Washington D.C.’s dining scene is always evolving, with cuisines from all over the world now represented throughout the city, so it’s rare when a restaurant opens that brings something completely new to the arena. Of late however, we have a super exciting newcomer: Ceibo, serving up food from Uruguay. Having visited the South American country myself, I can confirm the dishes Ceibo serves are on par with what you would get in the best restaurants in Uruguay. The restaurant showcases the wonderful Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese influences Uruguayan cuisine is known for. Read on for the full report on Ceibo!
The Food
The menu at Ceibo is small, but full of gems. Kick things off with the house-made bread and butter, and maybe the green herb salad. Salad is boring, you say? Not Ceibo’s–with pearl onions and shards of a gorgeous, fruity Venetian cheese called Ubriaco Rosso, dressed in a light sherry vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for wetting your palate without filling you up.
Next: plums served on a pillowy bed of creamy ricotta cheese, adorned with candied peanuts and honey to complement the plums. But the leek tart is the highlight of the menu. The buttery puff pastry cup, taleggio cheese, and delicate onion flavor of leeks make for a winning combination. Uruguayans are famous for their love of cheese, and chef Nacho Olivera is no exception. He proudly highlights the wide variety of cheeses that are popular in Uruguay.
Alongside your leek tart, be sure to sample the white asparagus. At Ceibo, the delicate spears are soaked in a velvety beurre blanc sauce, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs to add crunch. Craving more? Pickled eggplant in an eggplant ragu, hearty potato wedges, and oysters are also on the menu. But you may (must!) want to save room for dessert. The chocolate cake is a dream, with a generous pour of sweet dulce de leche sauce, as are the sweet and bright strawberries with lemon meringue. Don’t leave without ordering the Marti Fierro, a traditional Uruguayan dessert consisting of cheese topped with quince paste. Simple but delicious, the dish is named after Martín Fierro, who was an activist for gauchos, Uruguayan cowboys, as this was his favorite dessert.
The Drinks
If you fancy a cocktail, try the pomelo, gin, grapefruit, orange, and yerba mate beverage, which showcases the beloved South American tea. For wine, don’t pass over the Uruguay red wine, made with tannat, Uruguya’s national grape that oozes with spiciness and depth of flavor.
The Vibe at Ceibo
Ceibo is quiet, cozy, and intimate. It’s great for dinner with a date or a small group of friends. The staff is friendly and eager to share their tips on what to order. There’s nothing not to love!
The Verdict
Ceibo is a special addition to the Adams Morgan neighborhood and will quickly become a date night favorite!
