Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
A small but lively spot offering bold flavors and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere
BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Nestled in the bustling streets of Dupont Circle, Astoria DC might not immediately grab attention from the outside, but once inside, it reveals one of the coziest and most memorable dining experiences in the city.
At first glance, the restaurant’s exterior is simple and understated — almost easy to miss. But stepping through the doors transports you into a different world: a small, bustling space full of lively energy, with a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The interior gives off the feeling of a mystical train car, creating a setting that feels both intimate and exciting.
Astoria is conveniently just steps from the Dupont Circle Metro Station on the Red Line, making it an easy destination for both locals and visitors.
Getting a table here, however, requires some planning. Reservations typically fill up weeks in advance, and I surprisingly snagged a spot due to a last-minute cancellation. The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with peak hours filling up quickly, especially on weekends.
Astoria structures its menu a little differently, offering Dishes for one, Dishes for sharing and Extra-large dishes rather than traditional starters and entrees. I was slightly disappointed to find that there were no single-portion chicken dishes, only larger stir-fry chicken options meant for sharing and none that involved noodles, which I had been craving.
Still, the menu had plenty to offer. We ordered the Beef Noodles, Vegan Beef Noodles, and OG La Zi Chicken — a spicy Thai-style fried chicken tossed with peanuts, chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.
Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
The noodles were exceptional. The beef and vegan versions were packed with flavor, perfectly cooked, and hearty without feeling too heavy. Sophomore Mohamed El Hadj Sidi, shared a similar sentiment, saying, “The beef noodles were amazing, and had a great level of kick and spice, but weren’t too spicy.”
The OG La Zi Chicken was a highlight as well: crispy, flavorful and aromatic, though the spice level was milder than expected. It felt more like a great shared appetizer than a standalone main dish, but pairing it with the noodles made for a filling meal.
In addition to the cuisine, we tried a few mocktails. They were solid companions to the meal, offering good flavor without being particularly standout.
Reflecting on the experience, Sophomore Faris Madani, said, “Astoria’s ambiance, music choices, and food blew me out of the water. Their OG La-Zi chicken dish had the perfect amount of spice and crisp to it, and went great with my sweet ginger drink.” He added that he would definitely recommend the restaurant.
Astoria offers great value for the quality and quantity of food. Dishes for One are typically priced around $16-$23, Dishes for Sharing fall in the $24–$26 range, and Extra-Large Dishes, perfect for groups, cost about $40–$45. With generous portions designed for sharing, the pricing feels fair and accessible.
Though the menu could benefit from more single-serving chicken options, the overall experience, from the atmosphere to the food, makes it a standout spot in Dupont Circle. I’ll definitely be returning, hopefully to explore even more of what their intriguing menu has to offer.
