37 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C., USA

Chez Billy Sud

$$$ | Georgetown Fodor's choice

A favorite for an elegant working lunch, this cozy gem spotlights southern French cooking and serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. On the menu, you will find classic French fare such as duck confit, steak and fries, and mussels. The dining space consists of three distinct spaces: a quaint indoor dining room with vintage French art, a picturesque patio surrounded by greenery, and a third dining room with an active fireplace in the winter for a cozy, romantic vibe. 

1039 31st St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
202-965–2606
Known For
  • chicken liver mousse appetizer
  • elegant atmosphere
  • fine selection of French wines
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations Recommended

Estadio

$$$ | Logan Circle Fodor's choice

The name of this polished palace means "stadium," and its gorgeously baroque interior, which surrounds a high-wire open kitchen, makes a perfect stage for energetic and flavorful uses of top-notch ingredients. The menu, developed during research jaunts throughout Spain, is a master class in tapas, with smoky grilled scallions punched up by garlicky romesco sauce and tortilla española smoother than any served in Barcelona. The bar menu is equally inventive. Try a slushito to get a delightful alcoholic twist on the beloved slushie. For dessert, don't miss the sweet-and-salty manchego cheesecake with pistachio granola.

1520 14th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
202-319–1404
Known For
  • classic Spanish tapas with new flavors
  • boozy slushies
  • beautiful dining room
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch Mon.–Thurs., Reservations essential

Hank's Oyster Bar Dupont Circle

$$$ | Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

At this chic take on the shellfish shacks of New England, daily offerings include a half-dozen varieties of oysters on the half shell and lobster rolls, fried shrimp, oyster po’boys, and other fish dishes. For those who prefer turf to surf, the molasses-braised beef short ribs and roasted chicken entrées are excellent choices. There are no desserts, so don't be afraid to have your fill of the classy entrées!

1624 Q St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
202-462–4265
Known For
  • a bittersweet chocolate chunk at the end of the meal
  • half-price oyster bar happy hours
  • great cocktails
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Dinner and weekend brunch only; closed Mon.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

$$$ | Adams Morgan Fodor's choice

With an extensive collection of whiskey bottles on the wall including vintage spirits, the food sometimes gets overshadowed here. But Southern-inspired dishes like smoked whiskey wings, lump crab cakes, pickled-corn hush puppies, and buttermilk biscuits make the menu much more than just something to accompany all the booze. A late-night selection of bites and supper plates makes it a good spot for a nightcap, too. The rooftop terrace facing 18th Street makes it the perfect place to people-watch in Adams Morgan.

Le Chat Noir

$$$ | Tenleytown Fodor's choice

This unpretentious but intimate and stylish bistro recalls a Parisian café, with dark woods, white tablecloths, and cozy tables—not to mention the owner himself is from Paris. The main floor has two dining rooms, one of which has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the street when weather permits. The menu is traditional French, with staples like steak frites, escargots, bouillabaisse, and crepes.

Le Diplomate

$$$ | U Street Fodor's choice

In this faithful re-creation of a convivial Parisian bistro, the attention to detail makes a night here into more than just a meal. This excellent spot prizes quality above all, from graceful martinis and hand-stuffed ricotta ravioli to succulent, textbook-worthy steak frites and roasted chicken. Perfectly spreadable butter is placed atop loaves cut in the kitchen, and the fresh-bread aroma tantalizes customers half a football field away in the dining room. It's also one of the city's most popular brunch spots.

Modena

$$$ Fodor's choice

Modena, the Italian restaurant by DC restaurateur Ashok Bajaj, takes power dining to the next level with deliciously beautiful dishes inspired by the Italian region and beyond. Start your meal with a perfectly executed negroni and a starter from the antipasti trolley that stops at each table so diners can choose their favorite starters, from braised artichokes to panzanella salad. Main dishes include handmade pasta and proteins like branzino and pork collar cooked on a charcoal grill. 

Osteria Morini

$$$ | Southeast Fodor's choice

The stylish design and superlative pastas of this take on cuisine from northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region might seem like an unexpected match for the sports fans flocking to Nationals Park. But you can't ask for a better way to cap off a day at the ballpark than the wood-grilled meats here. You can also try the charcuterie and cheese (the creamy robiola is particularly delicious), all washed down with an Italian cocktail. If you want to treat your palate, this restaurant is an excellent choice.

301 Water St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
202-484–0660
Known For
  • prosciutto, mortadella, and wood-grilled meats
  • pleasant patio location close to the water
  • proximity to the baseball stadium
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential

Seven Reasons

$$$ | U Street Fodor's choice

At Seven Reasons, one of D.C.'s most talked-about restaurants in the past two years, chef Enrique Limardo honors his native Venezuela with creative versions of arepas (stuffed cornmeal cakes) and arroz bomba (rice with seafood). The restaurant also takes you on a Latin American tour with offerings such as Argentinean-style steak or Peruvian-style ceviche. The dining room is tropical and sexy, featuring an open kitchen where you can see the culinary team in action. The rooftop patio, which has a mural painted by the chef himself, is perfect for predinner cocktails or dinner alfresco.

Shilling Canning Company

$$$ | D.C. Waterfront Fodor's choice

Shilling Canning takes pride in the quality of its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and it shows. The Shilling family hails from Baltimore, where they were known for their positive values and respect for the community, as well as their excellent food products—chef Shilling and his team are clearly devoted to honoring the family legacy with a similar ethos. Customer service is impeccable. If you’re sometimes overwhelmed with long menus and multiple decisions, it’s refreshing that the dinner menu here consists of a weekly changing three-course chef’s menu with optional wine pairings. The patio is set off from the main street and bordered with plants, which adds to the pleasant, upscale atmosphere.

The Red Hen

$$$ | U Street Fodor's choice

The cozy farmhouse-like setting helped make the Red Hen a must-try for Italian-influenced takes on American dishes. If the name and giant hen on the facade have you thinking poultry, you'd be right to follow your instincts and order the pan-roasted half chicken. The kitchen also excels at pasta, served with traditional ragù, cream, and even squid-ink sauces. And while you'll find longer wine lists at other restaurants, you'll be hard-pressed to find a smarter one.

1822 1st St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
202-525–3021
Known For
  • savvy wine list
  • pan-roasted half chicken
  • delicious pasta options
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch

Ambar Capitol Hill

$$$ | Eastern Market

Ambar, a handsome, noisy, two-story restaurant–bar at the heart of Barracks Row, is your spot for Balkan comfort food. The Belgrade-inspired menu is full of hearty novelties like lamb lasagna, almond-crusted chicken with apple-wasabi slaw, drunken mussels with capers and lemon, savory pies, a host of rich sausages, and all flavor of kebabs. Can’t decide? Don’t worry: the main attraction here is the all-you-can-eat “Ambar experience” (though everyone in your group must also partake). Cocktails, like the Ambar old-fashioned, are also unique. It gets busy, so reservations are recommended.

Anju

$$$ | Dupont Circle

Anju, the reinvention of chef Danny Lee's Mandu, serves unique takes on Korean classics with mainstays such as succulent seared galbi (short rib) with Bibb lettuce and perilla leaves, as well as—in an homage to its old name—mandu (dumplings). Many of Anju's recipes come from Lee's mom, chef Yesoon Lee, who you can sometimes spot on-site, and, since opening in 2019, it has dominated the best restaurant lists of local publications and bloggers.

1805 18th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
202-845–8935
Known For
  • modern Korean food
  • creative tasting menu
  • creative cocktails
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays

Annabelle

$$$ | Dupont Circle

The latest creation by famed D.C. restaurateur Ashok Bajaj is located where the legendary Restaurant Nora used to sit. This modern American eatery focuses on locally sourced ingredients, handmade pasta, and whimsical desserts.

2132 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA
202-916–5675
Known For
  • extensive wine list
  • beautiful decor
  • led by former White House chef Frank Ruta
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. (temporarily)

Belga Café

$$$ | Eastern Market

Belgium culture aficionados can go traditional with mussels and the crispiest of French fries or dabble in what the chef calls Eurofusion at this sleek café done up with dark wood and exposed brick. Classic dishes such as mussels marinières with white wine, shallots, and garlic help capture that Belgian charm. Given that heritage, it's no surprise the waffle-centric brunch menu draws a crowd (try the beer-braised pulled pork and waffle).

Bistro Bis

$$$ | Capitol Hill

The zinc bar, cherrywood interior, and white tablecloths create great expectations at Bistro Bis, where the seasonal menu offers modern takes on French bistro fare. Thanks to its prime location, acclaimed menu, deep wine list, and classic cocktails, it's a popular spot for Washington power brokers and insiders. For a first course, be sure to try the steak tartare, served with a porcini mushroom aioli. Main course hits include classic steak frites, wild mushroom risotto, and beef bourguignon.

15 E St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
202-661–2700
Known For
  • excellent steak frites and steak tartare
  • sophisticated ambience that attracts a powerful clientele
  • an elegant apple tart

Bistrot du Coin

$$$ | Dupont Circle

A well-established local favorite, this cozy bistro has a monumental zinc bar and a menu of moderately priced French classics, including onion soup, duck breast, cassoulet, and steaks garnished with a pile of crisp fries. Enjoy your meal with a glass of the house Beaujolais, a Côtes du Rhône, or an Alsatian white. If you're in town for Bastille Day (July 14th), don't miss the restaurant's lively French National Day celebration.

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

$$$ | Georgetown

Relaxed and upbeat, this neighborhood bistro serves twists on old classics such as potato-crusted salmon served with cherry and Pernod sauce, but some standards, including braised veal cheeks, remain. The wine is all French, with many available by the glass. The wine bar on the second floor has a menu of small plates, and seating is first come, first served.

Brasserie Beck

$$$ | Downtown

Give in to sensory overload at this homage to the railway dining rooms that catered to the prewar European elite. The food is just as rich as you'd expect: entrée-size salads with Belgian frites, fruits de mer platters with enough shellfish for a small army, and a dizzying lineup of artisanal beers. Every detail of Beck's interior exudes luxury, from the vintage-accented clocks that stand above mahogany booths to the exposed stainless-steel kitchen. The production is impressive, and you'll remember the food fondly after returning home—but you might consider a fast the next day.

1101 K St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
202-408–1717
Known For
  • luxurious vintage-inspired interiors
  • excellent brunch that includes Belgian waffles and unlimited mimosas
  • great outdoor patio

Centrolina

$$$ | Chinatown

This bright, airy Italian osteria has an adjoining market and a daily changing menu that is all about locally sourced meats and produce and sustainable fish. Authentic and innovative with pasta and sauces made in-house, and the specials change regularly. Eclectic, fresh, and fun, the restaurant is in the CityCenterDC development near the convention center. There's a fun bar with knowledgeable, friendly bartenders and a casual vibe. There's also a full-service coffee bar. Don't forget to pick up some fresh biscotti or olive oil in the market on your way out.

974 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
202-898–2426
Known For
  • innovative pasta dishes
  • daily changing menu
  • fun option in CityCenterDC development
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations recommended

Dauphine’s

$$$ | Downtown

Dauphine’s, a restaurant inspired by the playful spirit and iconic cuisine of New Orleans, is a new, exciting addition to the D.C. dining scene. The menu pays homage to the diverse cultural influences and rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. On the menu, you will see classic Louisiana dishes like pommes soufflé, trout amandine, and other original dishes inspired by New Orleans. The expansive 145-seat restaurant features a large sunken dining room anchored by a custom raw bar and wood charcuterie case, a double-height wrought-iron pavilion linking the dining room and bar area, and an intimate mezzanine and adjoining private dining room. 

1100 15th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
202-258--3785
Known For
  • great happy hour
  • wine expert available
  • excellent service
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential

Dirty Habit

$$$ | Penn Quarter

Inside trendy Hotel Monaco, Dirty Habit woos diners with a towering skylit space that until 1901 was the general post office. Homing in on globally inspired shared plates, the chef conjures up such satisfying dishes as poached hen dumplings and smoked Chilean sea bass. In warmer months, the neoclassical courtyard is a popular spot for fruit-infused cocktails and brunch. The bar is a mix of travelers, people coming in for pre- or post-concert drinks, and locals ready for a night out. 

Espita Mezcaleria

$$$ | Logan Circle
Maíz (corn) and agave are the cornerstones of the food and drink menus at Espita, which serves authentic Mexican small plates, mains, and desserts. The award-winning tortillas, house-made using recipes brought from Mexico by the sous-chef, are the most popular items on the menu. As for drinks, try one of the themed cocktails (they change about eight times a year), or dive right into the extensive mezcal collection.
1250 9th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
202-621–9695
Known For
  • popular weekend happy hour
  • extensive mezcal list and themed cocktails
  • authentic Mexican flavor
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays

Hank's Oyster Bar

$$$ | D.C. Waterfront
The decor and the "urban beach food,” with such classics as fried oysters and delicious crab cakes, will transport you to New England; for those who don't like fish, there is tropical jerk chicken, molasses-braised short ribs, or Mediterranean couscous. One of several locations in the metro area created by chef Jamie Leeds, The Wharf location is the biggest Hank’s yet and offers both indoor and outdoor seating for the full waterfront effect. The outside seating area is great since it’s covered and heated in the winter; inside you get a full view of the kitchen and are immersed in a beachside New England–style restaurant. Dive into a "seafood plateau," with fresh, local seafood served on a silver platter, or treat yourself to a lobster dinner, And be sure to sip on a seasonally crafted cocktail while overlooking the pier.
701 Wharf St. SW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20024, USA
202-817–3055
Known For
  • New England seafood and decor
  • waterfront views for happy hour
  • seasonal seafood and cocktails

Jaleo

$$$ | Penn Quarter

Make a meal of the long list of tapas at celebrity chef José Andrés's lively Spanish bistro, although the five types of handcrafted paella are the stars of the ample entrée menu. Tapas highlights include the gambas al ajillo (sautéed garlic shrimp), tender piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese, and the grilled homemade chorizo, which also comes draped in creamy mashed potatoes. Cocktail specialties range from sweet and fruity sangria to a half-dozen herbal riffs on the gin and tonic.

480 7th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
202-628–7949
Known For
  • José Andrés's original tapas eatery
  • sangria by the pitcher
  • different paella options
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Reservations recommended

Kaliwa

$$$ | D.C. Waterfront

One of the more unique culinary experiences at The Wharf, Kaliwa offers an Asian-fusion style incorporating tastes from the Philippines, Korea, and Thailand, all cooked in an open kitchen that may make you feel like you’re in an Asian street market. The menu includes everything from cold, sushi-type small plates to full-on spicy Thai-style curries. everything on the menu is a bit of a kaliwa (twist) on an old favorite. The crispy shrimp and pork fried rolls with hand-cut pork are like delicious Filipino spring rolls, and the green curry is a tasty vegan choice. If you don’t have time to sit, you can grab a takeout bag.

751 Wharf St. SW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20024, USA
202-516–4739
Known For
  • Asian-style street food
  • dishes drawing from three distinct Asian cuisines
  • fun drinks

Lutèce

$$$ | Georgetown

Lutèce finds its inspiration from Parisian "neo-bistros," French restaurants where chefs use a creative license with twists on traditional fare. The menu at Lutèce features French staples like duck and steak with unique pairings such as steak tartare with fermented chili. The inviting dining room, with its exposed brick, vintage accents, and cozy atmosphere, makes it a choice for a romantic dinner in Georgetown.

1522 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20017, USA
292-333–8830
Known For
  • innovative wine list
  • cozy dining room
  • creative French dishes
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations recommended

Mintwood Place

$$$ | Adams Morgan

At this saloon-inspired venue, European and American flavors come together with seasonal ingredients. The menu changes weekly, with dishes like a half-roasted chicken with truffle butter or seared sea scallops with roasted eggplant. Having brunch on the patio is a great way to check out the Adams Morgan scene.

1813 Columbia Rd. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
202-234–6732
Known For
  • European meets American cuisine
  • great happy-hour deals
  • seasonal menu that changes every week
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch weekdays, Reservations essential

Old Ebbitt Grill

$$$ | Downtown

Visitors and employees from surrounding offices flock here to drink at the several bars, which seem to go on for miles, and enjoy well-prepared buffalo wings, hamburgers, and hearty sandwiches (the Reuben is a must). Old Ebbitt also has one of Washington's best-known raw bars, a 160-year-old institution (it claims Teddy Roosevelt may have "bagged animal heads" at the main bar). Pasta is homemade, and the late-night menu runs from hummus to tacos until 1 am seven days a week. Despite the crowds, the restaurant never feels cramped, thanks to its well-spaced, comfortable booths. Nevertheless, service can be slow at lunch and during happy hour when the oysters are half-price.

675 15th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
202-347–4800
Known For
  • one of D.C.'s oldest bars
  • standard bar menu, including great oysters
  • an institution that shouldn't be missed

Proof

$$$ | Chinatown

Chef Haidar Karoum grew up traveling throughout Europe, acquiring a Continental polyglot's sensibility that serves him perfectly wearing the toque at Proof. Like a wine lover's tour of the Mediterranean, diners can stop by France for the grilled flat-iron steak with sautéed spinach and bacon, or try the Turkish foray that is lamb chops with pistachio, apricot, and sumac. This is the rare restaurant and wine bar that plays both roles to the hilt, with an expertly curated cheese and charcuterie list as well as an array of small pickled plates that pair with Pinots or a craft cocktail such as the unique gin-and-lime "Dunning." The decor is soothing and chic, perfect for a postmuseum retreat.