It was an experience of a life time and I could not believe that they were food .to me they were pieces of art ,so perfectly prepared I really did not want to eat them I just wanted to look at them beside the magnificent culinary the staff were very friendly and professional and very knowledgeable the only regret was I could not meet the master chef but I am hoping one day
We were dining on a private table and received fantastic service. The menu and wine pairings were unparalleled. This is not just a restaurant meal but an unequalled assault on all your senses. I imagine that meals in heaven will be like this.
This was a 30 course Epicurean masterpiece. Minibar only sits 15 people in a seating; however, I counted 14 staff in the kitchen. This is so much more than just a meal--it is a show. An experience as to how far you can push what a dinner is. It's such a sensory overload it's actually hard to keep track what you're eating and what you're drinking. I had the truffle service and cocktails and my partner had the wine pairing. This was by far the most expensive meal with my life and I have no regrets. Dinner for 2 was $850.00. you need to buy your tickets at noon on the first day of the month that they go on sale. They sell out incredibly quick. The ticket includes tip. Adding wine pairing was $215.00 and truffle service was $150.00. cocktails are approximately $20 each and represent a good deal.
If you are an absolute food snob on the perpetual search for the ultimate dinner experience this is definitely for you.
Loved it. Their take on toad in the hole, with tofu toast, egg, white truffle and caviar instead of bacon, and a maple foam, was one of the better dishes I’ve ever had.
The mocktails were also very, very good.
Sensational experience! Food is better at other starred restaurants but the performance of it all was amazing! One Macha drink was so overwhelming, it really took away from the delicate flavors in the next 3-4 dishes. Presentation and service was top notch. We did have to get McDonald's after because we left pretty hungry. Other, similar places send you home with a burger or pasta dish in case you are still hungry after.
I’m glad I experienced Minibar once, but tbh, I was a little bit let down by the overall experience.
The food was chef’s kiss fantastic. But that is expected at a two-star Michelin. What brought the experience down for me was that the service from our main server was extremelyyy pretentious, from correcting our pronunciation of “shirako” (lol) to denying the woman sitting next to me an espresso martini three times because it wouldn’t pair well with what was upcoming (she requested it multiple times because she was very tired and he wouldn’t do it). The vibe just wasn’t for me.
This does not mean you should not try Minibar- if you don’t mind doing the gymnastics necessary to get in, I wouldn’t steer you away. I just have enjoyed my experiences at Jônt much more (the espresso martini woman actually recommended Jônt to us and we are now big fans, so I’m also passing this recommendation along).
Definitely a worthwhile experience in every way. Everyone was incredibly kind and all of the "snacks" were so delicious. I felt very full at the end of the meal but it wasn't too much. Also it was fun! I've never had a dining experience like this before. Obviously extremely thought out and all of the staff are pros at what they do.
I hope to be able to return
Absolutely phenomenal experience!! Husband took me to celebrate my birthday here and not only did we have amazingly delicious food, but the service was impeccable. I also appreciated the fun atmosphere they created for everyone and thought it was really nice being able to sit all around the kitchen and being able to observe the chefs create the dishes. We didn’t do the wine pairing but did order some cocktails, which were also spectacular (they do give you a few for free too!). For my birthday, they served me a cheesecake at the end and were very kind to help us take a Polaroid photo for us to keep! We were also sent home with a delicious milk bread. Absolutely enjoyed this experience and adored this Japanese inspired menu. Thank you for a memorable night, minibar!!
Not all Michelin experiences are equal and this one stands head and shoulders above most of its compatriots. The less you know about the dishes beforehand, I think the better it is.
Almost every bite was a showstopper with the plating and presentation done merely inches away from you in a unique intimate setting of only 12 seats (and one seating per night). Truly molecular gastronomy done well (when it is so often fumbled by other restaurants).
Despite the setting, cost, and prestige of this place, nothing feels pretentious. Service is prompt and friendly, there is no pressure to select add ons, and all the chefs, by virtue of the set-up, are good humoured, approachable, and eager to chat and answer your questions about each course.
I would skip the truffle pairing ($120 for truffles on 3 dishes), and wine pairing in lieu of the a la carte cocktails from bar mini. They do a naked and famous as good, if not better than anywhere else.
There's no comparison to a meal at minibar. There's no real frame of reference - I've eaten at Michelin-starred restaurants before, but this is just *different*.
There is one comparison in my dining history - 6 months ago we lucked in to a cancellation at Alinea when we were in Chicago. I will say that Alinea was the winner on dining *theater*, which is of course an integral part of the molecular gastronomy experience. But minibar won on taste, and it honestly wasn't close.
It was simultaneously casual and fancy, upscale and homey, pretentious and familiar.
When I left Alinea, I said that I was glad I went, but I didn't feel the need to repeat the experience. I would absolutely go back to minibar.
Absolutely unreal experience. The fact that head chef allowed her team to be so involved in the experience speaks highly of their culture there. The ingenuity and beauty in their food is unmatched
This was a one of a kind experience! We were lucky to snag the last reservation available during the week that we are here for a conference. The intimate experience of dining "within the kitchen" and watching the chefs in action made this a truly memorable experience, and elevates it from all the other Michelin-star restaurants we've dined in. The dishes were phenomenal!!! Hats off to Jose Andres who not only creates masterpieces combining food and art, but also cares about the world and feeding the less fortunate. Special kudos also to his wonderful team of chefs and staff that made our evening truly remarkable. Instead of posting photos of the food, which everyone does, I want to salute the exceptional team at Minibar!!!
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Washington DC
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes