The 'Most Playful' Michelin Star Restaurant Is In Washington, DC

When you learn how restaurants get a Michelin star, you discover that decor isn't factored into the judging. Yes, Pineapple and Pearls of Washington, D.C. boasts a coveted star on the merits of its sublime food, but the impact of the festive surroundings can't be understated — eating here both looks and feels like a New Year's Eve party every night. Rafts of balloons adorn the ceiling, staff in velvet jackets take a celebratory Polaroid photo of you before you sit down, and some guests have been sent home with a housemade Wagyu cheeseburger in a gold-lined box for midnight snacking. Whimsy is alive and well at Pineapple and Pearls, despite that word usually not playing a factor in our perception of fine dining.

Pineapple and Pearls' rotating menu doesn't, at least as of this writing, feature the mumbo BBQ sauce that is such a significant player in Washington, D.C.'s culinary history, but the food on the prix-fixe four-course menu sounds innovative and delicious. From beggar's purse dumplings that enclose caviar and crème fraîche (which are meant to be eaten sans hands or utensils, like bobbing for apples), to a flight of caviar and gummy bears, to even a bespoke soft serve ice cream machine in the kitchen for guests to serve themselves (this is not to be confused with byakuya, the world's most expensive ice cream!), it's clear something is different. The menu, crafted by founder and head chef Aaron Silverman, is long on exquisite ingredients and masterful presentation of food but manages to never take itself too seriously.

Pineapple and Pearls features a four-course menu, but that's far from all you receive as a guest, according to diners who have been lucky enough to experience a meal there. Expect "gift courses" between the three savory and single dessert courses, like a handcrafted cocktail or mocktail, a bonus cheese course, or, to celebrate special occasions, a miniature stack of funfetti pancakes topped with a melting butter candle. The focus is on a dining experience that feels as good as it tastes, inviting guests to partake of a fun, festive atmosphere where spontaneity is encouraged and little treats abound.

The comments on a TikTok on Pineapple and Pearls expressed common shock at the $350 per-person price tag, which doesn't include a service fee or any add-ons like wine pairings or additional caviar. (Note that, as per the restaurant's FAQ, it is a non-tipping establishment.) It seems that guests either love or hate the quirkiness of the experience at P&P, with as many commenters dubbing it their favorite Michelin-starred restaurant in America as there are detractors who call it overpriced and gimmicky. A comment on Reddit summed things up well: "Their whole thing is over the top. That's like their "brand" I guess? [...] It's unique, but it's definitely not for everyone."