Elazar Sontag, the recently installed food critic for The Washington Post, is reshaping the landscape of restaurant critique by forsaking the traditional shroud of anonymity. Sontag has publicly stated his intention to be identifiable during his restaurant visits, a move that signals a departure from decades of practice at the publication. This shift, described as both "generational" and "practical," aims to make criticism feel more "accessible."
Sontag, who joined the Post in November 2025, succeeding the long-serving Tom Sietsema, has already begun to implement his vision. Instead of seeking out trendy, hard-to-book establishments, his initial critical forays have targeted places like a church cafeteria near Mt. Vernon Square. This choice of venue appears deliberate, intended to symbolize a broader scope for food criticism in Washington. While Sontag will not make reservations under his own name, he maintains that he will conduct multiple visits to restaurants and will cover all expenses himself, ensuring continued integrity.
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Prior to his current role, Sontag honed his editorial skills as the former restaurant editor at Bon Appétit. In that capacity, he was instrumental in curating the magazine's 'Best New Restaurants' list, featuring establishments such as Baan Mae and La’ Shukran among others. His background also includes a brief stint working in restaurant kitchens during his youth. Sontag's work has also garnered recognition, with nominations from the James Beard Foundation and the National Magazine Awards.
The Washington Post has opened channels for public engagement with Sontag, offering opportunities for readers to submit questions and participate in live chats. These forums invite debate on various dining-related topics, from restaurant etiquette to personal culinary experiences, reflecting a desire to connect criticism more directly with the dining public.