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$$ | Eastern Market |
This modern mecca for mezes (small plates for sharing) delivers delicious, chic Mediterranean cuisine without the whiz-bang conceits of its pricier cousins. There are few surprises on the menu, save for the feta hush puppies, but the wood-and-brick interior and gallant service make the traditional dishes feel new again. Delicious Greek dishes are available, from fluffy taramosalata (salmon roe dip) with a touch of citrus to mini-gyros that are big on flavor. Fast-casual Cava Grill is a spin-off of this place and serves the menu's greatest hits at more than 15 (and counting) D.C.-area spots.
527 8th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Crazy feta hush puppies and spicy lamb sliders
- Lots of vegan and gluten-free options
- All-you-can-eat brunch with 25¢ mimosas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.
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$ | Capitol Hill |
Fans of Bravo's Top Chef will first visit this brightly colored burgers-and-shakes joint hoping to spy charismatic celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, but they will return for the comfort-food favorites (and learn it's a family effort). The lines can be long, as it's a favorite lunch spot of congressional aides, but the Mendelsohns’ inventive burgers are worth the wait (there also are creative salads and Southern-fried chicken sandwiches). After placing your order cafeteria-style, grab several of the fresh dipping sauces for the tasty thyme-and-rosemary-seasoned hand-cut skinny fries or Vidalia onion petals. Just as important, leave room for a toasted marshmallow or Milky Way malted shake that's as thick as the ones you remember from childhood.
303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Fun burgers like the "Prez" (with bacon, onion marmalade, and Roquefort cheese)
- Thick malted milkshakes
- Variety of dipping sauces for hand-cut skinny fries
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$$$$ | Eastern Market |
For his follow-up to the smash hit Rose's Luxury, chef Aaron Silverman opened this reservation-only dining room next door that offered only an expensive 12-course (give or take) tasting. But since Covid, he reimagined the whole thing, creating a festive, whimsical space offering four hefty courses (with two choices for each course). The menu constantly changes, but example dishes include brined squab glazed with Guinness and cocoa; Mont Blanc pasta with chestnut-oat stuffing and sage-scented pesto; and grilled lobster spiced with star anise. Desserts are works of art, though don’t bypass the invitation to help yourself to a swirl of ice cream from the soft-serve machine, enhanced with a topper of Amaretto. If you’re not that hungry, head to the bar for small bites and a drink.
715 8th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Intense reservation process
- Whimsical and fun but delicious dishes
- Expensive four-course menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues.
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$$$$ | Eastern Market |
A darling of both diners and the media, Rose's Luxury lives up to the hype as one of the city's most welcoming and groundbreaking dining destinations. The dishes are as delightful as they are shocking, and cause visitors to wait in line for hours to visit the supremely stylish re-creation of a hipster's dream dinner party. Reservations are available only for groups of six to eight, so smaller parties should arrive early to get their names on the list or plan to eat at the upstairs bar.
717 8th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Innovative small plates
- The sausage, lychee, and habanero salad
- Long waits for a table (with reservations only for big groups)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Eastern Market |
Ambar, a handsome, noisy, two-story restaurant–bar at the heart of Barracks Row, is your spot for Balkan comfort food. The Belgrade-inspired menu is full of hearty novelties like lamb lasagna, almond-crusted chicken with apple-wasabi slaw, drunken mussels with capers and lemon, savory pies, a host of rich sausages, and all flavor of kebabs. Can’t decide? Don’t worry: the main attraction here is the all-you-can-eat “Ambar experience” (though everyone in your group must also partake). Cocktails, like the Ambar old-fashioned, are also unique. It gets busy, so reservations are recommended.
523 8th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Reservations highly recommended
- All-you-can-eat small plates
- Attentive and enthusiastic servers
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$$ | Capitol Hill |
The decor may be somewhat generic, but the food is anything but. Located within the Yotel near the Capitol, Art and Soul serves up simple, honest dishes using the freshest local ingredients—with flavorful and artsy twists. The menu changes, but you are in good hands with dishes like braised rabbit with spaghetti and ramp pesto, and the BLT containing homemade bacon, tomato marmalade, heirloom tomatoes, and sourdough bread. The expansive front patio welcomes dogs (with their own menu).
415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Friendly service
- Dog-friendly outdoor patio (complete with menu for Fido)
- Chef's brunch tasting menu
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$$$ | Eastern Market |
Belgium culture aficionados can go traditional with mussels and the crispiest of French fries or dabble in what the chef calls Eurofusion at this sleek café done up with dark wood and exposed brick. Classic dishes such as mussels marinières with white wine, shallots, and garlic help capture that Belgian charm. Given that heritage, it's no surprise the waffle-centric brunch menu draws a crowd (try the beer-braised pulled pork and waffle).
514 8th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Fun wine and beer dinners
- Extensive beer menu
- Waffle-centric brunch menu
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$$$ | Capitol Hill |
The zinc bar, cherrywood interior, and white tablecloths create great expectations at Bistro Bis, where the seasonal menu offers modern takes on French bistro fare. Thanks to its prime location, acclaimed menu, deep wine list, and classic cocktails, it's a popular spot for Washington power brokers and insiders. For a first course, be sure to try the steak tartare, served with a porcini mushroom aioli. Main course hits include classic steak frites, wild mushroom risotto, and beef bourguignon.
15 E St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Excellent steak frites and steak tartare
- Sophisticated ambience that attracts a powerful clientele
- An elegant apple tart
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$$$$ | Capitol Hill |
French and romantic, adorned with velvet curtained walls in a 19th-century bordello sort of way, Bistro Cacao is the place to go for a special meal. An extensive menu has a modern innovative flair—think grilled Mediterranean sea bass with leek confit and filet mignon with red pearl onion sauce. The trio crème brulée is the perfect end to the culinary experience. The patio is charming.
316 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
Known For
- Lovely patio
- Extensive wine list
- Steak frites
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No lunch
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$$ | Capitol Hill |
Occupying the ground level of three town houses, Café Berlin has been serving authentic German fare since 1985—traditional dishes like Wiener schnitzel and sauerbraten, but also seasonal dishes including fresh asparagus in spring and wild game in winter. The outdoor beer garden in the front yard whisks you away to a German biergarten, oblivious of the Massachusetts Avenue traffic rushing past.
325 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
Known For
- European flair
- Airy patio
- Authentic German cuisine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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$$$$ | Capitol Hill |
It's hard not to feel like a master of the universe when ensconced in this coolly elegant dining room in the imposing shadow of the Capitol. A dramatic glass-enclosed wine cellar and quasi-Danish modern furniture form a backdrop to the contemporary cuisine. Dry-aged porterhouse, marinated hanger steak, and center-cut filet mignon are the meaty choices. But regional seafood makes appearances as well, including Chesapeake Bay oysters and soft-shell crab fritto misto. The crème brûlée trio finishes things off nicely. The rooftop terrace offers some of the city’s most impressive views of the Capitol.
101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Rooftop terrace overlooking the Capitol
- Outstanding cuts of beef
- Seafood isn't an afterthought
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
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$$ | Capitol Hill |
The spongy rolls of sourdough injera bread (ubiquitous on Ethiopian plates) used in place of utensils can make traditional Ethiopian feel decidedly indelicate, but the bright surroundings and friendly service here make for a downright romantic experience. Venture off the well-beaten path of tender curry lamb to try the spicy chickpea dumplings or fragrant simmered split peas, laden with garlic and served in a clay pot. For devoted meat lovers, the cured beef tibs (a type of hearty steak cut) in spicy berbere sauce and the fried croaker fish marinated with fresh herbs and spices will crown a memorable, affordable meal. The full bar also serves potent Ethiopian beers.
401 H St. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
Known For
- Minimalist yet friendly atmosphere
- Ethiopian standards like beef tibs and injera
- Great Ethiopian coffee and beer options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Thurs.
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$$ | Capitol Hill |
This Belgian beer hall with a gourmet soul is worth a visit for both its intense beer list and mussels and frites, plus a few other unique salads, burgers, and soups. Snag a seat at the bar or at one of the cozy tables, and linger over unfiltered brews that range from Chimay to obscure options from the reserve and limited-stock beer selection. The food is terrific, specifically the pots of steamed mussels and the crunchy, twice-fried frites paired with homemade dipping sauces. The Flemish dip and rotating cast of starters, especially the gnocchi mac & cheese, are indulgent without crossing the line into predictable pub grub.
1238 H St. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
Known For
- Steamed mussels served in five unique sauces
- Wide-ranging Belgian beer list
- Crunchy frites and homemade dipping sauces
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch. Closed Tues. and Wed. in summer, Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Capitol Hill |
It’s not the dark labyrinth of fireplace-warmed warrens it once was, but this glistening, industrial-wood tavern still is the place to talk politics and mingle with Hill residents—everyone from dark-suited lobbyists to locals who have lived here for decades (and probably will admit they don’t like the newer look). It serves a decent upscale menu ranging from game day food (corn dogs, beef sliders) to Neapolitan-style pizzas to kale-and-roasted-sweet-potato salad and chicken potpie. A large bar faces TVs showcasing the sports du jour.
329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Legendary history
- Excellent service
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$$ | Capitol Hill |
"IMM" in Thai means “pleasantly full,” and this tiny newcomer at the eastern edge of the H Street corridor will get you there happily. The spicy curries and other traditional entrées like pad Thai come in heaping servings, all but ensuring you’ll have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Zesty soups like tom yum—a lemony mix of mushroom and chicken, shrimp, or tofu—are a good place to start. Or try the som tom salad, a spicy mélange of green papaya and roasted peanuts seasoned with lime. The sushi menu is also a favorite of locals, with special deals at happy hour.
1360 H St. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
Known For
- Intimate dining with attentive service
- Heaping curries, spiced hot as you like
- Happy hour sushi deals
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$ | Capitol Hill |
Known for its boisterous owner and throngs of talkative regulars, this family-owned D.C. institution is tucked into the first floor of an old row house only five blocks from the Capitol. Enjoy favorites like light-and-fluffy waffles served with a solid slice of bacon and an egg. Expect the unexpected in terms of clientele, and don't forget to play by the rules (that is, no substitutions, cash only, and as few questions for the staff as possible).
501 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Classic greasy-spoon atmosphere
- Breakfast combos like grits and scrapple
- Absolutely no substitutions and cash only
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner
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$ | Eastern Market |
Breezy charm and a casual ambience helped to vault this pizzeria to the top of the list of D.C.'s best. Each pie is named for a nearby neighborhood—the zesty mating of basil and anchovies on the "Southwest Waterfront" is matched only by the creamy goat cheese of the "Eastern Market." Pizzas pair well with the small lineup of bottled beers. Make sure to save room for the decadent Nutella dessert calzone.
327 7th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Locally named wood-fired pizzas
- Bright and welcoming atmosphere
- Nutella calzone for dessert
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Capitol Hill |
This chic, multilevel wine bar has pours aplenty (in both tasting portions and full glasses) along with well-thought-out charcuterie boards piled with prosciutto and fluffy, grill-charred focaccia. There's more-filling fare, too, like braised bone-in oxtail. By day, the crowd skews to congressional staffers and lobbyists cutting deals over thin-crust pizza, but by night, the place becomes a hipster hub in the bar on the second level—think low tables and sofas—while a youngish crowd shares cheese plates and sips wine in the crowded street-level dining room.
223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
Known For
- Hip and vast wine menu
- Happy hour catering to a congressional crowd
- Homemade charcuterie and thin-crust pizzas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.
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$$$$ | Capitol Hill |
Grilled meats are the specialty of this neighborhood Union Market tavern, with creative dishes including lamb leg steak and bone-in skate wing, along with the more traditional butcher’s steak. Don’t bypass the sides, including potato salad and broccoli—grilled, of course.
1250 5th St. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
Known For
- Innovative dishes
- Extensive wine menu
- Offbeat decor
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$$$ | Capitol Hill |
Some of the city’s best sushi is found at this unassuming Pan-Asian restaurant with a sense of humor on H Street. Innovative favorites include 2000 Leagues (tempura octopus with eel sauce) and Godzirra roll (crunchy prawns with spicy sauce). The Mongolian beef noodles (with your choice of noodles), teriyaki-glazed Tokyo burger, and poke with sesame-flavored tuna highlight the simple but delicious menu. Be sure to check out the events page—everything from karaoke to DJ dance parties.
1224 H St. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
Known For
- Buckets of tater tots with special tater tot sauce
- Innovative cocktail menu
- Good vegetarian and gluten-free options
