It was nice to find a west African restaurant in DC. The flavors are of Louisiana, Caribbean and African influences. We liked our crispy Lamb and Snapper. The corn bread is a bit skimpy for 2 slices for $15. The greens are tasty but bit too salty. The dessert seemed to be an afterthought as there is only Rum Cake and the cake was dry, not rum soaked like the ones we had in the Caribbean islands. The service was attentive and friendly. Overall it's a good experience. I would come more often if I had an expense account to impress my clients. Otherwise it would be a a special occasion deal. read more

An Unforgettable Dining Experience at Dogōn - Salamander Hotel, Washington, DC Dining at Dogōn, nestled inside the stunning Salamander Hotel, was nothing short of extraordinary. I dined with my 7-year-old nephew while staying at the hotel, and from start to finish, the experience was pure perfection. Upon arrival, I enjoyed an impeccable glass of McPherson Grenache--smooth, balanced, and the perfect way to begin the evening--while my nephew happily sipped his Coke. We started with the cocoa bread, which was moist, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible, especially paired with the rich malted sorghum butter. Truly comforting and elevated all at once. For small shares, we chose the Hoe Crab (Plantain Hoe Cake, Shitto Crisp, Aji Verde), and wow--what an incredible pairing. The sweetness of the plantain cake with the delicate crab and bold accompaniments was beautifully executed. Ben's Bowl (Crispy Lamb, Tamarind Glaze, Chickpea Curry) completely surprised me. I had never experienced crispy lamb before, and paired with that deeply flavorful curry, it was nothing short of top-tier excellence. For our large share, we had the Brown Stew Snapper (Jerk-Marinated, Caramelized Onion, Rice & Peas). Snapper is my favorite fish, and this dish was a spectacular showstopper. The jerk marinade infused the fish with bold, soulful flavor while still allowing its freshness to shine. Every bite was a true palate pleaser. And then came dessert--the Rum Cake. Hands down, the best rum cake I've ever had in my life. Moist, rich, perfectly balanced, and unforgettable. To make an already magical evening even more special, Kwame himself stopped by our table, chatted with us, and took photos. He is incredibly talented, warm, and genuinely down-to-earth. This is the second of his restaurants I've had the pleasure of visiting--I've dined at Tatiana in NYC twice--and while each offers a different vibe, both deliver nothing but divine dining experiences. Dogōn is not just a meal; it's a moment, a memory, and a masterpiece. Thank you sooooo much for an exceptional evening. I cannot wait to return! read more

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Wow! A great cultural experience! The vibe is everything! The ambiance was upscale and fluid! Perfectly stated and welcoming! I did not have a reservation and even the bar was full! With a little charm and hospitality, I was able to be seated in 15 minutes! The hostess was outstanding! The food was excellent! The charboiled oysters are very good. Lots of cheese but good all the same. The collards were on point and the crab hoe cakes...cute gastronomic effort! A wonderful experience and a must go if you're in DC! Bravo! For the culture!! read more

Dōgon - Collards - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Wow !!! What an incredible experience. We went for my birthday dinner and get the start the restaurant is such a beautiful space and the service was lovely. They made me feel so special with added touches. The food was so flavorful and delicious we were licking the plates! For dessert they were kind enough to give us an extra small rum cake to split with our party and made it a night I won't forget. We will absolutely be back! read more

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I've been wanting to go to this place since it opened and was able to snag a reservation for my birthday. I had some friends coming to visit so it was an excellent way to celebrate. We ordered a lot of food so I will just do a rank order of my favorites to least and with a ratings as well. The service was really good and our server was on top of everything. It did take awhile for cocktails to come out but that's not our server's fault at all as he was the one who put in the order but also was bringing the drinks from the bar to the table. They should probably have bar runners instead of servers doing it in the future. The inside is extremely beautiful and I had no idea the restaurant is inside the salamander (one of the nicest hotels in the area). Now for food (ranked favorite to least): -Hoe crab with plantain hot cakes 10/10 -charbroiled oysters 10/10 -curry branzino 10/10 -Rum cake 10/10- a must try!!! -coco bread 10/10 -Ben's bowl 9/10 -carrot tingua 8/10 -cornbread 5/10 As you can see everything was delicious and I would recommend everything on the food menu. You can skip the cornbread....it tastes just the same as my mom's.Not bad by any means but not worth $15 for 2 small pieces of cornbread. I didn't even bother taking a picture of it. My highest recommendations are the oysters, coco bread, curry branzino, and rum cake! Since we were celebrating my birthday and I indicated that in my reservation, I was hoping for some type of acknowledgement from the staff. A menu saying happy birthday, complimentary dessert, complimentary glass of champagne....something. Besides the hostess mentioning it, there was nothing. I thought that was extremely lame and a bit unprofessional for a restaurant of this caliber. We spent a substantial amount of money on food and cocktails here, which we fully expected too, so acknowledgement of a celebration would have been nice. read more

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I had two prior reservations to Dōgon (one in October and one in January) that I had to cancel because I ended up traveling, so I'm glad the third time was the charm. As far as hotel restaurants, this is probably the best one I've been to. When you enter the restaurant you are met with a beautiful metal curtain and chandelier that really emphasizes a luxury vibe. The hostesses were very nice and properly greeted us. Walking to our seats, we noticed the lounge seating as well as the bar that has 8 seats. Table seating in the main part of the restaurant has tables pretty close together, which I am not a big fan of because of your proximity to other guests as well making it hard to get up from your seat if you need to go to the restroom, or when a server comes to take order for another table, they have to be pretty close (with the other convos and music going). It's very dimly lit in there, so definitely bring your glasses. Speaking of music, they have an excellent playlist of Black artists, like Alicia Keys. Okay now to the food and drinks: My favorite wine is a Petit Manseng. It's a Virginia wine that I've never found anywhere outside Virginia (including stores). When I saw it on the menu I had to order it. Our server gave me a taste of it first and it was delicious. Looking back, I should have bought a bottle. Sometimes it's made sweeter and sometimes it's not as sweet but I of course prefer the sweeter version and this one was. I loved it. My friend got a cocktail, it was the Flower Pot Punch, which is their play on a rum punch. She thought it was good. We got the coco bread and Ben's bowl (which is a crispy lamb dish). The bread was tasty and crispy lamb was just okay to us. Didn't taste bad but was just there. When I go back, I'd like to try to charbroiled oysters or hoe crab instead. Our mains were the Mom Dukes Shrimp and the Curry Branzino. The sauce was good on the shrimp but I think overall the actual shrimp lacked flavor. I think if the actual shrimp was seasoned and the sauce was added, it would have been exceptional. The curry branzino was a show stopper. If you don't get anything else here, I think you have to get the curry branzino. Amazing flavor, cooked perfectly, it was just wow. Also the rice and peas that came with it was a main character. Rice is just usually there but this rice was the best rice I've had at a restaurant that didn't have protein in it. It had a light hint of curry to it. Delicious! The only true con of my experience was that the sauce from the curry seeped through my to-go container, because of the material of the box. I think whether I'm paying $20 for a meal or $120, I of course don't want to see this happen. Our server, Blake, was excellent, great to talk to, and was knowledgeable about the menu. Overall, I'd come back and look forward to on someone else's dime . read more

Dōgon - Curry branzino, mom dukes shrimp, and rice - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Dōgon, Chef Kwame Onwuachi's Afro-Caribbean restaurant is located inside of The Salamander. Every dish is bold, creative, and packed with flavor. The ambiance is sexy and vibrant, and the cocktails are just as impressive. The service is attentive and makes you feel so welcomed. read more

Dōgon - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Dogon was phenomenal! I was too busy eating to take pictures, but Kwame Onwuachi's DC concept was everything that I thought it would be. The vibe and music were great. We pretty much ordered everything on the menu, coco bread, corn bread, greens, oysters, Ben's bowl, ho crab (thisssss is a must try!!!!), snapper, branzino, yo mama's shrimp, and a few other items. I only gave it four stars because the service could've been better. read more

Ordered the corn bread with spiced shiro butter. Since our dish was taking too long to come out, they gave complimentary coco bread with malted sorghum butter. Boy was I glad they did because the coco bread was far better than the corn bread. I'll be sure to order that next time I go. For dessert, I had the rum cake which was heavenly. In all honesty, I could just go there and load up on the Mom Dukes shrimp and coco bread, rum cake and be just fine as those were my faves. Mom Dukes Shrimp: Holy Trinity, Frenchman butter, malt Bens Bowl: Crispy Lamb, Tamarind Glaze, Chickpea Curry Curry Branzino: coconut mussel curry, crispy okra and callaloo Bens Bowl: crispy lamb, tamarind glaze and chick pea curry Mango Basil Smash: Uncle Nearest 1884 small batch whiskey, lemon, mango syrup and basil read more

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The food is delicious but BEWARE if you order a la carte instead of the tasting menu it takes about 15 mins between each dish. I would have given 5 stars if the service wasn't so slow and the drinks weren't so expensive. Cornbread: 10/10. The butter it comes with is phenomenal Greens: 8/10. Flavorful but a little soggy Chicken & Rice: 6/10. very spicy. Not worth $63. Could have done without. Charbroiled Oysters: 10/10! Cocktails: 7/10. Tasted good but $27 for a margarita? Get tf out of here!!! read more

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I attended the special event "An Evening with Alexander Smalls, Nina Oduro, & Chef Kwame Honoring The Contemporary African Kitchen" at Dōgon. The evening featured a signed copy of The Contemporary African Kitchen cookbook and a 5-course meal inspired by it, priced at $130. Overall Rating: 8.75 /10 No surprise here--Dōgon delivers on flavor! When Chef Kwame opens a restaurant near you, run, don't walk. The food is vibrant and bold, but sadly, the décor didn't keep pace. For a space meant to complement such a rich culinary experience, it felt dark, cold, and uninspired. Food: 5/5 1st Course: * IDK: A surprise opener of salmon atop bread. Tasty and promising--an excellent start! 2nd Course: * Pumpkin Velouté: Absolutely divine. If seconds were offered, I'd have taken thirds. GIVE ME MORE! 3rd Course: * Green Tomato Salad: Not a tomato fan, but this one converted me. The king crab and fresh flavors made it a perfect palate cleanser. 4th Course: * Duck Braai: QUACK! This South African-style duck was phenomenal. My new favorite dish! 5th Course: * Puff Puff: Sweet, simple, and the perfect finish to such a rich meal. Event Experience: 2.5/2.5Meeting culinary legends like Alexander Smalls, Nina Oduro, and Chef Kwame? A dream come true. Their insights, stories, and signed cookbook made the night unforgettable. Service + Décor: 1.25/2.5 Bar seating = top-notch service. However, the décor was disappointing. The space felt dark and one-note, which clashed with the vibrant, soulful food. For a restaurant of this caliber, I expected more warmth and energy in the design. Full Review on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFaeuYMRAh8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions. Please try these restaurants and form your own judgments--it's what I would do. read more

Dōgon - Full review on my Instagram (@_edaj_) and TikTok (@_edaj_jade_) - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

DC is lucky to have Dogon. All the dishes we tried were packed with flavor and executed flawlessly. Must orders are the coco bread and rum cake. My friend hit the nail on the head when she said the coco bread tasted like auntie Anne's. And yes she meant auntie Anne's the pretzel chain common at airports and shopping malls. They tasted like the freshest and most buttery version of those scrumptious smelling dough balls. I saw chef Kwame in the kitchen and had a little fan girl moment! While prices are high, considering the quality, artistry and notoriety behind this restaurant and the executive chef, I think it's a great place for a special occasion or when you're feeling like treating yourself. We split 5 dishes between 3 people and all left full and satisfied. Would recommend the piri piri salad for a fresh and unique bite (almond butter inside the avocado!). The dressing was also amazing. The hoe crab was pretty tasty, I liked the chili crisp on the crab, but I kind of wish the pancakes were warm and maybe the crab was cold for a temperature contrast. Everything was room temp in the dish. The waygu was a solid entree that was flavorful and cooked very well but not what we were expecting / envisioned. GET THE RUM CAKE! I usually am a rum cake hater but this changed my perspective. Best rum cake I've had, only wish there was more whipped cream on it. Service was attentive and the food came out fast. Ambiance is dark and moody, but sleek and sophisticated nonetheless. read more

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Dogon was a dream. Impeccable service and food. The rum cake was the highlight. I'm not a sweets person, and to have me eating it WITH MY HANDS...that's the sign of an excellent dessert right there, ok? read more

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Both breads: 10/10 Hoe Crab: 9/10 Braised Oxtail: 7.5/10 Jollof rice: 8/10 Shrimp: 7/10 Sweet and sour cabbage: 8/10 Drink: Astronomer - taste like a cinnamon stick - 8/10 Mocktail drink with pomegranate that I can't remember name: 9/10 Service: 10/10 Ambiance: Perfect for a date night. Very intimate with low lighting. read more

Dōgon - Braised oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The atmosphere is wonderful and the service is great. I had oxtails, greens and oysters. The meal was absolutely delicious. One of the best tasting of 2024. The only hit I have on Dogon is the prices. Especially for chicken and oxtails--over $60 for what should be the more affordable selections. However the seemingly high prices seem to be a common theme between here and his NYC spot, Tatiana. I eat at James Beard and Michelin restaurants frequently, so I understand food cost and low margins. Just hard to make it make sense at all times here. Nonetheless, Dogon is delicious and fun. I appreciate Chef Kwame and definitely recommend trying! read more

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We enjoyed our dinner tonight the hoe cake and crab. 10 out of 10, the Branzino 10 out of 10. The rum cake outstanding, the rum is super subtle but the cake is moist, rich and delicious. Everything was flavorful. Oh and the cornbread ‍ delicious. The jerk mushrooms were like a 3 out of 10 not our fave. The overall experience food, ambience, and service 10 out of 10. Our waiter Lumile (sp) was amazing , he was helpful and knowledgeable. One of my best waiters to date. read more

Food: The oysters were a 10/10! The sauce had bold flavor. It was so good I had three orders. The oxtail was a 9/10! Fall off the bone wagyu style meat. Seasoned very well. The texture was like eating butter. Removed 1 star because it was a little in the salty side. Service: The hostess was friendly and efficient, 10/10. Unfortunately the bartender's service was disappointing, 5/10. Took her awhile to acknowledge us at the bar, didn't ask if we were celebrating anything, after each dish didnt ask if we wanted to try something else, had to ask for water and the check twice (bar wasn't full or busy). Not the level of service I expected for this restaurant. Hopefully this will be addressed. We were at the bar on Fri. Feb 20th around 6:30 PM. Overall: Was great! The chef definitely did his thing! Highly recommend and definitely coming back. read more

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I was able to book Dōgon for my solo birthday celebration and it didn't disappoint. Located in the beautiful Salamander Washington DC, you are welcomed by beautiful art and an amazing chandelier. Checking in was easy and fast (with reservation). Pro tip: if you have an AMEX, your Global Dining Access benefit will assist you in securing a resy here quicker. The ambiance was warm and inviting and the music selection was perfect! Because I was a solo diner, I was seated near other patrons which worked perfectly bc we were seated close enough to have great convo but far enough to not invade each other's personal space. The girls next to me even purchased my first cocktail after hearing I was there solo for my birthday! So, do not be afraid to go solo!!! They even have a bar area! And I loved the open concept of the restaurant. The food was great! The only thing that I did not care for too much were the oysters. I felt it lacked flavor. However, once I put the garnish on top that they were served with, they were good! The oxtails were plentiful, meaty and super tender. I'm a rice girl so to be able to taste the coconut flavor in the rice was perfection. However, if you're not a coconut lover, I'd suggest another side dish. But, I loved it. Lastly, they ended my night with the rum cake for my birthday. That was by far my favorite dish. It came out warm and had like a candied crust on the bottom and it was garnished with a whipped cream that was so good! I ended the evening with a tasty espresso martini to top my dinner off. Overall, I had a great experience. I'd love to go back and try the coco bread, hoe crab and branzino. The plates are shareable so if you go with someone else, it will be perfect for ordering different dishes. Probably one of my favorite dining experiences since moving to the area. read more

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I'm definitely writing this from the bed because I had the itis so bad after this meal! I can't exclaim enough how good this food was. I will say that I had a few personal critiques just based on my own palette --I like my greens more vinegar based. We literally ate almost half the menu. Cornbread Hoe crab Oysters Greens Oxtails Curry branzino Rice n peas and jollof rice Rum cake. On top of all the food, the service was impeccable! Our server was so sweet and gave us the best recommendations. Best of all, their drink menu includes black-owned spirits and the music is fire! Book your reservation today! read more

Dōgon - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

4.5 Stars!! Service, ambiance and flavors are all what you'd expect from a celebrity Chef. Who ever figured out the lighting in this place deserves an Oscar. As a middle-aged person, hyper-dim lighting is not conducive to reading menus and taking food pics,; but there is magic being done here! Michelin style service from the moment you are greeted at the front all the way to the bill was impeccable. The open kitchen beams of energy and Chef Kwame walks around greeting guests. I'm not the biggest fan of shared small plates, but we were directed to picking 3 starters and 2 large plates if we wanted room for dessert. The Coco bread is pillowy and delicious with the house whipped butter and hot sauce. The Ben's bowl was not memorable at all. The crab was beautifully presented and straightforward and delicious. For the larger delicious. I was a skeptic about the BBQ Greens, but they did what they had to do to honor my Southern ancestors and they were amazing (especially with that hot sauce). The Oxtails were finger liking good. Bold, heavy but we left no meat on the bone! A stand-out dish for sure. Where Dogon really shows it's elevated angle is the Curry Branzino. Something that could have gone too close to the Asian continent is layered with flavors. You almost get a different dish depending on what bites end up on your fork. Caribbean in one bite, Cape Malay in another! Masterful work and beautifully presented! It was a friend's birthday so they came out with a candle lit piece of the Rum Cake and it took me back to the cruises I did when I was younger and picking up that tin of rum cake from Grand Bahamas!! Perfect way to end the meal. Elegant and full of flavor. Dogon is a win! read more

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What a good time, Daniel was our server and was knowledgeable of the menu and able to answer all the questions that we had. I had the oxtail. The flavor was fantastic. The spice level was just right not overbearing. The dessert was perfectly balanced the texture the way the flavors melted together and it wasn't overly sweet. I would definitely recommend here. read more

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I really wanted to like this place but the price tag was just a bit high for the amount of food for me. The server was great but just not a revisit or a recommend for me. What we got: - Hoe Crab: 3/5 I saw soooo many good reviews for this but it fell flat for me, not enough crab in my opinion - Bone Marrow: 5/5 definitely get this, it's not clear but this is not just bone marrow, it comes with bbq lamb that was delicious and a full order of coco bread, you could not fit the amount of meat on all the coco bread - Curry Branzino: 3/5, this was ~$80 and I just don't think it was enough food. Limited amount of curry and hard to find the bones when the restaurant is so dark read more

Interesting flavors. Nice service and great options to choose from. Not a cheap place though. read more

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Well. What can I say about this restaurant...? I'll start by stating, the ambiance, premier. Appointments, throughout the restaurant was beautiful. Seductive, low lighting makes it perfect for date night. It also accommodates small and large groups; I was there for an eight party Birthday. The service, exceptional. Our waiter "Demetrius," was exceptional. Attentive, hospitable, wonderful with everyone, all around fantastic. Now on to the food... we ordered pretty much all the appetizers, and quite a few of the entrees. Everything was delicious. Everyone had their favorites; mine were the "Bone Marrow," "Mom Duke's Shrimp," and "Ben's Bowl." Our bill, including tax and tip, was close to 1K; we also gave our server an additional tip. He was just that good. It's a perfect restaurant for any special day, or celebration. I feel that the price point is equitable for the food, service, ambiance, and the over ALL experience. I highly recommend. read more

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Had the pleasure of finally dining at Dogon recently after months of stalking their reservations! First off the vibes are immaculate.. loved the 90s r&b playing all night as we dined. For a late Tuesday night the place was packed out! For starters we started with the Coco bread, Hoe Crab, and Charbroiled Oysters. The oysters were 100% the standout of the three followed by the Hoe Crab. While the coco bread was good, the butter it came with was advertised as "malted sorghum butter" but it just tasted like regular butter. For main entrees we ordered the Mom Dukes Shrimp, Branzino, and the Oxtail. All were delicious but I think the branzino was my favorite!! It was seasoned well and the sauce was tasty but I will say it did not include callaloo or okra as mentioned on the menu. Lastly, dessert.. I am not a dessert girl by any means and I usually skip but my friends forced the rum cake on me and I'm SO GLAD THEY DID. It was amazing, warm, fresh.. the perfect balance of sweetness with the fresh cream *licks lips*. Personal opinion: the gooseberries aren't needed. All in all we had a solid first experience and our server Pascha was lovely (I hope that's how you spell it!). As for pricing, you'll definitely spend a pretty penny here so make sure to check out the menus posted from other users for reference since prices aren't on the official site. read more

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First let's start with making the reservation the options are dining and lounge. I made a lounge reservation and didn't realize it was only snacks and small plates and drinks, so keep this in mind when making reservations. This was fine. What was not fine was the nearly 1 hour wait in the lobby of the hotel for the table to be ready. Which we later found out the tables were being used for the dining room guest to sit at and wait for their table. We checked in were told we would receive a call when the table was ready, it didn't happen. We checked back about 45 or so minutes later and were told we could be seated. The area is small and the tables are low cocktail tables but it made for an intimate drinks and light bites type of night. The service was awesome once seated and will definitely be back to try a real meal in the dining room. The food was however small plates and snacks but for the most part really delicious. The only exception was the mama duke's shrimp which was pretty unbearable on the salt. The hoe cakes from the crab and Joe cakes dish stole the show. They were soft and delicious! The Piri Piri salad was actually stunning in color and delicious in taste. The drinks were pretty tasty too! The sliders were so good we ordered it twice. The rum cake was a perfect dessert to finish off the meal with it was warm, fluffy and not too sweet. The gooseberries also helped to balance off the sweetness with a bite of tartness. read more

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Quite simply put, this is my favorite restaurant! There isn't a dish I've tried that was not exceptionally delicious! Pictures speak for themselves - go try for yourself! read more

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5 stars! Service was impeccable. Food was amazing. The ambiance was sexy, beautiful, and intimate even in a sizable space. read more

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There was a reason why I was anticipating to go to Dōgon... It was too good! I was excited to finally snag a reservation for myself and my significant other. Reservations are highly recommended if you want to avoid a long wait. When we arrived for our reservation, we received a warm welcome and we were escorted to a lounge area as our table wasn't ready. The lounge was intimate, plus there was a cocktail menu. We were able to start off with drinks first. We were here for about 15-20 minutes before being seated. Once we arrived to our table, our server was pleasant and knowledgeable of the entire menu in detail. We shared the cornbread, hoe crab and fried whitting sliders to start---chef's kiss. I then enjoyed the oxtail dish that came with a side of rice peas. This dish was so flavorful! Lastly, we finished off with the rum cake which had a perfect balance of sweet and savory. I loved my experience and can't wait to go back! read more

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By far one of the best restaurants I've gone to in awhile. The ambience is very sexy and the mood is goes well with the food menu it was feeling like culture was in the room. The server was absolutely amazing, friendly, knowledgeable and even helped me celebrate my birthday. The food was the real star of the show it was very pricey but it was worth every penny. The ribs were falling off the bone and the branzino was fried to perfection. I had no complaints. read more

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In all honesty, I would give this place a 3. This is coming from someone with West African roots and an affinity for Caribbean culture, who has many African/Caribbean family & friends and has fine dined before. Location: I respect where it is located, especially once you consider the price point. It allows for others unfamiliar with these cultures to get a taste of it. Do I think it could be somewhere that's a better fit? Absolutely. 4/5 Ambience: It's beautiful. The interior is well done. Gives a chill vibe with the dim lighting. The music is straight from my playlists. I enjoyed it. 90s/00s R&B and classic hits. We went on a Friday night so it also gave prelude to a night out. Would love if it included some African/Caribbean music. Seating was too close for comfort but not a deal breaker. Clean bathrooms. 4/5 Service: From the door to when we exited, it was perfect. We had the first reservation of the night. The hostess was professional and pleasant. We were seated within 1-2 mins of checking in. Everyone greeted us as we approached our table. Our server Blake was very knowledgeable, has great direction and gave good descriptions of cocktails and meals. We even had her order a small plate for us and we really liked it. Other servers and staff were nice upon interaction. Our glasses were never without water. Even as it started to get busy, Blake made sure to check in on us. To me, the service was fitting for a fine dining experience. 5/5 Cocktails: They were good. Not sure if they were $20 range good. But I liked my drinks. I ordered the Mango Smash and the Sorel Rickey. The Mango Smash was tropical and tasty. I think the Sorel Rickey was a good alcoholic adaptation on sorrel. It was my favorite drink. My mate had the Dolce de Ju, which was good. I personally could've done without the rim. They also had an espresso martini with cream liqueur. Blake tried to give us the restaurant's version of the espresso martini but the bar was either out of the materials or no longer doing that version. The espresso martini received had a floral taste to it. From what? I couldn't tell you. I just didn't like it. 4/5 Now, to the main course... Food: - Coco bread was good to me; my dining partner thought otherwise. Thought it tasted like dinner rolls which I could see why. But they were nice and fluffy. - The cornbread was also good. It's soft and the butter served with it had a unique taste. I could taste the cumin or curry spice used in it. - The oysters could have been better. Our serving had barely any oyster filling. There was more soup than oyster. It was overpowering. The soup placed in the oyster shell tasted more like Thai yellow coconut curry to me. I didn't get much of a Caribbean vibe from this but it tasted good. I think this is new compared to the charbroiled menu version online. There were also hard bits and shells in a couple. - I struggled with the tuna shito. It's raw tuna served with a unique sauce. I tried to tell myself that it's like eating sashimi, which I do like, but I just couldn't get into it. Again, I questioned the cultural significance of the dish as Africans/Caribbeans don't eat raw foods. I get if it's an adaptation but I don't understand its reasoning on the menu. - Ben's bowl. The bowl has potential but I wasn't a fan of the deep fried lamb. The chickpea curry helped with the taste but I personally think the lamb should've been braised or grilled. - The Hoe Crab was a favorite. I loved the adaption of plantains into mini pancakes. Very creative. Adding the crab and aji verde sauce drizzled over all of it... mmmm I see why it is a popular order. It was delicious. - The Wagyu Braised Oxtails (new item) fell short. It had some tenderism. But the flavor felt like something was missing. For the price point, this should have been THE BEST oxtails I've had and... it just wasn't. The rice needed to brown more and fell short in flavor as well. The dish was quite mediocre. This item replaced the short ribs on the menu. 3/5 Price Point: I don't mind spending my coins. But after having the food, I left unimpressed especially with the oxtails. It was the most expensive food item on the menu. This doesn't compare to the other fine dining establishments I've visited. I felt like I was just paying for the ambience, service and drinks. For this, I feel like I would've been better off just ordering drinks. I attached the receipt for reference. Kwame, we have to do better... 2/5 Overall, I love supporting black businesses and those that push boundaries. I just think Kwame needs to go back to the drawing board. Figure out a way to truly intertwine the cultures he is pulling inspiration from. I don't know if I'd purposely come back but I might for a drink or two, if I'm in the area and I can find a time slot. read more

Dōgon - Receipt - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The positives: First thing is that the ambiance is very elegant and inviting! The waiter, Travis, offered great service and was attentive! The cornbread had the perfect amount sweetness and came out warm and fluffy. Had to order 2 servings to get my fix. The improvements: I ordered the BBQ greens and was sorely disappointed. The bacon was not crispy the lack of BBQ flavor was missed in the greens. I would of loved if it had that b flavor and if the sauce was a little thicker to coat the greens since the BBQ caught my eye and was the reason I ordered the meal. The chicken and rice left me wanting something else. The jollof rice was not memorable and the flavors tasted as if seafood was came into contact with the product, which didn't blend well with the chicken. The chicken was a great portion but the flavors also were underwhelming for me as well. read more

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This was an amazing dining experience! Every dish was excellent! Although you do have to stalk for a reservation, it is absolutely worth it. As a tip, check 24 hours in advance of the next day to catch a reservation. We sat near the kitchen and it was so cool watching the chefs. They were so professional! The service was great! All the staff was kind. I had an amazing interaction with the hostess. I was celebrating my mom's heavenly birthday and she was extremely kind to me :) Parking is valet or there are two garages within walking distance. Overall, an amazing dining experience worth every penny spent! I will return! read more

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Finally made it to Dogon to see what all the hype was about--and it definitely lived up to it! Nestled in the Salamander hotel, this beautiful restaurant is a must-visit. With really good food, amazing ambiance and great service, it's a place you'll definitely want to return to. Here are some of my thoughts: Environment Dogon is tucked away in the Salamander hotel and has a beautiful modern aesthetic. The dim lighting throughout the space creates an intimate vibe and ambiance that is perfect for date nights, birthday celebrations or drinks with friends. Just make sure that you make reservations well in advance - Dogon books up fast and reservations are hard to get! Service The service was great! Our server was attentive and super helpful with both drink and food recommendations. The food came out quickly and they made sure we had everything we needed throughout the night. Food We really loved the food. We tried a few items on the menu and the highlights were the coco bread, the branzino and the rice. Honestly, I would come back just for drinks and coco bread. It was warm, fluffy and just everything! The branzino was surprisingly delicious with the rice and sauce that complimented it nicely. I'd come back for all these items. The BBQ greens weren't far behind in terms of yummy food. The chicken and rice entree was solid but i'm not sure I'd order it again. The drinks were creative, delightful and perfect for the meal. The menu was appealing and I'd love to explore more items on my next visit. Overall Dogon is a great place with good food with a wonderful atmosphere. While it didn't quite hit 5 stars for me (It's tough for any place to get that from me) It's absolutely worth visiting, and I'm looking forward to returning. Just keep in mind that it is a bit pricey, so it's perfect for special occasions or when you're looking to treat yourself. read more

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Hi Dogon Team, I just wanted to share how incredible my experience has been. It was such a pleasure meeting your owner, Kwame Onwuachi--truly an honor. From the moment I walked in, everything has been exceptional. Your staff, the food, the service--honestly, the best I've ever experienced. And that's not said lightly. I've traveled all over the world--Bali, Jamaica, the Bahamas--and across the U.S. including New York (where I'm from), Miami, LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Laguna Beach, and even Toronto. And still--nothing compares. As someone from New York, where we pride ourselves on having some of the best food and service in the world, I don't say this casually. Dogon has truly set a new standard. For context, Shoto has been my go-to--I've been there almost every weekend. But over the past month, I've found myself choosing Dogon consistently instead. The level of professionalism, attention to detail, and overall experience simply doesn't compare. I also want to take a moment to recognize your exceptional team: Lumi is, without question, the best staff member I've encountered--professional, sharp, incredibly hardworking, and consistently delivering service with such a genuine, good heart. Truly standout. Jesse and Carlos are also favorites of mine--both warm, attentive, and always going above and beyond. Jesse, especially, left a lasting impression on me--despite being in an accident, he still showed up with kindness, care, and excellence. That level of dedication is rare. J at the front always sets the tone the right way--welcoming, attentive, and above and beyond from the moment you walk in. And your manager (I believe her name is Cassandra--apologies if I have that slightly wrong), who shared about her son at a private school, was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and clearly leads with heart. It shows throughout the entire team. You all are doing something very special--this is what true hospitality feels like. Please keep it going. I will absolutely continue to support and bring others with me. Warmly, Brya read more

4.75 stars but we're rounding for yelps sake. First, Dōgon was the best food I've had in 2025. The coco bread was like eating a cloud. Absolutely fantastic. The oysters were chef's kiss, it comes with a stew they really should allow you to purchase to go. The collard greens were so smoky... truly phenomenal. Now for the .25 points deducted. The jollof was... shockingly a skip. Considering the stew served with the oysters, I maybe had unrealistic expectations. The wagyu was definitely not wagyu. I get annoyed when words are not utilized appropriately on a menu. The dessert!! The rum cake!! "Wow" doesn't begin to cover it. Truly life changing. Whatever you do, do not miss it nor the coco br read more

Dōgon - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Listen. Run. Do not walk. Run, especially if you can catch a reservation. Dōgon is amazing. Chef Kwame opens nothing but hits! The food, service, decor -- he never misses. He was there during our visit and stopped by a few times to ensure we were satisfied. Situated inside the Salamander Hotel, you should already have a certain level of expectation: classy, sexy, sleek. The decor is beautiful. The lighting is a tad bit darker than what my aging eyes would prefer, but still nice. I didn't have to pull out the flashlight on my phone -- some may. The chandelier is modern and very sleek. It reminded me of icicles in a way...piercing. On the food - we ordered the lobster, chargrilled oysters and the rum cake. I kid you not, the sauce on that lobster made me say out loud, "this reminds me of my grandmother." For context, Dōgon's cuisine is Afro-Caribbean inspired, and I have Caribbean heritage. So, the sauce on the lobster reminded me of a tomato-based sauce that my grandmother makes...top notch / authentic. And, I wanted more. You will have to order rice or veggies a la carte. The oysters were a hit too. The accoutrement seemed like a tomato based sauce as well. I could be wrong. I'm sure I'm wrong, but it was good nonetheless. And lastly the rum cake--while it was tasty, it wasn't the best, but I would order again. And finally - service. Philippe was great. He's from Mexico and I told him I wanted to brush up on my Spanish, so we interacted speaking Spanish for the evening. I thought that was nice of him to help me use words that I don't use daily. All-in-all, 10/10! Cheers read more

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I made a reservation for a Thursday at 7:15p. I highly recommend making a reservation. The ease and professional demeanor of the staff was exceptional. I decided to have a drink in the Lounge prior to dinner. I ordered the cornbread and it was a 10/10. For food we ordered Ben's Bowl, BBQ Greens, Curry Branzino, and the Chicken and Rice. I have tried the Branzino before so I knew it would be good. This was my first time trying the chicken and jollof rice. I was expecting a more authentic Jollof. Ida was amazing helping me pick a drink in the Lounge. Our server in the dining area was very attentive and was able to anticipate our every need. He even sliced the chicken dish when it arrived at the table. The ambiance is beautiful. Sexy. Great for date night, celebrating a special night out, or just catching up with friends. If you have had the pleasure of dining at Tatiana then you already know. read more

The ambiance at Dogon is perfect for a date night, birthday dinner, etc. It is definitely an upscale vibe, which is reflected in the prices. I was asked to put away my ring light, which was interesting as this has never happened to me before at a restaurant and I've seen several content creators make reels and TikToks here that definitely used external lighting. Just something to keep in mind. My drink was called "the spirit of the dunes" and was definitely an acquired taste. My waiter warned us it was "savory" which made me want to try it more. It almost tasted like pickle juice. Interesting to say the least. As for the food: The curry branzino was delicious with perfectly crispy skin and a flaky interior. However, I think it could be perceived as salty to some. The coco bread was also delicious . I enjoyed the salty balance with the sweet butter. My friend got the chicken and rice. She said the chicken was juicy and tender and was pleasantly surprised by the portion. We both were not impressed by the jollof. It had a different taste than what I'm used to. Perhaps it was made with seafood stock?? We both agree the star of the show was the rum cake. I would go back just for this alone. I have never a rum cake be so faintly infused with rum, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had a crust on the outside but the inside was moist and buttery. It was like biting a warm hug. read more

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The food and service here were 10/10, this was one of the best restaurants I've dined at in DC! Make your reservations early because they book up. I dined at 6pm on Tuesday and the dining room was packed! The music is awesome and service just as good. Lumi was so attentive and communicative as a server (ask for him!), he knew all the dishes and drinks and provided excellent recommendations. The entrees are enormous and I especially recommend the wagyu short rib, it is so tender and juicy. Restaurant is huge and restrooms are clean. Will definitely be back soon! read more

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