Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is renowned for its historical monuments, political significance, and increasingly, its vibrant and diverse food scene. Beyond the power lunches and political hotspots, a culinary revolution has been brewing, transforming DC into a must-visit destination for food lovers. If you’re searching for the Best Food In Dc, look no further. We’ve curated a comprehensive guide to the restaurants that define Washington’s gastronomic excellence, offering a taste of everything from innovative fine dining to comforting casual eats.
This guide is your passport to exploring the best food in DC, a journey that takes you through Michelin-starred establishments, neighborhood gems, and hidden culinary treasures. We’ve meticulously analyzed the current dining landscape to bring you an updated list of top-tier restaurants, ensuring you experience the pinnacle of DC’s culinary offerings. Forget generic tourist traps; we’re diving deep into the flavors, chefs, and experiences that make DC a true foodie paradise.
Whether you’re a local resident seeking your next favorite spot or a visitor eager to taste the best of what DC has to offer, our guide to the best food in DC is your essential companion. Prepare your palate for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
DC's Top 25 Restaurants: A Curated List of Culinary Excellence
Our selection of the top 25 restaurants in DC represents the pinnacle of the city’s dining scene. This list is a dynamic reflection of the ever-evolving culinary landscape, updated to include the latest standouts and ensure you’re always in the know about the best food in DC.
1. Moon Rabbit: Vietnamese Heritage Meets Culinary Innovation
Chef Kevin Tien is a culinary force in DC, and Moon Rabbit is his masterpiece. This Penn Quarter gem, located in the elegant space formerly occupied by CoCo Sala, showcases Tien’s Vietnamese heritage with creative twists drawn from his Louisiana upbringing and global influences. The result is food that is complex, deeply flavorful, and consistently delicious. For a truly unforgettable dining experience featuring some of the best food in DC, Moon Rabbit is a must.
Don’t miss the exceptional pastries by Beard-nominated pastry chef Susan Bae, a perfect complement to Tien’s savory dishes. Her creations embody the same spirit of creative deliciousness that defines Moon Rabbit. If you’re seeking a chef to prepare your last meal, many DC food enthusiasts would point to Kevin Tien – his dedication to flavor and innovation is that compelling.
Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp Thermidor with shellfish sabayon, Squid Boudin with charred eggplant puree, Green Curry Sponge Cake with avocado sorbet.
2. Queen’s English: Cantonese Flavors with a Personal Touch
Queen’s English, run by the husband-and-wife team of Henji Cheung and Sarah Thompson, offers a deeply personal and unique Cantonese dining experience. Chef Henji Cheung’s cooking is rooted in the Cantonese and Hakkanese flavors of his upbringing, while Sarah Thompson expertly manages the front of house and a top-tier wine program (recognized by Michelin as DC’s Sommelier of the Year in 2023). For adventurous eaters seeking the best food in DC with authentic and bold flavors, Queen’s English is unparalleled.
This Columbia Heights restaurant is a place to expand your palate, encouraging diners to try less common ingredients, like the surprisingly delightful pig-ear salad. Vegetarian options are equally compelling, with dishes like Mushroom Mushroom and Truffle Dumpling standing out as flavorful and satisfying, proving that vegetarian dishes can be just as exciting as their meat counterparts in the realm of best food in DC.
3. Albi & Yellow: Middle Eastern Roots, DC Flair
Chef Michael Rafidi, a James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Chef in June 2024, has masterfully channeled his Palestinian roots into two exceptional dining experiences: the upscale Albi and the more casual Yellow. Both restaurants offer a taste of Rafidi’s heritage, drawing inspiration from his family in Ramallah and his grandparents’ home cooking. If you’re looking for the best food in DC with Middle Eastern influence, Albi and Yellow are essential destinations.
Albi, located in Navy Yard, features a dramatic wood-fired open hearth, adding a primal and communal element to the dining experience. Yellow, in Georgetown, is perfect for breakfast or lunch, offering the same authentic flavors in a more relaxed setting. Both locations are renowned for their exceptional hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel. Don’t miss Yellow’s Batata Tots or Albi’s Batata Harra – culinary and architectural marvels that exemplify the best food in DC.
4. Lutece: French Elegance in Georgetown
Lutece, a jewel-box French restaurant, has played a pivotal role in Georgetown’s culinary resurgence. This intimate spot offers a menu of French classics with seasonal updates, making it a consistent contender for the best food in DC in the French cuisine category. Signature dishes like the charred Napa cabbage, duck breast, Parisian gnocchi, and honey semifreddo are mainstays, though their preparations evolve with the seasons.
Whether you prefer the cozy ambiance inside or the lively sidewalk seating, Lutece provides a quintessential French dining experience. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking refined and classic French flavors that contribute to the best food in DC.
5. Bar Spero: Open Fire and Seafood Sensations
Named one of the country’s best new restaurants of 2023 by Bon Appetit, Bar Spero brings an exciting open-fire cooking approach to DC’s dining scene. This Capitol Crossing restaurant is seafood- and vegetable-forward, delivering dishes cooked with a hearth-kissed flavor. For those seeking innovative and flavorful seafood options, Bar Spero is a prime example of the best food in DC.
From hearth-grilled bread with chicken liver mousse to grilled oysters, beef tartare, and the famous burger, Bar Spero offers a menu full of hits. The Jonah Crab Rice and Burnt Cheesecake Ice Cream are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to creative and delicious dishes that solidify its place among the best food in DC.
6. L’Ardente: Italian Whimsy and Culinary Confidence
From Chef David Deshaies, also of Unconventional Diner, L’Ardente offers beautifully executed Italian dishes with a touch of playful whimsy. Deshaies’ training under Michel Richard is evident in the refined yet approachable nature of the menu. L’Ardente is a standout for those seeking visually stunning and delicious Italian cuisine, making it a strong contender for the best food in DC in the Italian category.
The 40-layer lasagna, a social media sensation, lives up to the hype in both presentation and taste. L’Ardente is also an excellent lunch spot, offering salads, pastas, and pizzas that are perfect for a midday indulgence. The Funghi Pizza is a must-try, and the salads are equally impressive, solidifying L’Ardente’s place among restaurants offering the best food in DC.
7. St. Anselm: The Quintessential DC Steakhouse
St. Anselm is arguably DC’s favorite steakhouse, a reliable choice for a consistently enjoyable meal. The menu is filled with crowd-pleasing classics, elevated with fresh, modern touches. From the iconic biscuits with pimento cheese to perfectly cooked steaks, St. Anselm provides a comforting yet refined dining experience, representing the best food in DC for steak lovers.
Dishes like blue-crab deviled eggs, creative salads, the surprisingly delicious salmon collar, and a range of expertly prepared steaks make St. Anselm a go-to for both special occasions and casual dinners. It’s a place where familiar favorites are updated and enhanced, making it a cornerstone of the best food in DC.
8. Thip Khao, Baan Mae, Padaek: Lao Flavors That Ignite the Senses
Chef Seng Luangrath’s restaurants—Thip Khao, Baan Mae, and Padaek—are essential destinations for experiencing authentic and vibrant Laotian cuisine. Thip Khao, the flagship location, and Padaek in Falls Church are known for their bold flavors and spicy dishes. For adventurous palates seeking the best food in DC with Southeast Asian flair, these restaurants are unparalleled.
The Naem Khao (Laotian crispy rice salad) is a standout dish, a complex and perfectly balanced mix of textures and flavors. Be warned: when they say spicy, they mean it. Explore beyond the Naem Khao to discover a menu full of flavorful and fiery dishes that make these restaurants cornerstones of the best food in DC.
9. Namak: Eastern Mediterranean Excellence
Namak, located in Adams Morgan, emphasizes impeccable execution in its Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Tolgahan Gulyiyen’s Turkish-American background informs a menu that highlights the importance of cooking technique in bringing out the best flavors. For those who appreciate expertly prepared dishes, Namak is a prime example of the best food in DC with Mediterranean influences.
The Adana kabob and shrimp kabob are standouts, perfectly cooked and juicy. The feta saganaki is another highlight, deep-fried to golden perfection. While dill is a prominent ingredient, the focus on execution and flavor makes Namak a must-try for anyone seeking the best food in DC.
10. Anju: Korean Homestyle with a Modern Twist
Anju, a Dupont Circle favorite, continues to be a popular destination nearly five years after opening, recognized as the #1 restaurant in DC by Washingtonian in 2020. It offers a blend of traditional and updated Korean homestyle dishes, making it a consistent contender for the best food in DC in the Korean cuisine category.
The starters are particularly strong, especially the fried chicken with gochujang glaze and beef tartare. For main courses, the fried rice and rice cakes are excellent choices. Brunch at Anju is also a treat, with dishes like Shrimp Juk and PB&J French Toast offering comforting and decadent options, further solidifying Anju’s place among restaurants offering the best food in DC.
11. Centrolina: Chef Amy Brandwein’s Culinary Mastery
Chef Amy Brandwein consistently delivers exceptional dishes at Centrolina. Her cooking defies expectations, blending elemental techniques with elevated flavors. Centrolina is a testament to culinary expertise and innovation, making it a key destination for those seeking the best food in DC with Italian influences.
From roasted chanterelle with Parmesan crème brûlée to squid ink fusilli with octopus ragu, each dish showcases Brandwein’s skill and creativity. Even simple dishes like grilled sea scallops are elevated to new heights. Centrolina is a place where every meal feels special, contributing significantly to the best food in DC scene.
12. Pastis & Le Diplomate: Parisian Bistro or Brasserie?
Stephen Starr’s dueling Parisian-inspired restaurants, Pastis and Le Diplomate, offer distinct yet equally compelling dining experiences. Pastis, a bistro, and Le Diplomate, a brasserie, both transport diners to Paris, but with different vibes. Choosing between them depends on your preference, but both represent the best food in DC for French-inspired dining.
Le Diplomate excels in bread and frites, while Pastis offers a succulent bar cut steak frites and a textbook crème caramel. Both are excellent, but cater to slightly different preferences in ambiance and menu highlights. Ultimately, both Pastis and Le Diplomate contribute to the diverse and high-quality best food in DC scene.
13. Seven Reasons & Imperfecto: Venezuelan Flair and Culinary Artistry
Chef Enrique Limardo’s restaurants, Seven Reasons and Imperfecto, showcase vibrant Venezuelan flavors with artistic presentation. Seven Reasons, now in City Center, offers a lively and accessible menu, while Imperfecto provides a more upscale and refined experience. Both are essential for those seeking the best food in DC with Latin American influences.
At Seven Reasons, must-tries include arepitas, Latin falafel, ceviche, and whole fish. Imperfecto features crudos, pastas, tiger prawns, and tartares, all beautifully plated and bursting with flavor. The lamb terrine at Imperfecto is a standout, blending humble and luxurious ingredients. Limardo’s culinary vision makes both restaurants strong contenders for the best food in DC.
14. 2Fifty Texas BBQ: Authentic Texas Barbecue in DC
2Fifty Texas BBQ brings authentic, Texas-style barbecue to the DC area. With brisket as good as anything you’d find in Texas, 2Fifty has redefined DC’s barbecue scene. For barbecue enthusiasts, 2Fifty is an undisputed destination for the best food in DC in the BBQ category.
Don’t miss the Thursday pastrami special, considered by many to be the best in town. The pork ribs have also improved, now rivaling the brisket in quality. Sides like beans, coleslaw, and mac & cheese are excellent complements. 2Fifty Texas BBQ is a must-visit for anyone serious about finding the best food in DC.
15. Caruso’s Grocery & Cucina Morini: Italian-American Classics and Regional Flavors
Chef Matt Adler’s restaurants, Caruso’s Grocery and Cucina Morini, offer two distinct Italian dining experiences. Caruso’s Grocery pays homage to classic Italian-American cooking, while Cucina Morini focuses on the regional flavors of Sicily and coastal Italy. Both restaurants showcase Adler’s appreciation for tradition and innovation, making them key players in the best food in DC scene for Italian cuisine.
At Caruso’s Grocery, don’t miss the calamari, Neapolitan ragu, veal Francaise, and parm. Cucina Morini highlights tomato focaccia, crudos, paccheri alla norma, and pollo all diavola. Adler’s approach of refining classic dishes makes both restaurants stand out as providers of the best food in DC.
16. Bar del Monte: Unpretentious Italian Quality
Bar del Monte, from the team behind 2 Amy’s, offers a focus on quality ingredients and simple preparations. This Mt Pleasant restaurant caters to those who appreciate high-quality food without the fuss, making it a unique destination for the best food in DC with Italian influences.
The set menu features items like Chistorra, l’Escala anchovies, and bottarga. Specials might include Sardinian Sheep Ricotta grilled in fig leaf and house-cured Capicola. The pizzas, with a focus on quality toppings, are also excellent, perhaps even better than 2 Amy’s for some. Bar del Monte proves that simplicity and quality are key ingredients in the best food in DC.
17. Perry’s: Japanese Cuisine with a Creative Chef
Perry’s has been transformed by Chef Masako Morishita. Once known primarily for its rooftop deck, Perry’s is now a dining destination thanks to Morishita’s innovative Japanese cooking. For sushi and creative cooked dishes, Perry’s is a standout, offering some of the best food in DC in the Japanese category. Chef Morishita was awarded the James Beard award for Emerging Chef of the Year in June 2024.
Sushi and raw fish preparations are excellent, but it’s Morishita’s cooked dishes like grilled avocado, udon carbonara, and shrimp katsu burger that truly shine. Perry’s is now a year-round destination, offering some of the most creative and delicious best food in DC.
18. Pascual: Upscale Mexican on Capitol Hill
Pascual offers upscale Mexican cuisine that has quickly become a Capitol Hill favorite. Despite expanding its seating, it remains a tough reservation, a testament to its quality. For those seeking refined Mexican flavors, Pascual is a top choice for the best food in DC in the Mexican category.
Standout dishes include the fall-off-the-bone lamb neck barbacoa, refreshing chayote salad, and scallop aguachile. If you’re in the Capitol Hill area, Pascual is definitely worth a visit for some of the best food in DC.
19. Cielo Rojo: Hospitality and Heart in Takoma Park
Cielo Rojo in Takoma Park offers not just great Mexican food, but a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Run by husband and wife team David Perez and Carolina McCandless, Cielo Rojo focuses on quality and hospitality. For a dining experience that feels good inside and out, Cielo Rojo is a prime example of the best food in DC area, especially in the neighborhood gem category.
Start with the pozole, always a highlight. The guacamole and tres leches are also excellent. Cielo Rojo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place that makes you feel better simply by being there, a true testament to the best food in DC experience.
20. Ellē: Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Gem
Ellē is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant in Mt. Pleasant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Baked goods are at the heart of Ellē, making it a perfect spot for a morning bagel, midday sandwich, or dinner. For a casual yet high-quality dining experience, Ellē is a strong contender for the best food in DC in the neighborhood restaurant category.
Dinner highlights include grilled sourdough and pasta dishes with creative toppings. The springtime toast and XO Caesar Salad are excellent examples of Ellē’s culinary creativity. While Mt. Pleasant’s dining scene has boomed, Ellē remains a beloved local spot, offering reliably delicious best food in DC.
21. A&J Restaurant: Dumplings and Noodles Done Right
A&J Restaurant in Rockville and Annandale is a haven for dumpling and noodle lovers. The bustling atmosphere and staff enjoying meals in the dining room are a testament to the quality of the food. For authentic and delicious Chinese dumplings and noodles, A&J is a top choice for the best food in DC area in the casual Chinese category.
From fried pork potstickers to handmade noodles, A&J offers a wide range of dishes that are consistently satisfying. It’s a cash-only spot, but well worth it for a taste of some of the best food in DC if you are looking for authentic Chinese comfort food.
22. The Duck & The Peach: American Cuisine with a Rotisserie Heart
The Duck & The Peach centers its cooking around a French Rotisol rotisserie, lending a unique flavor to its American cuisine. This Capitol Hill restaurant offers honest, straightforward, seasonal food in a comfortable setting. For rotisserie meats and classic American dishes, The Duck & The Peach is a solid choice for the best food in DC in the American cuisine category.
From rotisserie duck to sea bass, the menu highlights simply prepared, flavorful dishes. The well-spaced tables add to the relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The Duck & The Peach is a place where you can enjoy quality best food in DC without pretense.
23. Alfreda Pizza: Thin Crust Pizza Perfection
Alfreda Pizza offers thin, crisp crust pizzas, a welcome addition to DC’s pizza scene. For pizza aficionados who prefer a thin and crispy style, Alfreda is a must-try for the best food in DC in the pizza category.
The sourdough pies are particularly noteworthy, especially the Tomato pie with crushed tomato, garlic, chili, and pecorino romano. Ordering your pizza well-done results in a beautifully charred undercarriage. Alfreda provides a satisfying and straightforward pizza experience, contributing to the best food in DC pizza options.
24. The Red Hen & Aventino: Pasta Powerhouses
Chef Mike Friedman’s restaurants, The Red Hen and Aventino, both offer exceptional Italian cuisine, with a focus on pasta. The Red Hen, more laid-back, and Aventino, upscale and Roman-inspired, both deliver top-tier Italian dishes. For pasta lovers, these are essential destinations for the best food in DC in the Italian category.
The Red Hen is home to the iconic Rigatoni with Fennel Sausage Ragu. Aventino offers a more refined Roman-inspired menu. Whichever you choose, expect terrific pastas and seasonal dishes. Both Red Hen and Aventino are integral to the best food in DC Italian dining scene.
25. Convivial: Consistently Excellent French Cuisine
Convivial, often overlooked, consistently delivers excellent French cuisine. Chef Cedric Maupillier’s dishes are well-executed and more interesting than expected. For reliable and delicious French dining, Convivial is a hidden gem for the best food in DC in the French category.
From Poireaux Vinaigrette to beef bourguignon and creative chicken dishes, Convivial’s menu is full of winners. Brunch is also excellent, especially the cinnamon rolls. Convivial is a reminder that sometimes the best culinary experiences are found in places that consistently deliver quality, making it a valuable part of the best food in DC scene.
Exploring DC’s Best Food by Cuisine
To further guide your culinary exploration of the best food in DC, we’ve categorized restaurants by cuisine, making it easy to find exactly what you’re craving.
Pizza: Slices of Heaven in DC
DC’s pizza scene is diverse and delicious. Here are some top spots for the best food in DC when it comes to pizza:
Alfreda: (See above) Known for thin, crisp sourdough crusts.
Frankly…Pizza!: Kensington MD. Unique crust, try the White Hot Mess.
Martha Dear: Mt Pleasant. Blistered sourdough crust.
La Casina DC: Eastern Market. Roman-style pinsa pies with a light, airy crust.
Andy’s Pizza: Multiple Locations. Classic NY style slices, widely regarded as some of the best food in DC for New York style pizza.
Mexican: Authentic Flavors South of the Border
DC’s Mexican food scene is vibrant and diverse. Explore these spots for some of the best food in DC when you crave Mexican flavors:
Cielo Rojo: (See above) Welcoming atmosphere and excellent pozole.
Taqueria el Mexicano: Adelphi MD. Top-notch chicken mole.
Amparo Fondita: Dupont Circle. Excellent Pozole Rojo.
Chicatana: Columbia Heights. Delicious Al Pastor tacos.
Fast-Casual: Quick, Delicious, and Convenient
For quick and delicious meals, these fast-casual spots offer some of the best food in DC for on-the-go dining:
Kuya-Ja’s Lechon Belly: Rockville MD. Must-try lechon belly and Papa B’s Fried Rice.
ChiKo: Multiple Locations. Korean-Chinese flavors, try the Shrimp Toast with XO Sauce.
When You Have a Group with Different Tastes: Everyone Wins
These restaurants are perfect for groups with diverse palates, offering something for everyone and ensuring a satisfying experience of the best food in DC for all:
St. Anselm: (See above) Steakhouse with crowd-pleasing options.
Ruthie’s All-Day: Arlington VA. Southern comfort food, try the Rad Double Burger.
Unconventional Diner: Convention Center. Modern diner fare, try the Chicken Parm.
Woodmont Grill: Bethesda MD. French Dip and cheeseburger standouts.
Vegetable-Forward: Delicious Greens
For those seeking vegetable-centric dining, these restaurants offer some of the best food in DC with a focus on fresh produce:
Oyster Oyster: Shaw. Creative vegetable dishes, try the Celery Root with Smoked Tofu Puree.
Looking to Splurge: Fine Dining Experiences
For special occasions or when you want to indulge, these splurge-worthy restaurants offer some of the best food in DC in fine dining:
Imperfecto: (See above) Refined Venezuelan cuisine.
Reverie: Georgetown. Elegant tasting menus, try the Crab Custard.
Kappo DC: Palisades. Japanese Kappo experience, Wagyu tasting menu.
Italian: Pasta, Pizza, and More
Beyond the restaurants already mentioned, these Italian spots also offer some of the best food in DC in the Italian cuisine category:
L’Ardente: (See above) Whimsical and delicious Italian.
Red Hen/Aventino: (See above) Pasta powerhouses.
Caruso’s Grocery/Cucina Morini: (See above) Classic and regional Italian.
Thompson’s Italian: Falls Church & Alexandria VA. Regional Italian, try the Olive Oil Cake.
Ethiopian: Rich Flavors of East Africa
DC has a strong Ethiopian culinary presence. Explore these restaurants for some of the best food in DC when craving Ethiopian cuisine:
CherCher: Columbia Heights & Bethesda MD. Traditional Ethiopian dishes.
Betsebeb: Silver Spring MD. Authentic and flavorful Ethiopian food.
Tsehay Restaurant and Bar: Adams Morgan. Lively atmosphere and delicious Ethiopian fare.
French: Classic and Contemporary
For French cuisine, DC offers both classic bistros and contemporary spots. These are some of the best food in DC locations for French fare:
Pastis/Le Diplomate: (See above) Parisian bistro and brasserie experiences.
Convivial: (See above) Consistently excellent French dishes.
Chez Billy Sud: Georgetown. Classic French dishes, try the Duck Confit.
La Piquette: Glover Park. Steak Frites and classic bistro fare.
Sandwich Shops: Lunchtime Delights
For a satisfying lunch, these sandwich shops offer some of the best food in DC for sandwiches:
Soko Butcher: Takoma Park MD. Steak and Cheese standout.
Bub & Pops: Golden Triangle. Tuna Melt and creative sandwiches.
Chinese: Noodles, Dumplings, and More
Beyond A&J, explore these for more of the best food in DC in the Chinese cuisine category:
A&J: (See above) Dumplings and noodles.
Sichuan Jin River: Rockville MD. Authentic Sichuan, try the Chinese-Style Kung Pao Chicken.
Cuban: Island Flavors in DC
For a taste of Cuba, Mi Cuba Cafe offers some of the best food in DC for Cuban cuisine:
Mi Cuba Cafe: Columbia Heights. Roast Pork with black beans and rice.
Bakery: Sweet Endings and Morning Treats
Finally, for baked goods and sweet treats, these bakeries offer some of the best food in DC for pastries and bread:
Manifest Bakery: Riverdale Park MD. Excellent breads and pastries.
Bread Furst: Van Ness. Artisanal breads and pastries.
Conclusion: Your Culinary Adventure Awaits in DC
Washington DC’s food scene is a dynamic and exciting landscape, constantly evolving and offering new culinary adventures. From Michelin-starred fine dining to casual neighborhood eateries, the best food in DC is diverse, flavorful, and waiting to be explored.
This guide provides a starting point for your culinary journey, highlighting some of the top restaurants and must-try cuisines in the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we encourage you to use this as inspiration to discover your own favorite spots and experiences.
The best food in DC is not just about dining; it’s about experiencing the city’s culture, diversity, and passion through its culinary offerings. So, embark on your gastronomic adventure and taste the best of what Washington DC has to offer. Bon appétit!
