Outsiders might picture Washington D.C. as a city of power breakfasts and political maneuvering, but the truth is, its food scene is a vibrant and creative melting pot that attracts locals, visitors, and foodies alike. From wood-fired Levantine cuisine in Navy Yard to innovative Mediterranean flavors in the West End, the Washington area offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that make it one of the most exciting restaurant destinations in the United States. This guide, regularly updated, will take you through the neighborhoods and foods that every aspiring D.C. aficionado needs to explore.
A World of Flavors: Exploring D.C.’s Diverse Cuisine
Forget the stereotype of D.C. as just steakhouses and power breakfasts. The real magic of eating in D.C. lies in the incredible variety of international cuisine found throughout the city and its surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia.
Southeast Asian flavors are particularly prominent. For authentic Northern Thai cuisine, Baan Siam is a long-standing favorite. Maketto offers a unique blend of Taiwanese and Cambodian cafe-style dishes. The family behind the #LaoFoodMovement has several essential spots, including Thip Khao in Columbia Heights, the newer Padaek in Northern Virginia, and the cocktail bar Baan Mae. For Malaysian cuisine bursting with sweet, spicy, sour, and funky flavors, Makan in Columbia Heights is a must-visit. While the Eden Center in Falls Church, Virginia, is the heart of the area’s rich Vietnamese food culture, Moon Rabbit in Penn Quarter offers a more contemporary take. And for refined Korean bar food from a James Beard Award-nominated chef, Anju, located between Dupont and Adams Morgan, is a great choice.
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In recent years, two high-end, wood-fired Middle Eastern restaurants have gained national attention: Albi in Navy Yard and Maydan just north of the U Street corridor. On H Street NE, Cane, a Trinidadian-themed restaurant, is known for its pimento-smoked jerk chicken wings, whole fried snapper escovitch, and doubles (fry bread, stewed chickpeas, and spicy chutneys), offering an elevated take on Caribbean classics. For a sit-down experience, St. James on 14th Street NW is another great option for Caribbean cuisine.
D.C. also boasts large populations of Ethiopian and Salvadoran expats, leading to a rich culinary landscape. Enjoy Ethiopian favorites like beef or lamb tibs and stewed chicken doro wat at Habesha Market or Dukem in the Little Ethiopia area of Ninth Street NW, or at Chercher a few blocks south. Chef Elias Taddesse, trained in French cuisine, blends Ethiopian traditions with American classics at his carryout spot in Shaw, Doro Soul Food, and his revived burger bar, Melange. For Salvadoran pupusas, visit Gloria’s in Columbia Heights, El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan, or El Rinconcito near the convention center.
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No culinary tour of D.C. is complete without a chili-cheese half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl. This historic, Black-owned restaurant is located on U Street, once known as “Black Broadway.” Nearby soul food institutions like Henry’s Soul Cafe, famous for its sweet potato pie, and the breakfast staple Florida Avenue Grill have been serving comforting meals for decades. Oohs and Aahs is another must-try for its crispy wings, collard greens, and creamy mac and cheese.
For an upscale, all-day experience, Café Riggs in Penn Quarter offers a stylish setting for fresh oysters, an exceptional nitro espresso martini, and a focus on local ingredients near the National Portrait Gallery. The bustling U Street corridor is home to El Secreto de Rosita, a Peruvian eatery serving glistening ceviche and pisco sours, as well as newer options for Middle Eastern cuisine (Yalla) and rooftop sushi (Baby Shank). Dauphine’s, a downtown restaurant blending Mid-Atlantic cuisine with New Orleans flavors, has also generated buzz for its classic cocktails, raw bar selections, and Creole dishes with a local twist.
Meanwhile, Cafe Milano in Georgetown is an iconic destination for people-watching, especially for spotting famous faces. Another unique D.C. experience is Off The Record, a red velvet-clad bar hidden in the basement of the Hay-Adams hotel, serving cocktails on political cartoon coasters. For a celebratory night out in D.C., consider high-profile establishments like Bourbon Steak and Fiola Mare, high-end Indian cuisine at Rasika (don’t miss the palak chaat), and the cuisine of José Andrés at Jaleo, Zaytinya, Barmini/Minibar, or his refined hotel outpost The Bazaar. Even Call Your Mother, a popular “Jew-ish” deli, might receive a visit from the President on any given Sunday.
Eater’s Best Maps: Navigating D.C.’s Culinary Landscape
Eater D.C. provides regularly updated guides to everything from exciting new restaurants to specific dishes, such as succulent roast chicken (Peruvian-style birds are a local specialty), outstanding pizza, or world-class sushi and dim sum. Here are some of the top destinations in the area:
Hottest Restaurants
Eater’s heatmap, updated monthly, is your guide to the most talked-about new openings in D.C. Consider Osteria Mozza for sophisticated, California-inspired cuisine in Georgetown; Shia for sustainably sourced Korean dishes in Union Market; Arrels for paellas and hearty Spanish seafood in Judiciary Square; Cordelia Fishbar for fresh Maine lobster, colossal shrimp, and a wide selection of oysters in Union Market; and Divino for elegant pastas in Glover Park.
The Essential 38
When narrowing down the must-visit restaurants, Albi, where Chef Michael Rafidi offers a refined take on dishes from Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey, and other Mediterranean countries, stands out. Highlights include za’atar-dusted pita incorporating labneh and potato, lamb kefta cooked with a cinnamon stick handle, and hummus smoother than Lando Calrissian. Rafidi, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in America, also operates the Levantine cafe Yellow in Georgetown, with a new rooftop bar called La’ Shukran in its Union Market location.
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Chef Amy Brandwein’s highly seasonal Italian restaurant Centrolina in CityCenter DC is a longtime favorite. Other Eater 38 recommendations include Pascual, a Capitol Hill ode to Mexico City, named one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants in America; Purple Patch for sizzling sisigs in Mount Pleasant; Tonari for creative Japanese-Italian pizzas and pastas in Chinatown; Tabard Inn for a revitalized Mid-Atlantic menu in historic Dupont Circle; and Petite Cerise for all-day French cuisine in Shaw. If you’re interested in Michelin-starred tasting menus, D.C. offers plenty of options.
Bars
For a memorable drink, visit Silver Lyan in the Riggs Hotel, a cocktail destination from Ryan Chetiyawardana, named the 2022 U.S. Hotel Bar of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail. D.C. has a wide range of bars, including The Green Zone for Middle Eastern-themed mixology in Adams Morgan; Jack Rose Dining Saloon, a vast whiskey bar nearby; Bar Chinois and Bar Japonais for French and Japanese-inspired cocktails; Service Bar for affordable cocktails on U Street NW; Cotton & Reed rum distillery in Union Market; and Residents in Dupont for a classic espresso martini. Check out the bar heatmap for the latest hot spots. And explore D.C.’s beloved dives for a no-frills night out.
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Pizza
While pizza might not be D.C.’s strongest suit, there are numerous high-quality options. New York transplants will feel at home at Wiseguy in Chinatown, Navy Yard, Arlington, and Wheaton. Newer options like Andy’s Pizza and Slice Joint in Capitol Hill’s food hall are also worth trying. Neapolitan pizza is popular, with excellent versions at 2 Amys, Pupatella, and Etto. All-Purpose and Timber Pizza Company attract those looking for a similar style with more creative toppings. Stellina Pizzeria in the Union Market district is known for its cacio e pepe pie and inventive panini. For square-shaped slices on a focaccia-like crust, Sonny’s in Park View is a great choice.
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Ice Cream
Gelato is huge in D.C., with many local companies like Dolcezza, Pitango, and Dolci Gelati. The Dairy Godmother in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood once had a cult following, with President Barack Obama known to stop by. Now, there are numerous places to get a cold treat, from Ice Cream Jubilee to Mt. Desert Ice Cream, another Obama favorite.
Sushi
D.C.’s top omakase restaurants include Sushiko, Kaz Sushi, and Sushi Nakazawa. O-Ku in Union Market features a variety of raw fish sure to satisfy sushi enthusiasts.
Beer
Any list that Greg Engert of Neighborhood Restaurant Group played a role in creating (such as Shelter in Capitol Hill, Bluejacket Brewery in Navy Yard, and Churchkey on 14th Street NW) is worth a visit. The city’s most famous brewery is DC Brau, but there are many other excellent breweries, from Atlas Brew Works to Port City Brewing Company to Red Bear Brewing Co. and Other Half. Solace Brewing also has a tap room in Navy Yard. The city is full of outdoor beer gardens like Dacha and Wunder Garten, and Aslin Beer Company has an outpost in Logan Circle.
Brunch
D.C. loves day-drinking, as shown by the popularity of brunch. Standout brunches include egg-topped pizzas and Sicilian disco fries at All-Purpose, the brasserie fare at Le Diplomate, and the unconventional diner food at Unconventional Diner.
Ramen
D.C. is a major ramen destination, with new noodle shops opening regularly. Toki Underground and Daikaya are established players, while Haikan and Bantam King are also popular. Basebowl Ramen serves noodles and sushi next to Nationals Park, and Ren’s Ramen is worth a trip to Silver Spring.
Neighborhood Gems: Where to Eat in D.C.
Here are some key food-centric neighborhoods to explore, along with must-try restaurants in each.
Touristy Areas
D.C. is a major tourist destination, with families, students, and travelers flocking to see the monuments and museums (many of which are free). Tourists often visit the National Mall, which is close to restaurants like Old Ebbitt Grill and Hill Country, as well as the historic neighborhood of Georgetown. The Wharf, a waterfront development, is an attraction in itself with big-name options like Hell’s Kitchen, Tiki TNT, Fat Fish, Mi Vida, and Del Mar.
Adams Morgan
Known for its eclectic, international vibe and bar scene, Adams Morgan has attracted some of the city’s best restaurants in recent years. Visit Lucky Buns for burgers, Lapis for Afghan dishes, Perry’s for Japanese cuisine, The Game for Filipino bar food, Green Zone for Middle Eastern-flavored cocktails, and Tail Up Goat for Mediterranean toasts and pasta. Other great options include Reveler’s Hour and Death Punch.
Shaw
Restaurants and bars continue to flock to Shaw. Standbys include All-Purpose pizzeria, Seylou Bakery, and The Dabney for Mid-Atlantic cooking. Other must-visits include Maxwell Park wine bar, Never Looked Better cocktail bar, Eighteenth Street Lounge 2.0, and Calico. Chef Rob Rubba, known for vegetable-focused tasting menus, won a James Beard Award for Oyster Oyster. Head to Amazonia/Causa for a two-story temple to Peruvian cuisine.
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14th Street/Logan Circle
Before Shaw’s rise, 14th Street NW was the center of D.C.’s restaurant scene, and it remains an important destination. Here, find Le Diplomate, Compass Rose, and Nama Ko. Nightlife extends into U Street and Columbia Heights. A stretch of 14th Street just north of Columbia Heights has three of the best traditional Mexican restaurants: Taqueria Habanero, Mezcalero, and Anafre.
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Union Market
Union Market is the city’s preeminent food hall in Northeast D.C. The area has also become a restaurant hotspot, boasting St. Anselm and Masseria. Cotton & Reed rum distillery is great for cocktails, Last Call is perfect for a late-night Old Fashioned, and A. Litteri is a timeless Italian grocery with classic subs. La Cosecha, a Latin American market, features the Serenata cocktail bar, Grand Cata grocer, and vendors selling Salvadoran pupusas, Peruvian sandwiches, and Venezuelan hot dogs.
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle offers elegant hotel fare (Lyle’s, Doyle), adults-only mini golf with cocktails (Swingers), bottomless brunch (ala), and Spanish tapas (Boqueria).
H Street NE
H Street attracts a lively crowd that enjoys late-night partying. Standbys include Toki Underground for ramen, Maketto for Southeast Asian cafe fare, Irregardless for Virginia wines and seasonal ingredients, and Ethiopic for Ethiopian cuisine.
Capitol Hill
While the area near government buildings isn’t the best for dining, walking towards Eastern Market and Barracks Row reveals destination dining, including Rose’s Luxury and Little Pearl, Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Chiko, and I Egg You. Inside Eastern Market, Market Lunch draws crowds for crab cakes and blueberry buckwheat pancakes.
Virginia and Maryland
The Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs are essential to the D.C. area’s dining scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines. Key areas include Wheaton, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and Rockville in Maryland, and Clarendon, Ballston, Old Town Alexandria, Del Ray, Falls Church, and Tysons Corner in Virginia. Notable restaurants include 2941 and Peter Chang’s restaurants, especially Mama Chang.
In Wheaton, Maryland, enjoy shawarma from Max’s Kosher and fried watercress salad from Ruan Thai. In Rockville, Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly is a destination for Filipino food, and Thai Chef Street Food has a vibrant outpost. For outstanding brisket, visit 2Fifty Texas BBQ in Riverdale Park, Maryland. The same area also features a new food hall and bakery.
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D.C. Food Lexicon: Understanding Local Terms
Half-smoke
Made famous by Ben’s Chili Bowl, the half-smoke is a spicy sausage, often made with pork and beef, grilled and served in a hot dog bun, typically topped with chili.
Jumbo Slice
Giant slices of pizza popular among D.C. drinkers, especially in Adams Morgan.
Picking Crabs/Eating Crabs
Refers to purchasing or eating blue crabs, steamed with Old Bay seasoning.
Rickey
A cocktail made with gin or whiskey, lime, and fizzy water, said to have originated in D.C.
The Mall
The National Mall, a large open area near D.C.’s monuments and museums.
Jose Andres Group
José Andrés’s restaurant company, known for destinations like Jaleo, Oyamel, and Minibar.
NRG
Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which operates Bluejacket, Iron Gate, Evening Star Cafe, and the Roost food hall.
Mumbo Sauce
A sweet-and-sour condiment popular in D.C.’s Chinese carryouts.
Ashok Bajaj
A Rammy Award-winning restaurateur who operates Bombay Club, Rasika, Sababa, Little Blackbird, Modena, and Rosedale.
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