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Georgetown's picturesque Victorian streetscapes make it D.C.'s most famous neighborhood, with five-star restaurants in historic row houses and casual cafés sandwiched between large national chain stores.
At its beginnings in the mid-1700s, Georgetown was a Maryland tobacco port. Today, the neighborhood is one of D.C.'s premier shopping districts, as well as a tourist and architectural attraction. And while recent additions to the neighborhood seem more apt to be chains, there are some standout local restaurants that cater to the budgets of college students, middle-income travelers, and D.C.'s well-heeled elite.
A favorite for an elegant working lunch, this cozy gem spotlights southern French cooking and serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. On the menu, you will find classic French fare such as duck confit, steak and fries, and mussels. The dining space consists of three distinct spaces: a quaint indoor dining room with vintage French art, a picturesque patio surrounded by greenery, and a third dining room with an active fireplace in the winter for a cozy, romantic vibe.
A slice of Europe in Georgetown, Kafe Leopold has an all-day coffee-and-drinks bar, olive-and-onion tarts, crispy schnitzel paired with arugula, and a decadent assortment of pastries. Tucked away in Cady's Alley, the restaurant sits on a quiet side street with design shops and restaurants. The setting is an architecturally hip dining space, with roll-up window walls and a patio complete with a fountain, perfect for sitting with a glass of Grüner Veltliner and taking in the views.
One of the latest additions to the busy Washington, D.C. dining scene is Apéro. Named after the European tradition of having a cocktail or glass of wine with snacks before a meal, Apéro provides a sizable wine list (owner Elli Benchimol is a sommelier), cocktails, and a never-ending supply of champagne. Its menu focuses on French cuisine with small bites like caviar, black truffle gougères, and escargot. Large plates are also available—try the ratatouille or duck confit.
With 30 years in service, Cafe Milano continues to be a buzzed-about place in many Washington, D.C. political and celebrity circles. Don't be surprised if you bump into a politician or a waiter who later becomes famous (Bradley Cooper waited tables there during his time as a Georgetown University student). Specialties are butter lettuce salad with lemon vinaigrette and crostini, thin-crust pizzas anchored by Naples-controlled San Marzano tomato sauce, and sumptuous pasta dishes in pesto or fresh vegetable sauces. Cafe Milano is particularly popular in the summertime when its front-facing, floor-to-ceiling walls retract to include a chic outdoor dining space.
The harborside setting for Fabio Trabocchi's ode to Italian-style seafood is one of the most sought-after spots in town. Dine alfresco, watch the water taxis float by, or sip an Aperol spritz on a banquette by the open kitchen and raw bar. Although the menu focuses on fresh cuts of seafood, you can also indulge in pasta made in-house, such as the lobster ravioli, a favorite among regulars.
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.
Lutèce finds its inspiration from Parisian "neo-bistros," French restaurants where chefs use a creative license with twists on traditional fare. The menu at Lutèce features French staples like duck and steak with unique pairings such as steak tartare with fermented chili. The inviting dining room, with its exposed brick, vintage accents, and cozy atmosphere, makes it a choice for a romantic dinner in Georgetown.
