Opal

The story

Opal Washington DC – Coastal American Dining in Chevy Chase

A Neighborhood Restaurant with a Coastal Soul

Opal is a welcoming neighborhood restaurant in Washington DC’s Chevy Chase, the latest project from Chef Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, the team behind the hyper-seasonal Nina May. Here, the kitchen focuses on a coastal American menu that celebrates ingredients grown along the American coastline. Simplicity and freshness guide every dish, with produce sourced from the Mid-Atlantic whenever possible and supplemented by seasonal bounty from other coastal regions.

An Open Kitchen, a Wood-Burning Oven, and a Thoughtful Bar

The dining room is anchored by an open kitchen with a wood-burning oven, where guests can watch the cooking process. The bar, a centerpiece of the space, emphasizes a mixology program that uses fresh ingredients and technique. The globally inspired menu draws on Asian, European, and South American influences, applied with restraint to let natural flavors shine. Vegetable-forward dishes and sustainable fish and meat are the core.

The Simple Supper Experience

Opal offers a unique dining experience called “Simple Supper.” Guests order one main course, and the chef curates a multi-course meal for the table, with some courses served family-style. It’s a way to explore the kitchen’s range without overcomplicating the evening.

Michelin Recommended

Opal’s commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation has earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026, recognizing the restaurant as a destination for refined, ingredient-driven American cuisine in Washington DC.