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$$ | Upper Northwest |
Call it the Brando of D.C. pizzerias, because this Neapolitan sensation has played godfather to a number of throne-stealing wood ovens elsewhere in town since it opened more than a decade ago. Simple recipes allow the ingredients to shine through and make the "wine bar" menu of small Italian plates as exemplary as the pies. You may be tempted to go for the D.O.C. pizza (it has Denominazione di Origine Controllata approval for Neapolitan authenticity), but don't hesitate to try the meatballs, salt cod croquettes, deviled eggs, or really any of the little things. At busy times, there can be a wait for a table, and the noisy din of a packed house may discourage some diners.
3715 Macomb St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
Known For
- Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with a chewy crust
- Homemade charcuterie at the wine bar
- Family-friendly (read: noisy) atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Fri., Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Tenleytown |
This unpretentious but intimate and stylish bistro recalls a Parisian café, with dark woods, white tablecloths, and cozy tables—not to mention the owner himself is from Paris. The main floor has two dining rooms, one of which has floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the street when weather permits. The menu is traditional French, with staples like steak frites, escargots, bouillabaisse, and crepes.
4907 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
Known For
- Classic French bistro
- Great date spot
- Alfresco dining feel
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$$ | Upper Northwest |
You can never have enough Greek restaurants, and Parthenon is among the best in town. This is traditional Greek food, including great moussaka, pastitsio, salads, and grilled fish. Try to start your meal with the saganaki, where the cheese is flamed right at your table. The interior screams Greece, with pictures of the Parthenon and islands. A large outdoor patio adjoins the restaurant, which is also connected to the Chevy Chase Lounge, a legendary local watering hole.
5510 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20015, USA
Known For
- Traditional Greek cooking in a taverna setting
- Large portions
- Attached to Chevy Chase Lounge
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$ | Friendship Heights |
Pete's is a locally owned, Friendship Heights landmark, serving "New Haven-style" (thin-crust, coal-fired) pizzas and offering an extensive toppings list. The spacious patio gives you enough room to spread out.
4940 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
Known For
- White-clam pizza
- Chef-driven
- Locally owned
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$$$ | Georgetown |
Relaxed and upbeat, this neighborhood bistro serves twists on old classics such as potato-crusted salmon served with cherry and Pernod sauce, but some standards, including braised veal cheeks, remain. The wine is all French, with many available by the glass. The wine bar on the second floor has a menu of small plates, and seating is first come, first served.
1736 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
Known For
- Busy neighborhood bistro
- All-French wine list
- Upstairs wine bar with small plates
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$$$$ | Upper Northwest |
Just beyond Georgetown in the residential neighborhood of Palisades, BlackSalt is part fish market, part gossipy neighborhood hangout, part swanky restaurant. Fish offerings dominate, and vary from classics like New England clam chowder and fried Ipswich clams to more-offbeat fixings like Japanese-style seafood stew and chocolate peanut butter torte for dessert. The place can get crowded and loud, and reservations are often de rigueur for weekends. Regulars consider a meal at the bar a good fallback.
4883 MacArthur Blvd., Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA
Known For
- Fresh fish dishes
- One of the best brunches in D.C.
- Brioche French toast
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$ | Cleveland Park |
Owner-baker Mark Furstenberg has been honored with the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker, so you know the bread here is amazing. But there are also delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus that, while simple, rely on local farmers for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dishes range from vegetable frittatas to ham and cheese biscuits to seasonal vegetables on a baguette. You can dine inside or out.
4434 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA
Known For
- Neighborhoodly ambience
- Pies made with Virginia peaches and Maryland apples
- Bread, of course: from country levain to French baguettes to ryes to rich brioche, all baked fresh
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Parking is available in the rear
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$$ | Tenleytown |
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
Known For
- Crackling spinach, shrimp, and coconut masala
- Extensive Indian beer and wine list
- Authentic Indian cuisine
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$$ | Upper Northwest |
A D.C. staple for 20-plus years, Chef Geoff’s is family- and neighborhood-friendly—the type of place to come in as you are, weary feet and all. The contemporary American, chef-driven menu has something for everyone: pizzas, salads, elaborate main dishes, and an extensive bar menu. The elevated patio is lovely in good weather.
3201 New Mexico Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
Known For
- Buzzy happy hours
- A go-to for every craving
- Family friendly
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$ | Upper Northwest |
Pizza (and beer) in the front, Ping-Pong (and foosball) in the back make this pizza joint a neighborhood favorite for folks of all ages. While you can make your own pizza (including one with a gluten-free crust) from almost four dozen toppings, you'll be well served to opt for one of the kitchen's specialty pies. Comet often features live music performed by local musicians. Check the website for the schedule.
5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA
Known For
- Make-your-own pizzas with dozens of toppings
- Live music
- Sunrise pizza for brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Fri.
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$$ | Woodley Park |
The exposed brick and warm woods may signal upscale saloon, but District Kitchen is much more, offering an eclectic, farm-to-table menu featuring the restaurant's signature dish, a large and tasty bowl of paella. Sure, there are burgers, steaks, and the like, but also ceviche, cheese plates, lamb ragù, and at least one or two tempting fish options. It's just a block from the Woodley Metro and close to the zoo.
2606 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA
Known For
- Monster signature paella dish
- Good seafood
- Nice beer selection
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun. No lunch except brunch on weekends
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$ | Northwest |
A shabby-chic bar–restaurant directly across the street from the National Zoo has been deemed by one local paper to have the best burger in D.C. If it's not the best, it's close: a big, tasty patty made from charbroiled Angus beef that's on a pub menu with other continental options, including mum's tuna melt and pastrami on weck—check the chalkboard for the latest seasonal fare. There's a happy hour that goes from noon to 7 daily, a welcome respite after dragging kids around all day to look at giraffes and lions. There's a bright, inviting copper bar, and a sun-splashed patio.
3000 Connecticut Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA
Known For
- Excellent burgers
- Wide-ranging menu of sandwiches and small plates
- Small and busy (so get there early or wait)
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$$ | Northwest |
The menu at this classic neighborhood bar–restaurant concentrates on seafood, with both Cape Cod and Baja influences, bringing a coastal dining experience to the city with a winning formula. Look for cod, lobster rolls, fish tacos, and even panfried trout. The bright, airy, nautically themed place seats about 220, and has a big, dog-friendly patio outside overlooking Massachusetts Avenue. Happy hour is popular, and there's even a takeout ice-cream stand. The only downside is that it's a mile from the nearest Metro station at Tenleytown.
4866 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20016, USA
Known For
- Inventive seafood
- Casual coastal atmosphere
- Takeout ice-cream counter
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$$ | |
At the city's self-touted first raw-fish restaurant, the cuts are always ocean fresh, the cocktails fruity, and the presentations classic. Think blue crab topped with avocado and tuna crowned by jalapeño, while hot delicacies like melt-on-the-tongue fried tempura are always reliable. Dessert is not an afterthought, as it is in so many Japanese restaurants.
5455 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Chevy Chase, Maryland, 20815, USA
Known For
- Pioneer of the D.C. sushi scene
- Classic sushi presentations
- Cozy, romantic setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch, No cash
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$$ | Northwest |
This inviting, all-American bar and restaurant is right near the D.C./Maryland border; brick and wood make the space feel cozy and warm. Seafood, sandwiches, and hefty salads highlight the menu. The Avenue is three floors; the top floor is used for banquets and the lower floor broadcasts sports games on TV. The restaurant also operates the Capitol Crab food truck and catering company, serving seafood delicacies that often make it onto The Avenue menu.
5540 Connecticut Ave., Washington, District of Columbia, 20015, USA
Known For
- Large outdoor patio
- Food truck with crab delicacies
- Multilevel establishment
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