Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is a culinary melting pot, offering diverse dining experiences that reflect its rich cultural and international offerings. From historic establishments to innovative newcomers, the city’s restaurant scene is as dynamic as its political landscape. Whether local or a visitor, these are my top restaurants and eateries will satisfy your palate. Bookmark this post to ensure you don’t miss these must-visit spots!
Must-Try Classics in Washington DC
Ben’s Chili Bowl has been legendary on U Street since 1958. It is famous for its iconic half-smokes and hearty chili. A true DC institution, it has served everyone from locals to presidents. Step into Ted’s Bulletin (8 locations, the latest in Noma!) for a dose of nostalgia with its homemade Pop-Tarts, all-day breakfast, and classic American comfort food served in a retro-inspired setting. A stone’s throw from the White House, Old Ebbitt Grill offers traditional American fare and fresh oysters in a historic tavern atmosphere beloved by locals and tourists alike. Experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine at Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant, where you can enjoy communal dishes like injera and spicy stews that offer a taste of Africa right in DC. Sure, there are a lot of locations, but The Capital Grille – directly in sight of the actual US. Capitol – offers expertly prepared steaks and fresh seafood in an elegant setting, perfect for business meetings or special occasions. Discover the bold flavors of Trinidad at Cane, where dishes like jerk wings and doubles bring a vibrant Caribbean taste to the capital. Rasika, known for its modern Indian cuisine, offers a sophisticated dining experience with dishes like black cod and palak chaat that showcase bold and intricate flavors. I’ll throw Grazie Nonna (amazing pizza and pasta) at the top. Hill Country BBQ brings the taste of Texas to DC with its mouth-watering smoked meats and hearty sides, providing a true barbecue experience in a lively, rustic setting.
French Flair in Washington DC
Located on 14th Street, your best bet is Le Diplomate. This Stephen Starr concept brings a Parisian brasserie experience to DC with classic French dishes like steak frites and escargot, set in a charming, bustling environment. Starr is on fire here in DC, so continue with New York import Pastis, where you can savor traditional bistro dishes like coq au vin and croque monsieur in a cozy atmosphere in the bustling Union Market neighborhood. Bistro du Coin – since 2000 – offers a lively and casual dining experience with a menu full of French favorites, from mussels to crème brûlée. The new Petite Cerise offers a modern twist on French cuisine, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative presentations, and the 4-course prefixe for $58 is not bad at all. Located on Capitol Hill, Bistro Cacao provides a romantic setting for enjoying classic French cuisine, making it perfect for date night. Lutèce combines traditional French cooking with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients, offering a contemporary dining experience in Georgetown. Another Georgetown staple, La Chaumiere serves rustic French dishes in a cozy, chalet-like setting, with classics like Torchon De Foie Gras Au Cognac and Cote de Veau Normande au Morilles. For a grand and sophisticated French dining experience, visit Le Grande Boucherie in DC. Housed in a renovated bank with a striking red carpet staircase, this upscale brasserie offers a luxurious ambiance and a menu that features French classics such as bouillabaisse and côte de boeuf. Standout dishes include the Faux-Filet Bercy ($78), a 16 oz dry-aged bone-in NY strip served with mashed potatoes and roasted pepper, and the Confit de Cochon de Lait ($600/8-10PP), a whole confit suckling pig with red cabbage and roasted apples, available for groups of eight or more with a 48-hour advance order.
Best to Impress in Washington DC
Located on Capitol Hill, Rose’s Luxury is renowned for its creative menu and welcoming atmosphere, offering an unforgettable dining experience. Maydan invites diners to explore the Middle Eastern and North African flavors with its bold, communal dishes cooked over an open flame. Set in Blagden Alley, The Dabney showcases Mid-Atlantic cuisine focusing on local ingredients and hearth cooking in a rustic, intimate setting. Fiola offers upscale Italian dining, focusing on seasonal ingredients and innovative presentations, providing a sophisticated dining experience. Albi combines Levantine flavors with local ingredients, offering a unique culinary journey in the heart of the Navy Yard. Experience the whimsical and innovative Spanish cuisine at The Bazaar by José Andrés, where traditional flavors meet modern techniques. Located near Mt. Vernon Square, Kinship offers a refined American dining experience with a menu inspired by global flavors, perfect for special occasions. Limani at the Wharf in offers exquisite Mediterranean seafood dishes in a stunning waterfront setting, providing an elegant and memorable dining experience.
Best Steakhouses in DC
Mastro’s Steakhouse offers a luxurious steakhouse experience with prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list in an elegant atmosphere. Ocean Prime combines a modern American steakhouse with a seafood restaurant, offering expertly prepared dishes in a stylish setting. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Truluck’s offers fresh seafood and juicy steaks, providing a delicious and responsible dining experience. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab offers classic American dining, emphasizing fresh seafood and prime steaks, making it a lively spot for any occasion. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina offers an elevated steakhouse experience focusing on quality cuts and classic cocktails. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse offers a luxurious dining experience with prime cuts of beef and an extensive wine selection, set in a sophisticated atmosphere. The Palm is a classic American steakhouse known for its prime steaks, jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters, and signature Italian dishes, all served in an elegant yet comfortable setting. CUT by Wolfgang Puck, located in the Rosewood Hotel, offers a contemporary twist on the traditional steakhouse, with a menu featuring prime steaks, seafood, and a sophisticated selection of wines and cocktails.
Fun for People Watching
Located in CityCenterDC, Centrolina combines a market and osteria, offering fresh Italian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for people-watching. José Andrés’ Zaytinya offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates and a lively atmosphere, making it a social dining destination in Penn Quarter. Succotash blends Southern and Asian flavors in a unique menu set in a lively environment, offering dishes like fried chicken and waffles. Located in the Lyle Hotel, Lyle’s offers modern American cuisine in a stylish setting, ideal for enjoying a meal while watching the world go by. With its craft cocktails and inventive dishes, Dirty Habit offers a stylish indoor-outdoor setting perfect for people-watching in Penn Quarter. Offering an eclectic menu that combines French and Asian influences, Bar Chinois provides a vibrant setting ideal for socializing and observing the lively DC nightlife scene. Balos offers Mediterranean cuisine focusing on fresh seafood and vibrant flavors, set in an elegant and bustling atmosphere. Café Milano in Georgetown (the other location is Abu Dhabi!) is a go-to spot for Italian cuisine, attracting a high-profile crowd with its elegant ambiance and dishes like handmade pasta and fresh seafood. Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, located in The Wharf, brings the excitement of the famous TV show to life with signature dishes like Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding in a dynamic setting. Lastly, Fiola Mare in Georgetown offers an exquisite dining experience focusing on fresh seafood and Italian coastal cuisine, complemented by stunning waterfront views.
Best for Groups – Bars for Happy Hour and Brunch in Washington DC
Located in Chinatown, Crimson basement bar offers three distinct experiences: a diner, a whiskey bar, and making it a popular spot for any occasion. Bluejacket Brewery offers a vast selection of house-brewed beers in a spacious industrial setting, perfect for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Royal Sands Social Club offers a beach-themed escape in the heart of DC, with tropical cocktails and a laid-back vibe perfect for drinks with friends. With multiple locations across the city, Mission offers a lively setting with a Mexican-inspired menu and vibrant cocktails, ideal for group gatherings. Nestled in Foggy Bottom, 68 Vines is a wine lover’s haven, offering an extensive selection of wines by the glass and bottle in a chic and inviting setting, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or a sophisticated night out. The Fogo de Chão here in DC is one of the best (I’ve visited a handful…). It provides an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience with its continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats and a gourmet salad bar. For maybe convention attendees or Capitol Hill meetings, feed the group with hearty Italian-American dishes served family-style at Carmine’s in Penn Quarter, you will leave with leftovers!
For those who enjoy a weekend bottomless brunch, don’t miss out on spots like Agora, Salazar, Ambar, Boqueria, Takoda, and Urban Roast, each offering delicious menus and unlimited cocktails and mimosas. And for a bottomless mimosa experience all day, every day, head over to Logan Tavern for a truly indulgent treat.
Little Spots, Hidden Gems
Morris American Bar offers classic cocktails with a modern twist in a cozy setting, making it an intimate spot for enjoying expertly crafted drinks. Inside the Riggs Hotel, Silver Lyan offers innovative cocktails in a super chic atmosphere, with a menu that constantly evolves to provide unique experiences. Hidden behind a wall in an unassuming location, The Allegory in Eaton (also a great rooftop) offers a speakeasy vibe with creative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. Tiki TNT offers a playful escape with its tiki-inspired decor and tropical cocktails, providing a laid-back atmosphere with waterfront views. Located in the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel, Round Robin Bar is a classic cocktail lounge offering traditional drinks in an elegant setting. Jane Jane offers classic cocktails in a vintage-inspired setting, providing a friendly atmosphere and expertly mixed drinks for a casual night out. In Adams Morgan, Dram & Grain offers a hidden speakeasy experience focusing on craft cocktails and a relaxed vibe. Tilt, a hidden bar upstairs of Black Jack on 14th Street, provides an intimate setting for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails, making it a perfect spot for those in the know seeking a unique and memorable night out.
Spice is Nice – Seasoning at its Best in DC
Part café, part restaurant, and part retail space, Maketto offers a unique blend of Cambodian and Taiwanese flavors in a communal dining setting. Bringing the bold flavors of Laos to D.C., Laos in Town offers dishes like larb and khao soi, perfect for those seeking authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Baan Mae offers traditional Thai dishes in a warm and inviting setting and focuses on authentic flavors and fresh ingredients to deliver a standout Thai dining experience. In Blagden Alley, Tiger Fork offers a modern take on Hong Kong street food, with bold flavors and creative cocktails in a trendy setting. The Angry Jerk in Dupont Circle serves vibrant Caribbean cuisine with dishes like jerk chicken and plantains, offering a spicy and flavorful escape in a lively atmosphere.
Best Sushi, Deals and Omakase in DC
Kura offers an authentic sushi experience focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients, providing a taste of Japan in the heart of D.C. SHOTO offers a modern sushi dining experience with a menu that includes innovative rolls and traditional favorites in a stylish setting. Love Makoto combines contemporary design with traditional sushi craftsmanship, offering a menu of fresh sushi and sashimi in an upscale environment. Located in Shaw, Zeppelin offers sushi and yakitori in a lively setting, perfect for enjoying a night out with friends or a casual dinner. The Hamilton offers a diverse menu that includes sushi, providing a unique dining experience in a spacious and lively environment. Sushi Nakazawa offers an omakase experience in a sleek, minimalist setting, providing a memorable and authentic sushi journey. Nobu offers an upscale dining experience with a menu that blends traditional Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors, creating a unique sushi experience.
Taco Tour, Birria, and Deals in DC
Embark on a taco tour at 14th and Quincy, where you’ll find various taco restaurants offering probably the most authentic and delicious Mexican street food. District Taco offers a fast-casual dining experience with a menu of customizable tacos, burritos, and more, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Taco Bamba offers creative tacos with bold flavors, providing a fun and casual dining experience with locations throughout the DC area. Bar Taco (2 locations) offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with a menu of flavorful tacos and fresh margaritas, perfect for enjoying with friends and family. Surfside Taco offers a beachy vibe and a menu full of fresh, flavorful tacos, providing a laid-back setting for enjoying a taste of the coast. Oh! And go to El Rey on U Street!
Fast Casual, Bowls and Healthy Spots in DC
Seoul Spice offers Korean-inspired fast casual dining with customizable bowls featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients, perfect for a quick and tasty meal. Cava (5 locations in DC) offers Mediterranean fast-casual dining with customizable bowls, pitas, and salads, focusing on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Sweetgreen focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in its salads and grain bowls, providing a go-to spot for health-conscious diners seeking delicious and nutritious options. Rasa offers a fast-casual take on Indian cuisine with a menu that includes bowls and naan made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Mexican Delights, Margaritas, Tex-Mex and Combination Plates in Washington DC
Think enchiladas, brunch, quesadillas, fajitas and frozen margaritas. Lauriol Plaza offers a standard dining experience with a menu featuring authentic Tex-Mex dishes and refreshing cocktails in a lively setting. El Presidente offers one of the best interiors and a menu of Mexican favorites, including tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas, making it a great spot for a festive meal. dLena combines traditional Mexican flavors with elevated modern techniques in a stylish setting, with dishes like mole and ceviche paired with an extensive tequila selection. Mi Vida (2 locations) offers contemporary Mexican cuisine with waterfront views, serving dishes like carne asada and fresh guacamole in a chic setting. Oyamel Cocina Mexicana by José Andrés offers a modern take on Mexican street food, with dishes like tacos and ceviche complemented by a creative cocktail menu. El Centro offers a vibrant atmosphere and an extensive tequila selection, providing a fun dining experience with traditional Mexican dishes and lively music. Lucha Rosa offers a modern twist on Mexican cuisine with a menu that includes inventive tacos, shareable plates, and craft cocktails in a colorful rooftop setting.
Best Rooftop Retreats, Rooftop Bars in DC
Ciel Social Club offers a stunning rooftop setting with panoramic views of the city skyline, providing a chic atmosphere for enjoying cocktails and light bites. Crimson Rooftop offers a lively setting with a menu of Southern-inspired dishes and craft cocktails, all set against stunning views of DC. Union Market Hi-Lawn offers a vibrant rooftop space with a rotating selection of food vendors and drinks, making it a great spot for casual gatherings. Located near Nationals Park, Silver Social offers a rooftop setting with classic American diner fare and a great view of the game-day excitement. Smoke and Mirrors offers a rooftop oasis with creative cocktails and a menu of shareable plates, perfect for enjoying a night out under the stars. Located at The Morrow Hotel, The Upstairs offers a stylish rooftop setting with a menu that includes inventive cocktails and small bites in an upscale atmosphere.
Best Coffee Shops and Pastries in Washington DC
For those seeking the perfect coffee and pastry experience in Washington, DC, there are plenty of delightful options spread across the city. In four locations in DC, Blue Bottle offers expertly crafted coffee in a trendy setting, while Café Unido in La Cosecha brings the flavors of Panama with its specialty brews and artisanal pastries. I’ll add Pluma, Seylou for bakeries here, and Menomale’s Salumeria 2703 for pizza dough. Dupont Circle is home to the charming Je Ne Sais Quoi, known for its exquisite French pastries and elegant atmosphere. Over in Georgetown, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and delectable baked goods at Baked and Wired and Boulangerie Christophe, each offering their unique takes on classic treats. Compass Coffee has multiple locations throughout the city, known for its smooth, locally roasted coffee. Ebenezers Coffeehouse, located near Union Station, provides a cozy spot with a welcoming vibe and delicious offerings. Mount Vernon features A Baked Joint, perfect for those craving fresh-baked goods and specialty coffee. On 16th and R Street, Three Fifty Bakery and Coffee Bar offers a relaxed WFH setting with an array of delicious baked items and coffee drinks. Yellow, with locations in Georgetown and now Union Market, Yellow’s offerings include Levantine-inspired savory dishes and pastries like the Za’atar and Labne Croissant and the Baklava Latte, celebrating Arabic coffee culture. Finally, Boston’s Tatte Bakery & Café has several locations around D.C., bringing a taste of European-style baked goods and robust coffee to the capital.
Museum Musts, the Best Free and Ticketed Museums in DC
While exploring the vibrant dining scene, don’t miss the chance to visit some of DC’s world-class museums. These cultural institutions offer a glimpse into history, art, and science. The (free) National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) provides a powerful exploration of African American history and culture with exhibits that educate and inspire. The (paid admission) International Spy Museum uncovers the secrets of espionage with interactive exhibits and artifacts revealing the world of spies and covert operations. The (free) National Gallery of Art offers an extensive collection of European and American masterpieces, housed in an iconic neoclassical building. Explore the history of aviation and space exploration at the (free) Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, home to iconic aircraft and spacecraft. The Phillips Collection (paid admission) is America’s first museum of modern art, featuring works by artists like Jacob Lawrence, Renoir, Rothko, Biggers and Van Gogh in an intimate setting. The National Museum of Women in the Arts (paid admission) celebrates the achievements of women artists with an impressive collection spanning centuries and styles.
Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or art lover, Washington, DC offers various experiences to savor and explore. The city invites you to discover its best, from its diverse culinary offerings to cultural landmarks.
