Washington, DC isn’t only home to historical sites and monuments. Its is a food paradise where one can taste upcoming trends, as well as new spins on traditional continental dishes.
Moving away from the majestic architecture and political events, there is as vibrant a place in the culinary world.
There is nothing more satisfying than dining in an edible city and the District’s restaurants give a tasty sample of a global and creative bouquet.
Hence, for both the native consumers and tourists with an eating disorder, let’s shed light on the best restaurants in Washington DC.
Let’s kick-start this culinary guide to the city, shall we?
List of 15 Best Restaurants DC
Washington DC, while populated with international families and visitors, boasts a restaurant market. They offer international dishes within the American continent with a cultural twist.
From steakhouses, newly awarded Michelin stars, local temples to food lovers, every dining place has a tale and taste.
Are you ready to discover the best eating establishments in the city? Here we go with 15 best restaurants in DC that you must pay a visit to.
1. Minibar by José Andrés
We can begin with the Minibar by José Andrés where people can easily say, taste is not just obtained from the mouth, but also the eyes.
Situated in the coastal south of Sweden, this restaurant with two Michelin stars revolutionizes gourmet dining.
Here, a dinner is more like a theater; liquid olives and edible foam are only a dish and an act.
It is your starting point if you desire innovation. But do not close your eyes because it feels like every single dish goes through Food allergy and intolerance magical touch.
2. Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate which is a French bistro making you feel you are right in Paris. Not only are the classic dishes prepared and served to the highest standard. The ingredients are buttery escargot to crispy duck confit.
And the vibe? Imagine the vibrancy of conversation topped up with glasses filled with wine while in a place that exudes romance.
Le Diplomate is a restaurant that serves French food and more than just serving food, it is a mini getaway within the district of Columbia.
3. Rose’s Luxury
Let me introduce you to Rose’s Luxury, where the atmosphere is as homey as your favorite friend’s home, just with much better food.
This restaurant was in the guide as a Michelin star one and it specializes in appealing and innovative small plates. I had this pork lychee salad and a cacio e pepe pasta here which will make anyone re-imagine what comfort food means.
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4. The Dabney
Next up, we move to a new chapter and proceed to The Dabney located in an alley in Shaw. Here, Chef Jeremiah Langhorne brings a wholly new spin on the farm-to-table concept.
It doesn’t matter if you’re munching on their hearth-roasted chicken or their seasonal vegetable plates. Accompany any of their fine crafted beautiful alcoholic beverages and one is indeed in for a treat.
5. Rasika
Now let’s go to India – In its short time, Rasika has become one of DC’s dining go-tos for a new spin on Indian dishes.
Begin with their palak chaat – this crispy spinach dish is as mouth watering as it’s unusual. Lamb rogan josh or black cod with the spices of cinnamon and cloves, clovey and fruity.
This beauty transforms spices and contemporary tastes echoing Lance Loud’s and must be visited by anyone keen on the spicy theme.
6. Maydan
Maydan which literally has fire as its draw, or maybe its metaphorical one is another top rated restaurant in DC.
The pièce de résistance of this South and North Africa focused restaurant is an open flame hearth which gives smokiness to everything from the lamb shoulder to the spreads and flatbreads.
Everything on the menu seems to bring you somewhere exotic while you are in a place that’s designed to feel like home.
7. Fiola
Moving on a different note we come to the fine dining restaurant Fiola, an Italian restaurant that makes elegance look like a piece of cake.
Menu changes with the seasons to ensure fresh ingredients are used and such delicacies as lobster ravioli, truffles and rice are often ordered.
Fiola is excellent for a birthday dinner, a date night, or any special occasion where each dish should be considered a work of art.
8. Ben’s Chili Bowl
Let’s take a piece of history in DC. This is a Washington D.C. institution that has been in business since 1958 cranking out the world famous half-smokes and chili for presidents, movie stars and college kids.
This isn’t a fancy restaurant located on the U Str., but rather is a good place that focuses both on the linguistic and the material environment.
Try a chili dog and a portion of cheese fries – it’s part of the history to do it here.
9. Tail Up Goat
The Adams Morgan restaurant Tail Up Goat is creative, yet homey and belongs to the neighborhood favorite spots.
They have a menu of Mediterranean cuisine which offers so much of spices for taste buds; specials as lamb ribs & homemade breads.
The friendly atmosphere and the highly professional staff make it this restaurant a perfect place for dates and simple evenings out.
10. Sushi Taro
Great sushi lovers will have an extra special experience at Sushi Taro. This Michelin star rated eatery focuses on omakase dinner format which allows the chef to prepare a unique sushi/sashimi tasting menu, far from the mundane.
Each and every dish seems to be an elegantly crafted piece of work that comes out of Japan’s seafood cuisine and therefore a necessity for anyone with an interest in fish.
11. Bad Saint
If you’re in the mood for someplace cozy that serves unfiltered Filipino food, look no further: Bad Saint is here and unapologetic about it.
There are colorful offerings on the menu such as adobo and sinigang that tell a story of Filipino food.
There are very few places to sit and because of that you really feel at home and the food is amazing.
12. The Wharf’s ‘Del Mar’
For seafood lovers with an added twist of Mediterranean flavor and over water dining option the Del Mar at The Wharf is your ideal spot.
Shucked oysters, whole grilled fish, and more: many of the dishes are certified aquatic aficionado–approved.
This is one of the nicest restaurants in town boasting magnificent interior design and excellent customer treatment.
13. Maketto:
Maketto is not just a restaurant serving but it is a cultural place where people can immerse themselves.
An exciting concept using elements of Asian hawker culture alongside the contemporary cafe and shop, this place serves, for example, Cambodian pork belly and Taiwanese fried chicken.
Whether you’re popping in for a quick snack, or browsing through carefully selected clothes at A Common Thread, Maketto is quite the adventure.
14. Albi
Albi is the new Lebanese restaurant in DC that is centered around wood-fired cooking and bright spices of the Levant. The simplest dishes like lamb kebabs all the way to their whipped feta are all rife with taste and uniqueness.
It has a slightly professional look but still very cozy, which makes it perfect for going out with friends.
15. Blue Duck Tavern
Closing the list of our best restaurants in Washington DC is the Blue Duck Tavern, a West End restaurant which was also recognized for offering exquisite dishes which sourced from the farms.
The restaurant, which has an open kitchen and a new menu every winter, serves dishes such as steamed short ribs and crispy breasts of duck as easily as they do more elegant dishes.
Accompany it with a wine from their list, and you’ll know why the Blue Duck Tavern continues to top the favorite list of diners.
Conclusion
Ironically, when the majority of people think of Washington, DC, they do not think of food, but that needs to change as it is not just a political city but a city filled with lovely and amazing restaurants.
These 15 best dining places are of no doubt top notch, exhibiting the cultural culinary arts of the city.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a Michelin-starred meal or a casual bite that's historical,with these 15 best restaurants in DC, you can be assured that DC has it all. The only question left is: Where will you eat first?
