The patio at Hazel restaurant. (Photo by Neighborhood Restaurant Group).

The patio at Hazel restaurant. (Photo by Neighborhood Restaurant Group).

French tire-company-turned-food-critic Michelin is back for another year of judging restaurants in D.C. It’s kicking off its 2018 roll out today with its Bib Gourmand recommendations, naming three new restaurants to the under $40 value dining award.

A few rungs below the coveted stars, which recognize the best of the best, the Bib Gourmand label is a mark of quality food at an affordable price. Restaurants on this list must offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less, before tax and tip.

Twenty-two restaurants made the list this year, up from 18 last year. Three new restaurants were recognized: Hazel (808 V St. NW) in Shaw, Ivy City Smokehouse (1356 Okie St. NE) in Northeast, and Sfoglina in Van Ness (4445 Connecticut Ave. NW).

Hazel opened in June 2016 and is the first Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Birch and Barley, Iron Gate, The Partisan, etc) spot to receive a star or a Bib Gourmand nod. It’s notable for its up-and-coming chef Rob Rubba. Ivy City Smokehouse is an anchor of its neighborhood’s culinary growth and specializes in smoked fish and tavern food. Sfoglina is a pasta house concept from Italian chef Fabio Trabocchi, who’s upscale Fiola nabbed one Michelin star in last year’s guide.

All of the 2017 Bib Gourmand restaurants remained on the list, including four from chef José Andrés’ local empire and smaller operations the The Royal (501 Florida Ave. NW) and Bidwell (1309 5th St. NW).

Selection to the Bib Gourmand list can be a point of pride, especially in a city like D.C. that’s often criticized for its unrealistic dining price points. It can also be quite a letdown, too, as restaurants named here, such as Bad Saint, are not eligible to receive stars (those will be announced on October 17, with the guide going on sale October 20).

Here is the full list of 2018 Bib Gourmand restaurants:

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