Iron Gate
Mediterranean · Washington · $$$$
Mediterranean · Washington, DC · $$$$
Imperfecto is a restaurant by Enrique Limardo and the team behind Seven Reasons. The restaurant is inspired by the intersection between the Mediterranean & Latin American Cultures, and sustained in Enrique Limardo's bold culinary approach. At Imperfecto we believe that human beings are not perfect. We are far from perfect. We are Imperfect. And it's imperfection that moves us forward and shows us how to improve. The restaurant design is inspired by Greek culture. The oldest definition of "perfection", goes back to Aristotle, who defined the concept in three: which is complete; which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better; which has attained its purpose. At Imperfecto, we know that a restaurant space is not complete if it’s not filled with people; that we will try our best to maintain the highest levels of creativity, flavors and service; and that we will always pursue our purpose of bringing magical culinary experiences to our guests.
“#1 Brunch about 5 years ago #2 Dinner more recenty #2 The 5-course tasting menu was very good with only one false note; the vegetable-based pasta dish the Rutaglini was pretty bad, I only had a few bites. The rest of the courses were exceptional, and my favorites were the savory courses: the Mar Y Tiera and the Chuleta de Cordero, they were superb. Service was exceptional and the ambience elegant without any pretension. I love the Seven Reasons group restaurants. Full menu below: CRUDO Bluefin tuna, raw cacciatore, peas, bonito sauce Philipponnat Brut Royale Reserve, Champagne NV II RUTAGLINI Rutabaga, cauliflower, truffles, sea beans, kombu Selvabianca, Vernaccia San Gimignano, Tuscany 2023 III MAR Y TIERRA Young chicken, dungeness crab, lobster, corn, citrus bisque Rivetto Vigna Lirano, Nebbiolo, D' Alba, Piemonte 2022 IV CHULETA DE CORDERO Australian lamb rack, sour date syrup glaze, artichoke and roasted eggplant puree, friseé, herbs, jus Andeluna, Pasionado Cabernet Franc, Mendoza 2022 V SORBET VI CACAO 7 Cacao cookie, 72% sorbet, 55% ganache, 40% chocolate custard, 38% caramel tuile, 35% feuilletine crisp, 33% gelee ===== #1 We had brunch here today and overall, if was quite good and worth returning to. They have a limited but creative menu, but don't bother asking if they can do anything off menu for kids (it was a firm "No."). We ended up ordering our daughter the brioche with gianduja chocolate and orange custard and it was thankfully a heavenly proxy for a kid's brunch entree. As for mine, I had the fried chicken with corn pancakes. The chicken was a bit dry as were the pancakes but the peppery guajillo sauce generally remedied that but not quite. My wife's cauliflower and asparagus salad was quite flavorful and the tangerine dressing was a nice accent. So ultimately an imperfect meal at Imperfecto but still worth it overall and justified a return visit in the future.”
“During Restaurant Week, I enjoyed an amazing dinner. First the impeccable server brought an amuse-bouche of a small glass cup of an intensely flavored warm mushroom soup. My appetizer selection of the Ceviche included 3 poached shrimp in a tangy light spicy dressing topped with sweet potato straws and accompanied by paper thin slices of rye toast. My entree selection of the Duck Magret was delicious, a large (6+ ounce) slice of duck breast cooked perfectly with a jus pool large enough to dip each bite. My dessert selection of the poached pear with vanilla ice cream on a bed of streusel was delectable. AWith the check, the server brought 2 delightful fruit gels. Although the portions were on the small side (except the marvelous duck breast), I was pleased to have enjoyed a full meal for the fixed price.”
“We went here for a restaurant week. The menu was great! I felt like it was good quality and service for the price. Their cocktails are super fun as well. Highly recommend getting one. Don’t sleep on this place!”
“Imperfecto is an upscale destination blending Mediterranean and Latin American flavors. The space is impressive, with bright and clean marble surfaces that set the tone for a high-end experience. The Food (Bar Visit): We stopped by the bar for appetizers and drinks, and even in a short visit, the kitchen’s Michelin pedigree was obvious. 🐑 Moussaka Cigars: A standout dish. The outer shell of the phyllo dough was delicate and airy, providing a crunch against the filling. The mixture of smoky eggplant, ground lamb, and cheese was rich and creamy. 🐟 Madai Crudo: Beautifully presented, the delicate sea bream was wrapped around avocado and set in a green pool of aguachile. Served with a tostada, it was a fresh and bright bite. Service: ⭐️ The service was impeccable. The staff was formally dressed and extremely well-versed in the menu. Special thanks to our bartender, Wilber, for sharing his extensive knowledge of the dishes and drinks. Tip: The full Michelin Degustation Experience is currently offered only at 7:00 PM (Wednesday through Saturday). Recommend planning reservations accordingly. Overall: An upscale venue offering delicious food and polished service. Perfect for special occasions or impressive business meals. Look forward to returning for a full dinner.”
“Absolutely unforgettable experience at Imperfecto. We visited DC for the first time this weekend and ended up dining at Imperfecto two nights in a row, it was that amazing. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel special; on our second visit, they surprised us with a welcome-back card with our names and a handwritten message. Every dish was perfection, from the Madai Crudo and Tiger Prawns à la Diablo, to the Lamb Terrine, each plate felt like a work of art. But the real showstopper was the Pistachio & Yogurt dessert truly life-changing (do NOT miss this if you go) Even without a reservation our first night, they found us seats at the bar, and the service was just as thoughtful as when we returned for dinner the next evening. Marcos, the bartender prepared the best drinks (imperfecto club) for us. Imperfecto is hands-down the best restaurant in Washington, DC. Can’t wait to return.”
1124 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037-1423, United States
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