Marcus DC

We had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday at Marcus DC, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s newest restaurant is a masterclass in culinary storytelling—each dish beautifully crafted with depth, heritage, and imagination. We began with the blue corn bread served with yassa butter—a simple-sounding starter that was anything but. The butter melted effortlessly into the warm bread, setting a perfect tone for what was to come. Next was the Swediopian, a stunning fusion of Chef Samuelsson’s Ethiopian and Swedish roots. The smoked salmon was delicately balanced by teff crisps, goldenberries, and a bright sauce—truly a standout. For our main, we shared Mel’s crab rice, a comforting, flavor-packed dish with mushrooms, okra, and peppers. Every bite was rich and hearty. On our server’s recommendation, we added the crispy sweet potatoes, expecting something typical—but these were extraordinary. Roasted with the skin on, they offered a complex texture and came topped with crème fraîche and salmon roe. Easily the most memorable sweet potatoes I’ve ever had. Dessert did not disappoint. The team brought out a celebratory orange panna cotta, and we also tried the Plum Almond Teff Cake. It was gluten-free, subtly sweet, and paired perfectly with cardamom ice cream—a unique and satisfying finish. The service was outstanding. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing the origins of each dish and suggesting combinations that elevated our experience. I can’t wait to return. Marcus DC is more than a meal—it’s a culinary journey worth taking.