48 Best Restaurants and Spots to Eat in Washington DC
Last updated November 4, 2025
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The culinary experiences in every neighborhood of DC are limitless, ranging from trendy and historic locations to a constant influx of new, highly praised restaurants.
DC also features a selection of renowned culinary specialists and chefs, ensuring your visit is filled with flavor.
Read on to discover the 48 best restaurants and spots to eat in Washington DC!
1. Le Diplomate
This is a traditional French restaurant offering a warm ambiance and outdoor seating.
It celebrates the legendary French café culture, offering a cozy atmosphere to savor well-known French cuisine, drinks, and brunch staples.
The restaurant's cozy and welcoming atmosphere includes comfortable booths, large windows, and an outstanding tiled floor to ensure a relaxed vibe.
Their menu features a selection of nice French classics such as onion soup and bouillabaisse, as well as global favorites like roast chickens and burgers.
2. The Red Hen
This is a delightful Italian restaurant situated in DC’s Bloomingdale area.
This industrial-rustic restaurant includes a spacious bar and a lovely open kitchen, fostering a welcoming environment.
Its menu includes inventive Italian wood-fired meals crafted from scratch, bite-sized antipasti selections, pastas with traditional tastes, and skillfully cooked main dishes.
3. Marcel's
Marcel's is a refined French-Belgian eatery featuring prix fixe menu options made by Robert Wiedmaier, a chef.
The restaurant's dining area radiates elegance with its cozy armchair seating, white linen table covers, and neatly arranged tables, achieving an ideal mix of luxury and simplicity.
Their dinner menu includes four to seven-course set options with daily seasonal specials, and guests can also choose to order individual items.
4. Daru
This is a lively culinary treasure located in DC. Here, the atmosphere seamlessly combines a friendly neighborhood feel with stylish decor.
Since its highly awaited launch, this popular venue has been enchanting visitors with a groundbreaking menu showcasing imaginative Indian curry selections and distinctive street food bites.
Picture enjoying paneerpesto tikka or jackfruit tacos paired with decadent black daal and creamy burrata.
Every meal here reflects the restaurant's dedication to innovation and flavor.
5. Fiola Mare
This is a high-end Italian seafood eatery situated in an elegant, contemporary atmosphere with breathtaking Kennedy Center and the Potomac River's views.
The eatery provides an elegant dining atmosphere with its marine-inspired decor that features sailboat images and stylish blue seating.
The menu here showcases fresh and immaculate seafood offerings paired with a wide range of cocktails and wines.
Although the restaurant's prices are quite elevated, it serves as a perfect location for special events because of its outstanding service and refined atmosphere.
6. SER Restaurant
Situated in the Arlington Ballston area, SER Restaurant is a charming venue that provides a genuine Spanish culinary experience.
The title "SER" represents Simple, Easy, and Real, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to providing authentic Spanish comfort cuisine.
It has been acknowledged among Arlington’s top by regional news sources and the BallstonBusiness Improvement District.
SER offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, whether you want a complete three-course meal or a light lunch.
7. Zaytinya
Created by Andrés José, Zaytinya is a well-known destination in Washington DC, featuring a unique mezze menu that is inspired by Lebanese and Turkish dishes.
The restaurant offers a bright and spacious environment, ideal for friends and families to savor small dishes and local wines.
Also featuring an outdoor patio, it's a perfect spot for an evening outside.
8. Blue Duck Tavern
This spot offers a stylish and relaxed dining experience, emphasizing creative American dishes made with locally sourced produce.
The restaurant's cozy kitchen atmosphere and handmade decor establish a welcoming and friendly environment similar to that of a house kitchen.
Featuring a menu grounded in the idea of rustic cuisine infused with artisan touches, guests can anticipate reliably outstanding farm-fresh dishes that embody seasonal ingredients and the inventiveness of the chef.
9. Oyster Oyster
This is a chic and contemporary venue that provides seasonal thoughtfully crafted tasting menus emphasizing vegetables.
This restaurant takes pride in its sustainable methods, using eco-friendly agricultural practices and locally sourced ingredients.
Their rotating menu may be made fully vegan by request, serving the vegan local community.
Rob Rubba, the chef, highlights vegetables from the Mid-Atlantic region and ingredients sourced from local foraging, along with sustainable oysters from Chesapeake Bay.
10. Masseria
This is a chic Italian eatery led by Nicholas Stefanelli, a famous chef. It presents prix fixe Puglian-inspired menus in a refined rural atmosphere.
The dining atmosphere here radiates the charm of a stylish Italian residence, featuring a delightful outdoor patio embellished with sparkling lights and intimate bonfires.
Their menu showcases delicious items like risotto with porcini mushrooms and parmesan, burrata with caviar, bourguignon, steak frites, and many others.
11. St. James
The welcoming and expert staff in this pleasant location make St. James restaurant an appealing destination to experience.
The restaurant's cuisine is exquisite and its unique cocktails are outstanding.
The interior is beautiful as well, and they offer options for all tastes and incredibly tasty meals.
Also, the servers are friendly and provided excellent suggestions.
12. Thip Khao
Thip Khao is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that serves flavorful Laotian cuisine and traditional cocktails with a unique flair.
Seng Luangrath, a chef who escaped Laos during childhood and honed her culinary skills in a Thai refugee camp, infuses the essence of Lao cuisine into the restaurant.
Their food is characterized as 'funky spicy fermented' with vibrant, bold tastes.
13. Rooster and Owl
Rooster and Owl is a high-end restaurant that offers modern American tasting menus alongside a wine selection in a sophisticated, understated dining space with a delightful patio.
This restaurant has continued to succeed due to robust community backing.
They even provide delivery and takeaway services, allowing locals to always savor their culinary masterpieces.
14. Federalist Pig
Situated inside Adams Morgan, Federalist Pig is a relaxed restaurant overseen by Rob Sonderman.
This restaurant serves wood-smoked Barbecue in both platters and sandwiches.
They also offer a selection of slowly-smoked meats like brisket, chicken, ribs, and various sandwiches, with contactless pickup and delivery services provided via Postmates.
Even, they operate a nice pop-up named Fedwich in a different site that offers an exact contactless service.
15. Maydan
A lovely eatery by Previte Rose, Maydan provides a distinctive dining adventure with its varied culinary inspirations from Caucasian, Middle Eastern, and North African traditions.
The team's broad travels throughout the region are mirrored in the restaurant's decor and tastes.
16. Bresca
Situated on the lively 14th Street in Washington DC, Bresca is a renowned restaurant celebrated for its modern cocktails and innovative, French-inspired dishes.
Ryan Ratino's creative cooking style has earned the restaurant an outstanding Michelin star.
It also distinguished it as DC's inaugural fine-dining carbon-neutral venue.
17. Minibar
Situated within Washington DC, José Andrés’s Minibar provides a unique and intimate dining experience and a unique multi-course dish designed for six diners.
The restaurant showcases a modern kitchen where about 10 chefs present nearly 19 courses to only 12 seated guests.
The interior features creativity with a golden dome suspended over tables surrounding the big open kitchen, establishing a stylish and artistic atmosphere.
18. L'Ardente
This is a high-end Italian eatery found in DC’s East End and recognized for its sophisticated atmosphere and exquisite dishes.
The eatery boasts an elegant dining area decorated with chandeliers together with a pizza gold-plated oven that bakes their renowned pizzas.
19. Kinship
This is a celebrated New American eatery that provides a distinctive dining experience centered on traditional and luxurious dishes within a refined atmosphere.
Their menu features sections like "Ingredients", "History", "Indulgence”, and "Craft", thereby enabling guests to design their own custom tasting menu.
Ranging from carefully crafted roast chicken to soft-shell deep-fried crab, the food selections here are varied and appealing.
20. Albi
This is a fashionable Middle Eastern eatery situated within the Navy Yard that provides a distinctive dining experience showcasing Chef Rafidi Michael's Palestinian heritage and culinary skill.
Their menu includes visually appealing items like shish kabob, tomato heirloom fattoush paired with apples, preserved radish, smoked feta, and pears, and creative cocktails such as the zaatar.
21. Tail Up Goat
Located in the delightful Adams Morgan area of DC, this is a stylish restaurant that features a blend of Mediterranean dishes and drinks that are Caribbean-inspired.
This restaurant, run by a couple Jill and Jon together with Bill their friend, radiates a cozy and welcoming vibe.
Also featuring wooden furniture, comfortable seating layouts, and a maritime-inspired decor, it’s easy to see why this place is celebrated among the city’s finest.
22. Baan Siam
This is a restaurant specializing in Southeast Asian dishes and recognized for its authentic Thai food and laid-back environment.
It relocated to another new site in Mt Vernon Triangle which features a patio and a larger bar for visitors to enjoy.
The chef here, Jeeraporn Poksupthong, consistently wows guests with zesty and savory creations such as Thai vermicelli in khao soi and peanut sauce, plus recent offerings like tom yum shrimp fried rice.
23. Komi
This is a warm American-Mediterranean eatery situated inside Dupont Circle that is recognized for its subtle atmosphere and prix-fixe array of dishes.
Johnny Monis, the chef, a recipient of the James Beard Prestigious Award, presents his Mediterranean roots with multi-course tasting seasonal menus that emphasize bold New American dishes.
The experience here includes homemade pita bread, delicate gyro sandwiches (options for both lamb and vegetarian), and feta.
24. Xiquet
Danny Lledó’s Xiquet provides a distinctive dining adventure with Spanish dishes and inviting Mediterranean warmth.
The tasting menu at the restaurant includes expertly prepared dishes like Denia’s red prawns and grilled octopus with seafood salad, caviar, and delicate grapes.
Visitors can savor the Chef Counter for appetizers and drinks before proceeding to the upper-level dining area, which during the daytime, is filled with natural light and gently lit at night.
25. Capital Grille
This is a high-end steakhouse brand recognized for its traditional American fare and elegant ambiance.
Situated in a prominent structure in Washington DC, this restaurant provides a captivating glimpse of Pennsylvania Av. stretching towards the Capitol.
The interior showcases atmospheric lighting, deep wooden furnishings, and artistic details, establishing a fun dinner club vibe.
This restaurant is renowned for its dry-aged hand-cut steaks and remarkable wine collection.
26. Elcielo Restaurant
El Cielo stands as a Colombian upscale restaurant that presents creative and unexpected tastes in its unique tasting menus.
It is located in a fashionable area in NOMAs, La Cosecha, and is managed by chef Manuel Juan Barrientos.
2 tasting menus can be explored in this restaurant - The Journey and The Experience - each offering a distinct narrative conveyed through the dishes.
27. Imperfecto
An upscale eatery situated within West End, Imperfecto was launched in 2021 by Enrique Limardo, a chef who hails from Venezuela.
The eatery seeks to merge Mediterranean and South American flavors, presenting refined steak and seafood options crafted from seasonal produce.
Its menu includes contemporary, labor-intensive dishes like foie gras paired with slow-cooked suckling pig and plantain brioche.
28. Jônt
A dining establishment by Ryan Ratino, Jônt seeks to offer a personal and engaging culinary experience for visitors.
The customized place cards here and the friendly greeting with bubbles establish the atmosphere for the night.
As guests settle down at the restaurant’s counter facing the lively kitchen, they will begin a gastronomic adventure that lasts more than 3 hours.
The restaurant’s tasting menu includes indulgent ingredients like foie gras, caviar, king crab, Wagyu beef, and unique Japanese seafood.
29. Anju
This is a charming restaurant featuring al fresco dining and brick walls, serving modern Korean comfort dishes.
It’s the newest project from the FriedRice Collective, recognized for CHIKO.
The restaurant, Anju, rose from the ruins of Chef Lee Danny's original Mandu eatery following a fire.
It honors its heritage while advancing Korean dishes under Chef Angel Barreto’s leadership.
30. Tonari
A member of Daikaya Restaurants Group, Tonari is a distinct dining spot on the Eastern Coast that serves a blend of Italian Wafu dishes.
Its menu includes thick pizza slices crafted from Japanese flour then adorned with creative toppings such as barbecued eel with corn sauce or dill labne, Kewpie mayo, and chives.
31. Pineapple & Pearls
This is a vibrant restaurant located on Capitol Hill, DC.
It offers a creative four-course menu paired with cocktails and wine.
The restaurant also delights visitors with inventive creamy offerings such as Sea Bass topped with grape slices and Panna Cotta.
Its celebratory ambiance is enhanced by a diverse drinks selection.
This upscale dining establishment even features a nice tasting menu made up of multiple courses accompanied by matched drinks.
32. Fiola
This is an upscale dining establishment that offers an amazing mix of nostalgic, seasonal, and modern Italian cuisine within an elegant and modern atmosphere.
The chef obtains ingredients from Chancellor Rock Farm in order to guarantee high quality.
This restaurant also offers two dining options - sampling a limited menu in their Ezio Room or crafting a nice tasting menu right in the major dining area.
Fiola is recognized for its elegant menu shaped by various regional Italian dishes and an outstanding wine selection.
33. J. Hollinger's Watermans Chophouse
Located in downtown Silver Spring’s center, this restaurant offers a contemporary American dining adventure that is sure to please both steak aficionados and seafood fans.
Led by a culinary expert with origins at DC’s CharliePalmer Steak, Mike Ellis, this eatery presents an outstanding menu highlighting la carte meat selections obtained from regional farms in Pennsylvania and DC.
34. Ben Chili Bowl
This is a legendary restaurant which has been dishing out hot spicy dogs, milkshakes, and spicy cheese fries since it launched in 1958 on U St.
This restaurant has had a distinct function in the whole community, remaining operational beyond curfew at the race riots of 1968 to provide service to activists, law enforcement, and firefighters.
35. Perry's Restaurant
This is a chic multi-level venue within Adams Morgan that is recognized for its unique cocktails, Japanese dishes, and sushi.
This restaurant has become well-known for its welcoming rooftop bar and its community-centered drag brunches.
In 2022, Masako Morishita, the chef assumed control of the kitchen, introducing her creative style of contemporary comfort meals to the offerings.
36. 2 Fifty Texas BBQ
This is a relaxed eatery that serves a selection of BBQ wood-smoked meats, sides, sandwiches, as well as wine and beer.
Brisket remains a highlight on their menu, showcasing wagyu thick beef that is oak-smoked.
The eatery is also famous for its enormous turkey, beef ribs, pork ribs, and sausage links.
Customers always commend their tender and tasty meats along with their delightful sides such as sweet potato and cheese and mac.
37. Old Ebbitt Grill
This is a landmark spot that has remained a popular dining establishment in DC for politicians and presidents since 1856.
Its marble bar, Victorian-themed decor, and mahogany seating establish a sophisticated ambiance similar to upscale Western saloons.
Renowned for its popular Chesapeake seafood cuisine and oyster offerings, its menu also includes hamburgers crafted from grass-fed locally sourced beef along with sandwiches, pasta, salads, meat entrees, and cheese boards.
38. Centrolina
Situated in CityCenterDC, Centrolina features a modern and luminous atmosphere where the owner and chef, Amy Brandwein showcases seasonal Italian dishes.
Its menu highlights artisanal pastas with their wood-fired oven always in the spotlight.
From spaghetti featuring shell crab to traditional ravioli, the pasta options here are a standout.
Moreover, the eatery serves outstanding wood-grilled pork and fish cuts.
39. The Bazaar
The Bazaar in Washington DC is an extravagant and luxurious dining establishment situated in the historical OldPost Office Building, taking up a section of the atrium lobby of Waldorf Astoria.
The furnishings in the restaurant include velvet, marble, and floral textiles inspired by Salvador Dali.
Pepe, an amazing food truck run by Andrés, also serves tasty flauta-style Spanish sandwiches here on ciabatta bread that is freshly baked.
40. The Dabney
Situated in the emerging Shaw neighborhood, The Dabney provides a rustic culinary experience within a converted row house.
Jeremiah Langhorne, the chef, always showcases Mid-Atlantic dishes here emphasizing seafood sourced from the Chesapeake Bay region.
The restaurant's delightful modern farmhouse style and incorporation of seasonal produce from nearby suppliers also enhance its attractiveness.
Although it is priced on the high side, its awards and critical acclaim make it a viable choice for a premium dining adventure.
41. Amazonia (Second Floor)/Causa (Ground Floor)
Headed by Carlos Delgado, Amazonia/Causa provides a Peruvian dining experience highlighting the country's fresh seafood and rich ingredients in a 6-course menu.
This restaurant boasts an oven that imparts a wonderful blend of smoke and char to the fish.
The staff here delivers friendly and welcoming service, taking turns to describe wines and dishes.
Vegetarian choices are also available for diners, along with add-ons.
42. Rose's Luxury
This is a well-known New American eatery situated in a repurposed Capitol Hill townhouse.
Renowned for its diverse small plates selection, the restaurant's inviting and stylish decor enhances the meal experience.
Even with lengthy queues, it has upheld its status as one of the Michelin-starred restaurants.
Also, diners can now utilize an online platform to secure same-day bookings, simplifying the process of savoring the restaurant's iconic dishes such as pork salad and the famed lychee.
43. Unconventional Diner
This is a stylish bar and bistro with a chic-industrial aesthetic, situated within the Walter Washington Convention Centre.
It offers elevated comfort food, coffee, beer, cocktails, and wine.
David Deshaies, the chef, gives a unique twist to traditional diner dishes such as habanero butter with waffles and chicken or grits and shrimp in a Caribbean style accompanied by Pineapple-Habanero paste.
44. Rasika
This is an elegant lounge and dining establishment that serves contemporary Indian dishes, accompanied by a range of cocktails and wines.
It belongs to the famous Knightsbridge Restaurants Group. It has been popular with diners in DC for more than 15 years.
This restaurant's hallmark dishes such as bhindi amchoor and palak chaat have broadened DC's food landscape beyond conventional Indian cuisine.
45. Any Day Now
This is a multifunctional cafe open all day that features a comfortable atmosphere ideal for relaxing or remote work.
The decor here radiates a blend of elegance and coziness, while their menu presents elevated comfort dishes influenced by delis of New Jersey with international flavors.
Guests can savor offerings such as bacon, cheese sandwiches, and egg in addition to unique breakfast selections, artisanal cocktails, and a curated wine selection.
46. Bar Spero
Situated in DC, Bar Spero provides a distinctive dining experience thanks to Johnny Spero's creative culinary style, inspired by Mid-Atlantic produce and Basque cuisine.
The restaurant features a chic and contemporary space along with a pleasant bar area.
Their service is outstanding and the ambiance delightful, and visitors always consider the dishes as rich and heavy, frequently filled with cream and butter.
47. Kafe Leopold
Situated in Georgetown, Kafe Leopold provides a taste of Europe thanks to its European cuisine and an all-day drinks-and-coffee bar.
It boasts a modern interior and an outstanding patio in the back alley, offering an ideal atmosphere for savoring the indulgent variety of crispy schnitzel and pastries.
48. Union Market
This is a lively and varied food marketplace situated in DC.
It provides a distinctive retail experience through its combination of craft boutiques, gourmet food vendors, and cultural activities.
Union Market honors innovation and togetherness, showcasing the city's dynamic real estate landscape.
Also featuring a diverse array of retailers that prioritize independent and local brands, Union Market always reflects the cultural richness present in different neighborhoods of Washington DC.
