Fred & Stilla
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This restaurant is in a hotel. The decor is chic and modern. It's a bit hot sitting in the sun near the windows, which don't have curtains, so keep that in mind. There weren't a lot of people there so we got quick service. I ordered the Korean fried chicken and waffle. The chicken was crispy and flavorful. I enjoyed the sauce. It was tangy but went well with the sweetness of the syrup. The waffle was freshly made. The portion was large. I enjoyed the experience eating at Fred & Stilla.
Fred & Stilla is an endearing restaurant with windows perfect for people watching during your meal. We came in on a Sunday afternoon and they weren't terribly busy so they had two bartenders working the bar and serving tables, which was a mistake as I'll detail later. Our server/ bartender was friendly and helpful in navigating the menu. We opted for the spring roll and Korean chicken as appetizers, the butternut squash soup and lamb as entrees, and the apple pie creme brulee cheesecake for dessert. Our server did an admirable job attending to our drinks but we noticed that each stage of the meal took an inordinate amount of time. It is my suspicion that the food was prepared but our server lost track of time or was swamped at the bar because our appetizers and entrees were a smidge over lukewarm when they were served. The flavors were pretty good with the lamb being a definite standout. The brussel sprouts were tasty with candied cranberries but the sprouts weren't cooked through and had a crispy exterior but a soggy inedible interior. I just ate the crispy portions and left the rest of the spongy mess to the side. The apple pie creme brulee cheesecake for dessert was an interesting one. My one gripe was that the apples should have been diced finely so that the texture of the apples didn't overwhelm the crust of the cheesecake. It was *this* close to being perfect. I would return to give them another chance because I think they're a tweak or two away from being a great restaurant.
I really wanted to give this a 5, but consistency in quality of dishes was not there. I'd come back for the Kenyan curry though. When I first came, I got the curry from Kenya (I believe) and it was DELICIOUS!! I loved it. Wasn't like anything I tasted and very flavorful with the right consistency. But then i came back a second time and got the octopus, the poutine, and 2 beef dishes. The poutine was the best tasting out of the 4 dishes we ordered... Octopus was overcooked and way too chewy (in a bad way). The 2 beef dishes needed a lot more salt. Love the concept of this restaurant but would probably stick to only 1-2 dishes.
It's a great feeling to travel the world through food. The menu is inspired by the surrounding embassies. It allows for you to have food from multiple regions of the world. The food is delicious and served fresh. The service is timely. The environment can be intimate and cool for a group. It's situated in a hotel and it does not have the hotel feel or vibe.
This restaurant is a gem of DC based on quality of food, service, price points and experience. Hubby and I came for a staycation. We loved the global concept. Cocktails were delicious. All of their wine was very reasonable on taste and price point, nothing (other than champagne) was over $60 for the bottle. The food was delicious and the portions were delicious. I especially loved the octopus appetizer. Can't wait to come back. Our server José made the best recommendations and was the perfect balance of giving us time to enjoy our experience while also taking care of all of our dining needs.
Our meal was a solid 3.5, so I rounded up. Cocktails were delicious (fyi: Aloe Hola is perfect and the Brasserie Special is good if you like sweet drinks), tomato bisque was good but not great, and our entrees (Swordfish w/ Peas & Rice and Aji Panca Costilla) were both solid. This wasn't the best meal I've had, but it was seasoned well and the portions were generous. The space is hip-looking, but located inside a family-friendly hotel and pretty empty around 8pm on a Tuesday. We had lots of seating options, including a balcony patio that allowed us to enjoy the nice weather while avoiding street level. Service was casual and not especially attentive, but all our needs were met. All in all, I'll come back to try more on the menu.
To celebrate Valentine's Day, my husband and I decided to try Fred & Stilla. There weren't too many reviewed but we loved how the menu was inspired by Embassy Row. For libations, we settled on the Cherry Blossom 75, which was made with Roku gin, cherry blossom syrup, lemon juice, and Zonin Prosecco- perfectly balanced and refreshing. For starters we got the suya chicken skewers (dukkah spices with peanut sauce), farro tabbouleh salad (farro, feta, pomemgranate and lemon dressing), and the black bean salsa dip with plantain chips. The suya chicken skewers were delicious and reminded us of our time in West Africa- definitely a must if this is on their regular menu. I love me a good salad and the farro tabbouleh did not disappoint- I am on a mission to perfect this at home. The black bean salsa dip was a bit too salty for my liking and we both were underwhelmed by it. Now on to the mains- I settled on the aji panca costilla, a 72 hour braised short rib with roasted potatoes, sauteed cabbage and carrots. The pepper tomato sauce was extremely salty, as was the sauteed cabbage. Definitely my least favorite item of the evening. My husband got the braised lamb shanks, which came with creamy polenta, glazed carrots, and was topped with mushroom red wine sauce. His dish was much better than mine and the lamb was so tender. Even though we were stuffed, we knew we couldn't leave without dessert (mainly because it was included in our prix fixe menu, haha). He got the apple tart a la mode, which was fine to me, but he loved it. I got the crème brulee cheesecake, which was perfectly torched and sweetened- I would def get it again. Overall we had a lovely dining experience and I would highly recommend checking them out for a glimpse at some phenomenal international dishes.
Great find! We were going to a comedy show nearby and I was looking for a restaurant in the area. Fairly new so not a lot of reviews but decided to try anyway based on the eclectic menu. It's located in the Ven boutique hotel and is super modern and minimalist...almost missed it. The service was top notch...they knew it was my bday and had a nice card and small gift waiting at the table! We had 2 vegetarians in our group of 4 and they accommodated everyone's special requests. The food was just awesome! I got the Cherry Blossom prix fix menu that came with the chicken satay, tuna bowl and dessert. All of it was great and I was really blown away by the dessert which didn't seem that appealing to me originally. It was cherry blossom ice cream/sorbet with matcha sponge cake...both amazing! My friends got the Kuku Paka dish but only with vegetables and all 4 of us LOVED it! All the food was a big hit and the experience was great! They were also aware we had to get to the show so they kept everything moving. Will definitely be back here...great hidden gem!
The food was excellent. I started with the house salad which was decent. I thought it could've had more dressing but it was good overall. Next I had the Korean Fried Chicken and it was one of the best Korean fried chickens I've ever had. It was moist, juicy, tender, seasoned well, and just the right amount of sauce. I also had the braised lamb shank which was excellent. It was tender and the sauce with it was excellent. I had the Aloe Hola cocktail which was ok, it was too much Aloe for me. The service was good, even though I was the only one there lol and the aesthetic and ambiance were nice as well. I will definitely be going back and not telling my friends lol!
Quiet and quaint sit-in restaurant. Absolutely love the decor. Service was impeccable. Ask for Millian!! He was pleasant and top tier from start to finish. The food...We tried the Montreal Pastrami, Korean Chicken, and the chicken strips. All were great!! This will be an easy recommendation in the future!
As I was already staying at The Ven, I didn't have to go far to find good food (good morning drip coffee, too). Really nice area, comfortable/cozy booth seating. Loved watching passersby out the window. I got the Fredburger, absolutely delicious! And probably the best fries I've ever had. The waiter was very friendly and was just the right amount of attentive in my opinion (I was enjoying a solo dinner and reading a book). Really nice dining experience.
A friend suggested already-on-my-list Fred & Stilla after seeing a site's recommended restaurants for Lunar New Year. Well, I cannot put into words just how they lived up to the hype without carrying on but will certainly try with a Cliff's Notes version... Located just a short walk from Dupont Metro, they're located right on Mass Ave at the Ven. There are two entrances so feel free to use the first you see. I did and enjoyed ogling over their lavish bar found restaurant center as I walked to the concierge. Presented with three menus, I was tempted to order something off each. The first was their current, embassy inspired menu. Remember, it's the menus' theme seeing they are on Embassy Row, OK? The second reflected their Lunar New Year options with the third being their drink menu. I focused on the LNY menu and, naturally, their drink menu. Both food and drink were stellar, A1. My drink, Sly'VEN Orchard, was decided upon in conjunction with both my server (Donna, I think) and the bartender as I was torn between their new and initial cocktail selection. INCREDIBLE. Just drool over the pics as there is simply no need for me to address notes of this, hints of that. Lunar New Year dinner was three courses where I opted for the Wafu Salad, Pork Laap Lettuce Wrap and Red Bean Sesame Balls, each inspired by their respective embassies of course. The Japanese inspired salad was generously portioned yet light and flavorful. The Laotian wraps were an enjoyable build your own fare and the most beautifully plated, DIY I've devoured in a minute. Lastly, the Red Bean Sesame Balls, perhaps Chinese Embassy inspired but not listed, arrived "pop-able" sized, piping hot and enough to share even though I might have wanted all for myself. Service was as good as the food/drink, if not better, and has me bumping this up on my personal list. Excellent date place and, actually, a solid bar alternative to catch a game. They do have the TVs let alone space for it. TL;DR - Fred & Stilla delivers delicious, international cuisine without having to go halfway around the world and without needing Pepto as your dessert...
This is a local hidden gem for sure! I have no clue how this place hasn't become popular yet! Definitely do yourself a favor and swing by the Embassy Row Hotel in DuPont for some yummy bites from all over the world. The best part of this restaurant is just that, whatever food you're feeling, or whatever cuisine is your favorite, you're likely to find something here for you. Not into the foodie scene? No problem. The bar is great for drinks with friends or even a perfect date spot. Inside scoop? You can even stop by here to work during the day! They have tons of spaces near open windows with outlets and Wi-Fi.
Seeing cuisine from around the world caught my eye but also had me nervous, and realizing this is a hotel restaurant furthered that suspicion. I was greeted by unfriendly hotel security, and found a seat at a relatively empty restaurant. I had the Filipino short rib. It was good, and what one would expect from a restaurant that tries to do too much. The short rib needed a knife, which I hate to see, but the green beans were cooked well, and I basically licked the peanut sauce off my plate. read more
My husband and I split the pierogis, spring rolls, and suya chicken. The suya chicken was a STAND OUT. It was absolutely delicious, the sauce on it was amazing. Highly recommend! The pierogis were a beautiful presentation, but weren't my favorite honestly. The filling was a bit too liquid-y, I'm used to a more firm texture at other places. The pomegranate was great though! The spring rolls were yummy as well. Would recommend! Ambiance- 5/5 stars! It's decorated well and so fun in there! The food- 4/5 stars. Service- 4/5 stars read more
2 years ago
This restaurant is in a hotel. The decor is chic and modern. It's a bit hot sitting in the sun near the windows, which don't have curtains, so keep that in mind. There weren't a lot of people there so we got quick service. I ordered the Korean fried chicken and waffle. The chicken was crispy and flavorful. I enjoyed the sauce. It was tangy but went well with the sweetness of the syrup. The waffle was freshly made. The portion was large. I enjoyed the experience eating at Fred & Stilla. read more
6 months ago
3 years ago
Fred & Stilla is an endearing restaurant with windows perfect for people watching during your meal. We came in on a Sunday afternoon and they weren't terribly busy so they had two bartenders working the bar and serving tables, which was a mistake as I'll detail later. Our server/ bartender was friendly and helpful in navigating the menu. We opted for the spring roll and Korean chicken as appetizers, the butternut squash soup and lamb as entrees, and the apple pie creme brulee cheesecake for dessert. Our server did an admirable job attending to our drinks but we noticed that each stage of the meal took an inordinate amount of time. It is my suspicion that the food was prepared but our server lost track of time or was swamped at the bar because our appetizers and entrees were a smidge over lukewarm when they were served. The flavors were pretty good with the lamb being a definite standout. The brussel sprouts were tasty with candied cranberries but the sprouts weren't cooked through and had a crispy exterior but a soggy inedible interior. I just ate the crispy portions and left the rest of the spongy mess to the side. The apple pie creme brulee cheesecake for dessert was an interesting one. My one gripe was that the apples should have been diced finely so that the texture of the apples didn't overwhelm the crust of the cheesecake. It was *this* close to being perfect. I would return to give them another chance because I think they're a tweak or two away from being a great restaurant. read more
9 months ago
I really wanted to give this a 5, but consistency in quality of dishes was not there. I'd come back for the Kenyan curry though. When I first came, I got the curry from Kenya (I believe) and it was DELICIOUS!! I loved it. Wasn't like anything I tasted and very flavorful with the right consistency. But then i came back a second time and got the octopus, the poutine, and 2 beef dishes. The poutine was the best tasting out of the 4 dishes we ordered... Octopus was overcooked and way too chewy (in a bad way). The 2 beef dishes needed a lot more salt. Love the concept of this restaurant but would probably stick to only 1-2 dishes. read more
It's a great feeling to travel the world through food. The menu is inspired by the surrounding embassies. It allows for you to have food from multiple regions of the world. The food is delicious and served fresh. The service is timely. The environment can be intimate and cool for a group. It's situated in a hotel and it does not have the hotel feel or vibe. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
This restaurant is a gem of DC based on quality of food, service, price points and experience. Hubby and I came for a staycation. We loved the global concept. Cocktails were delicious. All of their wine was very reasonable on taste and price point, nothing (other than champagne) was over $60 for the bottle. The food was delicious and the portions were delicious. I especially loved the octopus appetizer. Can't wait to come back. Our server José made the best recommendations and was the perfect balance of giving us time to enjoy our experience while also taking care of all of our dining needs. read more
2 years ago
Our meal was a solid 3.5, so I rounded up. Cocktails were delicious (fyi: Aloe Hola is perfect and the Brasserie Special is good if you like sweet drinks), tomato bisque was good but not great, and our entrees (Swordfish w/ Peas & Rice and Aji Panca Costilla) were both solid. This wasn't the best meal I've had, but it was seasoned well and the portions were generous. The space is hip-looking, but located inside a family-friendly hotel and pretty empty around 8pm on a Tuesday. We had lots of seating options, including a balcony patio that allowed us to enjoy the nice weather while avoiding street level. Service was casual and not especially attentive, but all our needs were met. All in all, I'll come back to try more on the menu. read more
2 years ago
To celebrate Valentine's Day, my husband and I decided to try Fred & Stilla. There weren't too many reviewed but we loved how the menu was inspired by Embassy Row. For libations, we settled on the Cherry Blossom 75, which was made with Roku gin, cherry blossom syrup, lemon juice, and Zonin Prosecco- perfectly balanced and refreshing. For starters we got the suya chicken skewers (dukkah spices with peanut sauce), farro tabbouleh salad (farro, feta, pomemgranate and lemon dressing), and the black bean salsa dip with plantain chips. The suya chicken skewers were delicious and reminded us of our time in West Africa- definitely a must if this is on their regular menu. I love me a good salad and the farro tabbouleh did not disappoint- I am on a mission to perfect this at home. The black bean salsa dip was a bit too salty for my liking and we both were underwhelmed by it. Now on to the mains- I settled on the aji panca costilla, a 72 hour braised short rib with roasted potatoes, sauteed cabbage and carrots. The pepper tomato sauce was extremely salty, as was the sauteed cabbage. Definitely my least favorite item of the evening. My husband got the braised lamb shanks, which came with creamy polenta, glazed carrots, and was topped with mushroom red wine sauce. His dish was much better than mine and the lamb was so tender. Even though we were stuffed, we knew we couldn't leave without dessert (mainly because it was included in our prix fixe menu, haha). He got the apple tart a la mode, which was fine to me, but he loved it. I got the crème brulee cheesecake, which was perfectly torched and sweetened- I would def get it again. Overall we had a lovely dining experience and I would highly recommend checking them out for a glimpse at some phenomenal international dishes. read more
Great find! We were going to a comedy show nearby and I was looking for a restaurant in the area. Fairly new so not a lot of reviews but decided to try anyway based on the eclectic menu. It's located in the Ven boutique hotel and is super modern and minimalist...almost missed it. The service was top notch...they knew it was my bday and had a nice card and small gift waiting at the table! We had 2 vegetarians in our group of 4 and they accommodated everyone's special requests. The food was just awesome! I got the Cherry Blossom prix fix menu that came with the chicken satay, tuna bowl and dessert. All of it was great and I was really blown away by the dessert which didn't seem that appealing to me originally. It was cherry blossom ice cream/sorbet with matcha sponge cake...both amazing! My friends got the Kuku Paka dish but only with vegetables and all 4 of us LOVED it! All the food was a big hit and the experience was great! They were also aware we had to get to the show so they kept everything moving. Will definitely be back here...great hidden gem! read more
3 years ago
The food was excellent. I started with the house salad which was decent. I thought it could've had more dressing but it was good overall. Next I had the Korean Fried Chicken and it was one of the best Korean fried chickens I've ever had. It was moist, juicy, tender, seasoned well, and just the right amount of sauce. I also had the braised lamb shank which was excellent. It was tender and the sauce with it was excellent. I had the Aloe Hola cocktail which was ok, it was too much Aloe for me. The service was good, even though I was the only one there lol and the aesthetic and ambiance were nice as well. I will definitely be going back and not telling my friends lol! read more
Quiet and quaint sit-in restaurant. Absolutely love the decor. Service was impeccable. Ask for Millian!! He was pleasant and top tier from start to finish. The food...We tried the Montreal Pastrami, Korean Chicken, and the chicken strips. All were great!! This will be an easy recommendation in the future! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
As I was already staying at The Ven, I didn't have to go far to find good food (good morning drip coffee, too). Really nice area, comfortable/cozy booth seating. Loved watching passersby out the window. I got the Fredburger, absolutely delicious! And probably the best fries I've ever had. The waiter was very friendly and was just the right amount of attentive in my opinion (I was enjoying a solo dinner and reading a book). Really nice dining experience. read more
A friend suggested already-on-my-list Fred & Stilla after seeing a site's recommended restaurants for Lunar New Year. Well, I cannot put into words just how they lived up to the hype without carrying on but will certainly try with a Cliff's Notes version... Located just a short walk from Dupont Metro, they're located right on Mass Ave at the Ven. There are two entrances so feel free to use the first you see. I did and enjoyed ogling over their lavish bar found restaurant center as I walked to the concierge. Presented with three menus, I was tempted to order something off each. The first was their current, embassy inspired menu. Remember, it's the menus' theme seeing they are on Embassy Row, OK? The second reflected their Lunar New Year options with the third being their drink menu. I focused on the LNY menu and, naturally, their drink menu. Both food and drink were stellar, A1. My drink, Sly'VEN Orchard, was decided upon in conjunction with both my server (Donna, I think) and the bartender as I was torn between their new and initial cocktail selection. INCREDIBLE. Just drool over the pics as there is simply no need for me to address notes of this, hints of that. Lunar New Year dinner was three courses where I opted for the Wafu Salad, Pork Laap Lettuce Wrap and Red Bean Sesame Balls, each inspired by their respective embassies of course. The Japanese inspired salad was generously portioned yet light and flavorful. The Laotian wraps were an enjoyable build your own fare and the most beautifully plated, DIY I've devoured in a minute. Lastly, the Red Bean Sesame Balls, perhaps Chinese Embassy inspired but not listed, arrived "pop-able" sized, piping hot and enough to share even though I might have wanted all for myself. Service was as good as the food/drink, if not better, and has me bumping this up on my personal list. Excellent date place and, actually, a solid bar alternative to catch a game. They do have the TVs let alone space for it. TL;DR - Fred & Stilla delivers delicious, international cuisine without having to go halfway around the world and without needing Pepto as your dessert... read more
This is a local hidden gem for sure! I have no clue how this place hasn't become popular yet! Definitely do yourself a favor and swing by the Embassy Row Hotel in DuPont for some yummy bites from all over the world. The best part of this restaurant is just that, whatever food you're feeling, or whatever cuisine is your favorite, you're likely to find something here for you. Not into the foodie scene? No problem. The bar is great for drinks with friends or even a perfect date spot. Inside scoop? You can even stop by here to work during the day! They have tons of spaces near open windows with outlets and Wi-Fi. read more
2 years ago
So surprised that this cute little place was nearly empty on a Friday night. Fantastic service, the embassy-themed menu was a great concept; and the food did NOT disappoint. Best pierogis I've had, I could've easily eaten all of them! Also loved the Laotian lettuce wraps and Bahamian swordfish with rice and pigeon peas. Needless to say, I plan to come back to what I'm convinced is an underrated gem. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
I got the truffle Mac and cheese and a ginger beer. It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back here. The service was really slow and it took almost an hour for the food to come. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
This is a little hidden gem. Even though it's nominally "Swedish", its theme is actually "embassy row" with offerings from a variety of world cuisines done quite well at reasonable (for downtown DC) prices. Whether or not the food is "authentic" I'll leave for others to decide. There's a little fusion element to the food, but the pierogis and curry chicken were delicious. read more
3 years ago
My husband and I ate at Fred & Stella last night and I'm so glad we did! I am limited to the AIP Diet and was worried I wouldn't be able to order anything. I ended up getting the butternut squash soup and the sautéed veggies. It was AMAZING! My husband enjoyed the Korean fried chicken and something tabbouleh salad. The best part was our server Nate. He was so great helping me find dishes I could eat (AIP), was very friendly and attentive, and just made the experience 5-star for us. I also order a very particular/unusual drink and he made it perfectly. Thanks Nate! read more
3 years ago
The food good was good, the service was even better. Nate and Jose were amazingly awesome! Will absolutely come back. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
If you are looking for a chill and intimate setting, this is a good option. The atmosphere is very calm, great for date night. I personally like my food spicy and felt the food lacked a lot of spice, but overall the flavors were there. Service was 10/10! read more
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