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    Eunoia

    4.5 (24 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Drinks menu 2.13.26
    Stephanie D.

    The restaurant feels like a cozy small space. It was relatively easy to score a reservation a few days before. Very walkable from NOMA metro, or park at the La cosecha garage. The menu had three sections and we decided not to go for any of the mains, being more drawn to the intermediates, ordering all 4 off that section and the Bulgarian banitsa off the small dishes. Creative dishes but not wowed by the execution. My husband and I enjoyed the ribeye tataki the most- guacamole was yummy but my husband didn't think the ribeye had much flavor. The mole is our second liked dish. I was more disappointed by the squash quesadilla- I like my butternut sweet but they smoked it, making a more savory flavor, which is not my preference. The Bulgarian banitsa was very light and small, and the texture was too much phyllo for me and not enough of the filling. We ordered pumpkin cheesecake for dessert, rich enough for two to share. 6 dishes was plenty for the two of us. Some people next to us seemed to order mains and a couple of smaller dishes. The restaurant has two levels, and the second level looks into a Pilates studio (which also doubles as a private dining room). There was a Pilates class going on when we arrived at 5:30, but we were seated on the first level. The service was very attentive and came by our table often, but our dishes were paced a bit slow, we were there for 2 hours. There are two gender neutral restrooms and the one I used had a black toilet- an ick for me, can't see whether they're clean!!

    Ribeye Tataki
    Kevin L.

    We discovered Eunoia while enjoying the sights and sounds of Union Market. It was like a well-placed oasis away from the chaos of the hustle and bustle around the area. We were greeted, seated, and received amazing service from start to finish. Jonnathan and team took care of us and made the night really special! The food and drinks were all phenomenal!

    Shane S.

    Eunoia blends Mexican, Bulgarian, and Japanese influences--with a subtle Mid-Atlantic touch--into a menu that's inventive, balanced, and full of character. Each dish feels intentional, with flavors that play beautifully together and should evolve with the seasons. The beverage program holds its own--the wine list is well-curated, and the cocktails are crafted with precision and personality. Service is warm, attentive, and clearly proud of what's coming out of the kitchen. Huge kudos to the chef and team for creating such a creative, dynamic, and genuinely enjoyable dining experience. Already looking forward to the next visit.

    Happy hour menu
    Hayward L.

    Friendly staff, good service and nice cocktails. Decent happy hour deals. Liked their short rib rigatoni and sea bass from the dinner menu.

    Chicken
    Ryan B.

    Solid place to get dinner. The ambiance is great and the staff was very nice. The cocktails are delicious but the portions are small just a heads up. The French fries are the perfect snack.

    Radicchio Salad
    Mar R.

    Great food. Exceptionally friendly for gluten free / celiac. Would be 5 starts if you have a vegetarian entree. Flavors super interesting, staff is lovely

    Amuse busche
    Taylor D.

    The team's hospitality was so accommodating. They were kind enough to let us dine even though it was the end of the evening. They made sure to come by to answer all questions, they were kind, patient and didn't seem to rush us. Each course came out in waves, and the team cleared the table completely, brought new silverware in between courses. The food was so flavorful and light. The mushroom soup was reminiscent of a miso soup. The grilled bass was also delicious, the only thing it was difficult to eat around the bones. However, the experience was so great I'd definitely come back!

    Julia P.

    Second night open, love it. Would definitely return if we weren't about to move away. But you can! If you feel like restaurant food is all tasting about the same, try some interesting flavor combinations in a beautiful welcoming space! Our server (I'm sorry I do not recall her name) noticed details without being at all intrusive and gave just the right amount of information about the dishes.

    A Union Market standout, Eunoia is already one of DC's best. Eunoia is the kind of restaurant that makes you stop mid-bite, look at your dining partner, and just nod because words feel inadequate. Chef Josa Maldonado, trained at The French Laundry (3 Michelin stars), Pujol (2 stars) and Jatak (1 star), is crafting something truly special here. His fusion of Mexican, Bulgarian and Japanese influences with nods to the Mid-Atlantic is not just clever, it is soulful, bold and deeply thought-out. Each dish feels like a conversation between cultures, elevated by seasonal ingredients and an evolving menu that always promises something new. From the very first amuse bouche to the unexpected gifts from the kitchen throughout the night, it is clear this team loves hospitality and understands the magic of surprise and delight. The beverage program is just as impressive. Beverage Manager Alexa has curated an incredible wine list that perfectly matches the menu's creativity and nuance. Bartenders Chris, Enzo and Jose built an incredible cocktail menu with precision and personality, delivering drinks that are as beautifully balanced as they are inventive. Service is warm, attentive and genuinely excited about the food they are presenting, which makes the experience feel even more special. Union Market has no shortage of great dining spots, but Eunoia is operating on another level. If you love culinary storytelling, impeccable execution and a dining experience that feels both world-class and personal, this is a must-visit. Highly recommended, and already a contender for one of DC's most exciting new restaurants.

    Banitsa
    Plamen K.

    I'm Bulgarian and when I heard there was a Bulgarian - Mexican - Japanese fusion place opening right down the street from me, I had to check it out. Growing up I had never seen a Bulgarian restaurant in the US, so this was worth it even for the novelty. We had the banitsa pastry, grilled black bass fish, and pork shoulder. The banitsa is a ubiquitous Bulgarian street food, and the flavors were just right, though the presentation was unlike anything I've seen, extremely thin and with an exaggerated filo dough crown. I thought it was an interesting attempt to turn it into haute cuisine, but I'd prefer my mom's for next time. The grilled bass was tasty, with a slightly chewy skin and stuffed with vegetables and perhaps some minced fish inside. The tarator spread was again an interesting take on the classic cold soup, but it didn't exactly bring me back to having a fish on the Black Sea coast. Also, what do I do with the tortillas? The pork shoulder on the other hand was extremely tender and juicy. Overall the ambience was very pleasant and I loved the jazz music and urban views out the windows. The service was also very friendly and prompt, and they're just getting going after their first week opening. I would come back again, especially to try the vegetable dishes. I wouldn't say any of the flavors brought me back to childhood trips to Bulgaria, but I appreciate what the chef is trying to do with the cuisine. I'm only a bit concerned they may not appreciate the Bulgarian flavor profiles the owners are insisting on while clearly very comfortable with the Mexican ones. In fact there is a lot in common, with both cultures centering on fresh vegetables, and especially roasted peppers, in meals. I'm curious what they'll do in the next season, when I hope to be back again.

    Rachel D.

    I'm convinced Eunoia will be one of DC's most exceptional spots, and Chef Josa deserves serious attention for the caliber of this rotating menu: which showcases both his creativity and skill. The space is trendy and chic, without compromising on feeling intimate and warm. The menu is honestly artful and much more nuanced than often found at such an accessible price point. Both when I came by for a solo meal and when I hosted a large group event upstairs in the loft, I was completely struck by the quality of the ingredients and curation of the dishes. Guests remarked that even the salad left them speechless, and the eggplant dish was easily among the most distinctive and satisfying dishes I've ever had. For the large group event, Cynia and the rest of the team did an incredible job of working with me to curate the event and incorporate special touches: adding beautiful touches like fresh flowers, candle lighting, and a specialty menu. Even at the discounted prices, the small plates were generously portioned and included gluten free and vegan options for our group. Having heard Chef Josa's story of integrating influences from different countries, and having experienced both the food and the setting, several of us agreed this restaurant is worthy of serious recognition. We were grateful to be among the early customers, and we look forward to hosting again for a special occasion in the unique event space!

    Pork shoulder tacos

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    5 months ago

    The food was very good but the service was above and beyond, Jose was a pleasure! JJose was so warm and made our experience so enjoyable!

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    6 months ago

    The food was delicious! So many unique flavors. Never had anything like it. The eggplant and the pork shoulder were highlights!

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    6 months ago

    Every dish was creative and delicious. Service was excellent. Can't wait to come back.

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    El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria - Fajita El Sol

    El Sol Restaurant & Tequileria

    (779 reviews)

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    Shaw, Downtown

    This place hit the spot, even toddler approved! We ordered take out and it was prepared pretty…read morequickly. The menu is quite extensive, it took us longer to decide on what we wanted. I got the nachos, my husband got tacos, and we got a chicken quesadilla for our toddler. The nachos were PILED with toppings and so colorful - even in a take out container is looked beautiful. They were SO tasty, very full of flavor and spice. My husband said the tacos were delicious and our toddler actually ate a lot of the quesadilla. Win all around. Highly recommend!

    In town for the week, tried to get into Unconventional Diner for brunch...a backup was needed. We…read moreventured down a few blocks looking for anything and found El Sol. Fair sized joint with a smallish patio out front. Having perused the menu on the way, I was looking to try something just beyond "staple of cheap Mexican." Sadly, we were presented with brunch menus, so it was a breakfast burrito for me and the breakfast tacos for her. I was remarkably hungry, so the burrito was eaten (and quickly). But truth be told, it's standard Mexican fare made with breakfast ingredients. No more description necessary - you've had this before and you'll have it again. The service was marginally lackluster- if you're not in a big party, you might get shuffled down in prioritization (or at least I thought we were...once ready to leave I did the 'fidget with credit card' trick to get the staff to close us out. It took frustratingly long. All in all, if I lived in the neighborhood, this would be my cheap Mexican place and more out of convenience than culinary merit.

    dLeña - Pork Belly** and Short Rib**

    dLeña

    (1.3k reviews)

    $$$

    Came last night before a comedy show at the Capital One Arena and OMG...10/10 hands down I have no…read morenotes. We went in right as they opened, on a Friday at 5 pm, and there was already a line! The reservations were full, but we were offered a seat either at the bar or outside. Luckily it was a beautiful day so we took a seat outside. They started us off with a sweet hibiscus flavored juice as a palate cleanser which was super refreshing. The left side of the menu had appetizers and shareables, while the right side had entrees. We ordered the short rib tacos, pork belly, wagyu empanadas, and seafood enchiladas. Everything had a beautiful bright orange sauce on it and made it look like it would be spicy but it wasn't! I think it's their signature guajillo sauce and it was VERY good, super creamy. Seafood enchiladas: This was my fav. Might have been because it was extremely hungry and it was my first bite. Definitely best when eaten warm, as the cheese is gooiest and the seafood inside is hot. I wasn't sure how the salad was going to be but it added a perfect refreshing and acidity to balance out the creamy sauce. Wagyu empanadas: Much gooey-er and cheesier than expected, but also a hit! Came with a decent amount of beef inside. Comes with the orange sauce and a chimichurri, which I think was a good idea because given how cheesy and creamy the filling already was, the chimichurri was a nice balance as well. Pork belly: Melts as soon as you cut into it. The Asian in me low key wanted a giant bowl of rice with this so that I could soak up all the sauce and veggies. Pretty fatty so if you're not a fan of that you might not like this. Short rib tacos: These were loaded, not with meat but with tons of crunchy topping (maybe fried carrots?) Could have done with slightly less crunch but overall still good. The orange sauce on the bottom had a peanuty flavor which I thought added a unique kick. Also, we were surprised at how quickly the food came out. We were in and out in under an hour. Our server Rebecca was also extremely nice. Will def be back if in the area. Highly recommend all around!

    I came to dLeña for brunch with friends on a Saturday, and overall, it was a decent experience but…read morenot one I'd necessarily go out of my way to repeat. We went around 11:30, so it started off pretty quiet, but as brunch picked up, it definitely got louder. The ambiance is nice though, very laid-back, chill, and a great vibe for a group brunch or celebration. We did the bottomless brunch, and one thing I really appreciated is that the bottomless food and drinks are priced separately. Not everyone in our group wanted drinks, so it was nice that we were only charged for the people who actually ordered them. The only downside is that mocktails aren't included. The food is served as small plates brought out progressively, but I do wish this had been explained better upfront. It was presented as if they would just bring items out, but it wasn't clearly communicated that we could also order anything we wanted from the menu. That made the experience feel a bit confusing. The meal started off strong. The salad was fresh, and there was a fruit/yogurt dish with agave that was honestly one of the best things we had. From there, it became hit or miss. The ceviche and chips were good, the fish tacos were solid, and I appreciated that they had some vegetarian options (though somewhat limited). The waffle and churro were highlights, but the potato hash fell flat. As the meal went on, service slowed down quite a bit. We were waiting a while for certain items (like the corn), and it felt like things just started to lag toward the end. Service overall followed a similar pattern. Strong at the beginning, but less attentive as it got busier. Overall, I'd rate it around a 7 out of 10. It's a fun spot for the experience and group setting, but the lack of clarity and inconsistency in pacing took away from it. I might consider trying it for dinner since I've heard good things, but for brunch, it's not a place I'd go out of my way to revisit.

    Mi Vida - Fish taco

    Mi Vida

    (230 reviews)

    $$$

    Penn Quarter

    Worked a full day, and didn't eat lunch. I was looking for a nearby Happy Hour. I found this one…read moreonline, and that their HH started at 3. Perfect timing! This is Directly across from the Chinatown Metro, F /7th St NW. TACO Tuesdays, are $4.50 on HH (compared to $6 HH tacos) I tried the Pescado (fish) and Camarones (Shrimp). The Shrimp was the BEST!!! I also ended up getting 2 ALITAS ($2 each) Marinated wings. SOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD! And the DE LA CASA ($8) good! and Ponche De Lola ($8) Refreshing!! Tables outside. Bar was clean. Hostess was very nice! Bartender was helpful and nice, answered all of my questions I will be back!

    We were here to celebrate one of our friend's birthday. Glad we reserved the time around the…read moreWizards game as this place wasn't crowded much as the game was going on. Parking can be hard to find in the area during the game days. I recommend taking the metro or bike if you live in DC. The ambiance was great. The service was great as well. The server recommended some of her favorite apps to start with. Highly recommend the freshly made quac and hot salsa with the chips. So good. One of the best hot salsa in the city. For entrees I ordered the chicken fajita and my husband ordered the birria tacos. The tacos did not come with the sauce. We thought the birria tacos was suppose to come with the sauce. When we asked the server she said you have to order it separately. Well that's mostly why I am giving them 4 stars and also the chicken in my fajita was pretty dry. I had to dip it in the hot salsa to make it nice and juicy.

    Jaleo

    Jaleo

    (2.7k reviews)

    $$$

    Penn Quarter

    I met up with a few friends here after attending the nearby escape room…read more Jaleo has been on my list for a long time. I love Jose Andres and have been to a couple of his restaurants. The restaurant was packed. So for sure get a reservation if you can. First things first, the restaurant is beautiful. The art, the menus, the ambiance. Just a really great hangout spot. Our server was really knowledgeable and friendly. As for the food , unfortunately, i didn't have anything that blew me away. My mini hamburger/Ibérico de bellota mini hamburguesa was actually my favorite item. Very juicy and flavorful. Though $13.00 for one slider was a bit much. My least favorite was the rabbit confit with apricot puree/Conejo en salmorejo con puré de albaricoques. I was excited about this because I can't recall the last time I've ever had rabbit but I think it was the texture of the puree that took away from the dish. Coming in at the middle was the seafood paella. I know it's one of the restaurants headlining menu items but I found the seasoning inconsistent. The rice seemed a bit salty and the shrimp was pretty bland. Combining it to balance it out didn't yield the flavor I was hoping for. Weirdly enough, if I went back and the table ordered it again, I definitely wouldn't mind but probably wouldn't get it myself unless my companions were interested. All in all, I'm not opposed to trying other items on the menu should I know anyone who would like to visit though I can't say it hooked me enough for me to go on my own accord

    I really wanted to love this place. I have passed it for years and finally chose it for our…read moreanniversary dinner, but the experience was very disappointing. We ordered the patatas bravas and sent them back because they were just basic potatoes with mayo. The calamari was good, and the salted fish fritters were okay. We came specifically for the seafood paella, but after waiting about 45 minutes, it arrived cold with undercooked rice and was not edible. Management did come over after we sent it back, which I appreciated, but we had a show to catch and could not wait for a remake. We ended up leaving hungry and had to eat when we got home. Overall, very underwhelming, especially for a restaurant I had been excited to try for years.

    Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

    Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

    (2.9k reviews)

    $$

    Downtown

    I had gone here for a family dinner on Sunday,March 22nd. This is my second time dining at this…read morelocation and the food always has a great flavor, the drinks as well. I had made a reservation for 7 but one of my family members had to cancel last minute. When we were walked to our table, we walked past a table for 6 and then we continued walking past it. We ended up being sat at a table for 4 with two chairs on the end of it. We had asked to be moved over but they had said they were going to split the table into two seperate tables. Now, I question where they were going to seat us if we were 7! Personally, I don't like to be bumping knees at the table, especially if we are paying a few hundred for our dinner. I understand that the restaurant wants to make as much money as possible however I believe they can do so without making an uncomfortable experience for their patrons.

    This is a must visit when in DC…read more I enjoyed this place so much that I dined here back to back with two different groups and both raved about the octopus. We came during happy hour from 4-7 PM, which only applies to alcoholic beverages. The cocktails were excellent and definitely worth ordering. Service was a bit inconsistent, as our first visit had better timing and attentiveness, but both servers were pleasant. Each table was also given a dish of corn nuts to snack on while waiting for food. *Pinazo: the lightest cocktail I tried. The pineapple flavor came through clearly even though the puree was not visible. It was very fragrant, though I could not detect the amarena cherry. The fruit largely masked the vodka. *Lychee Pisco: the lychee puree itself was mild, with most of the flavor coming from the fruit garnish. The elderflower and hibiscus notes were more prominent. As someone who enjoys floral profiles, I liked this, though others may find it more perfumed than expected. *Guapo's Pisco: the passionfruit was again on the milder side, while the ginger beer stood out more. Served in a metal mug, it drank like a sweeter Moscow Mule. *Passion Pisco Sour: the pisco sours had more distinct and vibrant flavors overall, and I would highly recommend them if you enjoy fruit forward drinks with an egg white finish. There is also a flight option, which I would have ordered if not for happy hour. This one was my favorite, with a well balanced mix of tartness and sweetness. *Chicha Sour: more tart than the passion version, with a warmer, spiced undertone. The cinnamon added a subtle smokiness, though it still leaned sweeter than expected. *Ceviche Sampler: includes tradicional, cremoso, and callejero. A great way to try a range of flavors, and everyone in my group had a different favorite. I would recommend asking for crispy plantains, as they were not automatically included and help carry the seafood. The tradicional leaned heavily on acidity, allowing the fish to shine, though it felt a bit one note. The sweet potato helped balance it. The callejero was my favorite, with a noticeable kick in the leche de tigre. The cancha and choclo added nuttiness, earthiness, and crunch. The cremoso sat in between, with more body and a slightly sweeter, richer profile thanks to the sweet potato. My only complaint was that the fish pieces were cut quite large, so we had to break them down further. *Causa Sampler: another trio featuring crocante, tartare, and pollo. These were heavier despite the smaller portions. The whipped potato base was well seasoned and had more structure than typical mashed potatoes. The crocante featured a large fried shrimp with rocoto aioli, though I would have preferred the sauce on the side. The flavor leaned like a standard spicy mayo. The tuna tartare had a Japanese influence, but the aioli was overly sweet, making the dish feel cloying. A thicker layer of avocado could have helped balance it. The wonton crisp was also missing both times I ordered it. The chicken version was the most mild and rustic, and needed more acidity or spice to bring it together. Despite this, the trio had potential with some adjustments. *Plancha Pulpo: a must order. This featured a large grilled octopus leg served with causa and choclo on a sizzling plate. The octopus had a smoky char and garlicky chimichurri, with a perfect balance of tenderness and chew. It rivaled a well cooked steak and was easily the standout dish. *Lomo Saltado: medium rare tenderloin stir fried with onions and peppers. The savory sweet sauce coated the fries, rice, and meat beautifully. The flavor leaned slightly Asian, and the beef was juicy and tender. The vegetables were soft and naturally sweet. *Pionono: fried sponge cake filled with Nutella and dulce de leche. It was quite sweet, but the coffee chip ice cream added a deep, rich contrast. The ice cream alone was standout quality. This dessert is easily shareable among four. *Flan: a classic base topped with grilled pineapple and quinoa tuille. The flan itself was smooth and creamy, though the pineapple's acidity distracted from it. It would have benefited from more caramelization. The quinoa tuille added texture more than flavor. *Suspiro: a polarizing dessert, but one I personally enjoyed. The manjar blanco was extremely rich and sweet, paired with an equally sugary meringue. I would have liked more texture or a torched finish for contrast. The passionfruit glaze was my favorite element, though it was used sparingly and could have helped balance the dish more if incorporated throughout. Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar deserves its praise. The portions are generous, and the flavors are thoughtfully composed. While there are small tweaks I would make, the overall execution stands out and feels a step above many other options in DC.

    Eunoia - japanese - Updated May 2026

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