Indulge in the rich and diverse culinary scene of Washington D.C., from Michelin-starred restaurants to local eateries and food trucks. Savor local specialties like half-smokes, mumbo sauce, and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, and don't miss out on the city's thriving craft brewery and cocktail bar scene.
Washington D.C. is known for its diverse culinary scene that reflects the city's rich cultural tapestry. From high-end dining establishments to local eateries and food trucks, the city has something to offer for every palate and budget.
High-End Dining
D.C. is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that offer exquisite dining experiences. Some notable examples include:
Pineapple and Pearls: A two-star Michelin restaurant offering an innovative tasting menu.
Minibar by José Andrés: A two-star Michelin restaurant that features avant-garde dishes.
Masseria: As a one-star Michelin restaurant, Masseria offers Italian-inspired dishes that are both flavorful and meticulously prepared.
The Inn at Little Washington: Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Washington, Virginia, approximately 1.5 hours from the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., you'll find the culinary haven that is The Inn at Little Washington. This esteemed establishment holds the prestigious three-star Michelin rating, a testament to its luxurious ambiance and impeccable cuisine. The journey, while a bit of a trek, promises a gastronomic experience that is well worth the drive, offering a delightful escape into a world of culinary excellence and refined elegance.
Blue Duck Tavern: Known for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes.
International Cuisine
The city's diverse population has resulted in a plethora of international dining options. Some popular choices include:
Ethiopian cuisine: Dukem or Ethiopic, both of which are renowned for their authentic and flavorful dishes that capture the essence of Ethiopia's rich culinary heritage.
Chinese cuisine: Da Hong Pao is a must-visit destination, offering a wide range of authentic dishes that are expertly prepared using traditional cooking methods.
Mexican cuisine: Oyamel and El Centro D.F., both of which are celebrated for their delicious and diverse menus that feature a variety of Mexican classics, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
French Cuisine: Le Diplomate and Chez Billy Sud are two of the top French bistros in Washington, D.C., both offering a delightful array of classic French dishes in authentic bistro settings.
Spanish Tapas: Jaleo, helmed by the famous chef José Andrés, and Boqueria in Dupont Circle stand out as the top two destinations for exquisite Spanish tapas.
Japanese: Sushi Nakazawa, renowned for its Michelin-starred omakase menu, and Sushi Taro, celebrated for its traditional kaiseki and high-quality sushi, stand out as the top two Japanese restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Korean: Mandu, a family-owned gem, is celebrated for its traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap and bulgogi, while Kogiya Korean BBQ located in Annandale, Virginia stands out for its interactive grilling experience and a diverse menu of Korean delights.
Italian Cuisine: RPM Italian, known for its modern twist on traditional Italian dishes, and Osteria Morini, celebrated for its regional specialties from Emilia-Romagna, stand out as the top two destinations for exquisite Italian cuisine.
Thai Cuisine: Baan Siam, renowned for its authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine, stand out as a top destination for Thai food.
Indian Cuisine: Rasika, with its modern twist on traditional Indian dishes, and Bombay Club, celebrated for its refined Indian cuisine and elegant setting, are the top two destinations for Indian food.
Vietnamese Cuisine: Pho 14, renowned for its flavorful and authentic pho, and Saigon Saigon, celebrated for its traditional Vietnamese dishes, stand out as the top two destinations for Vietnamese cuisine.
Mediterranean Cuisine: Zaytinya, with its innovative mezze menu, celebrated for its modern take on traditional Mediterranean dishes, is the top destination for Mediterranean cuisine.
Middle Eastern Cuisine: Shouk, known for its modern and plant-based take on traditional Middle Eastern dishes, and Maydan, celebrated for its wood-fired cooking and diverse menu, are the top two destinations for Middle Eastern cuisine.
Caribbean Cuisine: Cane, with its innovative approach to traditional Caribbean dishes, celebrated for its authentic Caribbean cuisine, stand out as the top destination for Caribbean food.
Casual Eateries and Food Trucks
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, D.C. offers a wide range of options, including:
Ben's Chili Bowl: A D.C. staple known for its chili dogs and half-smokes.
District Taco: A local chain offering delicious and affordable Mexican food.
Farmers Fishers Bakers: Offers a menu that emphasizes sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
Food trucks: There are numerous food trucks scattered throughout the city that offer a variety of cuisines, from Korean to Peruvian.
Vegan and Vegetarian
Shouk: With a focus on plant-based ingredients, Shouk offers a modern take on Middle Eastern street food, featuring items such as falafel and hummus.
HipCityVeg: This fast-casual spot is known for its vegan burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all made with fresh, organic ingredients.
NuVegan Café: Formerly known as Woodlands Vegan Bistro, this café offers a range of vegan soul food dishes, including mac 'n' cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.
Elizabeth's Gone Raw: This unique restaurant offers a vegan tasting menu on Friday nights, featuring creative and seasonal dishes made with organic, plant-based ingredients.
Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats: A bakery offering a range of vegan treats, including cupcakes, cookies, and more.
Local Institutions
Washington, D.C. is home to several bars and restaurants that are considered institutions, thanks to their history, popularity, or unique offerings. Some of these include:
Old Ebbitt Grill: Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, D.C.'s oldest saloon. It's known for its classic American cuisine and historic charm.
Ben's Chili Bowl: A D.C. staple since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl is famous for its chili dogs and has been visited by numerous celebrities and politicians over the years.
The Tombs: A popular spot for Georgetown University students and alumni, The Tombs is known for its collegiate atmosphere and classic pub fare.
Martin's Tavern: Open since 1933, Martin's Tavern is a historic pub that has been visited by every president from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush.
Clyde's of Georgetown: Since opening in 1963, Clyde's has been a go-to spot for delicious American fare in a lively atmosphere.
Le Diplomate: Although newer than some of the other institutions on this list, Le Diplomate has quickly become a D.C. favorite for its French cuisine and charming bistro setting.
Spot a Politician
Washington, D.C. has several upscale restaurants and bars that are known to be frequented by the city's elite, including politicians, lobbyists, journalists, and other prominent figures. Here are some of those establishments:
The Palm: A popular spot for politicians and lobbyists, The Palm is known for its steaks and seafood.
Café Milano: This upscale Italian restaurant in Georgetown is known for attracting a high-profile clientele, including celebrities and politicians.
Charlie Palmer Steak: Located near Capitol Hill, Charlie Palmer Steak is a popular spot for lawmakers and political insiders.
Fiola Mare: This upscale seafood restaurant in Georgetown is popular among the city's elite and has been visited by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Equinox: Located near the White House, Equinox is known for its sustainable and locally sourced cuisine and is frequented by politicians and other prominent figures.
Local Specialties to Try
Half-smokes: A half-smoke is a local sausage delicacy that is typically made of a blend of pork and beef, smoked, and served with herbs, onions, and chili sauce. Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street is famous for its half-smokes.
Mumbo sauce: Mumbo sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that originated in D.C. It's typically used as a condiment for fried chicken wings and is a staple in many of the city's takeout restaurants.
Chesapeake Bay blue crabs: While not exclusive to D.C., the city's proximity to the Chesapeake Bay means that blue crabs are a local favorite. Many restaurants in the city offer crab feasts, where you can enjoy these delicious crustaceans seasoned with Old Bay.
Smith Island cake: Another regional specialty, Smith Island cake is Maryland's state dessert and can be found in some bakeries and restaurants in D.C. This multi-layered cake typically consists of 8-15 thin layers of cake with frosting in between each layer.
Rickeys: The Rickey is a classic cocktail that was invented in D.C. in the 1880s. It's typically made with gin or bourbon, lime juice, and soda water, and served over ice in a highball glass.
