Pineapple and Pearls

"This tasting menu spot from the Rose’s Restaurant Group doesn’t take itself too seriously, throwing a party gathered around a four-course meal ($350) that diners are encouraged to dress up for and celebrate with champagne. Another sibling to Rose’s Luxury and laidback Little Pearl, offerings here include creative larger format dishes like “udon” made of squid and bacalao-filled ravioli topped off with caviar. Cocktails and wine are served a la carte and a 22-percent service charge is added to every meal. The tasting menu spot lost a star in 2024, but could earn back its two-star status in the years to come." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky

"As the disco ball overhead will inform you, it’s always a party at Pineapple & Pearls. Make sure you understand the assignment before showing up: sequins, some sparkle, and the fancy shoes that have been gathering dust in your closet are all a part of the unofficial dress code. It’s an extraordinary feat to get a reservation at this tiny restaurant, but once you do (and commit to the $350 a person set priced dinner menu—drinks not included) you won’t be disappointed. And especially not by the food—particularly the pillow-soft gnocchi that’ll get you thinking about your next visit." - madeline weinfield

"Some dinners require you to bring the entertainment, but at Pineapple & Pearls dinner is the entertainment. The Capitol Hill American restaurant offers a $350 tasting menu tailor-made for the high rollers in your life. The four-course choose-your-own-adventure menu comes with a bunch of surprises. We won’t ruin it, but one thing Pineapple & Pearls does is give you an experience. You’ll enter the dining room by walking through a pink curtain and disco ball archway (where there’s an activity before you’re seated). The food is great, but it’s really about the party that the staff is throwing. Sing along to Wash-FM style jams and enjoy the show in the kitchen while you’re served delicious bites like Marco’s gnocchi, the most pillowy, delicious version of the pasta we’ve ever had." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed

"The luxe sundae station at chef Aaron Silverman’s 2-Michelin-starred Capitol Hill showpiece is worth its $150-per-person price tag. The wild finale is a smorgasbord of caviar, colorful gummy bears, foie gras fat-infused cookies. amaretto-soaked truffle ice cream, umami-fied whipped cream, and of course, sprinkles." - Tierney Plumb

"Two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering truffle-and-caviar sundae service." - Tierney Plumb