Washington restaurants you'll love
Top restaurants in Washington, D.C.
When dining out in DC, you’re sure to find an impressive array of culinary delights. Long gone are the days of an ultra-formal dining scene, although you can certainly find fine dining here if you seek it. With a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to dazzle your taste buds in the country’s capital.
People flock to DC from all corners of the globe. As a result, you’ll find everything here from Peruvian food to Iranian kitchens, French cuisine, Asian fusion, and much more. Because DC sits between America’s Northeast and its South, you can also find some of America’s best signature dishes here. This includes fresh oysters and crab trucked in daily from the Chesapeake Bay, and deep soul foods like catfish, fried chicken, and grits. Let the feast dominate your plate.
For authentic Chinese cuisine, head just east of downtown following H and I streets between 5th street and 8th street in Ward 2. For its famous half-smoke, look for DC's best delis, sports bars, and eateries. A half-smoke is like a hot dog only bigger, spicier, and as the locals would say, better. Grab the mustard and onions, and pass the chili sauce. You’re gonna love it.
Washington's top cuisines
Must-try Washington restaurants
ilili DC
100 District Square, S.W., Washington DC
Popular items | |
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Carrots | $18.00 |
sumac vinaigrette, pistachio dukkha, sea salt | |
Muhamara | $14.00 |
walnuts / sundried peppers / pomegranate molasses | |
Brussels Sprouts | $18.00 |
grapes / fig jam / walnuts / mint yogurt |
Brookland's Finest Bar & Kitchen
3126 12th Street Northeast, Washington
Popular items | |
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Deviled Eggs | $8.50 |
Pickled sweet pepper relish. | |
Southern Style Chicken Club | $20.00 |
Grilled, fried, or blackened chicken breast, applewood smoked bacon, mozzarella, tomatoes, Crystal hot sauce remoulade, brioche bread. | |
Brussels Sprouts Chips | $7.00 |
Peeled Brussels sprouts, sea salt, lemon, dill cream sauce. |
Taqueria Al Lado - Adams Morgan
1792 COLUMBIA RD NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Pork - Al Pastor Taco | $4.50 |
All tacos come garnished with cilantro and onion | |
Margarita | $9.00 |
Shaken or frozen (lime, passionfruit, mango, strawberry) | |
Pork - Carnitas Taco | $4.50 |
Pearl's Bagels
1017 7th St., NW., Washington
Popular items | |
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Build Your Own | $2.50 |
Choose your bagel, spread and add-ons! | |
Plain Bagel | $2.25 |
This is just a bagel. To add cream cheese, select “build your own” on the sandwich menu. | |
Pharmacy Special | $8.25 |
Scallion and Chive Cream Cheese, Epic Curing Naked Bacon, Slice of Tomato |
Republic Cantina
43 N Street NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Chorizo & Egg Taco | $5.00 |
w/ salsa verde, potato, cotija, served on housemade flour tortilla w/ a side of salsa roja | |
Brisket & Egg Taco | $5.00 |
w/ fried onion, potato, avo salsa, served on housemade flour tortilla w/ a side of salsa roja | |
Guacamole | $9.00 |
simple and classic: avo, onion, lime, cilantro, jalapeño. Served with chips |
BURRITOS • TACOS • QUESADILLAS
Bandit Taco Tenleytown - 4629 41st NW
4629 41st St NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Al Pastor Taco | $4.60 |
Scallions. cilantro and pineapple on corn tortilla. | |
Adobo Chicken Taco | $3.85 |
Onions, scallions, cilantro and radishes on corn tortilla. | |
Korean Beef Taco | $4.35 |
Onions, scallions, cilantro and radishes on corn tortilla. |
Makan
3400 11th St NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Beef Rendang | $29.00 |
The classic dry beef curry with coconut, lemongrass, nutmeg and lime leaf | |
XXKL Cili Pan Mee | $24.00 |
A notoriously spicy Hakka noodle dish, popular in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city. Flat wheat noodles, tossed in chili oil, topped with seasoned ground pork, woodear mushroom, fried anchovy, soft egg, & chili crumble | |
XXChar Kway Teow | $23.00 |
A classic Penang hawker dish; Wok-fried rice noodles, Chinese sausage, shrimp, egg & beansprout Food is cooked in the same wok as dishes containing shellfish & gluten. Can not accommodate severe shellfish allergy. |
FRIED CHICKEN • CHICKEN WINGS • CHICKEN • FRENCH FRIES
Clubhouse -
1070 Wiconsin Ave NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Tequila Caesar | $10.00 |
romaine hearts, toasted panko, cotija cheese, original tequila caesar dressing, add chicken $4 add anchovies $4 | |
Mona Lizza | $32.00 |
mozzarella , spicy sausage, ricotta, roasted tomatoes, Mikes hot honey | |
Cheese Pizza | $21.00 |
tomato sauce, mozzarella, pecorino, classic cheese pizza. |
Il Canale
1065 31st Street, N.W, Washington
Popular items | |
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Meatball (4 pieces) | $14.00 |
Housemade ground beef meatballs with tomato sauce. | |
Rolle di pollo | $26.00 |
Baked chicken breast filled with mushroom and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, topped with creamy mushroom sauce, served with roasted potatoes and asparagus. | |
Arancini (3 Pieces) | $13.00 |
Fried rice croquette filled with beef ragu, peas and mozzarella. |
Timber Pizza Co. - 809 Upshur St NW
809 Upshur St NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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The Bentley | $19.00 |
Tomato Sauce, Provolone and Mozzarella Blend, Cured Chorizo, Soppressata, Peruvian Sweet Peppers, Spicy Honey (made with Little Red Foxes Hot Sauce) | |
Pretty in Pepperoni | $15.50 |
Tomato Sauce, Provolone and Mozzerella Blend, Fresh Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Basil | |
The Shirley | $16.00 |
Provolone and Mozzarella Blend, Basil Pesto Drizzle, Tomato Sauce Drizzle, Cured Chorizo, Green Onion, Jalapenos |
Akeno Sushi Bar & Thai - Capitol Hill
524 8th st SE, Washington
Popular items | |
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PadThai Noodle | $16.95 |
Stir-fried thin rice noodle / egg / bean sprout / tamarind sauce / peanut | |
Sake Roll** | $7.95 |
Fresh salmon / seaweed outside. | |
Gyoza | $8.95 |
Chicken / vegetable / ponzu sauce |
SANDWICHES • CHICKEN WINGS • FRENCH FRIES
Boxcar Tavern - 224 7th Street SE Washington DC 20003 - www.boxcardc.com
224 7th St SE, Washington
Popular items | |
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PARMESAN TRUFFLE FRIES | $9.00 |
White truffle, aged parmesan, horseradish chantilly | |
CLASSIC BURGER | $14.00 |
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Choice of Blue Cheese, Swiss or Cheddar, with Fresh Cut Potato Chips add Fries or Salad $3 Add Bacon $2 | |
CHICKEN TACOS | $14.00 |
Cabbage slaw, pico, mango salsa, avocado, siracha aioli |
SANDWICHES • HAMBURGERS
Lucky Buns - Union Market - 1309 5th St NE
1309 5th St NE, Washington
Popular items | |
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LUCKY BUN | $16.00 |
DOUBLE CREEKSTONE BEEF PATTIES/GOUDA/LUCKY SAUCE/ARUGULA/GRILLED ONION/GORDY'S PICKLES ON A TOASTED SESAME BRIOCHE BUN | |
DIRTY BIRD BUN* | $14.00 |
FRIED BUTTERMILK CHICKEN THIGH/LUCKY SAUCE/SHARK SRIRACHA/SHRETTUCE/WHITE ONION/GORDY'S PICKLES ON TOASTED SESAME BRIOCHE BUN (*FRIED IN PEANUT OIL) | |
MUMBO BUN* | $14.00 |
FRIED BUTTERMILK CHICKEN THIGH/THAI CHILI MUMBO SAUCE/BUTTERMILK RANCH/CURTIDO SLAW/GORDY'S PICKLES ON TOASTED SESAME BRIOCHE BUN (*FRIED IN PEANUT OIL) |
Proper 21 - K Street
2033 K Street Northwest, Washington
Popular items | |
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TRUFFLE FRIES | $14.99 |
white truffle/parmesan cheese/malt vinegar aioli/parsley | |
BEEF BULGOGI BOWL | $19.99 |
korean beef bulgogi/basmati rice/celery/corn/fried onions/corn/fried egg/eel sauce/sriracha mayo | |
SALMON TARTARE | $17.99 |
spicy tuna/fried rice cake/seaweed salad/roe/sesame seeds |
Piccolina da Centrolina
963 Palmer Alley NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Polletto | $18.00 |
charred chicken & escarole salad, parmigiano, lemon & olive oil | |
Porchetta Panuzzo | $18.00 |
roasted and shaved suckling pig, mustard greens, grilled onion, salsa verde, provolone, on wood-fired flatbread | |
Giardino Panuzzo | $17.00 |
wood roasted zucchini, tomato, grilled onion, arugula, pesto, provolone, on wood-fired flatbread |
dLeña
476 K Street, NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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ENSALADA DE KALE | $16.00 |
baby kale / pomegranate / cherry tomato / agave almonds / manchego cheese / orange balsamic vinaigrette (vegetarian, gluten free, contains nuts and dairy) | |
ZANAHORIAS ROSTIZADAS | $11.00 |
roasted heirloom carrot / pistu chimichurri / cashew tofu aioli / pepita (vegan, gluten free, contains nuts) | |
ZARANDEADO | $42.00 |
branzino / cole slaw / charred marinade / grilled half avocado / corn salsa (gluten free) |
Claudio's Table - 5441 MacArthur Boulevard Northwest
5441 MacArthur Boulevard Northwest, Washington
Popular items | |
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Cacio e Pepe Pasta | $22.00 |
Pecorino Romano | |
Romaine Salad | $12.00 |
Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan Reggiano, Yogurt Dressing, Focaccia Croutons | |
Margherita | $19.95 |
Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Mutti Tomato, Basil, Olive Oil |
SALADS • SANDWICHES
Tatte Bakery - Dupont
1301 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Turkey BLAT | $13.00 |
Turkey, applewood smoked bacon, baby lettuce, avocado, sriracha mayonnaise, and tomato-onion relish on housemade multigrain. (850 cal, Contains: Wheat, Egg, Soy) | |
Muesli | $0.00 |
Whipped Greek yogurt topped with housemade granola, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, pear, apple, honey, and black sesame. (670 / 980 cal, Contains: Milk, Sesame, Tree Nut - Almond, Cashew) | |
Cold Brew | $0.00 |
18-22 hour slow steeped coffee resulting in a smooth full-bodied brew with a higher level of caffeine and a bright refreshing taste |
Chicken + Whiskey - Ballpark
70 N Street SE, STE119, Washington
Popular items | |
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1/4 Chicken White | $13.00 |
South American rotisserie chicken brined for 12 hours and slow cooked over wood charcoal to 185 degrees. Served with housemade inti picante and aji amarillo sauce and choice of 2 sides. Gluten friendly. | |
Borracho Wrap - Rotisserie Chicken | $13.25 |
Pulled rotisserie chicken, flour tortilla, guasacaca, arroz chaufa, Pepper Jack cheese, ají amarillo mayonnaise, salsa criolla, Iceberg lettuce, sweet corn, and yucca fries. | |
Yes, I need cutlery and napkins! | $0.00 |
Lupo Marino
40 Pearl Street SW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Funghi Pizza | $22.00 |
Garlic confit & pecorino cream, foraged mushroom., preserved lemon, oregano | |
Diavolo Pizza | $22.00 |
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted bell peppers, Italian sausage, Calabrian chili and spicy chilli oil | |
Chicken Milanese | $18.00 |
Bib lettuce, tomato, onion, melted fontina cheese, roasted pepper aioli |
Paraiso Mexican Restaurant
1101 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington
Popular items | |
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Mexican Bowl | $24.00 |
Rice or Kale salad, pico de gallo, corn, black beans, crema fresca | |
Guacamole | $15.00 |
avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, lime served with tostadas | |
El Gallo Pibil | Chicken Burrito | $14.00 |
Grilled chicken pibil, mexican rice, pico de gallo, shedded lettuce, chihuahua sauce. Served with heirloom corn tortilla chips and salsa. |
Almeda
828 Upshur Street Northwest, Washington
Popular items | |
---|---|
Ellen Sandwich | $14.25 |
Turkey Breast, Prosciutto, Pesto, Tomato, Arugula | |
Mini Palmier | $1.00 |
Puff Pastry Cookie with Brown Sugar & Cinnamon or House Berry Jam | |
Nichelle (Vegetarian) Sandwich | $13.50 |
Marinated Eggplant, Mozzarella, Pesto, Tomato Cream, Arugula |
STEAKS
The Grill
99 Market Square SW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Royal Deviled Eggs | $2.25 |
duck liver mousse / caviar (sold by the each) | |
Herbed Fries | |
rosemary / thyme / tarragon | |
Pineapple Cake | $12.50 |
caramel / whipped crème fraîche / bordeaux cherry |
Char Bar
2142 L St NW, Washington
Popular items | |
---|---|
Hickory Burger | $22.00 |
Topped with Brisket, House BBQ Sauce, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle, and Onion Ring | |
The New Yorker | $22.00 |
Sliced Corned Beef & Pastrami, Russian Dressing, Coleslaw, on Toasted Rye | |
The Shafner | $17.00 |
Hearts of Palm, Avocado, Mixed Lettuces, Red Pepper, Chickpeas, Cucumber & Carrot, Grape Tomatoes, Homemade Ranch |
Ghostburger
1250 9th St NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Ghost Fries | $5.00 |
Chili salt, side of ketchup | |
Philly Fry | $17.00 |
Large crinkle cuts with shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, house made cheese whiz, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, cabbage, yucatan crema Pairs well with - Poco Picante, La Carina, Excellent Adventure Hazy IPA | |
Ghostburger | $10.99 |
American cheese, red onion, dill pickles, housemade spooky sauce - our house classic! Pairs well with - Poco Picante, La Carina, Right Proper Raised By Wolves Pale Ale |
SMOOTHIES • TACOS
JACO Juice and Taco
1614 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington
Popular items | |
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BASIC | $9.95 |
Scrambled free-range eggs, pico, avocado and monterey/cheddar | |
SMALL BROOKLYN | $9.95 |
Banana, pineapple, kale, avocado, cardamom, almond milk, fresh lemon juice and agave | |
SMALL PB & J | $9.95 |
Banana, blueberry, strawberry, peanut butter, kale and agave |
Busboys and Poets - Anacostia
2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington
Popular items | |
---|---|
Shrimp & Chicken Chorizo Pasta | $25.00 |
Ground chicken chorizo sausage, shrimp, penne pasta, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, cajun cream sauce, parmesan cheese, garlic bread. Can be made without mushrooms or shallots. Chorizo is chicken sausage, not diced chicken and is not halal. Allergies: Seafood, Shellfish, Gluten, Dairy (cream sauce, parmesan cheese), Onions (shallots), Garlic, Mushroom. | |
Blackened Salmon | $25.00 |
8 ounce grilled salmon fillet cooked medium well, lemon butter sauce, wild rice, asparagus, corn salsa, cajun seasoning (Gluten-Free Friendly). Allergies: Dairy (butter sauce), Cooking Wine, Shallots, Garlic. Our Atlantic salmon is farm-raised in Fairy Island Scotland. One of our most popular dishes. Can be made without the sauce to be dairy-free. | |
Bacon & Cheddar Burger* | $9.00 |
Brisket ground beef patty, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, brioche bun served with your choice of side. Possible Allergies: Dairy, Onion, Gluten. |
Side Door DC - -Earlybird Breakfast Burritos - -Side Door Pizza - -Sukuta Sushi
909 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington
Popular items | |
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Simplistico Burrito | $9.00 |
Soft scrambled eggs, potatoes, pepper jack cheese | |
Chorizo Burrito | $12.00 |
Soft scrambled eggs, housemade pork chorizo, green hatch chiles, rice & pinto beans, queso fresco, chopped onion & cilantro, maduros | |
Earlybird Burrito | $12.00 |
Soft scrambled eggs, potatoes, queso fresco, fried chicken, crema, avocado and mole sauce |
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee - Hirshhorn Museum
Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington
Popular items | |
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Mocha Latte | $5.50 |
In the popular canine remake of Romeo and Juliet that played exclusively at the Belasco theatre in nineteen-aught-seven starring Booger the Pug as Romeo and Lilibeth the precocious cocker spaniel as Juliet, production had to stop momentarily when Booger the pug found himself on the wrong side of a mocha latte belonging to an intern of the director. The intern was dismissed summarily from his position for his negligence but not before the director changed the potassium cyanide from the original Romeo and Juliet text to a mocha latte due to its deleterious effect on Booger throughout production. Booger unfortunately was never the same and was last seen crossing the border into Mexico after a peyote-induced vision showed him a map to pug coo coo land. | |
Vanilla Bean Latte | $5.50 |
If you can find a better vanilla latte than this, I’ll eat my shoe. Made in-house. We cook our own vanilla syrup using single origin extract from Madagascar. Then steep vanilla beans from Papau New Guinea in our syrup and age until time has extracted the wisdom of a millennia of flora, fauna, and mycelia . We know we’re done when the ancients of yore awake from their restless slumber to tell us we really need to stop listening to Lana Del Rey on repeat. | |
Dulce De Leche Latte | $5.50 |
Dulce de leche is a confection created from the caramelization of milk and sugar. It’s amazingly complex and rich. You can eat it on toast like peanut butter. And we made our own for this amazing drink. It’s the most popular flavored drink we make, and it’s the best caramel latte you’ll ever have. |
Mozzeria DC
1300 H St NE STE A, Washington
Popular items | |
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Margherita | $16.00 |
Fresh Mozzarella, grana padano, pomodoro, basil, and EVOO. Vegetarian | |
Carciofo Piselli | $20.00 |
peas, artichoke, fresh mint, garlic, lemon juice, violife cheese, oat milk, gnocchi | |
Salumi | $19.00 |
Coppa, soppressata, sesame seed, grana padano, fresh mozzarella, chili, and EVOO. Spicy. |