Amazing food, ambience and service!! Such a delightful place to go for dinner. Highly recommend this dc hidden gem!! read more

Annabelle - Crudo + octopus - American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been excited to try Annabelle and went on Saturday with a party for 3. All of us had cocktails, wine and three courses. The serving sizes are very small but generally tasted really great. The ambiance of the indoor seating is great. However, I'm very disappointed with the service. We had to remind our waiter for things several times throughout the night and the servers would reach over you a lot. For an upscale dinner in the district, their service and attention to detail should be substantially better. read more

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This is a place where my husband and I go for special occasions. We went last week for our anniversary, and everything was perfect. Management is on top of every detail, service is professional and attentive, and the food is divine, particularly the fish dishes. Good wine list. Inside is pleasant, the the outdoor patio is a real pleasure. Kudos! read more

I have been to Annabelle several times. The service and food are excellent, and the patio setup is great! I am happy we have this little gem in DC. read more

We ordered off the Restaurant Week menu for pick up. The wait for food was about a 5 minute wait, which was okay. We had the FOIE GRAS AND ORGANIC CHICKEN LIVER MOUSSE with Oven Roasted Nardello and Shishito Peppers, GRILLED SMOKED SALMON with Avocado Purée, YUKON GOLD POTATO GNOCCHI with Basil Pesto, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Toasted Pine Nuts, BUCATINI with with Rosa Bianca Eggplant, Basil, and Ricotta Salata , GRILLED BAVETTE STEAK - SICHUAN FLAVORS with Roasted Trumpet Mushrooms, Romano Beans with Crunchy Sesame Dressing, GRILLED HORST CO-OPERATIVE BERKSHIRE PORK CHOP with Bright Lights Swiss Chard Sauteed with Sunflower Seeds, Ginger-Peach Purée. Served with a Bowl of Path Valley Coco Rubico Beans. Dessert was BLACKBERRY SHORTCAKE and ALMOND TART with Rosemary Chantilly, Lemon Curd. Everything was good. The appetizers were a favorite. I could have eaten a whole big plate of salmon. The tart was excellent. read more

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I simply do not understand the great reviews this place gets. While the staff is very friendly and gracious, the service style is stiff and formal and feels dated. The overpriced food left a lot to be desired... Both appetizers - the beet salad and the asparagus had little flavors. The Halibut and the Swordfish were both overcooked. How can you mess up Swordfish?? None of the flavors were right - there was no care, feel or imagination in the cooking - just pretentious presentation. The bread - carefully served from a basket... was clearly store bought. At the end - the bread was the best thing... I ask - how can a restaurant like this survive! read more

Excellent all around. Went for restaurant week. Delicious food. Feels upscale. Great atmosphere. Fast and efficient service. read more

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Imagine a beehive with the bees frantically buzzing around in different directions. That was my first impression when I came inside to pick up my online order. Despite the imminent danger, I announced my reason for visiting, and was eventually directed to the bar, and instructed to talk to the bartender (who was not present). Through the corner of my eye I spotted a smallish paper bag which I assumed was our order. But I waited, and waited, and waited some more. I eventually asked one the personnel buzzing around when the bartender would be back, and if the order was mine, can I not just take it. The assembled staff briefly talked amongst themselves in hushed tones to determine if my suggestion had merit. There was quick consensus and I finally departed with bag in tow. Shortly after arriving home and opening up the paper bags, our jaws dropped. Although we ordered two mains: the bouillabaisse and the broccoli ravioli, the two dishes looked like appetizers. The soup fit into one of the smallest plastic containers that you get served deli food. And the pasta had six half raviolis which tasted no better than what you can purchase at Whole Foods. A half talented home cook could make what we were served. Folks, try Tail up Goat or Little Pearl instead read more

What a delight. We had a terrific meal. Our waiter Ryan & sommelier Ron were polite, informed & professional. We shared grilled octopus. It was served with delicious buttermilk Bellini and goat cheese. Their grilled octopus is now in my top 3. The duck was flavorful, perfectly seasoned, & accompanied by a nice vegetable medley. The restaurant is in a handsome section of DC. Although we did not pause at the bar at the entrance, it looks inviting and chic. We look forward to returning. I do not lightly give 5 stars. This is a lovely spot. read more

I would give zero stars if I could! Please do not waste your money on this place. The waiters are rude and condescending. The staff stood over us as we ate. Although, when we asked for something they were bothered. The food is average at best. No females are employed here! So many other nice restaurants-no need to dine here. read more

The food was fresh, plentiful, creative and delicious. The staff was attentive without being intrusive. The wine list was extensive and the wines by the glass were nicely edited. Our only complaint is that the decor could use some freshening up but otherwise we have no complaints and look forward to our next meal and/or cocktail hour with small bites at Annabelle! read more

First, the actual restaurant is beautiful and the majority of the staff are very friendly. My issue with the restaurant is the food just ok. The service for take out is horrible. Ordered at 730 and was told for 3 deserts come pick up at 8. Got there, it was not ready then the wait staff treated me like I was a "door dash" driver and took offense to me sitting there. They did not even wait on me, nor come to tell me the order would be late. The bartender was the issue. IMHO. It's ok. I won't be back. read more

Save your Pennie's and go nowhere else in the DuPont Circle area. Creative and delicious cuisine. The server was totally attentive and really spectacular. She responded to a question about food allergies by checking with the kitchen. She went over and above. Go nowhere else and you will not be disappointed. read more

Went to Annabelle to celebrate an anniversary with my wife. We ordered the Crudo appetizer as a share and while the quality and taste was satisfactory, the quantity was wanting for a $20 item!. We had a 2-3 thin slices of fish with some greens. For the second course, my wife ordered the squab while I ordered the shrimp with mushrooms. Her dish was decent and well proportioned while mine was good but nothing to write home about. For the main she ordered the cod (decent but not exceptional) while I ordered the New York Strip which I ordered rare (which is how I have always enjoyed all my steaks). This was a poor entree. The steak was poorly done, chewy and certainly not rare. Halfway through the steak I gave up as the meat was a hard slice and of course to chew. Left half the steak as is. The server asked about the food and I pointed out the steak. The manager was good enough to come by a couple of times and enquired about my feedback (which I gave) and had my half eaten plate picked up at the end. They did offer to replace by another entree but I declined as my appetite was not there for it then. We were served a profiterole and a beverage for our anniversary (nice of them!) and we ordered the chocolate tart (decent) and the poached pear for dessert. The poached pear was served with some cream and mini almond cake. Individually they were decent but was an amateurish dessert with no cohesiveness. In all the experience was not worth the spend and we will not make another visit. read more

My wife, two daughters (18/22) and I enjoyed our special event dinner tonight tremendously. The room is both beautiful and comfortable; just a great atmosphere with the art work, greenery and skylights. Noise levels are very low -- conversation around our table was easy. Spacing between tables was excellent. We all enjoyed our food -- we split an oysters appetizer and then shared two 2nd courses (the fabulous gnocchi/potato dish and the squid ink pasta). For entrees, I had a Wagyu steak, my wife and daughter split a red snapper, and my other daughter had the soft shell crab. Portions were perfectly sized -- I know that sounds cliche but to be honest, I am a somewhat large man (my wife would describe it differently) and I had more than enough. Desserts were unique, beautiful, and very tasty (I loved the goat cheese cheesecake). Service was perfect. We were greeted within 60 seconds of being seated, our waiter was affable and knowledgeable about the menu. And, for the first time in a long time, we were visited by both the captain and maitre de who wanted to make sure everything was satisfactory. Throughout the dinner we were visited by a team bringing us bread, clearing our plates, filling our water glasses and wiping down our table (twice!). Never interrupting but always near by. Our 4 course dinner took about 90 minutes, which I think is ideal. As we were paying the check, my wife said "let's come back here again" and everyone agreed. Maybe that's all I needed to say. read more

This is my new favorite place to visit. We were seated comfortably outside on the patio surrounded by heaters. Our server Adil provided excellent suggestions for pairing wine and delicious dishes. Our family was treated to a four course tour of the menu and recommended selections from kitchen and wine bar were presented beautifully at perfect intervals. I highly encourage patrons to ask Adil for "the tour". You will not be disappointed. read more

Wow! Just wow! I can't express how amazing my boyfriends and my experiences were here. We had requested a special table for our anniversary and BOY did they deliver. Best seat at the restaurant and such special service... complimentary champagne and a special "Congrats" message on our dessert. The food is absolutely incredible. We had the full four course experience, oysters to start, gnocchi as a second course, and split the steak and swordfish as mains. Topped with a beautiful tart dessert, it was easily the best meal I have had in DC, and I've gone out to explore many restaurants while living here. 11/10 recommend. It was absolutely extraordinary. Thank you to the fabulous staff and amazing Chef for the fantastic evening. Can't recommend enough! read more

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Apple cider gel overpowered oysters, no butternut squash taste to the soup, sea bass tasted slimy and uncooked, pork loin olives and dates flavors missing, brussel sprouts way over salted, and the desserts were stale and dry!! Like they were pre-prepared and sitting in back of fridge for days. Service was disappointing given the server raved about the sea bass but then when we complained about the slimy uncooked taste he said "we hear that a lot". Just a really bad dinner I won't go back. read more

Ordered takeout from this place tonight, and after eating at multiple Michelin-started restaurants during the Covid quarantine, Annabelle has been our favorite so far. I ordered the haddock with spring vegetables, which was the delicious. My husband ordered the roasted chicken with biscuits. I never order chicken at restaurants because I generally find good roasted chicken is pretty achievable at home. Man was I glad he ordered the chicken because this was the most tender, juicy, crispy-skinned chicken. And the biscuits? Oh good god the biscuits. Whatever you do, order the biscuits. We got the goat cheese key lime pie cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake, and they were both some of the finest quality desserts you can find anywhere in the city. The pastry chef deserves a raise. read more

Had high expectations going in as a first time customer but was severely disappointed. For the price points, I would've expected high quality service but our server was unable to walk us through the menu, didn't say much when I asked about what he'd recommend, he got our order wrong twice, and 'blamed it on the kitchen'. There was also an incident between our server and their GM where there were stern words exchanged. We were within earshot of what was said and it made us quite uncomfortable for the remainder of the meal. No one apologized for the inconvenience. On top of all of this, the food was just fine. Nothing to rave home about. I left unsatisfied particularly given the cost. Not worth the money. read more

Save your money. High price point for low quality service and food. Drinks are about $17 a piece with much less than that amount of alcohol in any of them. Our waiter was visibly annoyed and extremely curt from the moment we were seated, who became increasingly aggressive with each course. My boyfriend ordered a glass of wine after his cocktail and was poured a few tablespoons being promised an actual pour shortly. Shortly was 45 mins later after my boyfriend asked for the wine he was paying for a second time, which the waiter was extremely offended by almost shattering the wine glass when pouring from the bottle that took 15 seconds to retrieve. I watched in horror as I carved away the fat from my raw $40 pork chop, which they never asked the temperature for, majority of which was left practically squealing on my plate. We were very excited for a nice night out after a long week, but this dinner made that week feel even longer. read more

This food is well executed and adventurous without going too far, the interior is elegant, the service is impeccable, and the staff is very helpful and friendly. There really isn't much else to say. I've eaten at Annabelle 4 times since they opened, the latest being my wedding reception. We had originally planned on eating outside but the temperature dropped to the mid 50's suddenly and and they were more than willing to put us inside. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating. And the food was still excellent. My friends and family were equally impressed to say the least. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

Sat at the bar. Service was terrible. It took ninety minutes to get our meals. Management very apologetic. Won't return.

We had a late night reservation om Sunday during pandemic. Service was exceptional. A warm touch, and our server loved our dog and brought him some water! We had the pear and bean salad, rabbit terrine, eggplant curry, Rhode Island boullibaise, and blueberry tart. All were very good, especially the entrees. Can't wait to return! read more

Great service, great wine list, excellent food. A must in DC Going back next week read more

We went to Annabelle restaurant on Saturday night. There were many people waiting outside to pick up to-go orders so it took us quite a while to reach the hostess. She took us around the building and then up some stairs to the second floor for seating. This second floor room felt cold and empty. I suggest if you go to this restaurant do not let them seat you upstairs. There were two other tables of people already there and we could definitely hear each other's conversations. Food was very good but timing was off. Our desserts took 35 minutes and they were only two bites. Not worth the wait at all! However our server Osman was wonderful. He apologized for the delay several times and brought us each a glass of wine compliments of the house. That made us feel much better after our other disappointments. I think management was not ready to handle this amount of business and it showed in every aspect of our dinner. read more

After several months of wanting to try Annabelle, their participation in Restaurant week drew a group of our friends to make a reservation and check it out. From online the menu offerings seemed delicious as well as the ambiance of the restaurant. We were very excited and had discussed what we wanted to order days before. However, from the service, to the food and the management we were extremely disappointed. The first disappointment arose when the salads that 2 of us ordered as starters did not come out as advertised. The organic greens salad, which was supposed to come with hazelnuts, instead came with roasted pecans and cheese which was not in the menu. Although tasty, along with the other appetizers - it seemed odd that it was not what was written on the menu. The real disappointment came with our entree. 3 of us ordered the steak and one of us ordered the swordfish. While there were no complaints on the swordfish, at the price point of this restaurant - the steaks were extremely disappointing. We were all served steak that had pieces of varying temperature. When we got our dishes we had to "mix and match" pieces to eat what we had ordered. Even then, the steak was tough, room temperature and all the cuts looked like they had been cooked haphazardly. On one of the dishes, the side vegetables were also not warm. When we expressed that we were upset with the steaks, we were talked down to by not one but two members of the server staff. Now, while we are all twenty-somethings, it might've come to a shock to our server, Michael, that we all have eaten steaks before at places like Le Diplomate, RPM and St. Anselm and were aware of how a $55 steak should taste and be presented. Despite that information, our server, Michael, went on a condescending tirade explaining to us how steak is cooked as if we were children and it was our first time at a nice restaurant. Whether or not it was our first or 100th time eating at an upscale restaurant, the customers should never be made to feel uncomfortable or out of place. If the purpose of restaurant week is to increase accessibility of upscale restaurants for DC residents that should not come at the cost of quality of food and service. At Annabelle it felt as if we were made to feel out of place despite the fact that we were paying the same price as every one else in the restaurant (and then some with 2 rounds of drinks) and then our comments were not taken seriously. We never expected to have anything comped and did not ask for new entrees, the only thing we wanted (and surely did not receive) was respect and understanding from our server instead of just being fought on all our comments and treated as if we were uncultured. All in all, while Annabelle might be great on a normal day, they definitely compromised quality on the restaurant week special. I would not come back. read more

Easily the best restaurant in dc. Service is incredible and the food and cocktails are too. The chef is accommodating and always goes above and beyond. Can't recommend this place enough read more

Went here for restaurant week and WOW, what an amazing meal! This place is by far the best new restaurant in DC. Food, wine, ambiance all great. The swordfish knocked my socks off! read more

While I appreciated waters' trying hard, they screwed our order by bringing beef dish instead of fish, caused extra wait time for my guest, charged a bottle of wine instead a glass, and worse, I saw a mouse running on the floor of dining room. Food was good although my fish was a bit too salty. read more

Wow is all I can say about the service! We arrived at 530 and sat outside. The heating was great, we were able to keep warm even as the temperature dropped. From the onset of the meal, the manager (Roman) and our waiter Vincenzo gave us incredible service. Stopping by and ensuring the flow of the food went well. At some restaurants you feel like they are rushing you from each course, Annabelle's is not like that. We enjoyed our meal at a leisurely pace and it was properly spaced out which added to our experience. We were celebrating birthdays, and they went above with dessert and champagne. Roman even offered us a tour of the kitchen. It was a great evening, and nice neighborhood spot. I would go back in a heartbeat! read more

Annabelle is one of the best resto's in DC. Not only the food (which is exceptional), but also the service is superb. This resto was recommended by a friend and we were just blown away. Thank you for this exceptional experience! read more

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We celebrated a special occasion and were disappointed that the current offering is far below the previous ones. The signature dish of chef Ruta was the roasted chicken which is no longer on the menu because, the waiter informed us, the restaurant cannot organic chickens. The substitute is a Pennsylvania rabbit (organic?). We all started with various appetizers which were, for the most part, mundane and boring. For the entrees, we each had a fish course. The red snapper and the halibut were cooked just right (sous vide ?) but had no taste. As one of the guests commented "it tastes like flesh made in a lab" For $37 one expects more than that. The guests that had the other fish were not impressed, either. Good fresh fish needs just a bit of lemon. The sauces that came with the various fish did not add to the enjoyment of the dishes. read more

We had a wonderful evening at Annabelle. The food was good (particularly the sea bass), but the service really made the night. Our server Andrea was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The sommelier steered us to some excellent wine. And the manager, Ramon, graciously spoke to us at the end of the evening. They accommodated our Covid concerns with comfortable outdoor seating in a well ventilated tent with great heaters. And when they found out my friend and I were finally celebrating our birthdays months late, they brought out a delicious dessert for us, which was completely unnecessary, but such a kind touch. We probably lingered too long (sorry!), but we didn't feel rushed at all--it was the perfect venue to catch up with an old friend. Thanks to Annabelle for giving us that chance! read more

Went to dinner with friends, no occasion. The bar area is small but inviting and the dining room is welcoming. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this place...the food is simply spectacular, the space perfect and the service beyond 5 stars. I invite anyone and everyone to try this gem. I'd provide more details about the food but the menu is ever changing based on seasonal availability but what I can comment on specifically is the wine list and Sommelier's service!! From the moment you enter to when you exit, this place makes you feel special without any pretentious air, a spectacular experience--no special occasion required! read more

Delicious upscale neighborhood spot with the best espresso martini and most delicious chicken around. The service is wonderful and all the staff are as knowledgeable as they are passionate about great service. read more

Amazing food and service. Adil Baich is one of DC's best servers and hospitality professional. He knows his food and wine. The manager paid us a visit that made the table feel special. The staff was outstanding. Food was delicious. read more

The best: the pavlova dessert that was comped because it was our anniversary. It was beautiful and an amazing combo of textures and flavors. A must try. The good: the service was lovely, unobtrusive but always attentive. The duck with braised radishes was delicious and the portion sizes were perfect. The gnocchis were light as air but weighed down a bit by the powerful Gorgonzola sauce. My husband said the pork was very good. Overall the main courses were more successful than the appetizers and soup. The wine by the glass selection was good and the Grenache I had was lovely. They were very generous with bread (seeded rolls and brioche rolls) The slightly disappointing: we were seated in an adjunct room at the back of the restaurant that was very cold and truthfully a bit lonely. The main restaurant was really warm and inviting but we only got to walk through it for a few seconds. It was a bit sad for an anniversary dinner. One tiny random quibble. The steak knives didn't work very well so they sort of chewed up the beautiful duck when I cut into it. The wine glasses on the other hand were gorgeous and elegant. I'm sure we will try Annabelle again in the future. read more

Was so looking forward to this evening. Having celebrated so many occasions and memorable meals at the dearly departed Restaurant Nora it felt like we were returning to holy ground. Maybe its the post-pandemic reality but evening was disappointing. The service was attentive, the food perfectly plated and delicious but not the celebration we had hoped for. We were seated next to the service area and not far from the bar - so the noise level was high as well as giving us a view of the bar which was filled clients in sweatshirts and baseball caps who were enjoying libations loudly. I later heard the manager admonishing staff to be sure to card the influx of younger patrons. My chicken was moist and perfectly cooked and plated with perfect bok choi but at almost $40 a plate you would expect a bit more. read more

I really wanted to love this place as I live close by and am looking for an upscale alternative to other neighborhood restaurants. On the positive side, the service was excellent. On the negatiive, I was a single diner (dressed impeccably versus other patrons and on a slow, cold Wednesday evening) and was seated at a cramped, claustrophobic table in the very back broom closet sized room. I was here tonight to see if I might want to entertain guests for a larger dinner in the future. The answer is, sadly, no. I'll go to another establishment more welcoming like Le Diplomate or even Bistrot du Coin. Food was not any better than those restaurants. Plus no one even asked to check my coat as I waited for my table. read more