Lydia Restaurant & Lounge

Malawian chef and mixologist Victor Chizinga brings a taste of his heritage to H Street NE in the two-level space with three unique experiences and a member only speakeasy exclusively offering black owned spirits.

Lydia on H pays homage to his late mother, and her recipes for curry chicken and cabbage are early best sellers. Cherished vacations in the Caribbean, namely Jamaica, also inspire a menu filled with riffs on rum punch, jerk chicken wings and sandwiches, salmon fritters, and four-hour braised oxtail with jollof rice. 

Raine, the second-level lounge, includes a live event stage showcasing local bands while Lake Malawi, the outdoor patio space, is open and provides a relaxed environment with games, music and summer vibes.