Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Reminder:The City Guide app will be sunsetting on December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants
Komi is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

1. Komi

1509 17th St NW (btwn P & Q St NW), Washington, D.C.
Greek Restaurant · Northwest Washington · 43 tips and reviews

BravoBravo: Chef Jonny is very innovative. Great place for a romantic dinner. Spit roast goat with three sides is delicious. -Tamesha Warren, Top Chef

Poste Moderne Brasserie is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

2. Poste Moderne Brasserie

555 8th St NW (btwn F St NW & E St Nw), Washington, D.C.
French Restaurant · Penn Quarter · 97 tips and reviews

AskMenAskMen: The chef loves tomoatoes so he’s using them in his 20 Bites tasting menu. Which will feature tomatoes in 20 different small plates, including a gazpacho & a tomato tartar. Read more.

Proof is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

3. Proof

775 G St NW (at 8th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Wine Bar · Chinatown · 106 tips and reviews

VenuVenu: $12 lunch crush bar special = entree + glass of wine. Go with the gnocchi or steak salad.

Charlie Palmer Steak is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

4. Charlie Palmer Steak

8.9
101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Steakhouse · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 51 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Highly recommend bringing your own American wine -- no corkage fee for the first 2 bottles per table. That plus the steak for two -- great meal!

5. Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

7.4
223 Pennsylvania Ave SE (at 2nd St. SE), Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 51 tips and reviews

The FeastThe Feast: Though this eatery claims inspiration from California, old-world charcuterie has found a comfortable home on its menu. Cured meats like soppressata, proscuitto, and fennel salumi are standouts.

Zest American Bistro is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

6. Zest American Bistro

735 8th St SE (btw G & I St SE), Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 29 tips and reviews

TBDTBD: Capital Spice recommends the braised short ribs, saying "Braised beef short ribs are fall-apart tender and the cheddar grits they’re served over are suitably decadent. It’s a big appetizer, though not Read more.

Vidalia is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

7. Vidalia

1990 M St NW (at 20th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Southern Food Restaurant · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 38 tips and reviews

SavoredSavored: Try the shrimp and grits by James Beard Award-winning chef Jeffrey Buben. Save 30% off your bill by booking here: http://bit.ly/iiVgT8

Westend Bistro is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

8. Westend Bistro

1190 22nd Street, N.W. (at M St NW), Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · West End · 27 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: For happy hour, good $6 cocktails and enjoy the good food: A divine lobster roll, Mac&Cheese, and crabcake. On sliders, get fish burger & pork and skip the cheeseburger.

The Source by Wolfgang Puck is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

9. The Source by Wolfgang Puck

575 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Asian Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 88 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Great happy hour special down at the bar really allows you to sample the menu without the price of the upstairs dining room. Opt for the re-imagined bahn mi or the frenched sweet/tangy chicken wings.

Zentan is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

10. Zentan

6.9
1155 14th St NW (at Massachusetts Ave.), Washington, D.C.
Asian Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 70 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Get the Asian coleslaw with 20 ingredients and really savor every bite. Different textures and tastes really make this an amazing dish to eat as every bite is unique in some way.

Eventide Restaurant is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

11. Eventide Restaurant

3165 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
Bar · Lyon Village · 46 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Enjoy the pan-seared scallops. The puree underneath was simply tasty and I would have licked the plate clean if it wasn't such an improper thing to do.

Bistro Bis is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

12. Bistro Bis

7.0
15 E St NW (at North Capitol St NW), Washington, D.C.
French Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 42 tips and reviews

Gilmer C.Gilmer Capps: The BEST bowl of French Onion Soup you will ever have. Guarantee it!

Bourbon Steak is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

13. Bourbon Steak

8.8
2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Steakhouse · Georgetown · 94 tips and reviews

Tammy G.Tammy Gordon: lobster corndogs. french fries. mac n cheese. freshmade cocktails. oh, and the dining rooms not half bad either.

Ray's The Steaks is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

14. Ray's The Steaks

2300 Wilson Blvd (at Clarendon Blvd & N Wayne St), Arlington, VA
Steakhouse · Clarendon - Courthouse · 125 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Strictly no-frills, Ray's the Steaks has one focus and that is steak. So what the dining room is lacking in visual interest, it makes up for in red meat, cooked to perfection. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Brasserie Beck is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

15. Brasserie Beck

1101 K St NW (at 11th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Belgian Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 125 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: The mussels are stellar and cooked just perfectly. Sample all the different flavors -- but don't burn yourself on the hot pans they come in.

Belga Cafe is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

16. Belga Cafe

8.0
514 8th St SE (at E St SE), Washington, D.C.
Belgian Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 81 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Always a solid option on Barracks Row, Belga Cafe serves global "Eurofusion" cuisine (mostly Belgian) with a neighborly touch. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Adour is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

17. Adour

923 16th and K Streets, N.W. (at K St NW), Washington, D.C.
French Restaurant · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 13 tips and reviews

marianne m.marianne myers: Go for a tasting menu and order the wine pairings. They wine pairings are surprisingly affordable, so don't hesitate.

Ray's The Steaks At East River is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

18. Ray's The Steaks At East River

3905 Dix St NE (at Minnesota Ave), Washington, D.C.
Steakhouse · Benning · 15 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Between the smoked fried chicken (amazing and not oily) and the amazing bourbon glazed strip steak -- what's not to love? Also love the little cornbread muffins and the really warm/attentive staff.

19. Lyon Hall

8.7
3100 Washington Blvd (at N Highland St.), Arlington, VA
French Restaurant · Clarendon - Courthouse · 93 tips and reviews

Josh B.Josh B: Best new addition to Clarendon restaurant scene. Fantastic food, laid-back atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Love the outdoor seating and convenient location to Clarendon Metro Station.

Fiola is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

20. Fiola

8.5
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW (at Indiana Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
Italian Restaurant · Penn Quarter · 67 tips and reviews

LexLex: Hint: This place is not on Pennsylvania.

Hank's Oyster Bar is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

21. Hank's Oyster Bar

8.7
1624 Q St NW (at 17th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Seafood Restaurant · Northwest Washington · 160 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Tucked into a quiet corner of the busy Dupont Circle neighborhood, Hank's Oyster Bar is a local standby for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Bibiana is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

22. Bibiana

1100 New York Ave NW (at 12th & H St NW), Washington, D.C.
Italian Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 36 tips and reviews

EaterEater: This downtown establishment doesn't seem all that warm and inviting from the outside, but the handmade pastas and other Italian classics say otherwise. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Ethiopic is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

23. Ethiopic

7.9
401 H St NE (at 4th St NE), Washington, D.C.
Ethiopian Restaurant · Near Northeast · 49 tips and reviews

Erin H.Erin Howard: Huge portions!!! One is enough for two people!!!

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

24. Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

8.7
401 7th St NW (at D St NW), Washington, D.C.
Mexican Restaurant · Penn Quarter · 326 tips and reviews

Daniel M.Daniel Melleby: Try the grasshopper tacos. I'm not even kidding. Never had them before and they were DELICIOUS. I'm a total convert.

Kushi Izakaya & Sushi is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

25. Kushi Izakaya & Sushi

465 K St NW (at 5th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Japanese Restaurant · Mount Vernon Square · 107 tips and reviews

AskMenAskMen: It's got everything you need. Boisterous, after-work izakaya drinking culture? Check. The kushiyaki serving skewered & grilled meats? Check. The raw bar slicing up the freshest fish from Japan? Check.

Toki Underground is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

26. Toki Underground

8.5
1234 H St NE (above The Pug), Washington, D.C.
Noodle Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 181 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: My favorite is the miso ramen. And get the soft-poached egg to top it!

The Atlas Room is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

27. The Atlas Room

1015 H St NE, Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 29 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Great place on H -- go with a couple of other friends or couples and share lots of the plates for a great family style sampling meal. Don't miss the chowder or the short rib ravioli. Yum!

Cork is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

28. Cork

1720 14th St NW (btw R & S), Washington, D.C.
Wine Bar · Logan Circle - Shaw · 59 tips and reviews

Joshua D.Joshua Delano: Great wine and food. The Duck Confit is the best thing on the menu. After that I'd say the Brioche and Sea Bream/Orata are tied for second. Change of pace? Pete is one of the best mixologists in DC

Birch & Barley is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

29. Birch & Barley

1337 14th St NW (at Rhode Island Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · Logan Circle - Shaw · 104 tips and reviews

Michael P.Michael Perry: The maple glazed Brussel sprouts are to die for as is the beet risotto

Pho 75 is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

30. Pho 75

8.7
1721 Wilson Blvd (at N Quinn St), Arlington, VA
Noodle Restaurant · Colonial Village · 132 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Pho 75 is easily the best Pho close into the city. If you want either metro accessible or no more than a few minutes away -- this is my go-to place. Perfect for warming up on a cold winters day.

Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

31. Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant

7.5
1114 U St NW (at 12th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Ethiopian Restaurant · U-Street · 62 tips and reviews

EaterEater: It might not seem like all that much from the outside, but Dukem is authentic Ethiopian in the heart of a city that takes its Ethiopian food very seriously. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Sushi Taro is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

32. Sushi Taro

8.5
1503 17th St NW (btwn P & Church St NW), Washington, D.C.
Sushi Restaurant · Northwest Washington · 83 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Easily the best sushi in town. It's pricey, but it's also a really solid experience. They also have great lunch specials -- bowls of ramen and so on. Can't go wrong here.

Pho Golden Cow is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

33. Pho Golden Cow

7.8
7246 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA
Vietnamese Restaurant · 6 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Simply the best Pho in the metro area. It's no frills and all business. Steaming broth and perfect flavor -- it's worth the drive out from the city.

Mark's Duck House is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

34. Mark's Duck House

7.7
6184 Arlington Blvd (Seven Corners), Falls Church, VA
Chinese Restaurant · 46 tips and reviews

LetTeddyWin ..LetTeddyWin .com: Scallop dumplings, Har gow, Dry pan fried noodle with yellow leek, Birthday noodles, dumpling soup, Roast pork, Roast duck, Chive sprouts...

Cashion's Eat Place is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

35. Cashion's Eat Place

1819 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · Adams Morgan · 50 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: A diamond in the middle of the Adam's Morgan. Skip the mediocre bar food and eat here instead. Love the salmon on corn pudding, the sweetbreads, the smoked salt prawns, and the reasonable wine prices.

Little Serow is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

36. Little Serow

1511 17th St NW (at Church St NW), Washington, D.C.
Thai Restaurant · Northwest Washington · 58 tips and reviews

AskMenAskMen: The spicy and sour food from the northeastern Issan region can include sausage with kaffir and basil, as well as pork rib with whiskey and garlic. Don't be afraid to get a little messy. Read more.

Rasika West End is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

37. Rasika West End

9.3
1190 New Hampshire Ave NW (at M St NW), Washington, D.C.
Indian Restaurant · West End · 116 tips and reviews

Brian G.Brian Gluckman: You MUST have the crispy fried spinach appetizer. It'll change the way you view leafy greens.

Rogue 24 is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

38. Rogue 24

922 N St NW, REAR, Washington, D.C.
Molecular Gastronomy Restaurant · Logan Circle - Shaw · 10 tips and reviews

Washingtonian MagazineWashingtonian Magazine: Chef R.J. Cooper’s all-tasting-menu venture—parceled out in 16 or 24 quick-bite dishes—is a wild ride of a night, especially if you don’t burden it w/ too many expectations of what dinner should be.

barmini by José Andrés is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

39. barmini by José Andrés

8.8
501 9th St NW (9th St NW between E and F St NW), Washington, D.C.
Cocktail Bar · Penn Quarter · 74 tips and reviews

Jim HJim H: Call at 10am exactly 1 month ahead for a reservation.

Zaytinya is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

40. Zaytinya

9.0
701 9th St NW (at G St. NW), Washington, D.C.
Mediterranean Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 411 tips and reviews

Washingtonian MagazineWashingtonian Magazine: A mezzanine dining area puts you above the crowds, but sometimes it’s more fun to mix it up below, particularly at the long communal table.

Hank's Oyster Bar is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

41. Hank's Oyster Bar

633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C.
Seafood Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 43 tips and reviews

Tasting TableTasting Table: Check out this latest location of Hank's where a seafood master has joined forces with a cocktail ace. The cocktail menu has dozens of punches, and this location is finally serving desserts: Read more.

Boundary Road Restaurant is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

42. Boundary Road Restaurant

414 H St NE, Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · Near Northeast · 41 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: If you don't mind eat foie....try the foie gras, peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It's delightful and so rich.

Le Grenier is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

43. Le Grenier

502 H St NE (at 5th St NE), Washington, D.C.
French Restaurant · Near Northeast · 34 tips and reviews

Sydney S.Sydney Schaefer: Good date spot! Try to get a table upstairs.

Cusbah is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

44. Cusbah

1128 H St NE (at 12th St NE), Washington, D.C.
Pakistani Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 27 tips and reviews

Bobby T.Bobby T: I've eaten here many times, and I have never had rude service. In fact the staff goes out of their way to be friendly and helpful. food is outstanding. If you don't like loud music, don't come late.

Elisir is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

45. Elisir

427 11th St NW (at Pennsylvania Ave. NW), Washington, D.C.
Italian Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 7 tips and reviews

Michelle C.Michelle C.: TT Tip: start with branzino carpaccio, then move on to squid ink pasta with saffron sheets and finally duck breast with roasted artichoke hearts, olive sauce, potatoes and caramelized quince ragout.

Estadio is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

46. Estadio

1520 14th St NW (at Church St NW), Washington, D.C.
Spanish Restaurant · Logan Circle - Shaw · 159 tips and reviews
Menomalé Pizza Napoletana is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

47. Menomalé Pizza Napoletana

8.6
2711 12th St NE (at Evarts St NE), Washington, D.C.
Pizzeria · Brookland · 55 tips and reviews

Meryl T.Meryl Todd: The pizza is so good you don't need to load it with toppings. The simple pizzas are phenom and don't miss the frozen lemon sorbet.

Table is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

48. Table

903 N St NW (at 9th St NW), Washington, D.C.
New American Restaurant · Logan Circle - Shaw · 30 tips and reviews

Tammy G.Tammy Gordon: Our table faves at Table were the scallops, oysters, charcuterie, tagliatelle and pork belly. Nice wine list.

BlackSalt is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

49. BlackSalt

9.1
4883 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, D.C.
Seafood Restaurant · Foxhall-Palisades · 72 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Oysters, blue shell mussels, fried Ipswich clams and more join entrees like bouillabaisse, skate wing and smoked toro dashi to pretty much cover the gamut of seafood. [Eater 38 Member]

Muze is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

50. Muze

1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C.
New American Restaurant · Southwest Employment Area · 13 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: The seafood here is just amazing. Get a piece of fish (any of them!) and enjoy the meal and the amazing view of the Potomac. Also ask for extra cornbread muffins to go. Well worth it!

Great Wall Szechuan is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

51. Great Wall Szechuan

1527 14th St NW (btwn P & Q St NW), Washington, D.C.
Chinese Restaurant · Logan Circle - Shaw · 34 tips and reviews

Doug J.Doug Joubert: The Ma La dishes are mouth numbingly delicious!

New Big Wong is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

52. New Big Wong

6.7
610 H St NW, Washington, D.C.
Chinese Restaurant · Chinatown · 40 tips and reviews
Chinatown Express is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

53. Chinatown Express

6.2
746 6th St Nw (at H St), Washington, D.C.
Chinese Restaurant · Chinatown · 126 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Avoid the entire menu they hand you. I've tried various dishes on it and they all come out soupy and oily. That said, order anything they are making/hanging in their front windows. Noodles, meats, etc

Range is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

54. Range

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW (in Chevy Chase Pavillion), Washington, D.C.
New American Restaurant · Friendship Heights · 85 tips and reviews

The Baltimore SunThe Baltimore Sun: From our review: "If the kimchi linguine is around, pounce on it. Order it twice." For your main meat, try the hanging beef tender or a cunning lamb trio. Read more: http://bsun.md/14bAlFe

Al Dente is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

55. Al Dente

6.8
3201 New Mexico Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Italian Restaurant · Cathedral Heights · 23 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Roberto Donna cooks dinner for a mere four diners at a kitchen counter at Roberto’s 4, a restaurant-within-a-restaurant inside Al Dente.

Rose's Luxury is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

56. Rose's Luxury

9.1
717 8th St SE, Washington, D.C.
New American Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 134 tips and reviews

Jason T.Jason Townsend: Amazing food at Rose's Luxury -- highly recommend the Pork sausage/habanero/lychee salad and the Pickle brined fried chicken with honey & sesame

57. Doi Moi

8.6
1800 14th St NW (at S St NW), Washington, D.C.
Asian Restaurant · U-Street · 89 tips and reviews

Bobby S.Bobby Sudekum: Get whole fried fish. You won't be disappointed.

Zenebech Injera is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

58. Zenebech Injera

608 T St NW (at Florida Ave. NW), Washington, D.C.
Ethiopian Restaurant · U-Street · 39 tips and reviews

LiJia G.LiJia Gong: hands down the best injera in the city and the best bang for your buck ethiopian

Béarnaise is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

59. Béarnaise

315 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C.
French Restaurant · Capitol Hill · 24 tips and reviews

CatherineCatherine: Flat iron > Ribeye. The flat iron steak is thicker than the ribeye so it's easier to cook to the preferred temperature (med rare). The size difference b/w the two is negligible. And it's cheaper!

Kogiya Korean BBQ is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

60. Kogiya Korean BBQ

9.1
4220-A Annandale Rd, Annandale, VA
Korean Restaurant · 43 tips and reviews
Cantina Marina is one of Favorite Washington, DC Restaurants.

61. Cantina Marina

600 Water St SW (at 6th St SW), Washington, D.C.
Mexican Restaurant · Southwest Washington · 81 tips and reviews