Washington D.C., often associated with politics and history, also boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. From international flavors to iconic local dishes, the city offers a plethora of gastronomic experiences. This guide highlights the must-eat food in Washington D.C., showcasing the diverse neighborhoods and culinary hotspots every food enthusiast should explore.
A World of Flavors in the Nation’s Capital
Forget the stereotype of power breakfasts and steak houses. The true essence of eating in D.C. lies in its diverse international cuisine. The city and its surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia are a melting pot of flavors from around the globe.
Southeast Asian cuisine stands out, with popular destinations like Baan Siam known for its Northern Thai dishes and Maketto offering Taiwanese and Cambodian café fare. For an authentic Lao experience, visit Thip Khao in Columbia Heights, or explore their newer locations like Padaek in Northern Virginia and the cocktail bar Baan Mae. Makan in Columbia Heights is a Malaysian restaurant gaining popularity for its sweet, spicy, sour, and funky flavors. Explore the region’s rich Vietnamese food culture centered around the Eden Center in Falls Church, Virginia. For a modern take, visit Moon Rabbit in Penn Quarter. For refined Korean bar food from a rising, James Beard Award-nominated chef, Anju located between Dupont and Adams Morgan is a must-try.
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Middle Eastern cuisine is also making waves, with Albi in Navy Yard and Maydan near the U Street corridor gaining national recognition for their wood-burning cooking styles. For Caribbean flavors, Cane on H Street NE offers Trinidadian-themed dishes like jerk chicken wings and doubles. Alternatively, St. James on 14th Street NW provides a more formal setting for Caribbean cuisine.
D.C. boasts significant Ethiopian and Salvadoran communities. Savor Ethiopian favorites like beef tibs and doro wat at Habesha Market or Dukem in Little Ethiopia, or at Chercher. For a modern twist, Doro Soul Food in Shaw blends Ethiopian traditions with American classics. Find delicious Salvadoran pupusas at Gloria’s in Columbia Heights, El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan, or El Rinconcito near the convention center.
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No culinary journey through D.C. is complete without a chili-cheese half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl, a historic Black-owned restaurant on U Street. Explore nearby soul food staples like Henry’s Soul Cafe and Florida Avenue Grill, or try Oohs and Aahs for wings, collard greens, and mac and cheese.
For an upscale experience, visit Café Riggs in Penn Quarter for fresh oysters and espresso martinis. The U Street corridor offers ceviche at El Secreto de Rosita, Middle Eastern cuisine at Yalla, and rooftop sushi at Baby Shank. Dauphine’s, located downtown, provides a Mid-Atlantic-meets-New Orleans dining experience.
Navigating D.C.’s Culinary Hotspots
Adams Morgan
Known for its international dining options, Adams Morgan is home to Lucky Buns for burgers, Lapis for Afghan cuisine, Perry’s for Japanese food, the Game for Filipino dishes, Green Zone for Middle Eastern cocktails, and Tail Up Goat for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Shaw
Shaw’s popular spots include All-Purpose for pizza, Seylou Bakery, and the Dabney for Mid-Atlantic cuisine. Don’t miss Maxwell Park for wine, Never Looked Better for cocktails, and Calico for an urban garden experience. Oyster Oyster offers innovative vegetable-focused tasting menus, and Amazonia/Causa serves Peruvian cuisine.
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14th Street/Logan Circle
This area boasts Le Diplomate for French bistro fare, Compass Rose for international small plates, and Nama Ko for Japanese cuisine. Venture north of Columbia Heights for authentic Mexican restaurants like Taqueria Habanero, Mezcalero, and Anafre.
Union Market
The Union Market district includes the Union Market food hall and nearby restaurants like St. Anselm and Masseria. Stop by Cotton & Reed for rum cocktails, Last Call for Old Fashioneds, and A. Litteri for Italian subs. La Cosecha offers Latin American cuisine.
Capitol Hill
Explore Rose’s Luxury and Little Pearl, Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Chiko and I Egg You. Visit Market Lunch inside Eastern Market for crab cakes and blueberry pancakes.
D.C.’s Iconic Dishes and Drinks
No exploration of Must Eat Food In Washington Dc is complete without experiencing the iconic local offerings.
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- Half-Smoke: A spicy sausage, often with chili, made famous by Ben’s Chili Bowl.
- Jumbo Slice: Giant slices of pizza, popular after a night out in Adams Morgan.
- Blue Crabs: Steamed with Old Bay seasoning, a Chesapeake Bay delicacy.
- Rickey: A classic cocktail with gin or whiskey, lime, and fizzy water.
- Mumbo Sauce: A sweet-and-sour condiment found at Chinese carryouts.
Beyond D.C.: Culinary Adventures in Virginia and Maryland
Explore the diverse culinary landscape of Northern Virginia and Maryland, offering Vietnamese, Chinese, Salvadoran, and Korean cuisines.
In Maryland, Wheaton offers shawarma from Max’s Kosher and fried watercress salad from Ruan Thai. Rockville is home to Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly for Filipino food and Thai Chef Street Food. Try 2Fifty Texas BBQ in Riverdale Park for brisket.
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Discover the Best Food in Washington DC
From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries, D.C.’s culinary scene has something for everyone. Use this guide to explore the diverse neighborhoods and iconic dishes that make Washington D.C. a food lover’s paradise.
