From casual eateries to elegant restaurants, the Washington D.C. area offers many excellent places to dine. Have lunch at an award-wining American bistro, stop by a traditional ramen shop, relax with Italian comfort food, try contemporary Spanish dishes, sample innovative Japanese cuisine, indulge in Thai street food, and have some of the best barbecue in town.
Daikaya
Daikaya is is one of the top restaurants in DC. The two-story Japanese restaurant is run by three friends who wanted to open a DC-based restaurant that would serve excellent Japanese specialities in a fantastic ambiance. The first floor features a traditional ramen shop that serves mouthwatering Sapporo-style ramen and miso ramen in a fast-paced environment. The second floor is home to izakaya, a type of Japanese restaurant that serves unique cuisine accompanied by a range of drinks in a more relaxed, casual setting. Here, the cuisine is marked by an innovative and adaptive flair, flavored with subtle yet poignant twists on international and American flavors.
705 6th St NW Washington, DC 20001, 202-589-1600
Central Michel Richard
Central Michel Richard is modern American bistro with a French flair that has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant in the US. Named for its “central” location on the corner of 11th and Penn NW in downtown Washington, the restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Michel Richard. The restaurant features stylish décor and a sophisticated yet casual ambiance, with lunch and dinner menus that offer guests a wide selection, including shareable table starters, unique appetizers, sumptuous entrees, and mouthwatering desserts. Chef Michel Richard’s lively, jovial style echoes throughout the eatery, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere that keeps guests coming back time and time again. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas, Central Michel Richard is one of the best romantic restaurants in DC.
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-626-0015
Jaleo
Bringing a slice of Spain to the heart of Washington, DC, Jaleo is a Spanish tapas restaurant that serves a range of traditional small dishes and tapas, savory paella and seafood dishes, and a very nice selection of sangrias, Spanish wines, and beers. Chef José Andrés manages this popular eatery and updates the menu on a regular basis, using the freshest ingredients around and pulling inspiration from all the regions of his homeland Spain. Jaleo has a comprehensive wine list featuring regional wines from Spain and other international vintages, as well as craft beers and cocktails and has a relaxed, casual and laid-back ambiance. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion in a unique setting, Jaleo is one of the best DC restaurants.
480 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-628-7949
Purple Patch
Purple Patch serves a delicious and unique combination of classic Philippine dishes and American cuisine. Owners Patrice Cleary and her husband Drew aspire to feature a menu with comforting, relaxing, and homey dishes; Chef Jason Smith succeeds in doing just that. Famed for their lumpia (the Philippines’ version of an egg roll), which is served by the hundred every day, the menu offers many other delights such as fried guajillo pepper chicken wings, shrimp and kale, and the traditional Filipino soup with pork belly known as Pork Sinigang.
3155 Mt Pleasant ST NW Washington, DC 20010, 202-299-0022
Hill Country Barbecue Market
Hill Country Barbecue Market is a Washington, DC barbecue restaurant with a Texan flair. Meat lovers flock to the eatery to savor their freshly cooked brisket, sausage, ribs, and other meats, many of which are dry-rubbed and slow-cooked over Texas post oak in a custom meat-smoking room. They are served by the pound and wrapped in butcher paper. For something sweet, try some of the DC versions of Southern classics such as Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes or Lone Star favorite Blue Bell ice-cream. Complement your meal with a drink from their impressive selection of beers, tequila, and specialty cocktails. To complete this savory experience, take in live American Roots Music in the legendary Boot Bar most nights of the week.
410 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004, 202-556-2050
Soi 38
Soi 38 serves some of the tastiest Thai street food in Washington. Inspired by underground eateries scattered throughout Bangkok’s night market of the same name, Chef Mitchai Pankam serves delicious and unforgettable culinary creations. Stop in for lunch and try the Kra Prow Gai or the Gaeng Kiew Wan Curry. Bangkok natives Nat Ongsangkoon and Dia Khanthongthip long dreamed of bringing their hometown’s distinct flavor to D.C., leading them to open Soi 38 in 2014. You’ll find them on Northwest L Street in the West End district.
2101 L St NW, 202-558-9215
Old Ebbitt Grill
Dining at DC’s oldest saloon, the Old Ebbitt Grill, is more than just ordering food and enjoying a meal – it’s a completely exhilarating experience. You’ll find politicos, journalists, and celebrities mixed in with business leaders and tourists, all enjoying upscale American saloon food. Step in for lunch and sample Executive Chef Salvatore Ferro’s tasty dishes, such as the Cannelloni di Casa or the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. The Old Ebbitt Grill, rich in character and history, has been a Washington D.C. landmark since 1856. It has been at its current location since 1983 and is owned by the Clyde Restaurant Group. You’ll find Old Ebbitt Grill downtown, mere steps away from The White House.
675 15th St NW, 202-347-4800
Capitol City Brewing Company
DC’s iconic Capitol City Brewing Company brews and serves incredible beers to accompany their delicious regional cuisine made with the freshest ingredients sourced from the Mid-Atlantic area. Try the Southwest Keg Rolls or the Jambalaya, and wash it down with a glass of their Amber Waves Ale. Founded by restaurateur David von Storch, Capitol City Brewing opened in 1992. You will find their original site downtown at the corner of 11th and Northwest H Street, or you can enjoy the view of the pedestrian promenade at their Virginia location in Shirlington Village.
1100 New York Ave NW, 202-628-2222
2941 Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Falls Church, 2941 Restaurant is one of the most celebrated fine dining restaurants in the area. Award-winning Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel and Caitlin Dysart combine forces to create a menu of bold French and Mediterranean flavors that translate wonderfully into contemporary American cuisine. Diners can enjoy a regular a la carte menu for lunch and dinner throughout the week, as well as a signature five-course tasting menu available on Thursday and Friday nights. An impressive wine list and an array of signature cocktails provide a number of options, allowing guests to select the perfect accompaniments to the exquisite cuisine.
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042, 703-270-1500
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana is an upscale Mexican restaurant in Washington’s Penn Quarter. The elegant, modern décor combined with bright colors shows that it is possible to recreate the festive atmosphere of urban Mexico without going overboard with kitschy details. Oyamel is the playground of food artist José Andrés, who creates masterpieces of simple tacos, chilaquiles, and gorditas. You will never be able to eat at Taco Bell again. The spacious dining room offers different seating options or you can perch at the bar, where you can get an introduction to some of the unique margaritas and mescal or you can try one of their imaginative house cocktails. The menu is large, offering traditional Mexican dishes with Andrés’ quirky interpretation. He serves hot gorditas with Hudson Valley duck confit and the ceviche is made in front of you. Everything is fresh, colorful, and delicious, a veritable parade of authentic, contemporary urban Mexican food. To complete the experience, order that most traditional of all Mexican desserts – tres leches.
401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-628-1005
Ser Restaurant
Meaning “to be simple, easy and real,” Ser Restaurant is a friendly and inviting neighborhood restaurant in Ballston that offers Spanish-inspired comfort food in a casual and relaxed environment. Their lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus are known for traditional cuisine of Spain and feature tapas-style small plates, fresh seafood creations, roasted and grilled meats, and delectable desserts. In addition to the regular lunch menu, Ser has a counter “Lunch Shop” where delicious homemade sandwiches, salads, and soups are served for those on the go. Enjoy a unique "TXOTX” ritual dinner, which is a four-course family-style, Basque cider house tasting menu that takes place every Wednesday.
1110 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201, 703-746-9822
