8 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C., USA

Anafre

$$ | Columbia Heights Fodor's choice

At this celebrated restaurant, whose name means "clay oven, chef Antonio Solis infuses his creative dishes with the regional flavors of his native Mexico. The queso fundido (savory melted cheese) served in a banana leaf is one of the most requested starters. The platos fuertes (entrées) include a whole red snapper made Veracruz style with shirmp and sofrito sauce. There's also a wide variety of tacos, from oyster to chicken mole poblano. Wash down your meal with a selection from the extensive cocktail list, which puts mezcal and tequila front and center.

District Taco

$ | Downtown

The line out the door at lunchtime is a dead giveaway that D.C.'ers have taken to this fast-casual, Yucatán-style Mexican restaurant that got its start as a food truck in 2009. While you can customize the toppings of your tacos or burritos, ordering them the Mexican way (with cilantro and onion) is a sure bet. Similarly, the breakfast tacos (served all day) never disappoint. And before grabbing your table, make sure you hit up the salsa bar.

Espita Mezcaleria

$$$ | Logan Circle

Maíz (corn) and agave are the cornerstones of the food and drink menus at Espita, which serves authentic Mexican small plates, mains, and desserts. The award-winning tortillas, house-made using recipes brought from Mexico by the sous-chef, are the most popular items on the menu. As for drinks, try one of the themed cocktails (they change about eight times a year), or dive right into the extensive mezcal collection.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Guapo's

$$ | Georgetown

Craving Tex-Mex cuisine and a view? Guapo's, a locally owned Mexican restaurant with various locations throughout the Washington, D.C., area, has one of its outposts in the heart of the Washington Harbor. Sip frozen strawberry margaritas on their patio with a view of the Potomac. The menu includes classic Tex-Mex fare like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, but you can also find ceviches and moles.

Mezcalero

$ | Columbia Heights

Mezcalero, the more casual sister restaurant to Anafre by chef Antonio Solis, serves a variety of appetizers such as Mexican-style ceviche, guacamole, and grilled oysters. The authentic burritos are generously filled with carne asada, chorizo, or mixed vegetables, and, as the restaurant's name implies, mezcal plays a big role on the cocktail list. Try the leña brava, with mezcal, tamarind, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice.

Mission Dupont

$$ | Dupont Circle

Mission Dupont serves tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Tex-Mex fare in a casual setting. It's a popular hangout for young professionals, graduate students, and interns, who particularly enjoy the legendary happy hour. In warmer months, order a giant margarita out on the patio, and take in the lively Dupont Circle scene.

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

$$ | Penn Quarter

The specialty at chef José Andrés's Mexican stunner are antojitos, literally translated as "little cravings." But the high ceilings, gracious service, and gorgeous Frida Kahlo–inspired interior are anything but small, and even the smallest of dishes is larger than life when doused with chocolate mole poblano sauce or piquant lime-cilantro dressing. Standouts include homemade margaritas topped with a clever salt foam, the seared Chesapeake perch with serrano and cilantro, and grasshopper tacos—yes, those are bugs basted in tequila and chili sauce, and they're delightful. Museumgoers shouldn't miss the filling and fanciful lunch specials.

Rosa Mexicano

$$ | Penn Quarter

Big and vibrant, this Mexican restaurant and bar (a branch of the New York City original) sits directly across the street from Verizon Center. The menu focuses on authentic Mexican food, and prides itself on the tableside guacamole presentation. Happy hour is loud and fun. The frozen pomegranate margaritas go down too easily. The bar features about 100 agave spirits. Carnitas, chiles rellenos, enchiladas, and other traditional Mexican fare populate the menu. Rosa is housed in the old Hecht's department store building but has a modern, chic feel.

Washington, D.C.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Follow Us

Thank you for your interest!