Best Restaurants in Washington DC | Food Guide

Hen Quarter Prime

Amelie DC

MUNCHIES THE HALAL SPOT

America’s Best Wings

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

Peruvian fare in handsome environs. Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.

Pera Kebap D.C.

KYOJIN Sushi

Georgetown Seafood

Love, Makoto

Ted's Bulletin

All-day diner eats & shakes with a twist. Bustling eatery for breakfast any time & American fare, plus a large menu of boozy milkshakes.

Herbivore Indian Cuisine

Rice Bar Market Place

minibar by José Andrés

Acclaimed eclectic kitchen in sleek nook. Chef José Andrés' inventive kitchen offers luxe fixed-price menus in chic digs for just 12 guests.

Pineapple and Pearls

Lively eatery with creative fare. An imaginative 4-course menu, wine & cocktails served up in a convivial restaurant.

Pesce Seafood House

Grill Kabob

New York Grill

dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval

Upscale Mexican cuisine in a chic setup. Elevated Mexican fare and wood-fired grilled specialties executed in a striking, rustic-chic venue.

La Casina DC

Rooster & Owl

Upmarket spot with modern American fare. Upscale option furnishing modern American tasting menus & wine in a simple dining room with a patio.

Nina May

New American fare in a cozy setting. Hip, intimate restaurant with inventive cocktails and locally sourced, seasonal New American fare.

Cafe Fili

Chic cafe for all-day Mediterranean fare. Polished spot with modern decor offering all-day Mediterranean plates like hummus, shawarma & mezze.

Daru

Urbane venue for imaginative Indian fare. Chic hub with a patio & a neighborhood vibe dishing up creative Indian curry dishes, plus cocktails.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC

Luxe property with dining, spa & pool. Upscale lodging with restaurants, a spa & an indoor pool, plus complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Hay-Adams

Historic hotel with a rooftop bar. Luxe 1928 lodging with fine dining, ornate meeting areas & elegant quarters, plus White House views.

Rose's Luxury

Snug spot for New American small plates. Eclectic New American small plates menu crafted in a cozy, converted townhouse with upstairs bar.

Grill Kabob

Capital Doner ( Shawarma - Gyro)

Informal doner kebab place with a patio. Cheery counter serve with outdoor tables, for classic doner kebab wraps, plates & sandwiches.

Aladdin House of Kabob and Gyros

Due South Dockside

Ambar Capitol Hill

Balkan cuisine in stylish, rustic digs. Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.

Sushi Nakazawa

NYC-bred, upscale, Japanese destination. Luxurious, Japanese omakase meals served in cozy, dark wood & gold surrounds, with a sushi counter.

The Wharf DC

Neopol Savory Smokery

STK Steakhouse

Charlie Palmer Steak

Expansive, modern American steakhouse. Contemporary eatery with new renditions of steakhouse favorites in a roomy, industrial-chic space.

VEGZ

Plant-based Indian fare in modest digs. Compact, low-key eatery preparing vegetarian & vegan Indian staples including curries & dosas.

Tail Up Goat

Stylish Mediterranean with relaxed vibe. A hip bistro serving creative Mediterranean fare & Caribbean-inspired drinks in modern surrounds.

Filomena Ristorante

Handmade pasta in ornate Italian digs. Pasta made in-house plus hearty Italian classics in an upscale restaurant with over-the-top decor.

Maydan

Hip lair for Georgian and North African fare. Rose Previte's trendsetting eatery showcases Caucasian, North African, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

St. Anselm

Modern steakhouse with a rustic vibe. Premium steaks & sides, plus cocktails & brunch, are served amid a warm, hunting-lodge atmosphere.

Blues Alley Club

Long-running intimate jazz & blues venue. Jazz & blues junkies get up close & personal with headline acts at this intimate club with food.

Off the Record

Cocktail bar hidden away in a hotel. Subterranean-level bar in the Hay-Adams Hotel serving classic cocktails & upscale bar food.

1789 Restaurant & Bar

Formal New American fare in a townhouse. A luxe, renovated Federal house sets the scene for refined seasonal American fare.

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

French bistro classics & wine. Rustic spot features traditional French fare downstairs, plus a wine bar upstairs.

BlackSalt

Refined seafood house & fish market. Creative preparations of sustainable seafood served in an upscale tavern with take-out fish market.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Boardwalk-themed seafood spot. Popular spot for seafood dishes with boardwalk decor & a lively upstairs bar & bocce court.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Landmark tavern known for its oysters. Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Massive space with upscale American fare. American surf 'n' turf restaurant serving upmarket fare & cocktails in a lavish space.

O-Ku

Contemporary Japanese & sushi bar. A menu focused on Japanese robata-style dishes & sushi in an elevated setting with modernist decor.

Kotobuki

Cozy Japanese restaurant on 2nd floor. Located on the 2nd floor, this cozy spot offers Japanese eats & take-out options.

Masala Story

Casual place for Indian grub. Unfussy, easygoing operation serving traditional Indian cuisine plus beer & wine.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

Posh hotel with a spa & a rooftop lounge. Elegant hotel offering a spa & fine dining, plus a rooftop lounge & infinity pool with city views.

Saints Paradise Cafeteria

Silver Diner

Retro diner with American comfort fare. Modeled after the classic American diner, this regional chain supplies comfort fare & jukebox tunes.

Cranes

Chic eatery for Spanish-Japanese cuisine. Modern restaurant with tapas, a tasting menu, and other Spanish and Japanese fare, plus a sake menu.

BRESCA

Innovative bistro fare in jazzy space. Chef Ryan Ratino's avant-garde, French influenced cooking & modern cocktails in a playful bistro.

The Capital Grille

Upscale chophouse chain with clubby look. Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting.

Salamander Washington DC

Luxury hotel with a posh spa & a pool. Upscale rooms in a luxe hotel offering an International/Asian restaurant, a pool & a chic spa.

InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel

Renowned hotel with a spa & fine dining. Elegant landmark property featuring an ornate lobby & a luxe spa, plus an acclaimed bar & dining.

Conrad Washington, DC

Chic hotel with dining & a rooftop bar. Polished rooms & suites in a sophisticated hotel offering a seafood restaurant & a rooftop bar.

Chez Billy Sud

Chic, intimate French wine bar. Brick walls, a copper-topped bar & a fireplace create a cozy ambiance for French wine & light fare.

Kinship

Creative American fare in elegant space. Unique New American cuisine emphasizing classic and indulgent dishes in chic surrounds.

The Lafayette

American fine dining in a luxury hotel. High-end restaurant in the Hay-Adams Hotel pairing sophisticated American cuisine with formal decor.

Fiola

Upscale Italian restaurant. High-end restaurant serving rustic Italian food & creative cocktails in a modern, upscale space.

Jônt

Ocean Prime

Upscale spot for steak & seafood. Upscale chain known for its sophisticated decor, long wine list & classic steak & seafood menu.

Mazi DC - New American Cuisine

Stylish stop for New American fare. Warm, stylish eatery offering New American dishes with a Mediterranean touch, plus wines and cocktails.

Gypsy Kitchen DC

Bohemian spot with global fare & brunch. International dishes, brunch & cocktails served in a laid-back, eclectic spot with a rooftop patio.

Dolan Uyghur Restaurant

Asian with Chinese/Russian/Turkish bent. Eurasian-style fare, including stir-fry noodles, soups, dumplings & kebabs in simple quarters.

Nostra Cucina

Le Diplomate

Classic brasserie for French eats. Old-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating, serving familiar French fare, brunch staples, and drinks.

Kappo DC

The Bussdown DC

Chopsmith

Health-conscious salad and sandwich joint. Market-fresh, custom salads, and sandwiches, plus wine and draft beers in a sleek setting.

A Baked Joint

Airy bakery/cafe with gourmet sandwiches. This large, airy bakery/cafe from Baked & Wired's owners serves gourmet sandwiches, toasts & more.

Charlene's Bar & Grille

City Kabob & Curry House -2 (D.C)

Modest stop for halal Pakistani fare. Low-key counter-serve option doling out halal Pakistani food in a straightforward, casual setting.

The Dabney

Rustic-modern spot for Mid-Atlantic fare. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne serves Mid-Atlantic cuisine at this rustic spot set in a former row house.

Laos in Town

Contemporary Laotian restaurant. A menu featuring classic dishes from Laos in an elevated dining room with a marble counter bar.

The Monocle Restaurant

Old-school American bar & grill. For more than 50 years this classic American eatery has served steaks & wine to the Capitol crowd.

Old Europe

Classic German fare & antique decor. Antique steins, oil paintings & piano music in an old-world setting for classic German fare & beer.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

American eats & international spirits. Whiskeys lead the way at high-end bar with American menu, themed dining rooms & an open air terrace.

Guerra Steakhouse

Classy option for choice cuts & wine. Elegant special-occasion spot with outdoor seating furnishing upmarket beef cuts, cocktails & wine.

Zaytinya by José Andrés

Mediterranean meze in bustling setting. Chef José Andrés' light, airy mainstay offers Eastern Mediterranean small plates & regional wines.

Bistro Cacao

Romantic spot for French bistro cooking. Antique decor & curtained booths plus French bistro fare make this townhouse a romantic destination.

Fiola Mare

High-end Italian seafood restaurant. Sophisticated Italian seafood, plus wine & cocktails, in a luxe, modern setting with river views.

The Red Hen

Rustic-cool Italian eatery & bar. Creative wood-fired Italian eats in an airy, rustic-industrial space with open kitchen & large bar.

Blue Duck Tavern

Fine American dining in a classic space. New American preparations of locally sourced ingredients served amid handcrafted furnishings.

Iron Gate Restaurant

Tony Italian & Greek small-plates venue. Swanky spot offering Italian & Greek small plates, a tasting menu & more in courtyard-enhanced digs.

Songbyrd Music House

Java, snacks & a retro recording booth. A coffeehouse/music shop with vinyl & java for sale, plus listening booths & a 1947 recording booth.

Ama

KAZ Sushi Bistro

Classic & innovative Japanese cuisine. Sushi spot with familiar & specialty Japanese menu options, including chef's tasting menus.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Upscale riverside hotel with an atrium. Posh riverside lodging with a spa, restaurants & a 19-story glass atrium, plus event space & a pool.

Masala Street Eatery

L'Ardente

Upscale Italian eatery with a pizza oven. Elegant Italian restaurant with chandeliers and a gold-plated pizza oven firing signature pies.

Taqueria Habanero

Storefront for authentic Mexican fare. Modest Mexican serving homemade tortillas & fillings, plus pitchers of margaritas & sangria.

El Rinconcito Café

Go-to for Mexican & Salvadoran eats. Mexican & Salvadoran fare like pupusas & fajitas at bargain prices draw fans to this simple venue.

Rumi's Kitchen - DC

Well-known spot for Persian cuisine. Vibrant, contemporary restaurant serving creative Persian cuisine alongside cocktails & wine.

Puddin'

Market stand for Southern food & sweets. Union Market counter for Southern fare from shrimp & grits to bourbon brown butter bread pudding.

GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar

Modern spot serving grilled cheese. Contemporary eatery dishing up grilled cheese sandwiches plus fried fare & charcuterie.

Ted's Bulletin

All-day diner eats & shakes with a twist. Bustling eatery for breakfast any time & American fare, plus a large menu of boozy milkshakes.

Unconventional Diner

Modern American comfort food and drink. Industrial-chic bistro and bar for upscale comfort fare, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf, an IHG Hotel

Posh hotel with dining, a pool & a spa. Chic hotel featuring an upscale restaurant, a fitness center & a spa, plus a rooftop pool & bar.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.

Storied luxury hotel with tea & jazz. Luxe rooms in a historic lodging with butler service & chic dining, plus live jazz & afternoon tea.

Shelly's Back Room

Cigar lounge with a big whiskey menu. Cigar connoisseurs puff away in this clubby lounge featuring humidors & a lengthy whiskey list.

Black Cat

Bar, cafe & alternative-music venue. Multilevel spot serves as a bar & cafe with vegan options & indie/rock/alternative live-music venue.

Lutèce.

Rustic-chic venue for French cooking. Cozy, stylish bistro with exposed-brick walls & a changing French menu spotlighting seasonal fare.

Peacock Café

Trendy American institution with a patio. American dishes (brunch too) & a varied wine selection in a sleek space with outdoor seating.

Café Riggs

Chic eatery for New American cuisine. Sophisticated restaurant with a rooftop offering New American cuisine in an elegant setting.

CIRCA at Foggy Bottom

Bustling New American bistro. Trendy restaurant with creative New American fare, a popular patio, & plenty of wines & cocktails.

Modena

Chic eatery serving Italian cuisine. Stylish Italian restaurant & bar serving homemade pasta, pizzas & seafood, plus cocktails.

Equinox Restaurant

Sleek spot for New American fine dining. Upscale New American kitchen featuring locally sourced, seasonal dishes in modern surrounds.

Stan's DC Restaurant

Wings & drinks at Downtown hideaway. Low-key, basement-level Downtown spot offers signature wings with "mumbo" sauce & strong drinks.

The Hamilton

Live music venue and American restaurant. Hip American eatery with late hours, plus plenty of room in a live music space downstairs.

Floriana

Italian eatery with Victorian charm. Intimate white-tableclothed bistro offering lasagna & other Italian classics, with weekly specials.

Busboys and Poets

Hip hangout for books, bites & coffee. Lively neighborhood haunt serving as a bookstore, coffee shop & restaurant focused on global fare.

Old Blue BBQ - Union Market

Indigo

Indian classics in cheery, low-key digs. Bold flavors & Indian favorites are served in a kitschy, cozy space with a large patio.

Cafe Berlin

Elegant traditional German restaurant. German eatery with an elegant dining room on the ground floor of 3 joined townhouses & a patio.

Annie's Paramount Steak House

Longtime local steak & cocktail spot. Steaks & American basics plus a popular weekend brunch served in a dining room or lively bar area.

Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf

Martin's Tavern

American eats & cozy wooden booths. Popular tavern serving American eats in both a cozy interior with wooden booths & outdoors.

BOURBON STEAK

Inventive American fare in chic space. Stylish & modern steakhouse in the Four Seasons with seasonal American fare & butter-poached meat.

DC Prime Steaks

Chic chophouse with beef & seafood. Plush surroundings set the stage for filet, lobster, rich sides & creative martinis.

Namaste JALSA, Bar &Restaurant

Jojo Restaurant and Bar

Classy spot for American fare & music. Elegant venue offering an American menu & live jazz, blues, funk, soul & R&B nightly.

Mr. Henry's Restaurant

Neighborhood pub with Victorian style. Corner pub with a gay-friendly vibe that serves burgers & craft beers amid Victorian-style decor.

Tabard Inn

Traditional rooms in historic townhouses. Classic 1800s townhouses with antiques-filled rooms (some with shared bathrooms) & a restaurant.

Basin Street Lounge

Live music fixture with cigars & drinks. Established in 1979, this sleek lounge with nightly live music has bar fare & a selection of cigars.

Gadsby's Tavern

American kitchen in historic landmark. Traditional American eatery housed in historic digs that once hosted George Washington & John Adams.

Dakshin

Inventive Indian bites in bi-level space. Indian street food with a twist in a moody bi-level setup with cushions to sit on while eating.

DCity Smokehouse

Cult BBQ joint with booze & patio. Hip BBQ spot serving sandwiches & combo platters plus veggie sides, beer, wine & bourbon drinks.

La Chaumiere

Classic French spot with rustic decor. Area staple has traditional French fare & a rustic feel with a stone fireplace & country-inn decor.

Founding Farmers DC

Rustic American farm-to-table eatery. Cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.

Commissary

Laid-back American spot with happy hours. Casual American-style all-day restaurant offering lounge seating, happy hours & a covered patio.

Takoma Station Tavern

Cozy brick-lined music venue & tavern. Soul, jazz & various other artists play on a small stage in a cozy space with pub food & full bar.

Maggiano's

Chain for family-style Italian meals. Semi-upscale chain for classic Italian fare served family-style in a relaxed, polished space.

Corduroy

New American dining in townhouse digs. Upscale, farm-to-fork eatery with a seasonal New American menu, modern decor & an upstairs bar.

Yasmine

Lauriol Plaza

Bustling Mexican eatery & margarita bar. This spacious eatery with a roof deck fills up with fans of basic Mexican fare & frozen margaritas.

Guapo's Restaurant

Festive Tex-Mex joint with margaritas. Lively eatery serving sizable burritos, tacos & other classic Tex-Mex eats, plus margarita pitchers.

El Chucho - Cocina Superior

Spot for tequila & a taqueria menu. Creative takes on taqueria fare & margaritas on tap make this tri-level venue a popular stop.

Sushi Taro

Classic high-end sushi & sake restaurant. High-end sushi spot with chef's choice dinners, bento-box lunch specials, sake & sho-chu.

Karma Modern Indian

Modern Indian fare in sleek surrounds. High concept takes on Indian classics & creative drinks in dramatic space with a stadium kitchen.

Sushi Hachi

Buzzy spot for creative maki & cocktails. Clever maki, unique cocktails & imported wines in a stylish, brick-lined space with a relaxed vibe.

Perry's Restaurant

Chic hangout for Japanese fare & drinks. Sleek multi-level eatery serving Japanese fare, sushi & speciality cocktails, with a rooftop bar.

Rania

Glamorous venue for creative Indian fare. High-concept Indian cuisine presented in an opulent, chandelier-lit setting with a romantic vibe.

MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino

Upscale casino hotel with dining & bars. Sleek rooms & suites in a polished casino hotel featuring a theater, restaurants & bars.

RPM Italian

Modern Italian fare in a sleek setting. Pasta, steaks & seafood served in a sleek, group-friendly eatery backed by Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

Osteria Morini

Northern Italian food in a rustic space. Emilia-Romagna cuisine in a warm setting, plus cocktails & a robust Italian wine list.

Ottoman Taverna

Stunning setting for Turkish food & wine. Striking space with open kitchen & mural serving Turkish fare, including traditional brunch items.

Hitching Post Restaurant

Homestyle Southern soul food. Friendly, upbeat institution with a bar for homestyle, traditional Southern soul food.

SUCCOTASH

Classy spot for unique Southern fare. Chef Edward Lee's classy eatery melds Dixie & Asian flavors in an inventive menu.

Ella's Wood Fired Kitchen

Pies, craft beer & outdoor dining. Bustling pizzeria serving thin-crust pies, sangria & craft beer that's popular with happy-hour set.

The Salt Line

Chefy seafood spot with waterfront patio. New England classics & Chesapeake dishes star at this nautical seafood house with riverside patio.

Ted's Bulletin

All-day diner eats & shakes with a twist. Bustling eatery for breakfast any time & American fare, plus a large menu of boozy milkshakes.

Mastro's Steakhouse

Sizzling chops & live music in chic digs. This upscale chain serves sizzling steaks on 400-degree platters & seafood plateaus in swanky digs.

Surfside Taco Stand

Variety of tacos & seaside shack fare. Tacos, margaritas & more are served cafeteria-style in a casual, colorful destination.

Easy Company

The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill

Grand Hyatt Washington

Refined hotel with a bistro/bar & a gym. Sleek lodging with extensive meeting space, a hip bistro/bar & a cafe, plus a gym & free Wi-Fi.

Hyatt House Washington Dc / The Wharf

Chic hotel with Potomac River views. Polished hotel with views of the Potomac River, plus a seasonal, heated outdoor pool & a bar.

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

Polished hotel with a bistro & a gym. Elegant lodging in a 19th-century landmark, offering a French bistro, a lounge bar & a gym.

Bantam King

Colorful ramen & fried chicken joint. A Pop Art–decorated storefront for chicken- or vegetable-based ramen & Japanese-style fried chicken.

Tryst

Relaxed hangout for coffee & light bites. Easygoing coffeehouse drawing hipsters with live music, eclectic furniture, sandwiches & sweets.

ZumoThai

Bar Chinois

Trendy stop for cocktails and dim sum. Industrial-chic joint serving dumplings, shumai, and other Chinese finger foods, plus cocktails and wine.

Cafe Milano

Italian classics in a stylish restaurant. Polished destination offering a menu of creatively presented Italian dishes, plus wine & cocktails.

Guapo's Restaurant

Festive Tex-Mex joint with margaritas. Lively eatery serving sizable burritos, tacos & other classic Tex-Mex eats, plus margarita pitchers.

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

Creative, upscale Mexican restaurant. Lively, upscale spot with creative Mexican tapas & street food, plus a lengthy cocktail & wine menu.

Boqueria Penn Quarter

The Dubliner Restaurant

Irish pub with a full menu & live music. Guinness flows at this traditional pub with a menu of Irish & American grub, plus live music.

RARE Steakhouse & Tavern

Steakhouse classics in elegant surrounds. A fancy steakhouse with an old-school vibe serving classy cuts & sides paired with fine wines.

Zorba's Café

Casual Greek eatery with a view. Blue-&-white, counter-serve Greek joint with outdoor seating & an upstairs with a view.

Rise Bakery

Gluten-free & vegan sweets & breads. Simple, second-story townhouse bakery specializing in gluten-free & vegan sweets, cakes & breads.

Zeppelin

Chic spot for sushi, skewers & cocktails. Sushi & grilled Japanese fare with sake & cocktails in a dramatic, contemporary space with karaoke.

Rakuya

Asian eats in a stylish, modern setting. Japanese, Chinese & Thai fare, plus sushi, is served in modern surroundings with a sidewalk patio.

Toryumon Japanese House

Sushi, ramen & bento in modern surrounds. Grilled dishes, ramen, sushi & bento lunch specials round at the menu at this contemporary option.

Jaleo by José Andrés

Chef José Andrés' festive Spanish bistro. Buzzy Spanish spot from chef José Andrés serving tapas, paella & sangria in a striking, artsy space.

Junction Bistro & Bar

Little Beet

Shah's Halal Food

RASA

Chic spot for flavor-packed Indian food. Customized bowls of deeply-flavored Indian fare in stylish surrounds, plus beer, wine & gin/tonics.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Upscale choice for seafood & steaks. High-end chain offering seafood, steaks & a deep wine list in sophisticated but lively environs.

Luke's Lobster Penn Quarter

Eatery with lobster roll specials. Seafood restaurant serving Maine-style lobster rolls with toasted buns, plus clam chowder.

il Canale

Neighborhood spot for Neapolitan pizza. Thin-crust pizza from a wood-fired oven plus pasta & antipasti in a cozy exposed-brick dining room.

Lupo Verde Osteria Palisades

Rustic Italian restaurant & market-cafe. Vintage setting for Italian pastas, appetizers & grills in an intimate room, with a market below.

Lapis

Charming spot for authentic Afghan fare. Rugs & ornate furnishings lend a homey charm to this bistro serving Afghan kebabs, stews & more.

J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood McLean

Outpost of an upmarket steakhouse chain. Fine-dining-style establishment offering classic steakhouse fare, cocktails & a big menu of sides.

Morton's The Steakhouse

High-end chain for prime beef & seafood. Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.

Izakaya Seki

Buzzy spot for Japanese tapas & brews. Trendy option for Japanese small plates & noodle dishes, plus sizable beer list in minimalist digs.

Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge

Dockside site for seafood & tiki drinks. Waterfront dining on raw bar & seafood classics in large, modern space, an outdoor deck or tiki bar.

DAIKAYA

Hip joint for Japanese noodle soups. Japanese noodle soups ladled out in casual, funky digs with yellow and blue walls and rustic tables.

Open Crumb

The Tombs

Stalwart student hub in old-school digs. Veteran university haunt in converted 19th-century townhouse serving comfort fare, brews & pub grub.

George's King of Falafel and Cheesesteak

Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cuisine. Sandwiches, shawarma, Mediterranean platters & Middle Eastern cuisine at an informal eatery.

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab

Upscale seafood & steak restaurant. Upscale seafood & steak chain featuring half-price happy hours, a deep wine list & swanky surrounds.

Medium Rare

Popular steakhouse with a set menu. Modern bistro offering a single set menu of bread, salad, fries & a dry-aged sirloin.

Green Island Cafe

Quarterdeck

Veteran seafood spot known for its crab. Long-standing neighborhood fixture offering casual seafood menu & all-you-can-eat crab feasts.

Georgia Brown's

High-end Southern eats & live jazz. Elegant eatery pairing upscale twists on classics from the southern coast with occasional live jazz.

Bobby Van’s Steakhouse

Classic American steak & seafood spot. Part of a small chain of chophouses serving steak, seafood & other classic fare in a clubby setting.

BLT Steak D.C.

Sleek spot for grilled meat & drinks. High-end chophouse offering prime meats & classic sides in sophisticated surroundings.

Taberna del Alabardero

Spanish fine-dining destination. Refined Spanish cuisine & extensive wine list served in an opulent space with an outdoor patio.

The Palm - Washington, D.C.

Upscale steakhouse chain founded in 1926. Storied chain serving high-end steakhouse fare, seafood & diverse wines in clubby surrounds.

Eighteenth Street Lounge

Chic dance club & bar with ornate decor. Converted townhouse serves up cocktails amid antique sofas & candlelight or on the outdoor patio.

Quadrant

Sleek lounge with bar bites & cocktails. Chic Ritz-Carlton bar/lounge with fireplace serving American menu, cocktails, cider on tap & more.

Clyde's of Georgetown

Classic American fare & cocktails. Long-running local chain serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting.

La Collina

Good Stuff Eatery

Modern setting for handcrafted burgers. Handcrafted burgers, fries & shakes dished up in trendy industrial surroundings.

The Bazaar by José Andrés

Madam's Organ

Blues bar & soul-food restaurant. Lively blues bar offers comfort food & drinks in mason jars along with music, dancing & a roof deck.

El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria

Authentic Mexican fare and tequila eatery. Chef-driven spot serving traditional, flavorful Mexican dishes and tequila in a simple setting.

Cactus Cantina

Basic Tex-Mex fare in a festive setting. Tex-Mex fare, margaritas & a patio draw college students & families to this lively, casual spot.

Rasika

Modern Indian cuisine in a stylish space. Polished restaurant & lounge serving contemporary Indian food, wine & cocktails.

Hank's Oyster Bar

Casual seafood spot with a raw bar. New England-style seafood outpost with clams, lobster rolls, a raw bar & happy hour.

Ivy City Smokehouse

American tavern for house-smoked seafood. Buzzy watering hole for smoked fish, seafood, local spirits & entertainment with rooftop & patio.

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern

Roomy sports pub with outdoor seating. Sports tavern near the Verizon Center offering 2 full bars, lots of sidewalk seating & multiple TVs.

Nooshi

Modern pan-Asian outpost with a bar. Contemporary outfit fixing up Asian specialties like sushi, noodles & spring rolls, plus cocktails.

The Watergate Hotel

Upscale-chic landmark with river views. Iconic riverfront hotel with contemporary rooms & suites, plus a rooftop bar, fine dining & a spa.

Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana

Artisanal Mexican with mezcal focus. Mexican street food & regional dishes, plus mezcal bar in comfy space spruced up by photos & kitsch.

MI VIDA

Artful modern Mexican cusines with river views. Celebrity chef's high-end Mexican fare in a glamorous bi-level setting with waterfront views.

Yard House

Upscale sports bar with many draft beers. High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & an extensive list of draft beers.

ala

Chic eatery with Middle Eastern fare. Middle Eastern specialties, wines & cocktails served in a stylish restaurant with a terrace.

Oohh's & Aahh's

Airy stop for soul food cuisine. Casual pit stop offering heaping plates of soul food such as fried chicken & mac & cheese.

Founding Farmers & Distillers

Housemade vodka, amaro, and American fare. Distillery and eatery with wide-ranging international menu and drinks mixed with housemade spirits.

Momiji

Sushi house with popular happy hour. 2-level spot with deck turning out hibachi dishes & creatively named rolls, plus handmade cocktails.

Carmine's

Family-friendly Italian option. Relaxed, family-friendly restaurant serving a menu of homestyle Southern Italian meals.

The Smith

Upbeat American brasserie and raw bar. NYC offshoot for upscale American eats, specialty drinks, and brunch in hip, upbeat surroundings.

GORDON RAMSAY HELL'S KITCHEN

Crimson Whiskey Bar

Classy Southern diner with a bar . Stylish eatery with a cafe and whiskey bar, serving Southern fare in a hip hotel.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Luxe hotel in the 1899 Old Post Office. Plush quarters in a historic building featuring a 9-story atrium, restaurants & a spa.

Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf

Modern hotel with dining & a pool. Chic quarters, some with river views, in a contemporary hotel offering a pool & a restaurant.

China Chilcano by José Andrés

Lively spot for creative Peruvian fare. José Andrés' festive eatery showcases Peruvian fare with Asian & Spanish accents & pisco cocktails.

Urban Roast

Casual cafe with drinks and a global menu. Relaxed option for coffee, cocktails, and eclectic international fare, plus a patio.

The Park at 14th

Eatery & nightclub in dramatic space. Lively nightclub & restaurant serves comfort food & drinks amongst contemporary decor & chandeliers.

Clyde's of Gallery Place

Classic American fare & cocktails. Long-running local chain serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting.

Lupo Verde

Southern Italian cuisine & cocktails. Rustic backdrop for Southern Italian dishes & specialty cocktails, plus a market for meat & cheese.

Mama Ayesha's Restaurant

Exotically decorated Middle Eastern spot. Named for its 1960 founder, this long-running Middle Eastern spot has grilled meats & exotic decor.

Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers

Eco-chic American dining with a view. Farm-inspired American fare, plus sushi & cocktails served in sleek, eco-chic digs with river views.

Makers Union

Busboys and Poets

Hip hangout for books, bites & coffee. Lively neighborhood haunt serving as a bookstore, coffee shop & restaurant focused on global fare.

Sequoia DC

Spectacular American with loungey patio. Dramatic river views & swanky design define this soaring, spacious American with a killer terrace.

Moonraker

El Presidente

Del Mar

Spanish coastal fare in glam surrounds. A beautiful Spanish villa-like setting with waterfront views backdrops Basque tapas, grills & wine.

Chasin' Tails: Seafood that Celebrates!

Addie Loves Soul

Hot N Juicy Crawfish

Casual spot for Cajun-Creole seafood. Casual, hands-on joint for Cajun crawfish, shrimp & lobster with a choice of seasonings & spices.

Bossa Bistro & Lounge

Brazilian fare & Latin rhythms. This bi-level spot has a menu of Brazilian bites & entrees, with Latin grooves & dancing upstairs.

the DINER

Airy stop for creative comfort food. High-ceilinged, retro-style eatery serving creative comfort food, including housemade desserts.

The Prime Rib

Upscale supper club-style steakhouse. Steakhouse with tuxedoed waiters & a 1940s Manhattan supper club setting.

Rasika West End

Modern Indian cuisine in a stylish space. Polished restaurant & lounge serving contemporary Indian food, wine & cocktails.

La Vie

Posh New American dining on the water. Swanky restaurant overlooking The Wharf offering creative American & Mediterranean fare & cocktails.

King Street Oyster Bar

Upstairs Rooftop at The Morrow

SHŌTŌ Washington DC

Striking eatery for Japanese cuisine. Modern restaurant serving sushi, Wagyu steak & grilled robata-style skewers in a lavish dining room.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

Chain with a revolving sushi service. Serves an extensive menu of rolls, nigiris, soups, plus desserts on a conveyor belt.

Hill Country Barbecue Market

Texas-style BBQ in a vibrant eatery. Texas BBQ & beer served in a rustic-chic, cafeteria-style setup, with regular live music.

Bombay Street Food

Trendy Indian & Indo-Chinese eatery-bar. Street eats & classic dishes of Indian & Indo-Chinese origin with beer & wine in hip quarters.

Pappe

Warm, airy stop for Indian cooking. Cozy, colorful Indian eatery featuring samosas, curry & veggie dishes plus cocktails & wine.

Reren Lamen & Bar

Noodle soups and Asian fare in casual digs. A low-key choice for Chinese-style ramen made with fresh noodles, plus dumplings and Asian entrees.

Mission Dupont Circle

Stylish Mexican eatery with a patio. This hacienda-style Mexican with an outdoor patio offers traditional tacos & lots of tequila.

Henry's Soul Cafe

Cozy eatery known for sweet potato pie. Tiny counter-serve spot with soul food classics such as fried wings & a signature sweet potato pie.

Milk & Honey H Street

New American fare in a former warehouse. Multilevel bistro serving New American fare, beer & cocktails in a chic converted-warehouse space.

Creole on 14th

Casual eatery serving Creole dishes. Warm restaurant offering brunch, Creole fare & New Orleans-inspired plates, plus craft cocktails.

Art and Soul at YOTEL Washington DC

Trendy choice for brunch & Southern fare. Hip eatery with a patio serving brunch staples & Southern comfort food, plus cocktails & draft beer.

Open City

Funky gourmet diner with a patio. Pizza, all-day breakfast & more gourmet diner fare in an airy, tin-ceilinged space with a patio.

Firefly

New American eatery with big indoor tree. Restaurant built around a large indoor tree, serving seasonal, local New American comfort food.

The Rooftop at the Graham

Rooftop bar with city views & cocktails. Rooftop lounge in luxury boutique hotel offering panoramic views & specialty cocktails.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

Choice for Cuban fare, drinks & dancing. Cuban cuisine & a vast rum bar accented by Caribbean decor & late-night salsa dancing.

Omni Shoreham Hotel

Upscale hotel & business hub with a pool. Set on 11 landscaped acres, this high-end, 1930s-era hotel offers lots of meeting space & a pool.

Hyatt Regency Washington On Capitol Hill

Polished modern hotel with a pool. Slick lodging with a 5-story atrium, an indoor pool & an American grill, plus meeting & event space.

Flavio Restaurant DC

Classic Italian fare in a stylish space. Old-world dining room with traditional Italian veal, seafood & pasta dishes, plus sidewalk seating.

muncheez

Lebanese comfort food in trendy spot. Hip, colorful haunt for eclectic, casual meals, including pita sandwiches, wraps, shawarma & crepes.

matchbox

Buzzy spot known for its wood-fired pies. High-energy New American chain with wood-fired pizzas & bistro fare served in industrial-chic digs.

Oohh's & Aahh's

Soulful Southern cooking in a storefront. Hearty down-home soul food such as fried chicken & collard greens presented in a no-frills setting.

Yardbird Table & Bar

Casual venue for Southern specialties. Relaxed chain outlet offering farm-fresh Southern dishes, a weekend brunch menu & a take-out option.

East Street Cafe

Inviting Asian eatery in Union Station. Comfortable Asian bistro within Union Station offering diverse eats plus prime people-watching.

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips

BISTRO DU JOUR

Chic spot for classic French fare. Traditional French dishes, plus pastries & coffee, served in a stylish, all-day setting.

The Point D.C.

Chic seafood restaurant with river views. Polished destination with a riverfront terrace focusing on American & fusion seafood.

Kirwan’s on the Wharf

Irish gastropub with waterfront patios. This waterside watering hole's imported Irish decor stages refined pub fare, beer, whiskey & music.

Himalayan Doko

Indian & Pakistani cuisine with buffets. The menu includes tandoori specialties, biryani & kebabs, plus lunch & dinner buffet options.

Tag Rooftop Bar at The Ven at Embassy Row

Craft cocktails, bar bites & city views. Chic poolside lounge atop the Embassy Row Hotel with artisanal cocktails, bar bites & city views.

Carolina Kitchen Bar & Grill

Outpost for homestyle Southern dining. Local chain outpost supplying familiar Southern home cooking in snazzy surroundings.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse

High-end beef & seafood in posh environs. Opulently outfitted chain restaurant specializing in prime steaks & seafood along with fine wines.

Florida Avenue Grill

Longtime diner with ample Southern food. Open since 1944, no-frills diner slinging large portions of down-home Southern classics.

Bethesda Theater

Creole-American fare & live music. Creole & American plates served in intimate, art deco theater showcasing jazz, blues & more.

Doro Soul Food

Georgetown Piano Bar

Late-night piano bar with sing-alongs. Basement-level venue with well-versed piano men, sing-alongs & cocktails named for musical legends.

Alero Restaurant

Mexican cantina with an upbeat vibe. Hip & lively Mexican cantina with a lengthy menu of classic dishes & pitchers of margaritas.

MXDC Cocina Mexicana | By Chef Todd English

Hip south-of-the-border kitchen & bar. Bi-level, rustic-modern pick for Mexican staples reimagined by the celeb chef plus tequilas galore.

TAKODA Beer Garden & Rooftop Bar

Classy pub & all-weather roof garden. Striking, industrial-modern hangout with upgraded bar fare & an all-season rooftop beer garden.

Perch SW Rooftop Lounge

Hi-Lawn

Breezy rooftop eatery with a bar & games. Expansive venue on the Union Market roof, offering cocktails, seasonal American fare & lawn games.

Top of the Yard Rooftop Bar & Bites

Hotel cocktail spot with stadium views. Hampton Inn watering hole featuring views of the Nationals Park baseball field & city monuments.

El Techo

Hip rooftop bar with Latin small plates. Hip rooftop restaurant & bar serving Latin tapas & craft cocktails above Rito Loco.

Milk & Honey Wharf

Roof Terrace Restaurant

Refined American fare & penthouse views. Perched atop the Kennedy Center, this elegant New American restaurant caters to a pre-event crowd.

Dumpling District

Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf

Upmarket hotel with an outdoor pool. Polished quarters, some with National Mall views, in an upscale property offering a seasonal pool.

Nobu Washington D.C.

Sushi & fusion fare from a star chef. Celebrated, Japanese-Peruvian dining in urbane luxury, with a bar/lounge for high-end conviviality.

Sweet Sweet Kitchen

Crepe Lena

French-style crêperie in Union Station. Sweet & savory crêpes & waffles are made to order via a counter-serve setup in Union Station.

Bidwell Restaurant

Inventive American fare in a sleek space. Polished Union Market bistro offering Southern-accented American fare & curated wines & cocktails.

Ben's Next Door

Comfort food & brews in a clubby haunt. Stylish, family-owned bar/eatery with Southern comfort food classics & weekend brunch.

Lupo Marino

Hip southern Italian kitchen & bar. Intimate, rustic-chic spot for southern Italian small plates, pasta, pizza, cocktails & wine.

Vue Rooftop

Swanky hotel lounge with rooftop views. Chic rooftop lounge drawing a hip crowd with stylish decor, seasonal cocktails & city views.

Roofers Union

Rustic tavern for American fare & drinks. Unique American fare & craft cocktails draw fans to this rustic, 3-story tavern with rooftop views.

Ciel Social Club

Kitchen Savages

Bukom Cafe

Long-running West African eatery. A longtime spot (since 1992) offering West African fare & live music in a casual, bi-level setting.

Dirty Habit

Sleek spot for eclectic plates and drinks. Globally inspired cuisine and craft cocktails served in an elegant hotel space with a courtyard.

The Boiling Crab

Informal spot for Cajun-style shellfish. Casual small chain offering boiled-in-bag Cajun-spiced crawfish, oysters, shrimp & other shellfish.

Smoke & Mirrors

Ellipse Rooftop Bar

Modern hotel bar with rooftop scenery. Chic, lounge-style hotel bar featuring creative cocktails, plush seating & panoramic rooftop views.

Bindaas

Hub for Indian street food & drinks. Updated takes on Indian street food like samosas, kebabs & snacks in hip surrounds.

Summit the Rooftop at Conrad

Epicurean & Company

Global fare & sports on TV. Eclectic eatery on university campus has sushi, hibachi, a salad bar, pizza & more, plus TV sports.

El Centro

Haven for upscale Mexican fare & tequila. Innovative Mexican plates & a huge tequila selection in a modern, 2-story space with a back patio.

WILD DAYS

Lucky Buns at The Wharf

Kabob Palace

Kebabs & curries available 24/7. Counter-service spot that's open 24/7 & serves up Middle Eastern fare like kebabs & curries.

Rajaji Curry House Indian Restaurant | Indian Restaurant In Washington DC | Indian Curry

Spot for spicy (or not) Indian fare. The spice level is adjustable at this longtime Indian standby (since 1969) with a colorful setting.

Jyoti Indian Cuisine

North & South Indian fare in sunny digs. Traditional cuisine from North & South India served in brick-walled storefront with sidewalk tables.

Rooftop at the Thompson

Officina

Stylish Italian eatery, market & bar. Multilevel venue featuring a bright, modern Italian trattoria, a specialty market & a rooftop bar.

Shake Shack Union Station

Gourmet burger chain with frozen custard. Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

Tony and Joe's Seafood Place

Waterfront restaurant with Potomac views. Floor-to-ceiling windows & outdoor seating provide scenic river views as patrons dine on seafood.

Henry's Soul Cafe

Snug, unfussy spot for Southern staples. Soul food standards, including fried chicken & BBQ plates, served up in a compact, no-frills space.

The Bombay Club

Refined Indian dining in a swanky setup. Posh old-world dining room delivering sophisticated Indian meals along with live piano tunes.

Full Kee

Bright, casual Chinese restaurant. Chinese restaurant serving a lengthy menu of traditional dishes plus beer & wine in a casual space.

Vegas Lounge

Weekend institution for live blues. A house blues band entertains every Friday & Saturday evening at this longtime stalwart.

Kaliwa

Star chef's Southeast Asian showcase. Cathal Armstrong's funky Filipino, Korean & Thai fare with artful drinks in classy, waterfront digs.

Top of the Gate

Posh rooftop bar with panoramic views. Potomac riverside lounge atop Watergate Hotel with breathtaking view, cocktails & Italian bites.

Southern Style Chicken & Waffle

Kinfolk Southern Kitchen

Treehouse Rooftop

Chinatown Garden

Standard Chinese-American cooking. Familiar fare from spring rolls to kung pao chicken presented amid traditional Chinatown decor.

Soul Wingz @ Howard University

Southern Peach BBQ and Soul Food

Washington