I’ve always felt that Navy Yard has not had enough good dining options, but thankfully that has been starting to change. There are all kinds of new venues popping up in SE, starting with Agua 301, Station 4, Osteria Morini, and now, Scarlet Oak.
Opened by the owners of Southern Hospitality, this cozy restaurant features classic American fare including pizzas, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and best of all, some seriously great desserts.
The savory dishes are satisfying and great for sharing. Start your meal with some of their appetizers and salads. Burrata is on every menu these days, but that’s because, well, it’s so damn good. The dish at Scarlett Oak is simple but delicious, with burrata surrounded by bright heirloom tomatoes, and garnished with basil. The fried kale chips are also a great starter, as is the spinach salad, complete with dried cranberries and walnuts.
For your entrée, pizza and pastas are a win. The scarlet pizza with eggplant and sun-dried tomatoes is a great option, and the pappardelle with housemade tomato sauce is even better.
My current favorites on the menu are seriously the desserts: ridiculously warm and gooey molten chocolate cake with caramel ice cream, vanilla panna cotta with sweet strawberries and strawberry sauce, sweet and tart rhubarb crisp with powdered sugar and vanilla ice cream, and classic crème brulee.
Booze is essential, per usual, whether you are there for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Stop by before a Nat’s game for pizza and a glass of wine, or after the game for one of their desserts.
