
Pineapple and Pearls
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where theatrical presentation meets extraordinary hospitality, Pineapple and Pearls Washington D.C. transforms fine dining into an immersive celebration that feels more like an exclusive New Year's Eve party than a traditional restaurant experience. Chef Aaron Silverman's Michelin-starred destination on Barracks Row encourages guests to dress to impress for an evening of playful reverie punctuated by oversized Champagne bottles, velvet dinner jackets, and surprise-filled moments.
Silverman, a Maryland native who launched this acclaimed venue in 2016, built Pineapple and Pearls on a philosophy that fuses the pineapple's symbol of hospitality with pearls' representation of luxury and elegance. The restaurant quickly ascended to culinary stardom, earning recognition as The Washington Post's No. 1 Best New Restaurant in 2016, three consecutive Michelin stars from 2017 to 2023, and the American Automobile Association's prestigious Five Diamond Award. Under the guidance of head chef Bin Lu, who succeeded Scott Muns in 2019, the restaurant continues Silverman's vision of combining social warmth with cutting-edge culinary artistry.
The cuisine centers on a meticulously crafted 12-course tasting menu that evolves regularly, featuring contemporary fine dining with innovative, ingredient-driven artistry. Signature creations include delicate crepes filled with caviar served as interactive amuse-bouches, Kagoshima A5 wagyu beef tart, Maine sea urchin with aged soy emulsion, and the restaurant's celebrated feather-light gnocchi with rich parmesan cream. Each dish tells a story, from spring garlic egg drop to mole-smoked beef rib, culminating in inventive desserts like Chartreuse, Campari, and Grappa-infused donuts. The kitchen masterfully marries unexpected elements like fermented Fresno chili and bourbon-soy emulsion to create complex yet harmonious flavor profiles.
The sophisticated white-and-black dining room creates an intimate yet modern atmosphere, offering multiple seating experiences from private tables to an engaging chef's counter where guests witness the culinary artistry firsthand. The theatrical service includes tableside absinthe cocktails and truffle-infused amaretto warmed over candlelight, while the approachable staff eagerly shares the stories behind each creation. The comprehensive beverage program features carefully curated wine and cocktail pairings, with the knowledgeable sommelier providing terrific suggestions that enhance dishes like marinated tuna with compressed watermelon.
Securing reservations at this Washington D.C. fine dining destination requires advance planning through the restaurant's website, as demand consistently exceeds availability. For discerning diners seeking the best restaurants Washington D.C. offers, Pineapple and Pearls delivers an unforgettable evening where exceptional cuisine meets unparalleled hospitality in a setting that redefines what Michelin star restaurants Washington D.C. can achieve.
CHEF
Aaron Silverman
ACCOLADES

(2024) Michelin 1 Star

(2025) La Liste Score: 90.5pts

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Ranked #80







