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$$ | Upper Northwest |
Call it the Brando of D.C. pizzerias, because this Neapolitan sensation has played godfather to a number of throne-stealing wood ovens elsewhere in town since it opened more than a decade ago. Simple recipes allow the ingredients to shine through and make the "wine bar" menu of small Italian plates as exemplary as the pies. You may be tempted to go for the D.O.C. pizza (it has Denominazione di Origine Controllata approval for Neapolitan authenticity), but don't hesitate to try the meatballs, salt cod croquettes, deviled eggs, or really any of the little things. At busy times, there can be a wait for a table, and the noisy din of a packed house may discourage some diners.
3715 Macomb St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
Known For
- Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with a chewy crust
- Homemade charcuterie at the wine bar
- Family-friendly (read: noisy) atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Fri., Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Columbia Heights |
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
Known For
- Authentic Mexican food
- Lively space
- Extensive cocktail list
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$ | Penn Quarter |
From the owners of Daikaya, Bantam King is another fun option for ramen in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. Chicken broth serves as the base of their flavorful ramen with noodles sourced from Sapporo, Japan. There's also a vegetarian option on the menu. In addition to ramen, Bantam King offers crispy Nashville hot fried chicken, a favorite among regulars.
501 G St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Rich ramen bowls
- Lively dining room
- Fried chicken
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Walk-in only
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$ | U Street |
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 milkshake 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
Known For
- Legendary half-smoke chili bowls
- Southern-style breakfast
- Cheese fries and milkshakes
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$$ | Penn Quarter |
This spacious restaurant is on the ground floor of the 130-year-old Riggs Bank Building, now known as the Riggs Hotel. The café boasts large Corinthian columns, original stone floors, a sky-high ceiling, and Palladian windows. The menu is as luxurious as its surroundings: an ample raw bar featuring caviar, oysters, and crab. If seafood is not your thing, there are plenty of other choices, like steak frites and duck breast.
900 F St., Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
Known For
- Raw bar
- Picturesque bar
- Luxury feel
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations recommended
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Foggy Bottom |
Craving bagels? One of the most popular bagel shops in D.C., Call Your Mother Deli, recently expanded to the West End neighborhood. A modern take on a Jewish deli, their specialty is bagels, ranging from the classic everything bagel to more unique flavors like blueberry muffin. Located in the lobby of Yours Truly DC hotel, you can find a steady line for breakfast and lunch from locals who love their bagels and creative toppings. Aside from the bagel sandwiches and flavored cream cheeses, you can also order donuts, muffins, and cookies.
1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, USA
Known For
- Bright and colorful design
- Strong coffee
- Loaded bagels
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$ | Chinatown |
For those looking for a quick Mediterranean-inspired bite, Cava is a great option. Start with a base of grains, salads, or pita and top with a selection of proteins and savory dips and spreads such as hummus, tzatziki, spicy feta, and harissa. Don't be intimated by the long line—it moves pretty fast.
707 H St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Crazy feta sauce
- Affordable Mediterranean dishes
- Lunch on the go
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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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$ | Chinatown |
Chaia started its vegetarian taco fast-casual restaurant in Georgetown and has expanded its popular concept to Downtown D.C. Guests can choose from veggie tacos featuring braised mushrooms, kale and potato, roasted eggplant, and sweet potato hash. The menu also includes enchiladas, quesadillas, and sides like rice and beans. Although the selections feature cheese, they are easily customizable to vegan.
615 I St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Vegetarian tacos
- Vegan options
- Nice decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$$ | Georgetown |
A favorite for an elegant working lunch, this cozy gem spotlights southern French cooking and serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. On the menu, you will find classic French fare such as duck confit, steak and fries, and mussels. The dining space consists of three distinct spaces: a quaint indoor dining room with vintage French art, a picturesque patio surrounded by greenery, and a third dining room with an active fireplace in the winter for a cozy, romantic vibe.
1039 31st St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
Known For
- Chicken liver mousse appetizer
- Elegant atmosphere
- Fine selection of French wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations Recommended
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$$ | Penn Quarter |
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 solid 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
Known For
- Standard American pub fare
- Great selection of beers
- Communal tables and big-screen TVs
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$ | U Street |
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
Known For
- Cuban-style coffee
- Stylish decor
- Latin pastries
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$ | Chinatown |
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
Known For
- Southern cooking
- Fine whiskey
- Great views
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$$ | Georgetown |
The highest concentration of the Ethiopian diaspora lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area, which means there is no shortage of Ethiopian restaurants. DAS, a long-standing restaurant on M Street, provides an upscale dining experience with one of the District's most popular global cuisines. You'll find all the Ethiopian classics, such as the chicken doro wat (chicken with a spicy pepper sauce). Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy the many plant-based options. Skip the fork and use injera, a spongy flatbread, to scoop up the hearty stews and sauces served.
1201 28th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
Known For
- Ethiopian fine dining
- Spicy sauces
- Patio dining in nice weather
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues. and Wed.
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$$$ | Logan Circle |
The name of this polished palace means "stadium," and its gorgeously baroque interior, which surrounds a high-wire open kitchen, makes a perfect stage for energetic and flavorful uses of top-notch ingredients. The menu, developed during research jaunts throughout Spain, is a master class in tapas, with smoky grilled scallions punched up by garlicky romesco sauce and tortilla española smoother than any served in Barcelona. The bar menu is equally inventive. Try a slushito to get a delightful alcoholic twist on the beloved slushie. For dessert, don't miss the sweet-and-salty manchego cheesecake with pistachio granola.
1520 14th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
Known For
- Classic Spanish tapas with new flavors
- Boozy slushies
- Beautiful dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch Mon.–Thurs., Reservations essential
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$$ | Georgetown |
This restaurant near the Washington Harbour, on the banks of the Potomac River, is owned by a collective of farmers and emphasizes sustainable ingredients. The menu runs the gamut—from fresh-baked bread (there's an on-site bakery) to sushi rolls, burgers to pizza, vegetarian options and wild-caught salmon to locally raised chicken and beef—and mixologists shake up tasty tiki drinks.
3000 K St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
Known For
- Weekend brunch buffet
- Fried-chicken jambalaya
- Extensive menu that satisfies even picky eaters
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$$ | Georgetown |
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.
3315 Cady's Alley NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
Known For
- Hearty Austrian fare
- Arty crowd great for people-watching
- Great weekend brunch and daily breakfast served until 4 pm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations are recommended
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$$$$ | Downtown |
L’Ardente serves traditional Italian flavors in a glamorous setting (think Missoni curtains) in the heart of the city. The buzzy restaurant, known for its 40-layer lasagna and tiramisu flambé, is a place to be seen by politicians and celebrities, including former president Barack Obama. The best seats in the house are at the chef's counter, where you can see the team assembling pizzas and crafting their indulgent pasta dishes.
200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Known For
- Elaborate cocktails
- Lively dining room
- 40-layer lasagna
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations recommended
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$$ | Adams Morgan |
The modern Afghan cuisine shines at this chic yet comfortable—and well-priced—Adams Morgan spot which also caters well to vegetarians and those on a gluten-free diet. Seven different varieties of kebabs (prepared via a secret recipe "known only to our mom and the NSA") are the stars of the menu, but you'll also want to try the dumplings. The cocktail menu merges Afghan spices such as cardamom with bourbon.
1847 Columbia Rd. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Different types of kebabs prepared with top-secret family recipe
- Carefully crafted cocktails
- Excellent bottomless brunch
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$$$ | Tenleytown |
This unpretentious but intimate and stylish bistro recalls a Parisian café, with dark woods, white tablecloths, 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, escargots, bouillabaisse, and crepes.
4907 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
Known For
- Classic French bistro
- Great date spot
- Alfresco dining feel