This Federal-style townhouse on a quiet street in Georgetown was converted into a restaurant in 1960. Taking its name from the year the Constitution was... Read More
Straight out of southern Louisiana, Acadiana serves up Cajun and Creole fusion and Southern-style cocktails in an expansive glassed-in space designed to... Read More
After the cooks fry the falafel, the patrons take over, topping their handheld sandwiches with any of the 20-plus sauces, salads, pickled items and... Read More
Celebrity chef José Andrés has entered the fast-casual sphere with Beefsteak, a vegetable-focused restaurant where diners can build their own... Read More
DC legend Ben’s Chili Bowl has been around since 1958. Try the iconic half-smoke (half-pork, half-beef smoked sausage) topped with Ben’s homemade chili... Read More
It's a testament to Blacksalt's seafood that the tony fish market in front detracts in no way from the ambience (or smell) of the tony restaurant in... Read More
A West End favorite, Blue Duck Tavern serves home-style American fare with an emphasis on traditional methods of cooking like roasting, braising,... Read More
The more casual sister restaurant to Marcel’s, this traditional Belgian brasserie opened in the McPherson Square neighborhood in 2007. The... Read More
A block from the White House and across the street from the World Bank, Breadline is easily spotted by its red and black umbrellas—and at... Read More
Part restaurant and part community gathering spot, Busboys & Poets is a socially-conscious restaurant founded in 2005 by Iraqi-American activist and... Read More
Inspired by owner Mike Benson’s affinity for flying and the works of French author-pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Café Saint-Ex is... Read More
Opened at Southwest Waterfront’s Gangplank Marina in 2003, this casual eatery is the only marina restaurant located on top of the water. Situated... Read More
Owner Nick Fontana, a native Texan, opened Capital Q with the goal of creating an authentic Texas barbecue joint, complete with cafeteria-style ordering... Read More
Since chef Ann Cashion first opened this upscale Southern comfort-food joint in 1995, it's become a neighborhood institution. Her menu, with its New... Read More
Housed inside D.C.’s Colorado Building, an historic Beaux Arts office building just a block from the White House, Ceiba’s menu celebrates... Read More
At his restaurant Central, chef Michel Richard creates traditional American fare with a French flair. Located between The White House and The Capitol in... Read More
Offering French-inspired American cuisine minus the fine-dining prices, this DC eatery by Chef Michel Richard won the 2008 James Beard award for best... Read More
Close enough to the Capitol to qualify as a third house of Congress, the streamlined, modern halls of this temple to red meat resonate daily with the... Read More
Although its name and appearance call to mind the standard Chinese takeout joint in Anytown, USA, Chinatown Express, located on the same block as the... Read More
The newest branch of chef Michel Richard’s growing mini-empire (there are two other Citronelles opening in California this year) is an extra... Read More
Thomas Keller protégé Eric Ziebold turns out accessible haute cuisine in this restaurant’s gleaming open kitchen—and largely... Read More
Cork Wine Bar was founded by Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, who intended the bar to be a gathering place for family and friends. Cork offers 50 wines by... Read More
One part ramen restaurant and one part Japanese izakaya, Daikaya serves small, delicious plates and exudes a casual bar feel. Grab a stool downstairs to... Read More
Smoke is a key ingredient at Del Campo, a Latin steakhouse from chef Victor Albisu: Take the smoked roe in grilled scallop sushi ceviche, for example,... Read More
Dino, located in Cleveland Park, is an Italian-inspired eatery decked in shades of gold and orange. The menu is filled with traditional Italian fare,... Read More
Dukem, a casual eatery in the U Street Corridor, is widely acclaimed as one of the best traditional Ethiopian restaurants in the nation. The dining room... Read More
Equinox is located just off of Lafayette Park, and is a scant block from the White House and Warner's Theater. A popular spot for a bite after moonlit... Read More
Brothers Yared and Henock Tesfaye, Ethiopian transplants, opened Etete in 2004. The restaurant, a gift for their mother, serves traditional Ethiopian... Read More
If you’re looking for excellent Italian, make your way to Etto on bustling 14th Street. This rustic space offers a frequently changing menu of salumi,... Read More
This upscale Italian trattoria is one of DC’s most indulgent restaurants, where you can get preserved summer black truffle with your pappardelle and... Read More
This intimate neighborhood restaurant prides itself on being environmentally conscious: The tables are made from salvaged barn wood, the glassware from... Read More
After pressuring their four (now five) sons to either attend college or create a business, Jerry and Janie Murrell banded together with their family and... Read More
Green to the extreme, this 21st-century approximation of a farmhouse just blocks from the White House features menus printed on recycled paper and award... Read More
Georgia Brown's opened on McPherson Square in 1993, and focuses on the cuisine of Lowcountry of South Carolina. The menu includes a variety of... Read More
For Belgian beer and gastropub grub, Granville Moore's has become a staple in the H Street NE neighborhood (also known as the Atlas District)What. The... Read More
Since it opened in 2005, Hank’s Oyster Bar has been a favorite in Dupont Circle. Inside, exposed brick walls are complimented by light wood tables... Read More
Every surface is covered in kitchen equipment and accoutrements both practical (tea kettles and mugs) and fanciful (cookie cutters shaped like 49 states... Read More
Named after explorer and navigator Henry Hudson, Hudson Restaurant & Lounge serves contemporary comfort food in a relaxed, come-as-you-are... Read More
Located just a four-minute walk from the White House in the Sofitel Lafayette Square hotel, Ici Urban Bistro serves modern takes on classic French... Read More
If you're dining at this Greek and Italian restaurant in Dupont Circle, aim for a seat on the patio, which is draped in century-old wisteria and... Read More
Owned by José Andrés, Rob Wilder, and Roberto Alvarez of ThinkFoodGroup, Jaleo opened in 1993 and serves traditional Spanish tapas, as... Read More
This Northern Greek restaurant from former Top Chef contestant Mike Isabella has all the mezze you could ever want. Start with your pick of spreads and... Read More
The Burger: Given the New Austerity sweeping the capital, lobbyists are loving the street cred they garner by trading prime rib for America’s... Read More
Perfect for a special night out, Komi sits in a traditional DC rowhouse and offers a unique fine dining experience. Friendly servers are at the top of... Read More
Situated on the bustling 14th Street corridor, Le Diplomate is Philly restaurateur Stephen Starr’s DC debut—and it’s a winner. This brasserie pairs a... Read More
This Woodley Park Lebanese restaurant was opened by Lebanese immigrants Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm in 1990, after the success of their first restaurant... Read More
Little Serow is the more casual sister to fine dining restaurant Komi. Here, James Beard Award-winning chef Johnny Monis doesn’t shy away from the heat... Read More
An offshoot of the popular District franchise, Cakelove, Love Café is a casual gathering spot serving coffee, sweets, and light meals. The caf... Read More
As much a cultural experience as a place for a meal, this restaurant and sushi bar on MacArthur Blvd takes traditional Japanese dining seriously. Dinner... Read More
One of the few spots for authentic Korean cuisine in downtown DC, Mandu serves the home-recipe specialties of Seoul-born chef, Yesoon Lee. Opened in... Read More
Located in Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market, Market Lunch is famous for its Blue Buck pancakes, a combination of blueberry and buckwheat that is only... Read More
Located in the Shaw neighborhood, this unique eatery is named after Marvin Gaye and is inspired by the time he spent in the Belgian town of Ostend. Chef... Read More
Michel Richard, the French-born celebrity chef, brings meatballs to the people with his latest venture in DIY dining. Diners construct their own meal at... Read More
Located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, this authentic Ethiopian eatery is named after the calendar month that marks the end of a long rainy season in... Read More
This tasting-menu-only restaurant offers a look inside a culinary laboratory experimenting with the latest techniques and ingredients. As its name... Read More
Perhaps best known among Washingtonians for its escargot hush puppies, Mintwood Place has rapidly become a local favorite for its menu, which adds a... Read More
The National Museum of the American Indian’s Mitsitam Native Foods Café—translated as “Let’s Eat” in the language... Read More
A local institution, the Moby Dick House of Kabob was founded by an Iranian restauranteur in 1989 but has now expanded to 15 locations throughout the... Read More
The French restaurant serves the best-of bistro cuisine: braised rabbit leg, calf liver, cassoulet, and hanger steak. Dine inside on Gallic country... Read More
This aptly named U-street restaurant is located right next door to the DC institution Ben's Chili Bowl, a greasy-spoon landmark that's been serving up... Read More
Ideal for pre-theatre dining, this small, intimate Italian restaurant is located in the Foggy Bottom district, just a seven-minute walk from the... Read More
One of the D.C. area’s go-to destinations for Italian cuisine, Obelisk offers diners authentic Italian fare in a five course, prix fixe format.... Read More
Former Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland, and Theodore Roosevelt once frequented this iconic restaurant, established just half a block from... Read More
Sushi and French fusion reign at this conspicuously cool Penn Quarter restaurant with a Miami-chic feel. White décor and an indoor waterfall... Read More
The creation of former White House chef Frank Ruta, Palena showcases his own interpretation of American cuisine with an Italian- and French-influenced... Read More
Pasta Mia, in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, has the appearance of an unassuming local Italian restaurant with a small glass and brick exterior. But... Read More
The American and sushi restaurant has a number of draws—the rooftop bar, for instance—but its most diva-esque attraction is Sunday drag... Read More
The gelato and sorbet parlor touts all-natural, high-end ingredients and a broad selection of classic and fancy flavors, such as cardamom, black tea,... Read More
Founded in 1991, Pizzeria Paradiso serves what many consider the best pizza in the city. Now one of three regional locations, this lively, no-frills... Read More
Poste Moderne Brasserie is technically a part of the Hotel Monaco, but it's housed inside the 1841 General Post Office building. The restaurant has its... Read More
Housed inside the 1841 General Post Office building, Poste Moderne Brasserie serves updated American cuisine in an environmentally-friendly atmosphere.... Read More
Whether you’re in the mood for a fine wine, a full meal, or both, Proof has you covered. The wine list here is insanely comprehensive, offering bottles... Read More
This popular Penn Quarter eatery by Chef Peter Smith occupies a boxy, earth-toned space designed by GrizForm Design Architects. Formerly of Vidalia and... Read More
This Penn Quarter restaurant offers modern Indian cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting, with a menu chiefly split among griddle, barbecue, and tandoori... Read More
Red Hen is DC’s quintessential neighborhood restaurant. Its rustic design immediately sets a comfortable, and romantic atmosphere, enhanced by a stellar... Read More
Founded by John Snedden, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co. first opened in Glover Park in 1990. Now a regional chain with locations in Virginia,... Read More
Mexican tile and native folk craft lend an authentic feel to this first-outside-of-NYC Rosa Mexicano location splendidly housed in the restored 1924... Read More
Rose’s Luxury is one of DC’s most buzzed-about new restaurants, and for good reason. The innovative, seasonal menu includes dishes like spaghetti with... Read More
Adjacent to the lobby of the International Spy Museum, this casual café is ideal for a quick bite before or after touring the exhibits. While... Read More
Though hard to find this second-floor, Dupont-Circle treat, the delectable sushi is a treasure worth the hunt. The lively space is packed with... Read More
Billed as the first sushi bar in Washington, D.C., this tiny Glover Park hole-in-the-wall makes up for its lack of ambiance with a menu of fresh,... Read More
The cubicle-size restaurant serves authentic Mexican fare. And while menu items are written in Spanish—tamales de puerco y pollo, rojos y verdas,... Read More
A local chain with eateries in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, this deli channels the City of Brotherly Love with its hoagies and sandwiches—all its... Read More
Opened in Logan Circle in 2001, this small restaurant quickly earned a loyal following with its authentic and affordable Thai cuisine. The lively, no... Read More
A neighborhood 24/7 eatery, the Diner is located in Adams Morgan. The restaurant is relaxed and no-frills; simple tables are accompanied by bar stools... Read More
Owned by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, the Source is an acclaimed pan-Asian restaurant located inside the Newseum. The restaurant is divided into... Read More
The restaurant rocks out with fine (and sometimes exotic) meats, American craft beer (more than 20 on tap), and a punk roadhouse atmosphere. Every... Read More
Ramen addicts lined up outside of Toki Underground when it opened in 2011 on H Street NE, and that's not just a result of the restaurant’s tiny dining... Read More
As genuine an Italian pizzeria as you'll find this side of the Atlantic, Two Amys has a wood-burning oven, a pizza license from Naples, and suitably... Read More
This swanky Italian restaurant and Mediterranean wine bar occupies an intimate underground space at Dupont Circle's Palomar Hotel. Designed by the Bay... Read More
Like Washington itself, Vidalia serves up sophisticated city flavors colored by a slight but unmistakable Southern accent. Long lauded as an oenophile's... Read More
Run by award-winning chef Eric Ripert of (Michelin three-starred) Le Bernardin fame, Westend Bistro incorporates Mid-Atlantic ingredients from local... Read More
Voted the best Mediterranean eatery inside the Beltway for three years running, this Penn Quarter restaurant and bar is a downtown destination for... Read More
Appropriately, this Penn Quarter restaurant, located right next door to the Spy Museum, feels straight out of James Bond. Champagne-filled ice buckets... Read More
