By Nicole Gill Council CouncilMag.com

Step into Croix and you’re transported to the Caribbean. The vibe and décor set the scene for a welcoming outing at this Caribbean-rooted restaurant in Southwest Washington, D.C. Located in the Buzzard Point neighborhood not far from Nationals Park and Audi Field, the restaurant’s rooftop location offers views of the Anacostia River, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and the U.S. Capitol.

Croix, which opened in August 2026 atop the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront, is a tribute to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It features the flavors and dishes — scotch bonnet peppers, callaloo, conch, curried goat, saltfish and jerk chicken, among others — found in St. Croix as well as the Caribbean region at large. Its beverage program pulls from the botanical traditions of the islands, such as cerasee, guavaberry, sorrel and tamarind taking center stage on the drinks menu.

We thoroughly enjoyed the cuisine at Croix in D.C.

Jerald and Nicole Council, founder and editor of CouncilMag.com

The menu was developed by Chef Keem Hughley, corporate director of culinary and concept design at Donohoe Hospitality Services, and Chef Malika King, the chef de cuisine at Croix. The menu is divided into small plates, casabes (a cracker-like flatbread made from cassava root topped with protein), large plates, dishes for the table and desserts on the menu. All of it is ideal for sharing.

I relished the following dishes, which are a satisfying way to start your meal:
1. Try the saltfish mille-feuille, prepared with salt cod brandade. Delight in the fritters’ vibrant flavor, then dip them in the lime crème fraîche to temper the heat.
2. For a spicier option, try the goat pepperpot casabe and savor the lingering warmth of the pickled Scotch bonnet peppers.
3. Finally, the herb shrimp casabe pairs beautifully with pineapple salsa, which adds a tropical touch.

Charred plantain agnolotti pasta filled with smoked ricotta

You may not expect plantain as an ingredient in a pasta dish, but it’s the highlight in the charred plantain agnolotti pasta filled with smoked ricotta and topped with a creamy jerk sauce.

““Croix has the flavors and sounds that are reminiscent of the Caribbean.””

— Nicole Gill Council, Digital Content Editor

Even traditional dishes are presented with a twist. Case in point: the sea bass with escovitch is served with sorrel sauce and the Wagyu burger comes with pickled Scotch bonnet peppers. You can finish your meal with Croix dense coconut cake, topped with a toasted coconut crust, rum caramel, passion fruit gel and strawberries.

Coconut cake topped with coconut crust, rum caramel and passion fruit gel.

In addition to the restaurant, the 21 and older Croix Veranda extends the good times outdoors highlighting music, snacks and curated cocktail offerings.

For a warm, inviting evening, head to Croix for good food, vibes and music.