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Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visitors and transplants from around the world. But recent years have made the fifth or sixth banana of American haute cuisine into a foodie town in its own right. You can find almost any cuisine here, from Salvadoran to Ethiopian, despite the lack of true ethnic neighborhoods in the city. You can now also sample cooking from some of the country’s hottest new chefs, find already established celebrity chefs who have just made their D.C debuts, and sip craft cocktails on par with some of the world's best.
Although most neighborhoods lack a unified culinary flavor, make no mistake: D.C. is a city of distinctive areas, each with its own style. Chinatown, for example, is known for chic small plates of various origins. You'll find Japanese noodle shops next to Mexican taquerias and Indian bistros. These spots wax and wane on the popularity scale with each passing season; it's worth taking a stroll down the street to see what's new. Downtown, you'll find many of the city's blue-chip law firms and deluxe, expense-account restaurants, as well as stylish lounges, brewpubs, and upscale eateries that have sprung up to serve the crowds that attend games at the Verizon Center.
Wherever you venture forth in the city, there are a few trends worth noting: artisanal cocktails, charcuterie-and-cheese plates, and back-to-basics new American cuisine are in vogue. You'll find tapas-style portions pervasive, whether you're at a Greek, Asian, or American restaurant. High-end restaurants in town also have begun to add bar menus with smaller plates that are much less expensive than their entrées, but created with the same finesse.
Though Italian, French, and fusion spots continue to open at a ferocious pace, Washingtonians are always hungry to try something new, whether it's Chinese smoked lobster, fiery Indian curry, or crunchy and addictive Vietnamese spring rolls.
Inspired by the 1930s star Charlie Chaplin, this is the first ramen house–cocktail bar in Shaw. Burmese chef Myo Htun transports you with his take on traditional gyoza (wonton wrappers stuffed with pork and cabbage), shumai (small stuffed dumplings), and any number of ramen combinations, while Ari and Micah Wilder offer carefully curated cocktails. Enjoy the film posters and decor as you slosh yourself with ramen, or grab a drink at the Opium Den bar upstairs. From weekend brunch to the late-night Encore menu, there is always an opportunity to try something new. The Wilder brothers have created fan favorites that incorporate a variety of liquors, homemade mixers, and fresh fruit. Be sure to check out Chaplin’s happy hour, one of the best in the neighborhood, with half off all Drafty Spirits cocktails, draft beers, and by-the-glass wine until 7 pm on weeknights.
The rise of foodie culture can leave adventurous diners feeling like they've turned over every culinary stone, but this pilgrimage into the Southeast Asian unknown will wow even the most jaded eater. Doi Moi (Vietnamese for "new changes") puts a new spin on several traditional Southeast Asian cuisines: fried beef jerky with shark sriracha, wok-tossed mussels, and crispy fried snapper are leading lights. With so many unexpected delights on offer, it's easy to look past the predictable joys of spicy fried cashews and grilled chicken skewers, so ask your server for suggestions. Try the special cocktails or a sweet German wine to offset the spiciness of some of the dishes. Vegetarians and the gluten-free will be pleased to see their own full special menus here. And don't be afraid to share, make a mess, and order more than you can eat—it's all part of the experience.
This informal teahouse stocks more than 50 imported teas (black, white, and green) and also serves light and delicious Japanese, Indian, and Thai food. You can mix small dishes—like udon noodle salad and grilled avocado—to create meals or snacks. There's also a Korean brisket sandwich or the winter-beating ochazuke, hot green tea poured over seasoned rice with a protein. Save room for tea-friendly sweets like the locally famous chocolate salty oat cookies. The smaller Connecticut Avenue branch, tucked neatly on a corner adjacent to Lafayette Park and the White House, is a perfect spot to grab lunch after touring the nation's power center. Another outpost, in Dupont Circle, caters to locals looking for a quick bite.
