Tom Sietsema

Washington, D.C.

Food critic

Education: Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service

Tom Sietsema has been The Washington Post's food critic since 2000. In leaner years, he worked for the Microsoft Corp., where he launched sidewalk.com; the Seattle Post-Intelligencer; the San Francisco Chronicle; and the Milwaukee Journal. A graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, he has also written for Food & Wine, Gourmet, GQ, Travel & Leisure and other national publications. In 2016, he received an award from the James Beard Foundation for his series identifying and rating the "10 Best Food Cities in America" the previous year.
Latest from Tom Sietsema

Have questions about dining out? Ask our food critic.

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema entertains your dining questions, rants and raves.

May 3, 2023

Yet another French spot in D.C., Petite Cerise charts a personal course

Jeremiah Langhorne, also the chef of the Dabney, offers all-day hours, a relaxed vibe and a focus on sauces at the new Petite Cerise.

April 21, 2023

Dining Q&A: What does a star by my dinner reservation mean?

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema entertains your dining questions, rants and raves.

April 19, 2023

Local Provisions in Sterling is a mom and pop that checks all the boxes

The family-friendly newcomer marries trends (cauliflower piccata) and comfort food (roast chicken) on its menu.

April 14, 2023

Dining Q&A: What should I do when a restaurant brings out the entree while I’m still on the appetizer?

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema entertains your dining questions, rants and raves.

April 12, 2023

Donsak Thai Restaurant is required eating in Woodley Park

A boost to the neighborhood, the conscientious newcomer lists 75 different dishes, including a page devoted to the flavors of Esaan.

April 7, 2023

Dining Q&A: Is it true you shouldn’t order seafood on Mondays?

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema entertains your dining questions, rants and raves.

April 5, 2023

Caruso’s Grocery brings its Italian American show to North Bethesda

Look for all the hit dishes from the D.C. original — fried calamari, chicken parmesan, seafood fra diavolo — at chef Matt Adler's Maryland spinoff.

March 31, 2023

Dining Q&A: ‘Why are tattoos popular among restaurant workers?’

Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema entertains your dining questions, rants and raves.

March 29, 2023

Tom Sietsema’s 6 favorite places to eat in March

This month's choice dining draws embrace Ethiopian-spiced fried chicken in D.C., terrific Chinese dishes in Maryland and creative American fare in Virginia.

March 27, 2023