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Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visitors and transplants from around the world. But recent years have made the fifth or sixth banana of American haute cuisine into a foodie town in its own right. You can find almost any cuisine here, from Salvado
Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visitors and transplants from around the world. But recent years have made the fifth or sixth banana of American haute cuisine into a foodie town in its o
Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visi
Washington has long benefited from a constant infusion of different cultures, making it a stellar culinary host for visitors and transplants from around the world. But recent years have made the fifth or sixth banana of American haute cuisine into a foodie town in its own right. You can find almost any cuisine here, from Salvadoran to Ethiopian, despite the lack of true ethnic neighborhoods in the city. You can now also sample cooking from some of the country’s hottest new chefs, find already established celebrity chefs who have just made their D.C debuts, and sip craft cocktails on par with some of the world's best.
Although most neighborhoods lack a unified culinary flavor, make no mistake: D.C. is a city of distinctive areas, each with its own style. Chinatown, for example, is known for chic small plates of various origins. You'll find Japanese noodle shops next to Mexican taquerias and Indian bistros. These spots wax and wane on the popularity scale with each passing season; it's worth taking a stroll down the street to see what's new. Downtown, you'll find many of the city's blue-chip law firms and deluxe, expense-account restaurants, as well as stylish lounges, brewpubs, and upscale eateries that have sprung up to serve the crowds that attend games at the Verizon Center.
Wherever you venture forth in the city, there are a few trends worth noting: artisanal cocktails, charcuterie-and-cheese plates, and back-to-basics new American cuisine are in vogue. You'll find tapas-style portions pervasive, whether you're at a Greek, Asian, or American restaurant. High-end restaurants in town also have begun to add bar menus with smaller plates that are much less expensive than their entrées, but created with the same finesse.
Though Italian, French, and fusion spots continue to open at a ferocious pace, Washingtonians are always hungry to try something new, whether it's Chinese smoked lobster, fiery Indian curry, or crunchy and addictive Vietnamese spring rolls.
Young, energetic chef-owner Johnny Monis offers one of the city's most adventurous dining experiences in this tiny space. The multicourse, prix-fixe menu, which changes daily, showcases contemporary fare with distinct Mediterranean influences. Buzzed-about plates have included mascarpone-filled dates with sea salt and succulent spit-roasted goat with pita bread. Reservations open 30 days in advance, with phones open from 2 pm to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
1509 17th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Located in the Eaton DC hotel, Michele’s is home to a gorgeous bar and lounge producing exceptional craft cocktails and a chef's counter where guests can experience a unique raw bar tasting menu. Created by Michelin-starred chef Matt Baker, Michele's is named after his mother and draws inspiration from the American South, especially New Orleans and Texas, where the chef spent most of his formative years. Try dishes like grilled quail, roasted quail, and caviar from the raw bar.
1201 K St., Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, USA
For those looking for a high-end gastronomic experience, head to minibar, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant owned by Spanish chef José Andrés. Here, his team showcases his molecular-gastronomy techniques with the 20 or so courses on the tasting menu that vary regularly (no à la carte orders allowed). The small plates have included beef-tendon churros, corn on the cob served on a spoon, and chocolate-coated foie gras. Four seatings a night of six guests each means reservations are required.
855 E St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
For his follow-up to the smash hit Rose's Luxury, chef Aaron Silverman opened this reservation-only dining room next door that offered only an expensive 12-course (give or take) tasting. But since Covid, he reimagined the whole thing, creating a festive, whimsical space offering four hefty courses (with two choices for each course). The menu constantly changes, but example dishes include brined squab glazed with Guinness and cocoa; Mont Blanc pasta with chestnut-oat stuffing and sage-scented pesto; and grilled lobster spiced with star anise. Desserts are works of art, though don’t bypass the invitation to help yourself to a swirl of ice cream from the soft-serve machine, enhanced with a topper of Amaretto. If you’re not that hungry, head to the bar for small bites and a drink.
715 8th St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA
If you're looking for a classic Washington, D.C., fine-dining restaurant in an intimate setting, 1789 makes a perfect choice. Named after the year Archbishop John Carroll, the founding father of Georgetown University, purchased the building, 1789 has its share of history paired with its classic dishes such as seared scallops and beef tenderloin. The dining room's crisp white linens and early American paintings are quintessential Georgetown. After dinner, head to its bar, Fitgerald's, for perfectly crafted cocktails.
1226 36th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
The menu at this traditional Indian restaurant features a few surprises, including an inventive shrimp and coconut masala, a local favorite. The dining room has an elegant feel, with long drapes, white tablecloths, and fine crystal. There's also an extensive Indian wine and beer list.
4909 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
The harborside setting for Fabio Trabocchi's ode to Italian-style seafood is one of the most sought-after spots in town. Dine alfresco, watch the water taxis float by, or sip an Aperol spritz on a banquette by the open kitchen and raw bar. Although the menu focuses on fresh cuts of seafood, you can also indulge in pasta made in-house, such as the lobster ravioli, a favorite among regulars.
3050 K St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
In the former carriageway and stable house of a Dupont Circle town house, Iron Gate's romantic setting complements its upscale Mediterranean fare, served either à la carte or via a tasting menu with optional wine pairings. The menu changes but always includes a seasonal variation on the house focaccia, buratta and feta dip, and staples like the mixed grill and whole fish for two. If you are visiting in warmer months, make sure to dine on the cozy patio, which is draped with wisteria vines.
1734 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
Served in a warmly lit, elegant setting, the award-winning Belgian menu at Marcel's—the flagship restaurant of acclaimed chef Robert Wiedmaier—often includes multiple seafood choices (like perfectly seared diver scallops and Blue Bay mussels), succulent duck breast, and a selection of foie gras. Order the mixed-melon minestrone with yogurt sorbet and cream for dessert. If you're craving fine dining but are short on time, check out the happy hour menu, which offers small dishes like duck liver mousse and escargot for $12 a plate.
2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037, USA
Despite its tiny dining room, this Italian stalwart, under the helm of veteran chef Esther Lee, has maintained a pull on special-occasion diners since the late 1980s, offering only a pricey, five-course, prix-fixe dinner that changes nightly. A sample menu—with its mouthwatering delicacies—is posted on the website to give diners an idea of what to expect. Think handmade pasta, high-quality meats, and rustic bread to accompany the meal.
2029 P St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
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