Washington, D.C. Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Washington, D.C. - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. 2 Amys

    $$ | Upper Northwest | Pizza

    Call it the Brando of D.C. pizzerias, because this Neapolitan sensation has played godfather to a number of throne-stealing wood ovens elsewhere...

    Call it the Brando of D.C. pizzerias, because this Neapolitan sensation has played godfather to a number of throne-stealing wood ovens elsewhere in town since it opened more than a decade ago. Simple recipes allow the ingredients to shine through and make the "wine bar" menu of small Italian plates as exemplary as the pies. You may be tempted to go for the D.O.C. pizza (it has Denominazione di Origine Controllata approval for Neapolitan authenticity), but don't hesitate to try the Cantabrian anchovies, salt cod croquettes, or really any of the little things. At busy times, there can be a wait for a table, and the noisy din of a packed house may discourage some diners.

    3715 Macomb St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
    202-885–5700

    Known For

    • Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with a chewy crust
    • Pancetta happy hour on Saturday
    • Family-friendly (read: noisy) atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.
  • 2. All-Purpose Pizzeria

    $$ | D.C. Waterfront | Italian

    Best pizza in DC” is a hotly contested title, but All-Purpose Pizzeria down on the Capitol Riverfront is a strong contender. Its whole wheat...

    “Best pizza in DC” is a hotly contested title, but All-Purpose Pizzeria down on the Capitol Riverfront is a strong contender. Its whole wheat dough is carefully made with high-quality ingredients, and you’ll find a mix of classic and intriguing choices like chili-roasted corn, chili-lime aioli, or truffle honey. Garlic knots make for a delicious starter, and you can round off your meal with a range of desserts, including tiramisù and award-winning gelato from Dolcezza.

    79 Potomac Ave. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
    202-629–1894

    Known For

    • Riverfront rooftop
    • Italian antipasti dishes
    • Italian-style cocktails
  • 3. Anafre

    $$ | Columbia Heights | Mexican

    At this celebrated restaurant, whose name means "clay oven, chef Antonio Solis infuses his creative dishes with the regional flavors of his...

    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.

    3704 14th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20010, USA
    202-758–2127

    Known For

    • Authentic Mexican food
    • Lively space
    • Extensive cocktail list
  • 4. Ben's Chili Bowl

    $ | U Street | American

    A U Street fixture for decades, Ben's serves chili—on hot dogs, on Polish-style sausages, on burgers, and on its own—to Washingtonians and visitors...

    A U Street fixture for decades, Ben's serves chili—on hot dogs, on Polish-style sausages, on burgers, and on its own—to Washingtonians and visitors alike. The shiny, red-vinyl stools give the impression that little has changed since the 1950s (the original location still doesn't accept credit cards), but don't be fooled: this favorite of former President Barack Obama has rocketed into the 21st century with an iPhone app, an upscale Southern cuisine restaurant next door, and menu additions like turkey burgers and meatless chili that nod to modern times. Add cheese fries and a milk shake to your order if you dare. Southern-style breakfast is served from 6 to 10:45 on weekdays and from 7 to 10:45 on Saturday. Ben's has added spots on H Street NE and in Arlington and at Reagan Airport, too.

    1213 U St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
    202-667–0909

    Known For

    • Legendary half-smoke chili bowls
    • Southern-style breakfast
    • Cheese fries and milk shakes
  • 5. Cava Mezze

    $$ | Eastern Market | Greek

    This modern mecca for mezes (small plates for sharing) delivers delicious, chic Mediterranean cuisine without the whiz-bang conceits of its...

    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
    202-543–9090

    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.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. City Tap House

    $$ | Penn Quarter | American

    This upscale gastropub chain just a block from the convention center offers more than 40 beers on tap and loads of bottles. The high ceilings...

    This upscale gastropub chain just a block from the convention center offers more than 40 beers on tap and loads of bottles. The high ceilings, reclaimed wood walls, and copper bar give the large spot a warm, rustic feel. Expect standard American pub comfort food with a few upscale plates like grilled ahi tuna and miso-glazed salmon. There's also a fine brick-oven-pizza selection. It gets a nice crowd, but you never feel crowded in the spacious bar–dining room. The jumping happy hour offers great prices.

    901 9th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
    202-733–5333

    Known For

    • Standard American pub fare
    • Great selection of beers
    • Communal tables and big-screen TVs
  • 7. Colada Shop

    $ | U Street | Cuban

    Escape to Cuba via a cafesito at this spot, which has a two-floor patio and is situated just off lively 14th Street. If you'd like something...

    Escape to Cuba via a cafesito at this spot, which has a two-floor patio and is situated just off lively 14th Street. If you'd like something more potent than a coffee, there are plenty of cocktails, from piña coladas to guava frosé. For breakfast, the guava paselitos are must tries, as are the lunch menu's Cubano sandwiches, made with fresh Cuban-style bread and savory strips of roasted pork.

    1405 T St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
    202-931–4947

    Known For

    • Cuban-style coffee
    • Stylish decor
    • Latin pastries
  • 8. Cork Wine Bar & Market

    $$ | U Street | Wine Bar

    This rustic, dimly lit wine bar brings chic cuisine to the city's hippest neighborhood. The wine list features rare varietals—with a dozen still...

    This rustic, dimly lit wine bar brings chic cuisine to the city's hippest neighborhood. The wine list features rare varietals—with a dozen still under $11 per glass—but even teetotalers will be enchanted by the menu's classic dishes. The duck confit, avocado bruschetta, and grilled hanger steak are standouts, while the ginger-caramel pot de crème is a favorite for dessert.

    1805 14th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
    202-265–2675

    Known For

    • More than 50 wines by the glass
    • Relaxing patio
    • Favorite small plates to share

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 9. Crimson Diner + Whiskey Bar

    $ | Chinatown | American

    An upscale, Southern-influenced diner with an open kitchen and lively bar, Crimson offers seating in booths to convey that diner feel. A huge...

    An upscale, Southern-influenced diner with an open kitchen and lively bar, Crimson offers seating in booths to convey that diner feel. A huge breakfast menu is available all day, and dinner plates include shrimp and grits, rainbow trout, and, yes, meat loaf. The diner itself is bright and airy, with huge windows facing out to busy 7th Street. Downstairs in the basement is the large, beautifully appointed Whiskey Bar, featuring more than 200 spirits and seating more than 300, a modern take on the old speakeasy. All the way upstairs on the top floor is the Crimson View, a standalone bar–café with expansive views of the city that seems to have something for everyone.

    627 H St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
    202-847–4459

    Known For

    • Southern cooking
    • Fine whiskey
    • Great views
  • 10. Farmers Fishers Bakers

    $$ | Georgetown | American

    This restaurant near the Washington Harbour, on the banks of the Potomac River, is owned by a collective of farmers and emphasizes sustainable...

    This restaurant near the Washington Harbour, on the banks of the Potomac River, is owned by a collective of farmers and emphasizes sustainable ingredients. The menu runs the gamut—from fresh-baked bread (there's an on-site bakery) to sushi rolls, burgers to pizza, vegetarian options and wild-caught salmon to locally raised chicken and beef—and mixologists shake up tasty tiki drinks.

    3000 K St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
    202-298–8783

    Known For

    • Weekend brunch buffet
    • Fried-chicken jambalaya
    • Extensive menu that satisfies even picky eaters
  • 11. Good Stuff Eatery

    $ | Capitol Hill | American

    Fans of Bravo's Top Chef will first visit this brightly colored burgers-and-shakes joint hoping to spy charismatic celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn...

    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. The lines can be long, as it's a favorite lunch spot of congressional aides, but Spike's inventive beef dishes are worth the wait. 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
    202-543–8222

    Known For

    • Fun burgers like the "Prez Obama" (with bacon, onion marmalade, and Roquefort cheese)
    • Thick malted milk shakes
    • Variety of dipping sauces for hand-cut skinny fries

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 12. Hank's Oyster Bar Dupont Circle

    $$ | Dupont Circle | Seafood

    The watchword is simplicity at this chic take on the shellfish shacks of New England. Daily offerings include a half-dozen varieties of oyster...

    The watchword is simplicity at this chic take on the shellfish shacks of New England. Daily offerings include a half-dozen varieties of oyster on the half shell, both from the West Coast and local Virginia waters, as well as fish dishes and a "meat-and-two" special for those who prefer turf to surf. The restaurant also has a speakeasy that's perfect for an after-dinner nightcap.

    1624 Q St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
    202-462–4265

    Known For

    • A bittersweet chocolate chunk at the end of the meal
    • Half-price oyster bar happy hours
    • No desserts
  • 13. Komi

    $$$$ | Dupont Circle | Mediterranean

    Young, energetic chef-owner Johnny Monis offers one of the city's most adventurous dining experiences in this tiny space. The multicourse, prix...

    Young, energetic chef-owner Johnny Monis offers one of the city's most adventurous dining experiences in this tiny space. The multicourse, prix-fixe menu, which changes daily, showcases contemporary fare with distinct Mediterranean influences. Buzzed-about plates have included mascarpone-filled dates with sea salt and succulent spit-roasted goat with pita bread. Reservations open 30 days in advance, with phones open from 2 pm to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

    1509 17th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
    202-332–9200

    Known For

    • Intimate ambience
    • Impressive wine list (but no cocktails)
    • Reservations that book up very quickly

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 14. Le Chat Noir

    $$$ | Tenleytown | French

    This unpretentious but intimate and stylish bistro recalls a Parisian café, with dark woods, white table cloths, and cozy tables—not to mention...

    This unpretentious but intimate and stylish bistro recalls a Parisian café, with dark woods, white table cloths, and cozy tables—not to mention the owner himself is from Paris. The main floor has two dining rooms, one of which has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the street when weather permits. The menu is traditional French, with staples like steak frites, duck confit, bouillabaisse, and crepes.

    4907 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
    202-244–2404

    Known For

    • Classic French bistro
    • Great date spot
    • Alfresco dining feel
  • 15. Le Diplomate

    $$$ | U Street | French

    In this faithful re-creation of a convivial Parisian bistro, the attention to detail makes a night here into more than just a meal. This excellent...

    In this faithful re-creation of a convivial Parisian bistro, the attention to detail makes a night here into more than just a meal. This excellent spot prizes quality above all, from graceful martinis and hand-stuffed ricotta ravioli to succulent, textbook-worthy steak frites and roasted chicken. Perfectly spreadable butter is placed atop loaves cut in the kitchen, and the fresh-bread aroma tantalizes customers half a football field away in the dining room. It's also one of the city's most popular brunch spots.

    1610 14th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
    202-332–3333

    Known For

    • Parisian-bistro vibe
    • Juicy steak frites
    • Popular brunch menu
  • 16. Little Serow

    $$$$ | Dupont Circle | Thai

    Guests start lining up as early as at 4:30 pm with the hope of getting a hard-to-score table at this cozy restaurant in the basement of a row...

    Guests start lining up as early as at 4:30 pm with the hope of getting a hard-to-score table at this cozy restaurant in the basement of a row house. Chef Johnny Monis brings the magic of Komi to his creative, seven-course menus featuring unique northern Thai dishes (say, crispy rice salad or shrimp curry) that bring on the heat–-literally.

    1511 17th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA

    Known For

    • Walk-in only, no reservations
    • Strict no-substitutions or special-requests policy
    • Mekhong whiskey-marinated pork ribs

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 17. Modena

    $$$ | Italian

    Buzzy, trendy Modena has one of the area's more inventive menus, featuring very good modern Italian fare. Dinner starts with an antipasti trolley...

    Buzzy, trendy Modena has one of the area's more inventive menus, featuring very good modern Italian fare. Dinner starts with an antipasti trolley that stops at each table so diners can choose their favorite starters, from braised artichokes to panzella salad; entrées include seafood, duck, and pastas.

    1100 New York Ave. NW , Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
    202-216–9550

    Known For

    • Local ingredients
    • Sidewalk patio for alfresco dining
    • Wood-fired pizza
  • 18. Napoli Pasta Bar

    $$ | Columbia Heights | Italian

    Located on a residential street, this restaurant offers an authentic Italian dining experience. Chef and owner Antonio Ferraro brings the flavors...

    Located on a residential street, this restaurant offers an authentic Italian dining experience. Chef and owner Antonio Ferraro brings the flavors of his native Napoli to Washington, D.C., with fresh, house-made pasta dishes, such as fusilli with crab meat or decadent gnocchi, served on colorful, hand-painted plates. Start your meal with a Negroni or a glass of prosecco, and ask to be seated at the very photogenic Vespa table. If weather permits, dine on the cozy patio.

    2737 Sherman Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
    202-588–8752

    Known For

    • Vespa table
    • House-made pasta
    • Italian wine list
  • 19. Osteria Morini

    $$$ | Southeast | Italian

    The stylish design and superlative pastas of this take on cuisine from northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region might seem like an unexpected...

    The stylish design and superlative pastas of this take on cuisine from northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region might seem like an unexpected match for the sports fans flocking to Nationals Park. But you can't ask for a better way to cap off a day at the ballpark than the wood-grilled meats here. You can also try the charcuterie and cheese (the creamy robiola is particularly delicious), all washed down with an Italian cocktail. If you want to treat your palate, this restaurant is an excellent choice.

    301 Water St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
    202-484–0660

    Known For

    • Prosciutto, mortadella, and wood-grilled meats
    • Pleasant patio location close to the water
    • Proximity to the baseball stadium
  • 20. Parthenon Restaurant

    $$ | Upper Northwest | Greek

    You can never have enough Greek restaurants, and Parthenon is among the best in town. This is traditional Greek food, including great moussaka...

    You can never have enough Greek restaurants, and Parthenon is among the best in town. This is traditional Greek food, including great moussaka, pastitsio, salads, and grilled fish. The branzino (also known as Mediterranean sea bass) is flown in from Greece weekly and lovingly prepared. Try to start your meal with the saganaki, where the cheese is flamed right at your table. The interior screams Greece, with pictures of the Parthenon and islands and a traditional blue-and-white color scheme. A large outdoor patio adjoins the restaurant, which is also connected to the Chevy Chase Lounge, a legendary local watering hole.

    5510 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20015, USA
    202-966–7600

    Known For

    • Traditional Greek cooking in a blue-and-white taverna setting
    • Large portions
    • Attached to Chevy Chase Lounge

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