The selection of the first Michelin Guide Washington 2017 reveals the revival and potential of the local culinary scene with three two stars, nine one star and 19 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand.

With its own culinary identity centred around "Mid-Atlantic cuisine", over the last few years the culinary scene in Washington has undergone some profound changes that have made its local cuisine among the most dynamic in the world.

In this first selection, three restaurants have been awarded two stars: Mini Bar, where under the eyes of his customers, chef Jose Andres offers particularly avant-garde and innovative cuisine in the form of a tasting menu featuring whimsical and fun dishes; Pineapple & Pearls, opened earlier this year by chef Aaron Silverman, has perfectly flavoured dishes reflecting a wide range of influences; and The Inn at Little Washington: a few kilometres from Washington, the restaurant run by celebrity chef Patrick O'Connel offers classic and eclectic French cuisine in a stunning setting.

Claire Dorland-Clauzel, Michelin executive vice-president, brands and external relations said: “Following on from New York, San Francisco and Chicago, we are pleased to launch this new selection for Washington: we have rarely experienced such development in the same area in such a short time. This first selection will help highlight the trends and talents in the city, and offer our customers high quality expertise.”

Michael Ellis, International Director of the Michelin guides added: “Over the last five years the culinary offering has significantly developed in the city, driven by chefs who have travelled, have trained abroad and have enriched their cuisine on their return by incorporating new techniques, new flavours, and new seasonings. This gastronomic revival is amplified and supported by the "Mid-Atlantic cuisine" led by young chefs who have decided to take advantage of their terroir and work local products, thereby giving Washington a unique culinary identity.”

Figureheads in this "Mid-Atlantic cuisine”, the restaurant Rose's Luxury, opened by chef Aaron Silverman, and The Dabney, run by chef Jeremiah Langhorne, have been awarded one star in this first selection for the MICHELIN Guide Washington. Seven other restaurants have been awarded one star –the Blue Duck Tavern, Kinship, Plume, Tail Up Goat, the Italian restaurants Masseria and Fiola and finally the Japanese restaurant Sushi Taro.

Finally, with over 33 styles of cuisines represented in the Guide, with for the first time a restaurant offering Balkan cuisine, the selection reflects the great diversity of the culinary scene in the city.