Many people visit the nation’s capital in middle school to explore museums and monuments, experiencing American history firsthand. Perhaps you, like the author of the original article, missed out on that trip. Regardless, Washington, D.C. is a captivating city to visit as an adult. Seeing iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument evokes a sense of national pride. Exploring these sites can certainly work up an appetite, and thankfully, Washington D.C. boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene. To discover the best places to eat in Washington, DC, we’ve consulted local experts to guide first-time visitors through the culinary highlights of the DMV area (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). Get ready to explore some must-visit dining destinations!
Must-Try Restaurants in Washington DC
Founding Farmers: Farm-to-Table Excellence
Founding Farmers embodies the farm-to-table concept, with over 47,000 American family farmers owning the majority of the restaurant. This direct connection from farm to table is evident in the fresh, vibrant flavors of every dish. Everything is made from scratch, even the sodas! Forget mass-produced soft drinks; here, you’ll find homemade orange soda and other unique beverages. While the homemade soda sounds tempting, don’t overlook their expertly crafted cocktails, featuring spirits from their own Founding Spirits distillery.
Drinks and Dinner at Founding Farmers
Instead of soda, try signature cocktails like The Constitution, a refreshing mix of Founding Spirits Dry Gin, chamomile, ginger, blueberry, lemon, and jerk soda, or The Martinez, a sophisticated gin cocktail with maraschino liqueur, dolin rouge, and absinthe bitters. These drinks perfectly complement the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients.
Start your meal with the Virginia ham and biscuits, a truly local and delectable appetizer. This dish features three types of Virginia ham served with whole grain mustard, cranberry jam, chow-chow relish, and honey butter. For biscuit connoisseurs, these are exceptional – fluffy, substantial, and incredibly fresh. The variety of accompaniments allows for endless flavor combinations, making it a delightful and interactive starter.
For a lighter main course after the generous appetizer, consider the Jefferson-filled donut. Alternatively, for a heartier option, try the Texas chili dog with potato salad as a side, a nod to Southern comfort food. Even a small taste of the potato salad reveals its unique character – a tangy, mayo-less version that is incredibly fresh and flavorful.
Founding Farmers comes highly recommended by locals and international travelers alike, making it a must-try for anyone seeking authentic and delicious Washington, DC food. Support American farmers and experience food as it should be – fresh, flavorful, and made with care.
Virtue Feed and Grain: Historic Charm and Modern Flavors
Virtue Food and Grain offers a unique dining experience in Old Town Alexandria, just a short distance from Washington DC. Located near Captain’s Row, Alexandria’s oldest cobblestone street, the restaurant itself is steeped in history. Housed in a repurposed 1800s feed house, Virtue Feed & Grain retains its original charm while offering a contemporary dining atmosphere. Take a stroll along the historic Wales Alley, named after Alexandria’s first brewer, Andrew Wales, before arriving at this captivating restaurant.
Drinks and Dinner at Virtue Feed & Grain
Begin your meal with a celebratory cocktail. The Dark Chocolate Manhattan, a blend of Maker’s Mark, Amaro Averna, and chocolate bitters, is a potent and delicious choice to start your DC dining adventure.
For a main course, sharing the short ribs is highly recommended. These red wine-braised short ribs are incredibly tender and flavorful, complemented by sauteed mushrooms and creamy sunchoke parmesan mashed potatoes. The short ribs are a perfect follow-up to the amazing crab dip, creating a memorable and satisfying meal.
Busboys and Poets: Culture and Community
Busboys and Poets is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural hub named after the renowned American poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy in Washington DC before achieving literary fame. This unique establishment serves as a restaurant, bookstore, community gathering space, and venue for artists, activists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers. While the original author didn’t get to visit, it’s highly recommended for experiencing a vibrant and intellectual side of Washington DC. Known for spoken word poetry events and a diverse book selection, particularly highlighting Black women writers, Busboys and Poets offers a unique and enriching experience.
Ted’s Bulletin: Comfort Food and Friendly Service
Ted’s Bulletin promises a welcoming atmosphere where you’ll quickly feel like a regular. Known for its exceptionally friendly service, staff members make an effort to connect with diners on a personal level. While famous for homemade pop tarts, Ted’s Bulletin truly shines during brunch.
The crab cake benedict is a brunch highlight, featuring perfectly cooked crab cakes, homemade Hollandaise sauce, and crispy hashbrowns. Pair it with an Old Bay bloody Mary for a truly satisfying start to your day. The kitchen is remarkably efficient, with dishes arriving promptly after ordering, making it an ideal spot for a delicious and quick brunch.
Call Your Mother: A Jew-ish Deli – Trendy and Community-Focused
Call Your Mother is a must-visit, not only for its delicious food but also for its vibrant and Instagrammable atmosphere. This popular deli gained even more attention when President Biden made it his first restaurant visit as President.
Beyond its trendy appeal, Call Your Mother delivers on flavor. The Pastrami Sun City bagel sandwich, with pastrami, a bodega-style egg, spicy honey, and cheese on an everything bagel, is a standout. It’s as delicious as it is visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a memorable Washington DC food experience.
Call Your Mother is also deeply committed to the community, supporting local children’s breakfast programs, career training, summer camps, and immigrant support initiatives. Dining here means enjoying fantastic food while contributing to meaningful causes, making it a truly feel-good experience.
Best Dessert Spots in Washington, DC
Baked & Wired: Unique Cakecups
Baked & Wired redefines cupcakes with their “cakecups.” These aren’t your typical pastel-colored confections; Baked & Wired has a slightly edgy vibe with darkly painted walls and creatively named flavors like “Unip*rn and Rainho” and “Karen’s Birthday.”
Try their seasonal Cherry Blossom cakecup, a vanilla cake with chopped maraschino cherries and maraschino buttercream. These cakecups are incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and generously sized, making them a perfect dessert indulgence.
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken: Sweet and Savory Delights
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory. For a unique lunch, try the Old Bay All Day – flavorful fried chicken, bacon, and sriracha mayo sandwiched between a savory Old Bay-dusted doughnut.
For dessert, indulge in their special cherry blossom doughnut, filled with cherry jam. Astro Doughnuts expertly fills even doughnuts with holes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Iron Rooster: Maryland Pop Tarts
Iron Rooster, located just outside of DC in Annapolis, Maryland, is renowned for their homemade pop tarts. These aren’t your average toaster pastries; Iron Rooster’s pop tarts are buttery, generously filled, and topped with ample icing and decorations.
Iron Rooster’s pop tarts are a delightful and satisfying dessert, showcasing the best of Maryland’s pastry scene and making it a worthwhile addition to your Washington DC food exploration if you venture slightly outside the city.
We hope this guide to the best places to eat in Washington, DC for first-time visitors has been helpful! From farm-to-table dining to unique desserts, Washington DC’s food scene offers something for everyone. Are there any other restaurants you would recommend adding to this list? Share your suggestions in the comments below!
