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 17, 2023

Tom Sietsema’s spring dining guide countdown: Kirby Club is No. 3

Kebabs, dips and good company are on the menu at Kirby Club in Fairfax's Mosaic District.

May 12, 2023

Dining Q&A: How much should I tip on takeout?

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

May 10, 2023

Approaching 40, Perry’s keeps giving diners fresh reasons to return

As Perry's in Adams Morgan approaches its 40th anniversary, Masako Morishita adds creative twists to the menu.

May 5, 2023

Dining Q&A: Wrong fork, under-cooked duck — my pricey dinner had some flaws. What should I do?

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

May 3, 2023

A top chef brings a sublime taste of Singapore to McLean

At Jiwa Singapura, explore chili crab, chicken rice and salted egg shrimp from chef Pepe Moncayo.

April 28, 2023

Tom Sietsema’s 6 favorite places to eat right now

On the menu: fast-casual Filipino in Annandale, Chinese skewers in Rockville and some fresh pastas at a popular D.C. pizzeria.

April 25, 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