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

Location

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