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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 Salvado
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 o
Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visi
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.
A favorite for an elegant working lunch, this cozy gem spotlights southern French cooking and serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. On the menu, you will find classic French fare such as duck confit, steak and fries, and mussels. The dining space consists of three distinct spaces: a quaint indoor dining room with vintage French art, a picturesque patio surrounded by greenery, and a third dining room with an active fireplace in the winter for a cozy, romantic vibe.
1039 31st St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
This unpretentious but intimate and stylish bistro recalls a Parisian café, with dark woods, white tablecloths, and cozy tables—not to mention the owner himself is from Paris. The main floor has two dining rooms, one of which has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the street when weather permits. The menu is traditional French, with staples like steak frites, escargots, bouillabaisse, and crepes.
4907 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
The zinc bar, cherrywood interior, and white tablecloths create great expectations at Bistro Bis, where the seasonal menu offers modern takes on French bistro fare. Thanks to its prime location, acclaimed menu, deep wine list, and classic cocktails, it's a popular spot for Washington power brokers and insiders. For a first course, be sure to try the steak tartare, served with a porcini mushroom aioli. Main course hits include classic steak frites, wild mushroom risotto, and beef bourguignon.
15 E St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
French and romantic, adorned with velvet curtained walls in a 19th-century bordello sort of way, Bistro Cacao is the place to go for a special meal. An extensive menu has a modern innovative flair—think grilled Mediterranean sea bass with leek confit and filet mignon with red pearl onion sauce. The trio crème brulée is the perfect end to the culinary experience. The patio is charming.
316 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, USA
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
Relaxed and upbeat, this neighborhood bistro serves twists on old classics such as potato-crusted salmon served with cherry and Pernod sauce, but some standards, including braised veal cheeks, remain. The wine is all French, with many available by the glass. The wine bar on the second floor has a menu of small plates, and seating is first come, first served.
1736 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
This cozy French restaurant serves classics such as ratatouille, steak frites, and coq au vin. The extensive wine list focuses on French varieties, guaranteeing perfect pairings. The popular brunch features lovely omelets and crunchy croque monsieurs. On warm days, enjoying a glass of champagne on the cozy patio is a popular neighborhood pastime.
801 O St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
Served in a warmly lit, elegant setting, the award-winning Belgian menu at Marcel's—the flagship restaurant of acclaimed chef Robert Wiedmaier—often includes multiple seafood choices (like perfectly seared diver scallops and Blue Bay mussels), succulent duck breast, and a selection of foie gras. Order the mixed-melon minestrone with yogurt sorbet and cream for dessert. If you're craving fine dining but are short on time, check out the happy hour menu, which offers small dishes like duck liver mousse and escargot for $12 a plate.
2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, USA
At this saloon-inspired venue, European and American flavors come together with seasonal ingredients. The menu changes weekly, with dishes like a half-roasted chicken with truffle butter or seared sea scallops with roasted eggplant. Having brunch on the patio is a great way to check out the Adams Morgan scene.
1813 Columbia Rd. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
This Parisian-style café is fast and casual yet sophisticated. The puff of its cheese gougeres, the heft of its salty-sweet croque monsieur sandwiches, and the delicate crunch of its almond-flour macaron cookies will leave you craving more. Although there can be lengthy lines, when you compare the prices and quality here to other Downtown lunch options, nothing else comes close.
801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 2004, USA
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