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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
At this chic take on the shellfish shacks of New England, daily offerings include a half-dozen varieties of oysters on the half shell and lobster rolls, fried shrimp, oyster po’boys, and other fish dishes. For those who prefer turf to surf, the molasses-braised beef short ribs and roasted chicken entrées are excellent choices. There are no desserts, so don't be afraid to have your fill of the classy entrées!
1624 Q St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- A bittersweet chocolate chunk at the end of the meal
- Half-price oyster bar happy hours
- Great cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Dinner and weekend brunch only; closed Mon.
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$$$$ | Dupont Circle |
Young, energetic chef-owner Johnny Monis offers one of the city's most adventurous dining experiences in this tiny space. The multicourse, prix-fixe menu, which changes daily, showcases contemporary fare with distinct Mediterranean influences. Buzzed-about plates have included mascarpone-filled dates with sea salt and succulent spit-roasted goat with pita bread. Reservations open 30 days in advance, with phones open from 2 pm to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
1509 17th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Intimate ambience
- Impressive wine list (but no cocktails)
- Reservations that book up very quickly
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$ | Dupont Circle |
Visit South America without leaving the Golden Triangle at Pisco y Nazca, a modern Peruvian restaurant known for its authentic food. Start with a pisco sour—the bar makes the traditional version of Peru's national cocktail as well as creative, tropically flavored varieties—and then choose from dishes that include colorful ceviche plates and lomo saltado (stir-fried beef). The happy hour, known as "la hora loca," is popular with young professionals who work in the neighborhood and who appreciate the $6 glasses of wine, a steal in Washington, D.C.
1823 L St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Fun and affordable happy hour
- Traditional pisco sour and other cocktails
- Authentic Peruvian cuisine
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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
Anju, the reinvention of chef Danny Lee's Mandu, serves unique takes on Korean classics with mainstays such as succulent seared galbi (short rib) with Bibb lettuce and perilla leaves, as well as—in an homage to its old name—mandu (dumplings). Many of Anju's recipes come from Lee's mom, chef Yesoon Lee, who you can sometimes spot on-site, and, since opening in 2019, it has dominated the best restaurant lists of local publications and bloggers.
1805 18th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Modern Korean food
- Creative tasting menu
- Creative cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
The latest creation by famed D.C. restaurateur Ashok Bajaj is located where the legendary Restaurant Nora used to sit. This modern American eatery focuses on locally sourced ingredients, handmade pasta, and whimsical desserts.
2132 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA
Known For
- Extensive wine list
- Beautiful decor
- Led by former White House chef Frank Ruta
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. (temporarily)
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
A well-established local favorite, this cozy bistro has a monumental zinc bar and a menu of moderately priced French classics, including onion soup, duck breast, cassoulet, and steaks garnished with a pile of crisp fries. Enjoy your meal with a glass of the house Beaujolais, a Côtes du Rhône, or an Alsatian white. If you're in town for Bastille Day (July 14th), don't miss the restaurant's lively French National Day celebration.
1738 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Many varieties of mussels
- A big party every July 14, Bastille Day
- Fun local hangout
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$ | Dupont Circle |
CHIKO (a hybrid of Chinese and Korean, as is the food) Dupont Circle is the second outpost of this revered restaurant, featured in many of the city's "Best of" lists. Although the model is fast-casual, there's nothing fast or casual about the quality of food presented at the restaurant. The menu includes Korean classics like a bulgogi bowl, but it also features unique sandwiches such as the Sichuan hot fried chicken sandwich or a bulgogi hoagie. The duck fried rice is to die for, and Dumpling Happy Hour is another thing not to miss, between 3 and 6 pm. Adorned with neon art, the dining room is cozy yet funky.
2029 P St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Award-winning D.C. dining
- Upscale fast casual
- Modern Korean food
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$ | Dupont Circle |
Tucked away on picturesque S Street NW, Dawson's Market (formerly Glen's) is a hybrid grocery store and coffee shop–café. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the café offers delicious sandwiches, freshly made pizzas, and hearty soups. Enjoy your lunch and people-watch on the ample patio. Pick up locally made, pastries, cheeses, and condiments in the restaurant space. Check the website for events, which include wine and cider tasting.
2001 S St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Local ingredients
- Tasty sandwiches
- Market space
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$ | Dupont Circle |
Vegans and carnivores alike will rejoice over HipCityVeg's creative, plant-based, fast-casual menu. The Philadelphia-born company serves a popular vegan cheesesteak, accompanied by sweet potato fries, of course.
1300 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Vegan Philly cheesesteak
- Vegan milkshakes
- One of the few plant-based fast-food spots in the city
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$$ | Dupont Circle |
In the former carriageway and stable house of a Dupont Circle town house, Iron Gate's romantic setting complements its upscale Mediterranean fare, served either à la carte or via a tasting menu with optional wine pairings. The menu changes but always includes a seasonal variation on the house focaccia, buratta and feta dip, and staples like the mixed grill and whole fish for two. If you are visiting in warmer months, make sure to dine on the cozy patio, which is draped with wisteria vines.
1734 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Five-course and multicourse "family" table tasting menus
- Patio adorned with fairy lights and wisteria vines
- Eclectic cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.
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$$ | Dupont Circle |
From early morning until well into the evening, you'll find chatty diners at this bookstore café. Breakfast fare is popular, with crab cake benedict one of the top choices. A few vegan and gluten-free dishes are also offered. If you're dining alone, the bar is your best bet as staff can be reluctant to give single diners one of the coveted outside or window tables.
1517 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Crave-worthy desserts
- Full bar
- Popular patio
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$ | Dupont Circle |
For those craving the flavors of Israel, Little Sesame is the place. This fast-casual spot in the Golden Triangle serves bowls of creamy hummus topped with colorful veggies and savory proteins. The changing menu also offers pita sandwiches with falafel, chicken shawarma, and roasted cauliflower. Save room for dessert—the vanilla tahini soft-serve is beloved.
1828 L St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Hummus bowls
- Vanilla tahini soft serve
- Israeli cuisine
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$$ | Dupont Circle |
Mission Dupont serves tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Tex-Mex fare in a casual setting. It's a popular hangout for young professionals, graduate students, and interns, who particularly enjoy the legendary happy hour. In warmer months, order a giant margarita out on the patio, and take in the lively Dupont Circle scene.
1606 20th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Fairly priced cocktails
- Casual atmosphere
- Close to the Metro
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$$$$ | Dupont Circle |
Despite its tiny dining room, this Italian stalwart, under the helm of veteran chef Esther Lee, has maintained a pull on special-occasion diners since the late 1980s, offering only a pricey, five-course, prix-fixe dinner that changes nightly. A sample menu—with its mouthwatering delicacies—is posted on the website to give diners an idea of what to expect. Think handmade pasta, high-quality meats, and rustic bread to accompany the meal.
2029 P St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Standout burrata
- Attentive service
- Accommodating many dietary restrictions (except for vegan and celiac) with advance notice
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
The inn is historical, with its fireplaces and antique furnishings, but the restaurant's culinary sensibilities are thoroughly modern. The menu changes seasonally but consistently offers excellent seafood and vegetarian options. If you come for brunch, you can dine in the ivy-draped patio surrounded by eclectic sculptures. If you come for dinner, make time for a nightcap—perhaps a craft cocktail or a straightforward glass of whiskey—in the intimate lounge.
1739 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- D.C. landmark where movers and shakers sometimes breakfast
- Great brunch (complete with homemade doughnuts)
- Attractive patio
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$ | Dupont Circle |
One of the newest additions to the trendy brunch scene beloved especially of young professionals in D.C., Tatte in Dupont Circle sits in the triangular point of a building, with windows on both sides—ideal for letting in the right light for the Instagram pictures you'll be inspired to take in this aesthetically pleasing café. From biscuit-and-egg sandwiches to quiche to the North African poached-egg dish, shakshuka, there's something here for every palate.
1301 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options
- Baked goods that look as good as they taste
- Great coffee
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$ | Dupont Circle |
The imposing exterior belies the spare yet serene two-story space offering breakfast specialties, healthy Japanese and Thai-style entrées that make for great comfort food and desserts. Don't sleep on the homemade cookies! There's a lovely street view from the second level.
2009 R St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
Known For
- Large variety of teas
- Japanese bento boxes
- Salty oat cookies
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$$$ | Dupont Circle |
The Pembroke at the Dupont Circle Hotel is one of the most beautifully designed D.C. hotel restaurants, and it's not unusual to see an influencer posing in the newly renovated space. A wraparound porch allows for tons of natural light, and a coral leather booth is the perfect place to be seen while eating a colorful salad, hearty steak, or delicate seafood dish from the American-focused menu.
1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Known For
- Instagram-worthy setting
- Steak and seafood dishes
- Incredible key lime pie