Better Late than Never: A DC Gem You Need to Try
Happy Fall!
The Summer flew by, and while I ate at plenty of restaurants, none really felt “blog worthy.” Either the food didn’t hit like it should, or they were already hyped spots that everyone and their cousin had been to, so I didn’t feel the need to add to the noise.
But now? We’ve got something worth talking about.
The Location… I actually visited Elmina, a newly opened African restaurant, right before my trip to Morocco (I’m literally writing this on the plane ride back). And maybe it’s the timing, but after exploring Morocco, I’ve developed a whole new appreciation for African food across the diaspora. Expect a series coming soon.
Elmina is located at 208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Yes, another one in the U Street area. This neighborhood is bursting with culinary gems right now. As always, I recommend rideshare when visiting U Street.
The Vibes… I’ll be honest. Elmina does give off a similar energy to a few other concept restaurants in DC, but it is still beautifully decorated. Getting a reservation wasn’t hard at all, and once inside, the hostess stand is right up front, with a mix of tables on the main floor and the bar to the right.
The hostess actually suggested we sit upstairs, saying it would be more our vibe. She wasn’t wrong. Upstairs had good music (90s R&B, which I loved), great energy, and service that was on point. Shoutout to the bartender for outstanding service all night.
The Drinks… I started with Elmina’s Clarified Punch. It was good, just a little too light for me, so I switched to my usual dirty martini. My boyfriend stuck to his classic combo: Woodford & Campari. Solid drink menu overall, just wish the punch packed a bit more punch.
The Food…. We ordered a lot, and yes, the bill reflected that (shoutout to him). But it was all worth it.
Beet Salad – Simple, fresh, tasty. If you love beets, it’s a yes.
Prawn Kebabs with Peanut Sauce & Chermoula – Juicy prawns with flavorful sauce and sautéed onions. Light and flavorful start.
Fried Plantain – A creative spin on plantain and surprisingly spicy. Definitely ordering again.
Crab Fried Rice – The highlight of the meal. Fresh crab mixed throughout (not just on top) and perfectly seasoned. Honestly, I’d come back to Elmina for this dish alone. 10 out of 10.
Fante Fante Fish – Delicious fish, served with yuca fries (not my thing, but that’s personal preference). What really made this dish shine was the sauce. A red, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that stole the spotlight. The green sauce? Forgettable. The red sauce deserves its own bottled line.
Final Thoughts… Elmina exceeded my expectations. From the service to the food, I left impressed and already thinking about what I’d order next time (hint: crab fried rice is a must).
If you’re looking for a fresh dining experience in DC with flavors that stand out, this is the spot. Highly recommend.
That’s it. The end.
