The magpie symbolizes prosperity and luck, while the tiger serves as a protector of the Korean people. So Magpie and the Tiger is the perfect name for an intimate Korean-American restaurant in Petworth. Its 22-seat dining room offers seatings mostly by reservation, and they book up quickly—and since takeout isn’t an option, you’d be wise to use the online booking system before you show up!

When you do arrive, have a seat and sip on a Makku Korean Rice Beer from Seoul, infused with mango or passionfruit flavors. Or swirl a glass of vino from Spain, France, or Italy. Then start ordering a round of small plates to share with your dining companion. They include dishes like the goguma twigim, featuring caramelized Korean sweet potato with coconut, jalapeno, pickled onion, basil, and a drizzle of chili oil. Complement this bite with the lobster ginger-scallion guksu, which is Maine lobster stir-fried with noodles, crispy shallots, and ginger and scallion. Salmon swimming in gochujang broth, soy-marinated female blue crab roe, and cheesy Korean potato salad are a few of the other inventive tapas at Magpie and the Tiger.