters! I’m sorry this is kind of belated, but I wanted to do something to recap 2023 so here goes. It was so tough just picking 10, but here were some of my favorite experiences + eats with their corresponding Insta videos =)
1. Kappo
Kappo was such a phenomenal tasting experience, and I can’t recommend them enough. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to an incredible meal, you gotta go. The space is small (with only 21 seats), and it feels like an intimate dinner party. Everyone’s served food together so it’s important to be on time for your reservation.
This omakase has 8 courses, and it’s wagyu-centric (with the BEST wagyu imported from Japan) with a few sashimi dishes. If you can get counter seats, that’s the way to go – it’s cool watching the chefs in action! And be ready to splurge on drinks as well. They have a killer cocktail program along with a beautifully curated wine & sake menu. $150pp but so worth the splurge.
📍 4822 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC
2. Cake Out
I am just as obsessed with their desserts as I first was when I tasted them. This home bakery (located in Columbia, MD) will low key change your life. Literally everything I’ve had from them has been fantastic, and I still crave their chocolate dream cake on the regular. It’s seriously one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted, and I’m not proud especially proud of this, but I’ve eaten an entire can of their chocolate cake in one sitting. Yes, it’s that good.
📍Columbia, MD. They don’t have a storefront so click here to place an order!
3. Soko Butcher
A true gem in Takoma Park! Head to Soko Butcher for some of the best sandwiches in Maryland. Chef Brad works with local and sustainable farms that raise their animals humanely, and he runs lots of specials on the regular so there’s always something new to try. Must try handhelds include their Cowboy and Butcher. FYI, he also just opened up a new Italian spot nearby called Koma Cafe so make sure you swing by to check that out as well – they do reallllly great pasta + pizza.
📍7306 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD
4. 2Fifty
This was easily the best BBQ I’ve ever had. I was totally blown away by their food, and I love that owners Fernando & Debby pay homage to their Salvadoran roots with Latin menu items like pupusas and sweet plantains. They smoke their BBQ with wood and only use highly quality, ethically sourced meats. Everything is delicious, but must tries include their beef rib, wagyu brisket (OMG), and their smoked duck (OMGGGGG). Note: they’re also opening a second DC location soon, in case you guys are interested!
📍4700 Riverdale Rd, Riverdale Park, MD
5. Liquid Assets
I worked with OC tourism earlier this year and had the best time! It was my first time visiting, and I loved everything about my trip. I’m actually planning to visit again with my mom and pup later this year. I thought the food was fantastic, and the people there were so nice. ANYWHO, I wanted to list at least one spot from there, and Liquid Assets was really memorable for me. I thought the savory courses were delicious, but the dessert took the cake. Their “Ice Cream Sandwich” alone is worth the drive back!
📍9301 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD
6. Taqueria La Placita
Located in Hyattsville, visit this Taqueria for incredible tacos. They have all kinds of delicious proteins available (they’re all good BTW), and the sauce trio that comes with is fire. This place always seems to be busy, but the line moves quickly so don’t let that put you off. Tacos are on the pricier side at $4 a pop, but trust me when I say that they’re well worth the price.
📍5020 Edmonston Rd, Hyattsville, MD
7. Ann’s Dari Creme
Amazing, AMAZING soft serve. The texture is just so good – like it’s unreal how creamy it is – and it’s something both my boyfriend and I crave. I think the only other soft serve I enjoyed THAT much was Pineapple & Pearl’s & that was a 2 Michelin star restaurant, lol. They don’t even offer chocolate there because the vanilla is that good, lol. I like getting it as is or with a chocolate dip. And their milkshakes are killer as well! LOVE the banana one.
📍7918 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD
8. The Hideaway
I absolutely loved this gem of a spot in Odenton! The food here was so freaking good, and this was easily one of my favorite MD burb visits this year. Their dry-hot rub wings were nothing short of magical, and they tasted even better slathered in blackberry chipotle BBQ sauce. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and make a trip.
📍1439 Odenton Rd, Odenton, MD
9. Koco’s Pub
My favorite crab cake in Maryland aka the world, lol. There’s a reason why this is hyped up so much, and if you haven’t had it yet, go ASAP. Your tastebuds will thank you! Expect to enjoy an enormous crab cake with NO filler, cooked to absolute perfection. It’s the size of a softball so come hungry. Tartar and cocktail sauce are available by request as well. Other yum options are their crab dip and their Koconut shrimp! PS. they get PACKED so make a reservation if you can.
📍4301 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD
10. Minibar
For my boyfriend’s birthday, I treated him to dinner at Minibar! This was his first time there but my second, and it was as amazing as I remembered. This 2 Michelin-starred restaurant is located in DC and run by chef Jose Andres. They’ve been open for 10 years, and they’re known for their avant-garde cooking. The tasting menu is definitely a splurge at $325pp, but it’s an experience you’ll remember and cherish!
📍855 E St NW, Washington, DC
Alright Nomsters, that’s a wrap for today! I hope you enjoyed my latest recap. As you know, I’m fighting to get all my content on here so you can search by city. I’m working on it as quickly as I can so hopefully I’ll get everything uploaded within the next few months. Thanks so much for your patience, and make sure to check back for new nom content.