Chloe

The story

Chloe: Chef Haidar Karoum’s Global Flavors in Washington, DC

A Personal Culinary Journey

Chloe is Chef Haidar Karoum’s first solo restaurant, a deeply personal project in Washington, DC’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. The name nods to both his eldest niece and the ancient Greek goddess of agriculture—a fitting tribute to a kitchen that grounds global influences in the seasonal bounty of the Mid-Atlantic. Karoum’s path is written on the menu: Lebanese roots, extensive travels through Western Europe and Southeast Asia, and years cooking under Nora Pouillon at Restaurant Nora and Asia Nora, where he honed a love for local, organic sourcing and Eastern flavor profiles. A foundation in French technique from stints at Gerard’s Place and Citronelle rounds out his approach.

The Space and the Experience

The 103-seat interior, designed by designCASE, centers on a counter seating twelve at the open kitchen—the best view of the action. An additional 28 seats fill the bar, and when weather permits, the adjacent patio accommodates 42 guests. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, with a menu that invites exploration. Karoum’s cooking is a melting pot of flavors, from Lebanese-inspired dishes like Spiced Lamb Hummus with Beiruti hot sauce and buttered almonds to Southeast Asian touches such as Hamachi Crudo with Thai chilies and crispy shallots, or Lemongrass Flat Iron Minute Steak with egg noodles and Thai basil. The dinner menu also offers Crispy Lamb Kofta Potstickers with garlic labne and Aleppo chili crisp, and a standout Spice Roasted Chicken with Vietnamese-style greens and sticky rice. Weekend brunch is available for those who prefer a daytime visit.

Recognition and Craft

Chloe’s caliber has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, which included it among its Recommended restaurants. The restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week, with happy hour at the bar and patio daily. Walk-ins are welcome, and the full menu is available in the bar area. For those seeking a private event, the restaurant offers customizable menus and attentive staff in a sophisticated setting. Chloe is a restaurant that wears its influences proudly, delivering a dining experience that feels both worldly and grounded in the here and now.