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.

July 19, 2023

Charley Prime Foods brings D.C. touches to the Maryland suburbs

At Charley Prime Foods, restaurateur Jackie Greenbaum and team deliver whimsical appetizers, quality steak, drinks and a water view.

July 7, 2023

Dining chat: I’m non-Asian and I use chopsticks. Is that cultural appropriation?

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

July 5, 2023

In new hands, a rural Virginia gem continues its delicious streak

Three Blacksmiths in Rappahannock County, now in the hands of Jake and Sara Addeo, fills its 20 seats with a five-course menu and abundant hospitality.

June 30, 2023

Dining chat: Why can’t some restaurants offer substitutions on their menus?

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

June 28, 2023

Tom Sietsema’s 6 favorite places to eat right now

Among food critic Tom Sietsema's picks: Turkish fare in Virginia, American cooking in Maryland and a couple of tried-and-true spots in the District.

June 26, 2023

A new Ukrainian restaurant’s charm offensive: borscht and dumplings

At Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant, chef Dima Martseniuk offers the food of his home country — borscht, varenyky, honey cake — near Eastern Market.

June 23, 2023

Dining chat: Why don’t restaurants answer their phones?

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

June 21, 2023

Saga sprinkles its Spanish menu with gorgeous surprises

Saga, another charming restaurant from the prolific Enrique Limardo, stars seafood, bomba rice, clever drinks and atomizers.

June 16, 2023

Dining Q&A: My credit card has twice been compromised at the same restaurant. What to do?

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

June 14, 2023