Black Woman-Owned ‘Almeda’ Restaurant In Washington D.C. Gains Michelin Attention

Less than nine months after its opening, Washington D.C.’s new Afro-fusion restaurant Almeda was added to the Michelin Guide in mid-June.

The food and hospitality authority declared that head chef Danielle Harris “is the latest talent determined to stick the landing.” Michelin praised the chef’s small Petworth-area establishment for serving comforting and satisfying flavors in sharable portions. Moreover, the source spotlighted Almeda’s intentionalism in menu and execution by highlighting its “careful preparation.”

The Black-woman-owned restaurant was one of five culinary additions to D.C.’s Michelin guide in June.

What’s On The Menu At Almeda?

The smaller than 20-seat spot opened in late October 2023, offering a combination of culinary flavors pulled from the Black diaspora. The menu includes jollof risotto, tostone doubles, jerk pork tenderloin, and more.

Harris, a Cleveland native, shed light on Almeda’s “flagship” dish in a November 2023 interview with the Washingtonian. Speaking on the menu’s fried catfish and spaghetti entree, she said, “It sounds weird, but if you go to church in the Midwest — Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit — and there’s a fish fry, there’s spaghetti on the side. I grew up eating that very often.”

“Fried cornbread and panko-crusted catfish served with spaghetti and a bottle of Crystal Hot Sauce is pure home comfort,” Michelin described.

Harris has been open about the restaurant’s name being taken from Solange’s track “Almeda” on 2019’s When I Get Home. Like the song, the restaurant is an ode to and celebration of Black culture.

The establishment’s website notes that it results from Harris’ 16-year dedication to “blending diverse flavors and traditions.” Moreover, the source added that Almeda is “where food transcends borders and connects cultures.”

Online users gush about the intimate space’s delicious flavors celebrating the Black diaspora. TikToker Anela Malik said, “It’s creative and tasty and not too fussy. You could definitely hit this spot for a date night or a girls’ meetup.”

If planning a visit, note that Almeda is “Little Food Studio” by day, serving pastries and light fare.