Seek out these 5 unique restaurants in Washington, D.C.

El Secreto de Rosita is a comprehensive and groundbreaking ode to Peruvian cuisine, highlighting both the country’s ancient Incan roots and newer immigrant imprints—a concept not easily found in Washington, D.C. The romantic U Street lair, designed to resemble a rainforest, recently landed a spot in MICHELIN’s D.C. dining guide. Indigenous Peruvian ingredients, such as purple corn and yellow pepper, distinguish the imaginative menu. Expect an entire section dedicated to ceviche, plus plenty of Nikkei and Chifa cuisine; the latter was brought to Peru by Chinese immigrants. It’s all whipped up by Eugene Perret, a Peru native who has cooked at MICHELIN-starred spots including Siren and Komi. Must-tries include arroz chaufa, a Peruvian-Chinese fried rice, and kam lu wantan, a sweet and sour stir-fry served with crispy wontons, shrimp tempura, pineapple, and snow peas.

After feasting on contemporary Oaxacan fare at acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval’s beloved restaurant, dLeña, head downstairs to Roja. This rustic-chic, subterranean lounge features a prolific selection of 300 agave spirits, one of D.C.’s largest, including 250 tequilas. Sit at the leather-lined bar or one of the moody, candlelit tables along the walnut tambour-paneled walls and sip on craft cocktails such as the tamarind paloma—it’s an especially creative spin on the tequila drink, rimmed with chamoy chile salt. Agave spirit aficionados who store mezcal bottles in one of the bar’s 44 exclusive private tequila lockers receive it served in bespoke crystal decanters on every visit, along with a personalized membership card that guarantees a table at this unrivaled, walk-in only haunt.