Photo by Goran Foto.

Ambar is one of the new Bib Gourmand restaurants (Photo by Goran Foto)

Need some automotive help? Looking for the best places to eat in a big city? For both, the fine folks at Michelin can help you out, in their dual role as tire purveyors and distributors of stars for the world’s best eateries. D.C.’s new list of Michelin-starred restaurants is set to drop next week, but until then it has sated us with its Bib Gourmand restaurants—an addition that nearly doubles its list of “affordable” restaurants.

Nineteen spots have been added to the list of more moderately-priced establishments, including plant-based Fancy Radish, longtime ramen staple Toki Underground, and Maydan, already this summer named the second best new restaurant in the country by Bon Appetit.

While the Michelin Guide typically includes tony establishments with eyeroll-inducing waitlists (Minibar, Pineapple & Pearls, and Masseria are among them), the Bib Gourmand list is meant for more casual spots. To be considered, Michelin’s anonymous inspectors must be able to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less. That explains how critically-acclaimed but inexpensive spots like Bad Saint end up on the Bib Gourmand list.

Michelin named 19 Bib Gourmand spots to 2017’s list, including The Royal, The Red Hen, and four José Andrés joints. Two of those were removed from this year’s list: 2Amys and Boqueria. (It’s worth noting that 2Amys has been closed for most of the summer). Hazel, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Sfoglina were added to the 2018 list last year.

Here’s the full list (new additions are in bold):

The new Michelin-starred restaurants will be announced on September 13.

Filed Under: Bib Gourmand, Michelin, restaurants,