Experience Michelin-Starred Excellence at Kinship Restaurant in Washington, D.C.

If you’re searching for a culinary experience that marries modern minimalism with sophisticated flavors, look no further than Kinship, a one-Michelin-star restaurant in Washington, D.C. From its sleek, monochromatic interior to its impeccable service, this fine-dining destination promises to elevate any dining occasion. Here’s our comprehensive review of the exceptional tasting menu we enjoyed on a special Christmas Eve visit.

Minimalist Elegance: Kinship’s Interior and Atmosphere

Upon entering Kinship, you’re immediately greeted by a minimalist yet tasteful interior. The color scheme is predominantly monochrome, creating a calm, serene atmosphere perfect for the dining experience ahead. The restaurant’s design balances modern simplicity with warmth, particularly evident in the small waiting area that features a cozy fire—an excellent touch on a chilly D.C. evening.

The dining room continues this theme of clean lines, with tables that are stark but elegant. The chairs are rounded, designed with an intriguing twist: there’s no traditional backrest for your handbag, but instead, purse hooks are thoughtfully provided under the table. This attention to detail, though small, adds to the experience, showing a clear commitment to guest comfort.

A Special Christmas Eve Tasting Menu at Kinship

Typically, Kinship offers an a la carte menu, while its sister restaurant downstairs serves a tasting experience. However, on Christmas Eve, we had the privilege of sampling a special tasting menu that was thoughtfully curated for the occasion. Each course exceeded our expectations, offering a combination of inventive flavors and expert technique.

Course 1: Red Beet Chiboust with Marinated Chanterelle Mushrooms

The first course arrived as a beautiful plate of red beet chiboust, complemented by marinated chanterelle mushrooms, celery, and braised ham. Now, you might wonder why this particular dish stands out—after all, many people are not fond of beets. Our party, in particular, had always avoided beet dishes due to their earthy, sometimes “dirt-like” taste. However, this dish was a revelation. The beets were so delicately prepared that they didn’t have that overpowering flavor, making them enjoyable even for those who typically avoid them. The accompanying chanterelles added a savory depth, and the celery brought a light, refreshing contrast. In short, it was fabulous.

Course 2: Pavé of Salmon with Pumpkin and Apple Vierge

Next up was a stunning pavé of salmon, perfectly cooked with a crisp outer layer that contrasted beautifully with the tender fish inside. The dish was paired with a delightful pumpkin and apple vierge, offering a sweet, slightly tangy balance to the rich salmon. The combination of textures and flavors was simply exquisite, making this dish the standout favorite for one of our party members.

For those with dietary restrictions, Kinship went above and beyond. We’d mentioned in advance that one of us preferred to avoid fish, and the restaurant happily provided a duck confit dish as a substitute for the salmon. The duck was perfectly cooked—tender and flavorful, without the gamey or greasy texture that often accompanies poorly prepared duck. It was a fantastic alternative, showing the restaurant’s commitment to catering to its guests’ preferences.

Course 3: Merlu Confit with Olive Oil-Poached Rock Shrimp and Aji Dulce Pepper Fondue

The third course, merlu confit with olive oil-poached rock shrimp, was a bit of a departure from the previous dishes. While beautifully presented, the fish itself was somewhat underwhelming in flavor, and the pepper fondue slightly overwhelmed the delicate nature of the merlu. Additionally, we were not particularly fans of polenta, which accompanied the dish.

For those with aversions to fish, a delightful substitution was made with artichoke hearts served with the same base elements. This variation turned out to be surprisingly delightful, with flavors that complemented each other beautifully. This alternative was a hit with our party, proving that Kinship is flexible and adept at adapting its menu to individual tastes.

Main Course: Ribeye vs. Scallops

When it came to the main course, we had a choice between ribeye or scallops, and both were outstanding in their own right. The ribeye came pre-sliced, perfectly cooked to medium-rare, and paired with a prune-stuffed Pommes Anna, chanterelle mushrooms, and a rich butter sauce. The combination of flavors was wonderful, and the potato cake was a fantastic addition to the dish.

The other option, pan-seared scallops, was a favorite for one of our party members. These delicate morsels were paired with a brown butter risotto, roasted Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, and luxurious Périgord truffles. The flavors blended perfectly, with the sweetness of the Brussels sprouts and pomegranate seeds providing a striking contrast to the rich scallops and truffle.

A delightful surprise arrived along with the mains: a box of mini salted bread rolls, which were irresistibly good. It’s the little things like this that elevate the experience at Kinship.

Dessert: Passionfruit Snowball and Custom Pear Variation

Kinship’s dessert course did not disappoint. The passionfruit snowball was a showstopper, complete with almond cake, crème fraîche, and whipped allspice ganache. This dish was beautifully balanced, with the tartness of the passionfruit pairing perfectly with the richness of the ganache.

Given a passionfruit allergy in our party, the chef went out of his way to prepare a special pear-based version of the snowball. The pear variant was equally delightful, proving the kitchen’s versatility and willingness to ensure every guest’s safety and satisfaction.

Service: Professional, Attentive, Yet Slightly Slower After Main Course

Service at Kinship was generally excellent, with attentive staff ensuring that our dining experience was seamless. However, as we neared the main course, there was a slight dip in pace, and we waited around 15 minutes before our plates were cleared. This minor hiccup aside, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to enhance the overall dining experience.

Wine Pairings: A Missed Opportunity for Tasting Menus

Kinship usually does not offer wine pairings with its a la carte menu, and this was the case for our Christmas Eve tasting dinner. While the absence of a formal wine pairing was a bit of a missed opportunity, our waiter helped us choose several glasses of wine throughout the evening from their extensive selection. It was a nice way to experience a variety of wines, although a set pairing would have made the experience even more memorable.

Overall: A Michelin-Starred Experience Worth Visiting

Kinship delivers on its Michelin star promise, offering consistently high-quality cooking with inventive dishes and impeccable attention to detail. This restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers in Washington, D.C. While there were a few small areas for improvement, the overall experience was outstanding, and we left thoroughly satisfied. For those looking for a memorable dining experience in D.C., Kinship is a clear choice. The combination of innovative dishes, refined flavors, and thoughtful service ensures that this one-Michelin-star restaurant continues to be a standout in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

You may also enjoy our reviews of some other nearby tasting menus:

The Dabney in Washington, DC and Clarity in Vienna, VA

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While our visit to Kinship wasn’t part of a formal food tour, we have done multiple in Washington, DC. Click here for a listing of some of our favorites on Viator.