Food Critic

Application Instructions

Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.

Join the future of news

We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

About Our Team

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post is seeking its next food critic.

This critic will join our award-winning Food team and shape the culinary conversation in Washington and around the country. We're looking for a highly skilled journalist with significant food writing and reporting experience, a creative voice and an eye toward innovation in the criticism space.

The food critic will guide Post readers through the rich, ever-changing D.C.-area dining scene with sharp, insightful and authoritative restaurant reviews. They will also provide regular commentary on trending topics and food news, as well as service-oriented guides and dining advice.

This position is part of a collaborative team of food journalists with a highly dedicated readership and the potential to bring new audiences to The Post.

What Motivates You

• You believe deeply in The Washington Post's journalistic mission.
• You're eager to cover one of the most diverse and dynamic restaurant landscapes in the United States.
• You're excited to experiment with a variety of story formats to meet audiences where they are, including through video and social media.
• You thrive in a highly collaborative work environment.

How You'll Support the Mission

• Produce restaurant reviews that reflect the wide range of dining options in the region.
• Identify and report on emerging national dining trends, notable food personalities, anticipated openings and more.
• Provide contextual, cultural and historical insights into the local and national food scene.
• Think creatively about ways to reach new audiences through video and social media.
• Collaborate with editors, photographers and designers to enhance visual-first and multimedia storytelling.
• Directly engage with Post readers through regular on-site chats, on social media and in story comments to help engage and expand a lively community of food and restaurant enthusiasts.

The Skills and Experience You Bring

• At least 7 years of food journalism experience, including restaurant and/or cultural criticism.
• A proven track record of compelling criticism with a distinct voice.
• A deep knowledge of cooking, restaurant culture and culinary trends.
• A point of view about what best-in-class dining criticism should look like today, and into the future.
• Experience covering diverse cuisines and communities.
• Social media proficiency is essential; social video experience is a plus.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C. newsroom. We have identified a leading candidate, but are interested in hearing from others who are enthusiastic and qualified to take on this role.

Interested applicants should upload a cover letter, r esum e and three clips to our jobs portal by Oct. 16. Cover letters should be addressed to Deputy Food Editor Matt Brooks and Deputy Features Editor Amanda Finnegan.

The pay range for this role is $97,400 - $162,300. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.

Compensation and Benefits
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and two personal days
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
• Robust mental health resources
• Backup care and caregiver concierge services
• Gender affirming services
• Pet insurance
• Free Post digital subscription
• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.

Client-provided location(s): Washington, DC

Job ID: washington-JR-90275588

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-10-10T20:20:56