You may already recognize the H Street destination from its viral rainbow lattes and all-day breakfast menu in the downstairs cafe. A new addition to the D.C. food scene this past fall, Hiraya Cafe made waves with its Filipino-inspired pastries, Tocino burger served on an ube bun, and, of course, its vibrant beverages.
Now, Hiraya is taking things up a notch with its upstairs dining room and bar, KAYU, which features a chef’s counter and rotating tasting menu.
KAYU is situated on the upper level of the 4,700-square-foot eatery. Offering a fresh take on traditional Filipino dishes, Chef Paolo Dungca and his skilled culinary team blend traditional and modern flavors to create a unique dining experience.
Guests can anticipate an innovative evolving menu with dishes such as sunchoke raviolo with morel mushrooms and Périgord truffle, and savory crab-fat doughnuts topped with Maine uni and Lardo. Through both the nostalgia-evoking dishes and the leafy, earth-toned decor, Hiraya celebrates the beauty and history of the Philippines.
The restaurant offers a seven-course Chef’s Counter menu for $165 per person, and an optional wine pairing for $65 per person, as well as a five-course tasting menu for $115 with a $45 beverage pairing. Guests can also opt for the $75 three-course Salo-Salo menu.
KAYU’s chef’s counter menu has only eight available slots and two seating times at 6 pm and 8 pm. The dining area also features a bar with an à la carte menu and is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Hiraya Cafe is open daily, serving breakfast and lunch from 8 am to 3 pm and all-day menu until 9 pm on Wednesday through Sunday.
For more information, visit Hiraya’s website.
📍 1250 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002