Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is renowned for its historical monuments and iconic landmarks. But beyond the museums and memorials, a vibrant culinary scene awaits, ready to tantalize your taste buds. For first-time visitors eager to explore the best food Washington DC has to offer, this guide, crafted by a local food expert, unveils the must-visit restaurants and dishes that will make your trip unforgettable.
Having explored the grandeur of the National Mall and felt the patriotic spirit of this historic city, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Forget the usual tourist traps – we’ve consulted local foodies to curate a list of exceptional dining experiences that showcase the diverse and delicious flavors of the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. Get ready to discover the best places to eat in Washington DC, from brunch hotspots to dinner destinations and delectable desserts.
Washington DC Restaurants You Can’t Miss: Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Hotspots
Founding Farmers: A True Farm-to-Table Experience
Founding Farmers stands out as a champion of the farm-to-table movement. Uniquely, this restaurant is majority-owned by over 47,000 American family farmers, creating an unparalleled connection between the source and your plate. This commitment to fresh, local ingredients is evident in every bite. Everything at Founding Farmers is made from scratch daily – even their sodas! Imagine the surprise of a family requesting a Fanta, only to be offered a flavorful homemade orange soda, crafted with the same dedication to quality as their gourmet dishes. And for those seeking something stronger, their cocktails are equally impressive, featuring spirits from their own Founding Spirits distillery.
Signature Drinks and Delicious Dinner Options at Founding Farmers
For an exceptional start to your meal, explore their cocktail menu. We highly recommend “The Constitution,” a refreshing blend of Founding Spirits Dry Gin, chamomile, ginger, blueberry, lemon, and a hint of jerk soda. Alternatively, “The Martinez,” a sophisticated gin cocktail with maraschino liqueur, Dolin Rouge vermouth, and absinthe bitters, offers a more classic yet equally delightful experience.
Begin your culinary journey with the Virginia ham and biscuits, a hyper-local appetizer that is simply divine. This dish features three distinct types of Virginia ham served with a medley of complementary flavors: whole grain mustard, tangy cranberry jam, savory chow-chow relish, and sweet honey butter. As someone who has savored biscuits across the South, from Loveless Cafe to Texas, these biscuits are truly exceptional. Imagine warm, fluffy, yet substantial biscuits, fresh from the oven, offering endless topping combinations – a choose-your-own-adventure for your palate!
After such a generous appetizer, a lighter main course might be in order. The Jefferson-filled donut offers a unique and satisfying option. For a heartier choice, the Texas chili dog, paired with a side of potato salad, is a flavorful tribute to Southern cuisine. Even a small taste of the potato salad reveals its unique character – a tangy, mayo-less creation, remarkably fresh and unlike any you’ve tried before.
Recommended by food enthusiasts from Canada to Portugal, and beloved by local Washingtonians, Founding Farmers is a culinary landmark. It’s a place where you can support American farmers while indulging in food that tastes exactly as it should – fresh, flavorful, and made with passion. This is truly famous Washington, DC food that deserves a spot on your must-try list.
Virtue Feed & Grain: Historic Charm and Modern Flavors in Old Town Alexandria
Virtue Feed & Grain offers a unique dining experience, blending historical ambiance with contemporary cuisine. Located in Old Town Alexandria, just a short distance from Captain’s Row, the city’s oldest cobblestone street, the restaurant invites you to take a scenic stroll through history before your meal. The building itself is a repurposed 1800s feed house, carefully restored to retain its original charm and character. As you walk along Wales Alley, named after Alexandria’s first brewer, Andrew Wales, you’re stepping into a piece of local history, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Cocktails and Culinary Delights at Virtue Feed & Grain
Start your celebration of being in the DC area with their impressive cocktail selection. The Dark Chocolate Manhattan, a potent and delightful mix of Maker’s Mark bourbon, Amaro Averna, and chocolate bitters, is a perfect way to begin. It’s a rich and complex drink that promises a meal of equal caliber.
Expert bartender crafting cocktails at Virtue Feed & Grain, a restaurant in Alexandria offering some of the best food near Washington DC.
For appetizers, the Scotch eggs are a must-try. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, they are a delightful introduction to the culinary experience at Virtue Feed & Grain. However, the true star appetizer, and perhaps the highlight of the entire meal, is the crab dip. Prepare to be amazed. This crab dip is legendary – rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s so good, it’s almost dreamlike! Many consider it a contender for the best dish in the DMV area.
For a main course, the red wine-braised short ribs are an excellent choice. These melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are cooked to perfection and served with sautéed mushrooms and creamy sunchoke parmesan mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that perfectly complements the appetizers and showcases the restaurant’s commitment to quality and taste.
Red wine-braised short ribs, a flavorful main course at Virtue Feed & Grain, known for its best food near Washington DC.
Virtue Feed & Grain is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The combination of historic setting, expertly crafted cocktails, and exceptional food, particularly the unforgettable crab dip, makes it a top destination for anyone seeking the best food in the Washington DC vicinity.
Busboys and Poets: A Cultural Hub with a Culinary Soul
Busboys and Poets is named in honor of Langston Hughes, the celebrated American poet who worked as a busboy in a Washington D.C. hotel in his early years. More than just a restaurant, Busboys and Poets is a community gathering space, a cultural hub for artists, activists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers. It’s a place where food, art, and social engagement intersect. While it’s a must-visit for the atmosphere alone, the food is equally compelling.
According to local Bri, Busboys and Poets is one of the “coolest restaurants in DC” because of its “access to books by my favorite demographic of writers (Black women)” and because it was her first experience with spoken word poetry. She adds, “They’re one of best places to see/hear new creatives and have good discussion.”
Photo credit: Hannah Logan of Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Travel
While the original article did not detail specific dishes, Busboys and Poets is known for its diverse menu featuring American cuisine with global influences, vegetarian and vegan options, and a commitment to using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s website and reviews highlight dishes like their flavorful salads, sandwiches, and entrees, alongside a robust beverage menu. Visiting Busboys and Poets is about more than just eating; it’s about immersing yourself in a vibrant cultural experience while enjoying delicious and thoughtfully prepared food.
Ted’s Bulletin: Comfort Food and Friendly Faces
Ted’s Bulletin promises “fast friends in our servers, bartenders, and fellow diners,” and they truly deliver on this promise. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere is a hallmark of Ted’s Bulletin. Known for its homemade pop tarts and exceptional brunch, this spot is a true gem in the Washington DC food scene. The staff’s attentiveness and warmth make you feel instantly at home.
The crab cake benedict is a brunch showstopper. Featuring perfectly cooked crab cakes, homemade Hollandaise sauce, and crispy hashbrowns, it’s a decadent and satisfying way to start the day. Pair it with their Old Bay bloody Mary for the complete experience. The service is remarkably fast and efficient, ensuring you can enjoy your meal without delay.
Crab cake benedict with hashbrowns, a popular brunch item at Ted’s Bulletin, a top choice for best food in Washington DC.
Ted’s Bulletin is the perfect place to experience classic American comfort food with a touch of flair, served in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re craving brunch, lunch, dinner, or just a sweet treat like their famous pop tarts, Ted’s Bulletin is a reliable and delightful choice for the Best Food In Washington Dc.
Call Your Mother: A Jew-ish Deli with Instagram Appeal and Community Heart
Call Your Mother is a deli that has captured hearts and Instagram feeds alike. Its vibrant aesthetics and delicious food have made it a must-visit in Washington DC. The Georgetown location gained extra attention when President Biden made it his first restaurant visit as President, further solidifying its place on the culinary map.
Beyond its visual appeal and celebrity endorsement, Call Your Mother truly shines with its food. The Pastrami Sun City sandwich is a standout – featuring pastrami, a bodega-style egg, spicy honey, and cheese on an everything bagel. The combination of flavors and textures is simply outstanding. And yes, it tastes even better than it looks!
The Pastrami Sun City, a signature bagel sandwich at Call Your Mother, a top deli for best food in Washington DC.
Call Your Mother is more than just a great place to eat; it’s a business with a strong social conscience. They are committed to giving back to the community by providing breakfast to local children, supporting career training programs, encouraging creativity through summer camps, and aiding immigrants. By choosing to dine at Call Your Mother, you’re not only treating yourself to fantastic food but also supporting a business that is making a positive impact.
Best Places for Dessert in Washington DC: Sweet Endings
Baked & Wired: Cakecups and a Metal Attitude
Baked & Wired redefines cupcakes, offering “cakecups” with unique and edgy flavors. Forget pastel and frills; Baked & Wired embraces a more “metal” vibe with flavors like “Unip*rn and Rainho,” “Unporked Elvis,” and “Karen’s Birthday,” served in a shop with predominantly black walls. It’s a refreshing departure from traditional bakeries.
The seasonal Cherry Blossom cakecup is a must-try. Vanilla cake with chopped maraschino cherries, topped with maraschino buttercream frosting – it’s a perfectly balanced sweet treat. The cakecups are known for being incredibly moist, generously sized, and perfectly sweet.
The Cherry Blossom cakecup, a seasonal and unique dessert at Baked & Wired, a top spot for best food in Washington DC desserts.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Fusion
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken offers a delicious and unexpected combination: fried chicken and doughnuts. For a savory lunch, try the Old Bay All Day – flavorful fried chicken, bacon, and sriracha mayo sandwiched between a savory Old Bay-dusted doughnut. It’s a unique and satisfying meal.
For dessert, indulge in their special cherry blossom doughnut, filled with cherry jam. The fact that they manage to fill a doughnut with a hole in the middle is impressive in itself! But beyond the novelty, these doughnuts are simply delicious.
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken is a playful and delicious destination for both savory and sweet cravings. The inventive combinations and high-quality ingredients make it a standout in the Washington DC food scene.
Iron Rooster: Pop Tarts Beyond Compare
Iron Rooster, while technically in Maryland (Annapolis), is worth a mention for its legendary homemade pop tarts. Known for all-day breakfast and comfort food, Iron Rooster’s pop tarts are a must-try dessert. These aren’t your average store-bought pop tarts; they are buttery, generously filled, and topped with ample icing and decorations.
Iron Rooster’s pop tarts are a nostalgic treat elevated to gourmet status. They are the perfect sweet ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon indulgence.
Your Culinary Adventure in Washington DC Awaits
This guide offers just a starting point for your culinary exploration of Washington DC. From farm-to-table freshness to historic charm and innovative desserts, the city’s food scene is as diverse and dynamic as the nation itself. So, come hungry and ready to discover the best food Washington DC has to offer! Are there any other must-try restaurants you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
