Despite the formality, Das remains true to its roots—and DC’s only-fine dining Ethiopian restaurant is committed to serving simmering platters full of bold colors and perfectly seasoned tibs. And as soon as the food arrives, all things formal go out the window. 

When the vegetarian sampler hits the table, guests roll up their button-down sleeves, ready to grab handfuls—literally—of orange lentils, red beets, and brown berbere-covered cauliflower. 

Elbows and wrists contorted at 45 degree angles make it painfully clear that most of the people in the room aren’t accustomed to eating with their hands. Diners drip lamb tibs onto their birthday outfits, tear off pieces of injera far bigger than they can chew, and try to impress their partner’s parents while awkwardly ladling scoops of diced tomatoes and shrimp. 

While it might seem inelegant to the untrained eye, it’s a reminder that good food is worth an extra trip to the dry cleaners.  

Georgetown’s only Ethiopian restaurant proves you don’t need an Emily Post’s place setting to give diners an intimate, fine-dining experience. It might just be the only place in Georgetown where you can charm your date and embarrass yourself, all in one fell swoop, and that’s what makes Das so special. Regardless of the glitz and the glamor, the restaurant stays true to the basics of Ethiopian dining—transforming the formal restaurant into a family dinner—stained shirts and all.