Elmina

The story

Elmina | Contemporary Ghanaian Restaurant in Washington DC by Chef Eric Adjepong

A Contemporary Ghanaian Dining Experience in Washington DC

At Elmina, Chef Eric Adjepong—a Top Chef finalist and celebrated television personality—realizes a long-held dream: to honor his Ghanaian heritage through a bold, modern lens. The restaurant, named after the historic coastal town in Ghana, translates to “the mine,” a tribute to the treasures of West Africa. Here, the goal is a dining experience that goes beyond a mere meal, sparking curiosity and conversation through the flavors of the African diaspora.

The Space and Atmosphere

Located on 14th Street NW, Elmina is designed to feel both familiar and entirely new. The restaurant’s rooms are themed after the prized commodities of the transatlantic slave trade—tobacco, indigo, metal, sugarcane, cotton, and wood—each area telling a part of the story. The atmosphere is warm and stylish, complemented by an open-air terrace and a Chef’s Table for those seeking a closer look at the kitchen’s work.

The Menu: Bold Flavors and Modern Twists

Chef Adjepong, who holds degrees in Culinary Arts, Nutrition, and Public Health, brings precision and purpose to every plate. The menu is a mix of refined tasting menus and casual “chop bar” bites. Dishes include smoky jollof rice with tamarind duck, fufu with peanut-goat stew, and crispy chofi (fried turkey tail) with spicy shito. The à la carte offering features items like scallop crudo with coconut gazpacho and a Ghana salad with ahi tuna, while the tasting menu evolves with the seasons. Desserts such as mango pavlova and malva pudding cake round out the meal.

Recognition and Accolades

Elmina has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a testament to the quality and creativity of Chef Adjepong’s contemporary African cuisine. The restaurant has also been praised by the Washington Post, with Tom Sietsema noting a dish so delicious it “bests your mother’s cooking.” This recognition underscores Elmina’s place as a standout destination in Washington DC for those seeking a joyful culinary adventure rooted in West African tradition.