Michelin Star for Denia’s Danny

Danny Lledó, a chef from Denia has received a Michelin star; which would not really be news, except that Danny’s restaurant, Xiquet, is in Washington.

Xiquet was his father’s nickname, and it was from his father and his aunts in Denia that Danny learned to cook and to specialise in typical Valencian paellas, cooked, how could it be any other way, on a wood fire.

Just one year after first welcoming guests to the intimate dining room in Glover Park. Xiquet is now known as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Washington DC for memorable, product-focused dishes served with warm, Mediterranean hospitality. The sought-after tasting menu experience showcases innovative preparations of the traditional cuisine of Valencia, ignited by a wood-fire kitchen where Chef Danny creates dishes to order using the finest products sourced both locally and internationally. The flavours of Valencia reflect the region’s warm coastal climate, abundant agriculture, and plentiful fresh seafood.

Your experience at Xiquet begins in our beautiful lounge, where you can enjoy a round of drinks while you peruse the chef’s menu for the evening (updated regularly to reflect the season and the freshest ingredients) at your leisure. From there, you are guided upstairs to our airy top-floor dining room, delighting in the excitement and aromas as you pass by Chef Danny’s entirely wood-fire kitchen enclosed in glass. Dinner is a chef-driven experience, often featuring rare jewels like the Red Prawn of Dénia on the a la carte and tasting menus and an extensive yet focused wine list.

Perched above Slate Wine Bar in Washington, DC’s Glover Park neighbourhood, a truly unique fine dining experience awaits you. An intimate restaurant space allows the team to focus on each individual from the beginning of the meal until the end, providing thoughtful recommendations and pairings along the way. The ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable date night or an important client dinner.

Your experience begins in the mezzanine, which has an inviting 16-seat cocktail lounge and a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy drinks while previewing the evening’s menu. Guests also love to return to the lounge and enjoy after-dinner drinks! Lush textures and warm leather imbue the space with comfort and luxury that encourages lingering. Additional design elements include a panoramic window into the wine bar below and a dramatic library of spirits to browse.

Upon leaving the lounge, you’ll ascend to the dramatic top floor dining room where large skylights create airy atmosphere that is sun-drenched by day and dim and cosy at night. Contrasting neutrals throughout the space keep the ambiance vibrant and open, while subtle textures, geometric patterns and gold accents add a layer of visual interest. The main dining room is elegant and understated, with a focus on the preparation of the food and the connection that each meal brings to the guests. The glass-enclosed kitchen allows guests to view the wood-fire cooking technique of the world-class culinary team.

If you’re in DC, don’t forget to pop into 2404 Wisconsin Ave B, near the Jeffersonian, where Bones works.