Eat This: Top Dishes on H Street NE in 2025 

Some of the best things I ate on H Street NE last year.

One of my personal ‘bold predictions’ for 2025 was to dine at 10 (new to me) restaurants along H Street NE. After a series of closings and quite a number of new openings the last couple of years, I decided to once again intentionally frequent the restaurants in my neighborhood. New and old, bring it on. 

I did manage to achieve my goal of 10 new restaurants. To that end, here are some of the best dishes I experienced in 2025. Not all of the dishes listed are from the new restaurants.  

Many of these I will absolutely go back for. 

Listed in no particular order. And apologies for my less than professional photography.

Dishes in 2025

Granville Moore’s – Granville Moore’s has always been one of my favorite restaurants on H Street NE since it opened in 2007. I don’t get there enough lately, but the food items for their Happy Hour have to be the best deal anywhere in the city. The mini mussels (with bread) and the Belgian meatballs are the standouts. Sadly no photo for this one, we dug in immediately and didn’t look back. 

Tempo Shack – The first time I went I ordered the chicken sekuwa (full set) (really good) and was informed that next time I should try the momo dumplings, as that was what they were known for and best at. Okay. I went back and tried the momos. I loved each and every one. And the sauce? Hooowee! Now you try it. Also, the chilly momos are spicy and good! (New to me in 2025.) 

Tapori – So much buzz around this new south Asian street food restaurant, I finally made the leap. I ordered the Kathal Biriyani, which had jackfruit, along with bread baked over the bowl. Damn. I will be going back to try more. (New to me in 2025.) 

Henceforth, – The sleek new brewery in town, I’ve been a few times now. Every beer I’ve tried so far has been good. Will be getting around to trying them all. The standout so far is Woody Wagon (West Coast IPA). Twice when I went I was thwarted from ordering food (kitchen closed or too busy), so when I finally got to order food, I went with the smash burger. Again, no photo because I smashed it before thinking about a photo. (New to me in 2025.) 

Taqueria Al Lado II – Another restaurant I’ve been to many times over the years, I always enjoy whatever I order. The food is great, especially the huaraches and the tacos of course, but I do love the margaritas… (Also no photo, so I pulled one from 2024.) 

Taku Sushi & Bar – I ordered the chicken teriyaki & tempura lunch bento, and for $20 that seems like a great deal. Everything was good, especially the tempura. I’ll need to try the sushi sometime soon. (New to me in 2025.) 

Tango Pastry – Look, I’m not intentionally trying to focus this list on restaurants that start with the letter ‘T’ (after all, you don’t see Taco Bell on the list), but I don’t have a choice! This Argentine bakery is great and I now go frequently (it’s one of the closest places to my home). The sweets are delicious, but I always try the empanadas. Beef is the winner. Use the sauces located behind you when you’re at the main counter. Do it. (New to me in 2025.) 

Double Up Burger – The former Hiraya space, I tried the smashburger combo meal twice now (great deal; single smashburger, small fries and a soda for $14). The burger is tasty. The space has now morphed into The Hall at H St., and includes other places you can order from, but Double Up Burger remains. (New to me in 2025.) 

Feru – At this new Ethiopian restaurant, I ordered the doro wot and loaded my hands with enjera and messily stuffed my face with the delicious flavors of juicy chicken, garlic, ginger, and spices. Yes. (New to me in 2025.) 

Nanglo – At this nice new Indian and Nepali restaurant (a theme on H Street in 2025), I dove into the Chicken Thakali Thali with great gusto and will be back.  

Lazizi – I tried this Pakistani, Indian, and Mediterranean fusion restaurant very shortly after it opened, so I’m chalking up my experience to growing pains. A solo diner, they would not seat me at a table (there were only a few other patrons – lots of open tables) so the only option was the bar. I sat and waited for nearly 10 minutes before anyone approached me for any reason. I almost left but I wanted to get my goal of 10 new restaurants. Despite that, I ordered the shani paneer and enjoyed it and it makes the list. (New to me in 2025.) 

Requiem

Get out on H Street NE, there are very legit restaurants. The above are simply a sample. You also have Maketto, Queen Vic, Toki Underground, Ethiopic, Tiki Garden Thai Street Food, Pho Viet USA, Cane, Pie Shop, Tigo’s, The Little Grand, and so many more! 

Full Disclosure: On my list still to visit on H Street; Daru, Sushi Sato, Tiffany’s Bar and Bistro, Providencia, Cynthia Bar and Bistro, and a few more.