The 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open didn’t just bring world-class tennis to Rock Creek Park — it delivered a masterclass in D.C. flavor.
With a lineup that spotlighted homegrown chefs, Michelin stars, and Black-owned institutions, the food experience delivered a full-court experience beyond the baseline.
At the heart of the culinary action was Market Square, where fans lined up for local favorites and summer staples. The tournament’s push to elevate the food scene brought some of the DMV’s most respected chefs and eateries front and center.
Among the standout chefs were Michael Rafidi, a D.C. native and 2024 James Beard Award winner, serving dishes from his Michelin-starred Navy Yard restaurant Albi, known for its bold Levantine flavors.
Jeremiah Langhorne, chef at Michelin-starred The Dabney in Shaw, offered a gourmet spin on Southern comfort: catfish sandwiches on sweet potato rolls.
Nick Stefanelli, the chef behind Union Market’s Masseria, returned with refined Italian fare rooted in Mid-Atlantic tradition.
The VIP crowd also enjoyed dishes from longtime D.C. resident José Andrés, who brought gazpacho from his celebrated portfolio of D.C. restaurants.
And for the first time, Mita’s Michelin-starred duo Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora joined the tournament lineup, offering their vegetable-forward Latin cuisine.
But it wasn’t just fine dining that made noise. Black-owned, D.C.-founded Roaming Rooster returned with its crispy OG Nashville fried chicken sandwich, a fan favorite.
Ben’s Chili Bowl, an iconic Black-owned institution founded on U Street in 1958, made its Citi Open debut — drawing lines for its signature half-smokes and legacy as a cornerstone of D.C. culture. Cava, another DMV-grown success story, brought its fast-casual Mediterranean bowls, while Duke’s Grocery served up its signature “proper” burger.
Sweet options included Dolcezza, a local gelato brand with Argentine roots; Clayboy’s Shaved Ice, a mobile vendor popular across the DMV; and Ladurée, offering pastel-colored French macarons.
Drinks flowed across the venue, from the Mi Campo Tequila Lounge and Taco Bamba collab to the Ketel One Terrace, Aviation Gin Bar, and Kim Crawford Summer Club. Signature cocktails included the Strawberry Smash — made with vodka, lemonade, and strawberry purée — and a frozen rosé Frosé.
From upscale bites to long-time local staples, the 2025 Citi Open food lineup showcased more than just flavor — it spotlighted the D.C. region’s culinary identity.
