79 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C., USA

Baked & Wired

$ | Georgetown Fodor's choice

Skip the chain bakeries and head to Baked & Wired for their legendary cupcakes (the red velvet is a must), savory scones, and chocolate chip cookies. Any D.C. native will tell you this is one of their favorite spots! Also, coffee lovers will be pleased with all the options on the menu. 

Bantam King

$ | Penn Quarter Fodor's choice

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
202-733–2612
Known For
  • rich ramen bowls
  • lively dining room
  • fried chicken
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Walk-in only

Ben's Chili Bowl

$ | U Street Fodor's choice

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.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Call Your Mother Deli

$ | Foggy Bottom Fodor's choice

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. 

Cava

$ | Chinatown Fodor's choice

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.

Chaia

$ | Chinatown Fodor's choice

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. 

Colada Shop

$ | U Street Fodor's choice
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.

Colada Shop

$ | D.C. Waterfront Fodor's choice

There was great excitement in summer 2020, when the second Colada Shop opened, an extension of its very popular first branch in Northwest D.C. Its breakfast menu, in particular, is extensive and appealing, bringing a Cuban twist to familiar-sounding offerings and serving a wide variety of coffees, including café con leche and café bonbon, made with condensed milk. And while it may feel strange to have baked eggs for dinner rather than breakfast, it’s certainly worth breaking with convention for the sake of the chorizo and chickpea calderos. If you’ve never had sweet plantains before, this is a great place to try them. Finish your meal with churros, and you’ll be thoroughly satisfied.

Crimson Diner + Whiskey Bar

$ | Chinatown Fodor's choice
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.

Dolcezza at the Hirshhorn

$ | The Mall Fodor's choice

Popular D.C. coffee and gelato chain Dolcezza set up shop at the Hirshhorn Museum a few years ago, making it the only locally owned café in a Smithsonian museum. On a hot summer day, cool down with a heaping cone of their beloved pistachio gelato or recharge with a strong espresso. Located in the futuristic-looking lobby designed by the internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, it has stunning tables made in the shape of the roots of a medieval Japanese nutmeg tree. The café also offers freshly made sweet and savory pastries to appeal to the diverse taste of its guests.

Good Stuff Eatery

$ | Capitol Hill Fodor's choice

Fans of Bravo's Top Chef will first visit this brightly colored burgers-and-shakes joint hoping to spy charismatic celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, but they will return for the comfort-food favorites (and learn it's a family effort). The lines can be long, as it's a favorite lunch spot of congressional aides, but the Mendelsohns’ inventive burgers are worth the wait (there also are creative salads and Southern-fried chicken sandwiches). After placing your order cafeteria-style, grab several of the fresh dipping sauces for the tasty thyme-and-rosemary-seasoned hand-cut skinny fries or Vidalia onion petals. Just as important, leave room for a toasted marshmallow or Milky Way malted shake that's as thick as the ones you remember from childhood.

303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
202-791--0168
Known For
  • fun burgers like the "Prez" (with bacon, onion marmalade, and Roquefort cheese)
  • thick malted milkshakes
  • variety of dipping sauces for hand-cut skinny fries

Pavilion Café

$ | The Mall Fodor's choice

At the edge of the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, you can sidle up to the counter and feast your eyes on the menu items before deciding what you'll order at this casual, sit-down eatery. From pastries to anything-but-ordinary salads to hot and cold sandwiches with Southwestern or East Asian flavors, you'll have an array of choices. Salads topped with plenty of seasonal fruit, vegetables, and style. Sandwiches typically offer a twist, such as Montréal beef on whole-grain ciabatta or lemon-tarragon chicken salad on a whole-grain croissant. Enjoy your meal inside with full windows or outside in either the sun or the shade—or take it with you to sit by the fountains surrounding a pond, making something of a soothing oasis as they drown out the traffic noise. In summer, you can order carafes of sangria to take in the sounds of the popular Jazz in the Garden series. During the winter, you can enjoy some boozy hot chocolate and cider while walking around the garden's seasonal ice-skating rink. Hours change seasonally.

Perry's

$ | Adams Morgan Fodor's choice

One of the best places for sushi in D.C., this upscale restaurant also has plenty to delight those who prefer other types of Japanese and Japanese-inspired food. The seaweed salad is delicious, as are the gyoza and hoisin buns. The rooftop bar is a very pleasant place to spend an evening, with great views over Adams Morgan and beyond—and the Happy Hour is excellent value. On Sundays, the big draw is drag brunch. It's served in two sittings, and often sells out; be sure to book at least a week in advance.

1811 Columbia Road NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
202-234--6218
Known For
  • excellent-value happy hour
  • all-you-can-eat drag brunch
  • great rooftop with lovely sunset views
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat.

Pete's New Haven Style Apizza

$ | Friendship Heights Fodor's choice

Pete's is a locally owned, Friendship Heights landmark, serving "New Haven-style" (thin-crust, coal-fired) pizzas and offering an extensive toppings list. The spacious patio gives you enough room to spread out.

Room 11

$ | U Street Fodor's choice

You're invited to the coolest house party in the city, where deft hands in a tiny kitchen turn out urbane plates that go down like a designer outfit hidden on the sale rack. From the roasted mushroom risotto at dinner to the perfectly assembled breakfast sandwich on a biscuit for brunch, this small wonder has a dish for every mood. The indoor space is, indeed, small, lined in bistro tile and tailor-made for knocking knees on date night, but the patio is ample and has outdoor heating in winter. Save room for the baked wonders of local pastry consortium Paisley Fig and a cocktail or two.

3234 11th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20010, USA
202-332–3234
Known For
  • intimate (read: tiny) hip space
  • brunch-time biscuit sandwich
  • outdoor patio with heating lamps in winter
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays

Seylou Bakery and Mill

$ | Shaw Fodor's choice

Skip the chains and head to this beloved local coffee shop and whole-grain bakery offering fresh sourdough creations, whole wheat almond croissants, and seasonal veggie frittatas. Grab a specialty coffee, a yerba-maté or nettle tea, and a 100% whole-wheat chocolate croissant or buckwheat muffin on your way to tour the city. Look out for the afternoon’s pastries, including the wheat-free sorghum brownies.

Shake Shack

$ | Penn Quarter Fodor's choice

Yes, it's a chain made most famous in New York City, but if you're craving a burger, you can get your fix at the D.C. Chinatown outpost. Juicy burgers with a special sauce, classic fries (get them with cheese), and tasty shakes make it worth the short wait—especially if you're looking for a delicious, reasonably priced lunch between visits to Downtown attractions. Other D.C. Shake Shacks are in Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Union Station, and Nationals Park.

Spoken English

$ | Adams Morgan Fodor's choice
A restaurant unlike any other in D.C., Spoken English is tucked away within the kitchen of Brothers and Sisters. The tachinomiya-style (standing only) setup encourages adventurous eating and conversation among friends and strangers. Taste your way through the exclusive sake menu paired with a variety of Asian street-style small plates. Highlights include the chicken-skin dumplings and blood cake. If you have a large enough group, try the whole roasted duck or chicken yakitori.
1770 Euclid St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
202-588–0525
Known For
  • small plates of Asian street food
  • standing room only
  • exclusive sake selections
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch

Sweet Home Café

$ | The Mall Fodor's choice

Sweet Home Café, located at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, continues to be on the top of the list of best museum restaurants in Washington, D.C. since opening in 2016. It offers traditional and authentic dishes that rotate based on the seasons. The culinary staff uses locally sourced ingredients and a from-scratch cooking style to showcase the rich history of African American cuisine from four distinct geographic regions. Summer brings barbecue and fish-fry special menus and offers seasonal holiday dishes. Taste the regional experiences of the South year-round with buttermilk fried chicken from the agricultural South, gumbo or shrimp and grits from the Creole coast, a Caribbean-style pepper pot from the Northern states, or pan-roasted rainbow trout from the Western range.

Western Market

$ Fodor's choice

Are you looking for a place featuring local vendors and affordable eats? Check out Western Market, a new food hall close to George Washington University. From Italian hoagies to Venezuelan arepas, you can get a taste of D.C.'s diverse culinary scene. The marketplace tenants consist of an exciting lineup of concepts, including Capo Deli, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls, Onkei, RAWish, Nim Ali, Falafel Inc., Arepa Zone, Bandoola Bowl, and Roaming Rooster. The ample space, at over 12,000 square feet, is a fun meeting place, drawing crowds from GW, neighboring institutions like the World Bank, and visitors alike. 

Agua 301 Restaurant

$ | Southeast
You'll be impressed by the modern approaches to traditional Mexican food at this restaurant, which aims to be more than a simple neighborhood Tex-Mex joint. More-conventional tacos and empanadas stand beside an innovative Mexican-inflected take on paella, and lighter options include ceviche, soups, salads, and bocaditos (little bites to accompany your drinks). Check out the sprawling list of tequilas, mezcals, beers, and margaritas. Weekend brunch is very popular.
301 Water St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
202-484–0301
Known For
  • modern Mexican cuisine
  • great empanadas and tacos
  • extensive mezcal and tequila list

All-Purpose Pizzeria

$ | Shaw

You can get nearly any pizza you might want, from a classic Margherita style with the standard mozzarella, tomato, and oregano toppings to more elaborate pizzas like Enzo the Baker with smoked bacon, Calabrian chilis, and red onion. For lighter fare, try some of the hand-selected meats off the salumi menu or one of the spuntini (“little snacks") that include braised octopus and squash "hummus." There are no shortages of antipasti and salad offerings, either. Come by for happy hour, or "spritz hour," from 5:30 to 7 at the bar, and enjoy desserts from the Buttercream Bakeshop next door.

1250 9th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
202-849–6174
Known For
  • seasonally inspired pizzas
  • delicious antipasti
  • pickup and delivery

Beefsteak

$ | Foggy Bottom

Vegetarians and carnivores alike rejoice at Beefsteak, the vegetable-forward fast-casual restaurant by renowned chef and humanitarian José Andres. Located at the heart of Foggy Bottom, it offers colorful salads, veggie burgers, and hearty bowls. Most items are $10 or less, ideal for a budget meal without sacrificing quality. Items like the Faux Joe burger, made with plant-based protein, spicy chilorio chili sauce, and the katsu bowl with Asian spices are favorites among guests. 

Ben's Next Door

$

A Black-owned establishment that brings you delicious food and even better drinks. Its location being so close to Maryland, some dishes are Maryland inspired and to die for. They are known for happy hour themes everyday of the week and their famous brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

1211 U St. NW, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
202-667--8880
Known For
  • shrimp and grits
  • unlimited mimosas on weekends
  • Sunday brunches

Bindaas

$ | Foggy Bottom

For a taste of Indian street food, head to Bindaas, a casual restaurant near George Washington University. Owned by the same restaurant group as Rasika, you will find high-quality Indian food in a more relaxed setting. Fans of Bindaas go for kathi rolls, made with a thin crepe-like shell and filled with classics such as chicken tikka masala and paneer (spinach and cheese stew). You can also find a wide selection of chaat (savory snacks) and pao buns with stew fillings. 

2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20006, USA
Known For
  • wide selection of chaat (savory snacks)
  • classic Indian dishes
  • casual setup
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Bread Furst

$ | Cleveland Park

Owner-baker Mark Furstenberg has been honored with the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker, so you know the bread here is amazing. But there are also delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus that, while simple, rely on local farmers for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dishes range from vegetable frittatas to ham and cheese biscuits to seasonal vegetables on a baguette. You can dine inside or out.

4434 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA
202-765--1200
Known For
  • neighborhoodly ambience
  • pies made with Virginia peaches and Maryland apples
  • bread, of course: from country levain to French baguettes to ryes to rich brioche, all baked fresh
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Parking is available in the rear

Brothers and Sisters

$ | Adams Morgan
The lobby of the Line Hotel in D.C. is vibrant unlike any other, entirely on account of this restaurant, which celebrates the multicultural nature of the city. Enjoy twists on American classics with Asian flavors (cavatelli pasta seasoned with miso), a simple but compelling cocktail menu, and an extensive selection of cakes and pastries. A late-night bar draws hotel patrons and locals alike on weekends.

Café Georgetown

$ | Georgetown

Inside a picturesque blue Georgetown row house, you will find Café Georgetown, a chic, European-inspired café serving pastries such as carrot cake and baklava. The café has an extended coffee and tea menu, but what guests come for is the exquisite latte art. If you're visiting during cherry blossom season, a cherry blossom latte is a must! At $7, they are pricier than your average latte, but they are worth the splurge. 

Calabash Tea & Tonic

$ | Shaw

This award-winning teahouse, named Yelp’s “Most Loved Business in D.C.” in 2019, features more than 80 teas, tonics, and body products based on founder Dr. Sunyatta Amen’s Jamaican Maroon and Native American great-grandmothers’ time-tested formulas. After you're greeted at the counter, one of Calabash’s skilled staff will craft a concoction based on your needs or desires. Every interaction is personal. Calabash also offers healing via direct-trade, pour-over coffees and vegan vittles, including Jamaican patties, pies, and soups. At Calabash, you enter as a customer and then become a part of the community.