Modern West African Cuisine at Elmina (U Street Corridor)

NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS
Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members.
→ Learn how DC Metro Dining works
→ Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)

RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Sunday 10a, 5/24. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)

Let’s explore an upscale dining experience that blends West African tradition with modern culinary innovation. We are heading to Elmina in Shaw, from Top Chef finalist and Food Network personality Eric Adjepong, known for bringing modern Ghanaian cuisine into a refined dining setting.

FOOD: Elmina blends traditional West African flavors with modern technique, with a menu that highlights depth, spice, and layered composition. Dishes frequently called out include the jollof duck pot and egusi stew dumplings, both reworking classic Ghanaian staples into more refined presentations. You will also find grilled meats with suya-style seasoning, seafood dishes with balanced heat and acidity, and rotating plates that reflect regional influences.

The menu leans bold and savory, with options across meat, seafood, and some vegetarian-friendly selections. Cocktails often incorporate tropical and spice-forward elements that align closely with the cuisine.

Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range, depending on beverage participation.

→ Explore Elmina's menu:
https://www.elminarestaurant.com/menu

SPACE: Stylish, modern dining room with a warm, intimate layout. Expect a lively but controlled atmosphere with moderate noise levels, especially on a Sunday evening.

→ Visit the restaurant site (scroll half way down to la carte menu): https://www.elminarestaurant.com/

• Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details).
• Limited to 8 slots.

See you there!
JoeN

CLOSEST METRO:

*U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo station (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Walk east along Florida Ave NW. The walk is about 12–15 minutes
*For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website (click on your preferred Metro station then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip".

PARKING: Street parking in this area can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid garages are located within a few blocks along 14th Street and nearby side streets. Plan accordingly.

Attendance Notes:

-* If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.*
-** New Members / 1st Timers: Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).
-* Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total.*** This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant.

Looking forward to dining with you!
JoeN