I am looking for recommendations for restaurants where you have dined and at which we might find an open table (2 persons) on a spring Sunday afternoon in DC, around 25-30USD per person (though there is flexibility in either direction) near either the National Museum of Women in the Arts or the Renwick, or somewhere in between. Any cuisine, just not entirely Vegan.

In advance, thank you.

These places are w/in a 15 min walk. You may not need it, but I'd recommend a booking once you decide on a restaurant.

In the vicinity of the Renwick (mostly west of the museum)

Founding Farmers (american)
Old Ebbitt Grill (american) (east of Renwick)
Circa Foggy Bottom (american)
District Commons (american)
Rasika West End (indian) (slightly father but worth the walk)


In the vicinity of the NMWA (mostly east and south toward the Penn Quarter neighborhood):

Any of Jose Andres restaurants:
Zaytinya (mediterranean mezi)
Oyamel (mexican)
Jaleo (tapas)

Matchbox (american)
Daikaya (ramen - no bookings)
Rasika (indian) (slightly father but worth the walk)

I really liked zaytinya, so that would be my choice. Great lunch spot.

Old Ebbitt would be my choice.

NMWA did have a restaurant--you might want to check to see if they still do. My art group ate there several years ago and the food was good. Reservations needed.

Also, do check walking route--I'm not sure how close to the White House you can walk or drive. Looks like H Street NW is OK. Anyone?

Great list given by obxgirl. I'd probably pick Zatinya if you want small plates, Old Ebbitt Grill for a regular American lunch (the best fish & chips I've ever had anywhere)

Thank you! Excellent suggestions, everyone. I forgot to mention that I have dinner reservations at Old Ebbitt Grill for Sunday night, sorry. Any commentary on the Old Ebbitt oysters?

Oyamel and Rasika look promising, with Zatinya running a close third. How might they be ranked for seating in the absence of a reservation?

Thank you again!

No help with oysters. But have a great time and please report back!

I only know that Rasika (both) will be almost impossible without a reservation. We once were able to snag a seat in the bar.

If this helps tip the balance, Rasika closes between lunch & dinner and only Rasika West End is open on Sunday. I wouldn't give either Rasika a try w/o a booking. HOWEVER, I forgot to mention Rasika's cousin, Bindaas. Same restaurant family, same quality but a little more casual. All Indian small plates. Bindaas Foggy Bottom is about a 10 minute walk from the Renwick.

sf7307, you must try it (if you haven't already) next time you visit your family

I've been to Oyamel on a weekend for lunch -- two of us didn't have to wait long for a table. Have only been to dinner at Zatinya so can't help you there.

>>>>Also, do check walking route--I'm not sure how close to the White House you can walk or drive. Looks like H Street NW is OK. Anyone?

Love the Old E but be prepared for noise

i had no trouble getting a table at Zatinya for lunch, and that was during cherry blossom season.

however, I will admit that I tend to eat during off times- fairly late in the afternoon- and that may be why.

I agree that you would take a serious risk with Rasika without a reservation.
I suspect Oyamel would be easier than Zaytinya, but perhaps for a reason....

More excellent advice, for which I thank all of you. Making reservations is something I would like to avoid; I'm flying in to DCA earlier on Sunday and then catching up with a good friend for the two museums and lunch and would rather remain flexible. I would rather not have sandwiches from Paul, but if that's how it goes, at least there will be an apple tart as consolation. Perhaps Rasika is out for Sunday, but maybe Bindaas will be the saving grace? (Thank you obxgirl)

kja, I am still holding out for Oyamel, but your cryptic comment has me wondering if I should be?

We have an apartment near Foggy Bottom, and will be using Metro (for better or for worse) and our feet for transportation. I am certain the transit culture shock from Vienna's public transit to Metro will be worth a mention.

Dukey1, I don't think there is any amount of noise that could disturb the delicious sound of slurping oysters.

TDudette, I am sure my entire whirlwind visit will be great; and yes, I will report back. Many years have passed since my last museum marathon in DC and I am excited for this one. In three days we plan to hit selected highlights at Renwick, NMWA, Postal Museum, Portrait Gallery, Freer/Sackler, the NGA (for the Pollock wall) and American History. My fingers are extra-crossed that I can get to Hillwood, but that is a long shot. Plus, we also have first baseline tickets for a game at Nationals Park; and DS (an intern in DC) has strongly hinted to us that a great chaser to the oysters shot would be an evening at Captain Pells for blue crabs on another night.

Again about the NMWA dining--my group ate there about 4 years ago. I don't know if a separate catering was done for the group. Do check in advance.

IMO, Oyamel is solid option, but it's not one of my favorites, in part because it can be unbearably loud. In contrast, I love Zaytinya, to which I've been going several times a year for many, many years. I doubt you would have a trouble getting a table for Sunday lunch at either, although I think the chance of a short wait greater at Zaytinya than Oyamel.

If you haven’t been to Hillwood you should definitely try to go! I loved it.

please report back on Renwick. I would love to see the burning man exhibit but so far the flight prices
have been a deterrent.

TDudette, I just looked at the NMWA website as a backup lunch plan, but it appears that the cafe only operates on weekdays. So, it might be Paul...

kja, good to know. But as with my oyster bliss imperviousness to the noise at Old Ebbitt Grill, I suspect my tears of joy over real Mexican food (a little difficult to find in Vienna) will drown out all other sounds at Oyamel. Zaytinya is still in the running, though we have at our fingertips some quite authentic Middle Eastern food here so I am hoping Oyamel will come through.

Rasika has been reserved for another evening with another friend who has dined there and "can never eat there too often." I am excited!

marvelousmouse, I have visited Hillwood on a couple of occasions and I love the estate. I will indeed report back on this museum marathon!

Good to know, 44trav. Thanks for checking and sharing info.

Ah, well, if Mexican cuisine is your priority, Oyamel is likely to suit. Enjoy!
I think you'll enjoy Rasika. The palak chaat is amazing -- as are so many of it's options!