Washington, D.C. - Dining

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Washington, D.C.

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North America United States Washington, D.C. Dining

Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2024-06-11

Regarded as one of the culinary capitals of the world, Washington, D.C. offers a fantastic variety of cuisines and dining experiences. Washington’s eclectic mix of nationalities demands an array of tastes to suit all backgrounds.

Neighborhoods and districts boast their own signature fare. Head to Georgetown for trendy hot spots, Adams-Morgan to sample East African ’wat’ (simmered veg or meat in sauce), or Downtown for great seafood (soft-shell crab is a specialty).

Dinner service stretches from 6 pm to 11 pm and tips of at least 15% are expected. It’s advisable to book ahead for popular places, especially on weekends.

Pizzeria Paradiso

Pizzeria Paradiso

Undoubtedly the most authentic Italian pizza in Washington. Made for healthy appetites, pizzas are large and topped with the freshest ingredients. Pizzeria Paradiso is open every day of the week, in Georgetown, Dupont Circle and in Old Town, from around lunchtime till late in the evening.

Bistrot Lepic

Bistrot Lepic

Known for its restaurant and wine bar, Bistrot Lepic is a firm favorite in Georgetown. Choose between the cozy, intimate first floor and a downstairs restaurant for either appetite-whetting ’Appeteasers’ or a fish and seafood-dominated main menu. Catch the Happy Hour every Wednesday to Monday 5:30pm–7pm.

Cafe Milano

Cafe Milano

Cafe Milano has built its reputation on serving top-notch Italian dishes. Pillars of society such as diplomats, politicians, celebrities, and everyone who loves Italian cuisine head here to relish chef's delights. The interiors (inspired by a stylish Milan boutique) and the sidewalk patio just add an extra touch of Italy.

Full Kee

Full Kee

Head to Chinatown for cheap but mouth-watering bowls of steaming soup and noodles. One favorite is the shrimp dumpling noodle soup with roast pork and Chinese greens.

Blue Duck Tavern

Blue Duck Tavern

Blue Duck Tavern is a simple and elegant restaurant in the capital of the United States. The meals are elegantly displayed and served in a cozy atmosphere by an excellent staff. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and modern technology.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

If you are up for some seafood, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is the right place for you in Washington! This restaurant has a friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere. If you have dinner here, you could choose out of several kinds of oysters such as Old Black Salt Oysters, Kumamoto Oysters, Kusshi Oysters and so on!

Minibar by José Andrés

Minibar by José Andrés

Prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience here at Minibar by José Andrés. The most imaginative menu is offered where the creations combine art, science, tradition, and technique. Enjoy avant-garde cooking in an intimate setting and be ready to take an amazing culinary journey.

Call Your Mother Deli

Call Your Mother Deli

If you're not convinced by the standard bagel options offered on the menu, Call Your Mother allows you to create your own to fit any taste, with fillings like pastrami, smoked salmon, seasonal jam, and hummus. You also have a wider selection for lunch that includes fried turkey, burger meat, and tuna salad that can be coupled with either hot or iced drinks.

Cafe Lombardy

Cafe Lombardy

Cafe Lombardy is the Cafe of the Hotel Lombardy - it is located right inside the building. This historic place offers excellent service, and it is a great scene of a quiet and lovely time while having some delicious food, an evening cocktail or drinking a cup of coffee!

The Lafayette

The Lafayette

Located in the Hay-Adams Hotel, The Lafayette is elegantly decorated and has a unique atmosphere with its style, overlooking the White House across Lafayette Park. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner; their Sunday brunch is well known.

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers is a place owned by real farmers! They are aiming for the best quality by using natural ingredients. If you are a vegetarian, it is the perfect place for you to stop by. The service is fast and friendly and the food is great! It is recommended to reserve a table before popping in.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab

Joe's seafood restaurant in Washington is just a few steps from the White House. Fresh seafood, delicious steaks and desserts are offered by this restaurant in a charming atmosphere with an outstanding service. Gluten-free and vegetarian meals are also on the menu!

Old Europe

Old Europe

Old Europe opened back in 1948. They offer delicious meals inspired by European cuisine - especially German, plus wines and craft beer from different European countries.

Zaytinya

Zaytinya

Zaytinya opened in 2002 and offers a menu full of Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese meals. The restaurant serves excellent food in a lovely atmosphere. It is one of the most popular dining places, so it is recommended to reserve a table.

Fiola

Fiola

Fiola is located in Penn Quarter, just right in the middle of the city! The restaurant has a continuously changing lunch and dinner menu made of the freshest ingredients straight from the farm.

1789 Restaurant

1789 Restaurant

1789 Restaurant is a place to go not only for their food but for the experience! A beautiful dining room with an American antique style provides the perfect atmosphere for the guests. The restaurant also provides a welcoming lounge for private events.

Jaleo

Jaleo

With almost 30 years of experience, the Spanish restaurant Jaleo offers traditional Spanish dishes by chef José Andrés. The restaurant receives critical acclaim for its Spanish tapas. Opt for simple paella or more exotic eggplant flan, just a few hits on the menu of over 40 tapas dishes.

Ted's Bulletin 14th Street

Ted's Bulletin 14th Street

Stop by Ted's Bulletin 14th Street and have a delicious milkshake! This restaurant has attentive staff and offers a bunch of satisfying food. They are famous for their homemade pop tarts in different tastes and you can even order online.

The Red Hen

The Red Hen

The Red Hen is a restaurant in the eclectic part of Washington, Bloomingdale. It lives inside a rustic and voluminous industrial space with an open kitchen and a large bar. Their menu is mostly inspired by Italian cuisine.

Rasika

Rasika

Named the best Indian restaurant in town multiple times, Rasika offers the finest Indian cuisine in the capital of the United States. The open-air kitchen offers insights into Indian delights cooked by award-winning chefs. Five stars go to the Raan-e-Rasika (made with lamb mince, saffron, mace, and rose petal), and the simple dal (lentils). Order many small plates and embark on a flavorful journey.

We, The Pizza

We, The Pizza

We, the Pizza is where you can taste NYC-style pizza by the pie or slice, plus homemade sodas. It is located in the center of the city, on Pennsylvania Avenue, just a few steps from the Library of Congress.

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