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Celebrate DC Cherry Blossom Season
Every year, the Yoshino trees around Washington DC burst into full bloom, marking the arrival of cherry blossom season across the capital. The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20th to April 12th.
To celebrate the season, our chef has created a six-course prix fixe menu bringing together the fresh catch and local produce of the Chesapeake Bay region with the delicate flavours of Japanese spring cuisine. The Cherry Blossom menu will be available March 20th to April 12th.
With the capital welcoming millions of visitors during cherry blossom season, we recommend reserving your table well in advance.
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Cherry Blossom Chef's Menu
Drawing on the shared traditions of our Scottish origins and the Japanese heritage of sakura, our chef has crafted a menu that honours both the season and the story of the Yoshino trees gifted to Washington in 1912.
We’ll be offering a six-course menu highlighting the fresh catch and local produce of the season. The Cherry Blossom Prix Fixe menu includes:
-Trout tartare & sunchoke miso tots
-North Carolina tuna tataki with pickled red onions & ponzu
-Steamed Autumn Olive pork & cabbage gyoza rice wine vinegar
-Saikyo miso marinated tile fish, pickled ginger & Buddha’s hand
-Mizuna & mustard leaf salad & steamed rice
-DC Honey Purin Pudding
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Wines & Cocktails
No celebration is complete without a drink to commemorate the occasion. Whether your preference is French bubbly, crisp craft beer, or refreshing cocktails, there is something for everyone on our menu. We’ll also have a special cocktail in honor of the DC cherry blossoms. Subtle and floral with a clean finish, our First Bluebell cocktail is not to be missed!
First Bluebell
Brooklyn Kura Sake, Kina D’or, Violette
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Shuck & Sip Cherry Blossom Kick Off
On Friday, March 20th, we’re kicking off the Cherry Blossom Festival with some good local oysters. Join us from 3-6pm for $1 fresh oysters shucked by Baywater Seafood. No reservations needed. Just come and enjoy the start of spring with some of the best shuckers in town!
Pink Tie Party
While our Cherry Blossom prix fixe chef’s menu doesn’t go on until March 20th, you can get a sneak preview at the upcoming Pink Tie Party on March 13th. This yearly celebration at Union Station brings together tastemakers from all over DC to share their food. Be sure to swing by our station, where we’ll be serving up tasters of one of our Cherry Blossom-inspired dishes.
GET TICKETS TO THE PINK TIE PARTY BOOK A TABLE AT FISH SHOP
À la Carte Menu
Along with our cherry blossom-inspired prix fixe menu, we’ll also have our full á la carte menu available to order from. Taste the local fish and produce that make this region so unique. Maryland lobster carpaccio, leek and pulled chicken croquettes, rockfish Massaman curry, and candied Virginia peanut tiramisu are just a few of the inventive dishes we offer.
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Cherry Blossom Festival: Visitor Guide
Where are the best cherry blossom viewing spots near the DC Wharf?
The Tidal Basin is the most popular viewing area and is a short walk from Fish Shop at the Wharf. Hains Point and East Potomac Park offer quieter alternatives with waterfront views.
Do you need tickets for the Cherry Blossom Festival?
The cherry blossoms themselves are free to visit at any time. Some festival events, such as the Pink Tie Party and Petalpalooza, may have separate ticketing. We recommend arriving early in the morning or at sunset for the best viewing and fewer crowds.
Is the DC Wharf near the cherry blossoms?
Yes. The Wharf is one of the closest dining and entertainment districts to the Tidal Basin cherry blossom viewing area. Fish Shop at 610 Water Street SW is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the blossoms, making it an ideal spot for a pre- or post-viewing meal.
How crowded is DC during cherry blossom season?
Very. The festival draws over 1.5 million visitors each year. We strongly recommend making dinner reservations in advance, particularly on evenings during peak bloom week. Metro is generally the easiest way to reach the Wharf area during festival season.