Critics declared this quirky little labor of love in Barracks Row one of D.C.’s best restaurants almost as soon as it opened in 2013. America’s “best new restaurant” (Bon Appétit magazine 2014), and “Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic” (2016 James Beard Foundation Award) are among the many accolades both the restaurant and its chef/owner Aaron Silverman have received. Its success comes down to endearing service, an eclectic decor of antiques and pretty fabrics and china, and a simple menu of unexpected taste combinations. The menu changes frequently; currently it features a “choose your own adventure” approach, where the table orders two sharable dishes per guest. Keep an eye out for favorites like the pork sausage, habañero, and lychee salad. Rose’s opens up reservations on the first of the month for dates in the following month (so Sept. reservations are released on Aug. 1). They go quickly so mark your calendar and head to the website. If you can’t get a reservation, it’s still worth it to walk in and wait. Give the receptionist your cellphone number, then head upstairs to the cute bar for a drink, or wander 8th Street until the restaurant calls to say your table is ready. Rose’s siblings, the luxe Pineapple and Pearls right next door, and the precious and affordable Little Pearl one street over, also accept reservations.