Reverie, a hidden tasting room renowned for its 16-course meals, will close its doors for the final time on Sunday, October 4.
Established in 2018 by tenured chef Johnny Spero, Reverie has been a fixture in Georgetown, navigating through a challenging dining landscape and surviving the pandemic to earn a prestigious Michelin star.
However, the road to success was not without hurdles; Reverie suffered a fire shortly after receiving its star, leading to an 18-month hiatus for extensive renovations.
Spero described the closure as a conscious decision: “We are choosing where the story ends. This was never meant to last forever, but it was meant to mean something, and it did.”
The restaurant’s reopening in early 2024 brought a fresh vision, with a refined decor that replaced its original white-and-blue tiles with sleek black finishes, although the seating capacity was reduced to just 36.
Despite its unique culinary offerings influenced by Nordic, Japanese, and Maryland cuisine, the secluded location and expensive prix fixe model may have contributed to the decision to close.
In July, Spero adjusted the menu from a seafood-centric option at $255 per person to a more affordable vegetable-focused tasting experience costing $190.
The imminent closure reflects greater challenges in the restaurant industry, as Spero’s other D.C. venture, Bar Spero, ceased operations just a year prior due to financial instability.
Spero has a rich culinary background, including experiences at notable establishments such as Noma in Copenhagen and Minibar by José Andrés in D.C. Following the fire at Reverie, Andrés welcomed many of Spero’s displaced staff into his renowned kitchen.
As the D.C. area maintains a vibrant dining scene with 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, Reverie’s closure marks a significant loss, following the earlier announcement of Tail Up Goat in Adams Morgan planning to shut its doors after a decade of service.
Johnny Spero is keen to leave a lasting legacy through his final months at Reverie, promising to bring back favorite dishes, such as the beloved smash burger, and to celebrate the restaurant’s impact on the community.
The drawn-out closure affords staff time to seek new opportunities while giving guests a chance to savor the experience one last time.
Looking ahead, Spero hopes to assist the landlord in finding a new tenant for the location, expressing his desire for them to create something as meaningful as Reverie did.
“I hope the next person who walks down this alley brings their own vision to life, just as we did,” Spero stated.
As Reverie prepares for its last service, the local culinary community reflects on the restaurant’s contributions and the indelible mark it has left on Georgetown’s dining landscape.
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