Ris

The story

Ris in Washington, DC – Chef Ris Lacoste’s Seasonal American Cuisine

The Chef and Her Story

Ris Lacoste is the chef and owner of RIS, an upscale seasonal American restaurant in Washington, DC’s West End neighborhood. A James Beard Award finalist from her years at 1789 in Georgetown, she opened RIS in December 2009 as her first solo venture. Her path began in New Bedford, Massachusetts, led to Anne Willan’s La Varenne in Paris, and continued through key roles with chef Bob Kinkead in Cambridge, Nantucket, and Washington. Today, she brings that depth of experience to a restaurant that feels both refined and warmly familiar.

A Seasonal American Menu

The menu at RIS changes frequently, driven by what Chef Lacoste finds at the farmers market. Her cooking draws on New England seafood, French technique, market obsession, and a love for classic American diner fare. The result is food that is inventive yet approachable – from Prince Edward Island mussels in white wine herb broth and miso salmon tartare to a house-made cheeseburger on a potato roll. Sides like roasted cauliflower with yogurt, mint, and pomegranate or spaghetti squash with raisins and hazelnuts reflect the season. Desserts such as blueberry cobbler and butterscotch pudding round out the experience.

Neighborhood Spirit and Recognition

RIS has earned a place on the Michelin Guide’s Recommended list and was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant of the United States. It also received the Duke Zeibert Lifetime Achievement Award from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Beyond accolades, the restaurant is a true neighborhood gathering spot – welcoming guests for lunch, dinner, and private events. Chef Lacoste’s commitment to community is evident in her support for DC Central Kitchen, World Central Kitchen, and other local organizations.

The atmosphere is gracious, with a curated cocktail list, a hand-selected wine program, and a staff that takes genuine care of every guest. Regulars and first-timers alike are treated to the same thoughtful hospitality and seasonal American cuisine.