minibar
An intimate, two-Michelin-starred culinary adventure by José Andrés, offering a theatrical tasting menu for 12 guests.
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minibar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate, two-Michelin-starred culinary adventure by José Andrés, offering a theatrical tasting menu for 12 guests.
Book Far in Advance
Limited seating of 12 means reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
Consider Wine Pairings
Elevate your dining experience with carefully selected wine pairings.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Avant-garde
Price
$$$
2 Michelin Stars
Excellent cooking, worth a detour. Skilfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality
Insta-Factor
High
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intimate Culinary Theater
Experience a unique dining affair with an intimate setting of only 12 seats per seating, offering a performance-like culinary journey.
Innovative Tasting Menu
Indulge in flawlessly presented dishes of exceptional quality, featuring new and exciting flavors like Beet & Ostera Caviar or Chili Crab.
Exceptional Service
Experience impeccable service from warm, professional staff who guide you through an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Far in Advance
Limited seating of 12 means reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
Consider Wine Pairings
Elevate your dining experience with carefully selected wine pairings.
Be Prepared for Price
Expect premium pricing, with tasting menus exceeding $300 per person, excluding tax and tip.
Weekday Visits
Opt for a weekday visit for a potentially more relaxed atmosphere compared to weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Far in Advance
Limited seating of 12 means reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
Consider Wine Pairings
Elevate your dining experience with carefully selected wine pairings.
Be Prepared for Price
Expect premium pricing, with tasting menus exceeding $300 per person, excluding tax and tip.
Weekday Visits
Opt for a weekday visit for a potentially more relaxed atmosphere compared to weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
minibar by José Andrés offers an extraordinary and unforgettable dining experience, celebrated for its inventive cuisine, flawless presentation, and impeccable service. Guests rave about the intimate atmosphere and the theatrical aspect of the meal, though some note a slightly fishy overall menu. It's considered a must-try for food enthusiasts.
"minibar offers an unforgettable experience from the moment you walk in. The service is impeccable—every member of the team is warm, welcoming, and highly professional. Ben greeted us promptly and provided excellent recommendations for wine and cocktails. Rita checked in throughout the evening to ensure everything exceeded our expectations.
The level of service, the artistry behind each dish, and the exceptional quality of both food and drinks make this a must-visit for any true food lover. Chef Nathan Lumley and the culinary team delivered a flawless presentation—every dish was a masterpiece, from concept to execution.
We began the evening with two beautifully crafted cocktails—the Chief Lapu Lapu and Big in Japan—which set the tone for the night perfectly. The tasting menu offered a thoughtful variety, introducing us to new flavors while delighting with each course. Highlights included the Beet & Ostera Caviar, Oyster Chowder, Chili Crab, Morel & Manzanilla, Turbot & Morel, and the Lamb Chawanmushi.
Every element of the evening felt intentional and elevated. The team made it truly special from start to finish."
Cindy Taylor
"It was all just incredible! Words cannot simply describe how incredible the experience was. Everything from the food, the service, the presentation, to the interactions with the chefs were all top tier. It was certainly worth the hype. I would gladly dine again."
Linda A.
"Minibar by José Andrés – A Dazzling Culinary Journey
Minibar by José Andrés delivers a truly remarkable gastronomic experience that blurs the lines between culinary art and innovative cuisine. With just 12 seats per seating, the atmosphere is intimate, conversational, and social, making it a unique and personal dining affair. This reservation-only spot has been on my radar for nearly a year, and I finally managed to secure a coveted spot for a Thursday night.
From the moment you step inside, the white anteroom and minimalist, contemporary interior immediately set the stage for a one-of-a-kind culinary journey. It feels less like a meal and more like a performance, with each dish presented with meticulous precision and flair. The chefs are not just preparing food; they’re narrating a story, explaining the inspiration behind each dish with infectious passion and enthusiasm.
The tasting menu is a true masterpiece, showcasing José Andrés’s Spanish heritage through dishes that both surprise and delight. One of the highlights is the playful take on an onion ring – a classic snack reimagined with caramelized onion cream and Idiazabal cheese. Other standouts include an edible oyster shell, a cauliflower dish that pushes culinary boundaries, and the fried donut – easily the crowning jewel of the dessert course.
Dining at Minibar is a premium experience, with the tasting menu priced at over $300 per person (excluding tax and tip). The wine list is equally impressive, offering over 80 selections, and wine pairings are available at various levels to enhance your experience.
While Minibar is undeniably a feast for the senses, I did feel that some dishes didn’t quite hit the level of culinary innovation I was hoping for, particularly with the overall fishiness of the menu. That said, it’s still a must-try, and I’d definitely recommend adding it to your bucket list if you're visiting or living in Washington, D.C."
Plated&Rated
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly coveted due to the intimate setting of only 12 seats per seating. Bookings are typically made months in advance.
The tasting menu is priced at over $300 per person, not including tax and tip.
Yes, they offer premium wine selections and wine pairings to enhance your dining experience.
Expect an intimate and theatrical atmosphere, with chefs preparing dishes at the counter for just 12 guests.
While not explicitly stated, some reviews mention that substitutions can be made for dietary needs, suggesting they try to accommodate.
Yes, minibar is recognized as a two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering an avant-garde and fine dining experience.
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In Washington, DC, choose from the intimate and innovative minibar by José Andrés (a two-star Michelin restaurant), where up to six guests get a full-fledged multi-course dining experience. Or, treat yourself to the casual and classic Spanish fare from the chef's PEPE Food Truck, which rolls through the city for lunch and special events. Other options include Turkish, Greek and Lebanese mezze plates at Zaytinya, globe-spinning fusion flavours at China Chilcano and — in Bethesda, Maryland — casual tapas at Spanish Diner.
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Embark on a multi-course journey through the world of molecular gastronomy curated by renowned chef José Andrés at minibar. Located in Penn Quarter, this hotspot is regularly booked months in advance, so make that reservation pronto – especially since the locale possesses not one, but two Michelin stars. Good to know: José’s four other area restaurants are all Bib Gourmand selections in the same Michelin Guide.
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minibar by José Andrés is a gastronomic adventure brought to you by the celebrated chef José Andrés. This two Michelin-starred avant-garde restaurant in Penn Quarter is a showcase of creativity and innovation, offering a multi-course tasting menu that is both an artistic expression and a culinary delight. It is the restaurant’s experimental dishes and intimate dining experience that have food aficionados talking.
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minibar’s inventive interior features a gold dome dangling above tables that encircle an open kitchen / ©minibar. Neighbouring the National Portrait Gallery, minibar continues to uphold the area’s artistry by showcasing José Andrés’ culinary capabilities. The interior itself is inventive; a gold dome dangles from the ceiling above seated tables that encircle an open kitchen and yellow lights set the room aglow.
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855 E St., NW (original location); 405 Eighth St., NW (current location). There was some question, 17 years ago, of whether Washington would support a restaurant that offered a 20-course menu of things like clam chowder distilled into gelatinous dabs on a plate. But José Andrés’s modernist project flourished, moving from a six-seat bar inside Café Atlántico to its own space nearby.
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The brainchild of Spanish chef José Andrés, minibar offers a truly unique experience in dining and serves as a study in avant-garde cooking. Meals at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant are a mixture of art and science. Choose from more than 20 inventive dishes on the tasting menu, each carefully crafted and unlike anything you’ve tried before.
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In Washington, minibar by José Andrés holds two Michelin stars and offers a whimsical, intimate dining experience. With only about a dozen seats, it’s best to plan ahead. Expect a carefully paced series of creative courses and attentive service that highlights the chef’s unique style.
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minibar by José Andrés, 855 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA. Facebook/minibar by José Andrés. The 12-seat, a two Michelin-starred restaurant is one part kitchen, one part entertainment.
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855 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004Phone: 202-393-0812 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by minibar by José Andrés (@minibarbyjose)
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