Ahead of Guide, Michelin announces top ‘cheap eats’ for DC

WASHINGTON — One week ahead of D.C.’s second Michelin Guide release, the company announced its picks for this year’s “Bib Gourmand” distinction — a “cheap eats” honor, if you will.

Twenty-two establishments made the list, which recognizes restaurants for quality and value. Diners must be able to order two courses of food and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less, excluding tax and tip.

Rob Rubba’s Hazel is a new addition this year, as is Ivy City Smokehouse and Fabio and Maria Trabocchi’s Van Ness pasta house, Sfoglina. Recurring restaurants include Erik Bruner-Yang’s Maketto, José Andrés’ Zaytinya, and Bad Saint, which was named the second best new restaurant in the U.S. by Bon Appétit in 2016.  

Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint (pictured) is one of the three D.C. chefs nominated for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic in the 2018 James Beard Awards. (Photo Credit Farrah Skeiky)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Bad Saint. (Photo Credit Farrah Skeiky)
External view of Thread at DC's Iconic Union Market at Union Market on April 5, 2014 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for EDENS)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Bidwell, located at Union Market. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Boqueria. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Chercher. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  China Chilcano. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  DAS. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty)

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Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Doi Moi. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty)
Hazel is the winner of New Restaurant of the Year at the 35th annual RAMMY Awards. (Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Hazel.   (Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Ivy City Smokehouse   (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
This Oct. 23, 2014 photo shows tapas at the Jaleo restaurant in Bethesda, Md. The tapas menu by chef Jose Andres offers numerous choices of flavorful small plates inspired by Spanish cuisine, made with simple but authentic ingredients. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Jaleo. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Kyirisan. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Lapis. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)
Maketto on H Street NE
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Maketto. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Ottoman Taverna. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Oyamel. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Pearl Dive Oyster Palace. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  The Red Hen. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  The Royal. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Sfoglina. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Thip Khao. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  2Amy’s. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
Michelin’s 2018 Bib Gourmand Restaurants  Zaytinya. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
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Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint (pictured) is one of the three D.C. chefs nominated for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic in the 2018 James Beard Awards. (Photo Credit Farrah Skeiky)
External view of Thread at DC's Iconic Union Market at Union Market on April 5, 2014 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for EDENS)
Hazel is the winner of New Restaurant of the Year at the 35th annual RAMMY Awards. (Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel)
This Oct. 23, 2014 photo shows tapas at the Jaleo restaurant in Bethesda, Md. The tapas menu by chef Jose Andres offers numerous choices of flavorful small plates inspired by Spanish cuisine, made with simple but authentic ingredients. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)
Maketto on H Street NE

The Michelin Guide is one of the most highly revered and well-respected resources in the dining industry. Exceptional restaurants around the globe are designated one, two and three-star ratings by anonymous “inspectors.” Last year was D.C.’s first year to be included in the Guide. Twelve restaurants were awarded stars — nine with one star and three with two stars.

The Michelin Guide will release D.C.’s 2018 book and selection of starred restaurants on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Scroll through last year’s honorees on wtop.com.

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