Anju

Washington DC, US

This cool Korean restaurant is a story of two halves. Downstairs, its feels like a speakeasy in Seoul thanks to a tiled floor and a bar serving a selection of house-infused soju (citrus, raspberry and lemongrass, star anise). Upstairs, whitewashed bricks and art in vintage frames create an ambience more like a private loft apartment, strengthened by the ‘Mama Lee’s’ section on the menu, a treasure trove of recipes from Yesoon Lee, mother of co-owner Danny. The food reimagines classic Korean flavours – such as sesame, kimchi and black bean paste – with a creative, contemporary twist. Juk (rice porridge) is a lesson in restraint, simply topped with lemon parsley oil, roasted carrots and walnuts, while the ssam board is a fantastic choice for those who are new to Korean cuisine. A barbecued beef rib arrives with a selection of dipping sauces including ssamjang, while noodle soup in a saline broth with wok-fried seafood is both comforting and refreshing. There really is no bad order when the food is this consistently tasty.

Key Information

• Average price per person $50
• Lunch: Sat – Sun, Dinner: Mon – Sun
• +120 2845 8935
• Visit Anju's Website

Location

1805 18th St NW, Kalorama, Washington DC, DC 20009