Washington, D.C. - Dining

All Travel Guides

Dining

Washington, D.C.

Provided by: Orhan Cam/Shutterstock

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

North America United States Washington, D.C. Dining

Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2025-09-05

Washington, D.C. has quietly grown into one of the country’s most exciting food cities, where global flavors meet regional traditions. Its diverse communities bring everything from Ethiopian stews and Salvadoran pupusas to authentic dim sum and Middle Eastern mezze, while Chesapeake Bay classics like crab cakes and soft-shell crab remind you that the city still has strong Mid-Atlantic roots.

High-end tasting menus sit comfortably alongside buzzing food halls, farmers’ markets, and neighborhood gems. Whether you’re exploring Georgetown’s polished restaurants, Adams Morgan’s eclectic mix of international bites, or the casual oyster bars downtown, eating your way through D.C. is as much a journey through its cultures as it is a tour of its neighborhoods.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl

It’s hot dogs and chili-cheese fries galore at this iconic D.C. eatery. Founded in 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has welcomed locals, tourists, and celebrities alike—including Duke Ellington—making it a neighborhood institution. The menu features its famous half-smokes smothered in chili, classic burgers, subs, salads, and milkshakes, all served in a colorful, lively atmosphere that captures a true taste of Washington.

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers is a beloved, farmer-owned restaurant just three blocks from the White House. Known for its scratch-made American fare, the menu features favorites like chicken and waffles, crab cakes, and the signature Farmer Salad, all served in a rustic, farmhouse-inspired setting.

dLeña

dLeña

Chef Richard Sandoval’s dLeña in Mount Vernon Triangle brings wood-fire Mexican cuisine into a rustic-chic space filled with brick archways, leather seats, and festive energy. The restaurant celebrates “leña” (firewood in Spanish) with smoky dishes and mezcal- and tequila-forward cocktails. Favorites include guacamole de bonito with charred tostadas, corn empanadas with manchego and chimichurri, and shrimp enchiladas bathed in smoky guajillo salsa. Recognized in both the 2022 and 2023 Michelin Guide and among OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in 2024, it’s a standout for contemporary Mexican fare in D.C.

1789 Restaurant

1789 Restaurant

Nestled in a restored Federal-style townhouse in Georgetown, 1789 is D.C.’s classic fine-dining experience. It captures old-world charm with antique furnishings, colonial-era artwork, and a cozy fireplace. The seasonal menu delivers elevated American fare paired with an extensive wine list. With six unique dining rooms across three floors, each with its own character, it’s ideal for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply indulging in a memorable meal.

Old Ebbitt Grill

Old Ebbitt Grill

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest saloon, tucked just a few minutes from the White House. Inside, it’s all Victorian-era charm—mahogany, stained glass, and walls full of memorabilia like Teddy Roosevelt’s hunting trophies. It’s famous for its oysters and hearty American fare, and locals swear by the happy hour at the bar: half-price oysters, clams, and crab claws that come with a side of stories from the bartenders. Plus, don’t miss the annual Oyster Riot, a festive oyster-and-wine party held the weekend before Thanksgiving—tickets sell out fast.

Bistrot Lepic

Bistrot Lepic

A Georgetown staple since 1995, Bistrot Lepic is known for its cozy atmosphere and classic French cuisine. The downstairs dining room serves dishes like escargot, foie gras, and cassoulet, while the upstairs wine bar offers a relaxed spot for small plates and an extensive French wine list. Live jazz complements to the ambiance every Wednesday evening.

Blue Duck Tavern

Blue Duck Tavern

Located within the Park Hyatt Washington, Blue Duck Tavern offers a refined take on New American cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients from local farms. Diners can enjoy dishes like prime bavette steak and wood-oven roasted chicken in a minimalist rustic-chic setting, with handcrafted wood furnishings and an open kitchen.

Cafe Milano

Cafe Milano

Dubbed by The New York Times as “where the world’s most powerful people go,” Café Milano is a Georgetown institution, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and as a gathering spot for Washington’s elite. The elegant interior, inspired by Milanese boutiques, and the sidewalk patio create a stylish setting for enjoying classics like veal Milanese and linguine with Maine lobster, paired with an extensive wine list.

Old Europe

Old Europe

Since 1948, Old Europe has been serving hearty German classics in a cozy, old-world setting filled with antique steins, oil paintings, and rustic charm. The menu highlights dishes like schnitzel, sauerbraten with dumplings, homemade sausages, and spaetzle, paired with German beers and seasonal specials such as Spargelzeit in spring and Oktoberfest fare in the fall.

Jaleo

Jaleo

Another restaurant under the helm of talented chef José Andrés, Jaleo serves inventive Spanish tapas in a vibrant, artsy space that shines with colorful tile, dramatic glass, and bold décor. The menu reads like a who's who of small plates — from patatas bravas and Iberico ham to paella Valenciana, calamares, and gazpacho with goat cheese. Located in Penn Quarter, it’s perfect for a pre- or post–National Mall dinner.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is one of D.C.’s go-to spots for fresh seafood, best known for its wide selection of oysters sourced from Virginia, Rhode Island, Canada, and Japan. The menu features Southern and Cajun flavors with dishes like seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and Gulf Coast redfish, alongside wood-grilled oysters and crispy crawfish fritters. With its rustic, boardwalk-inspired décor and lively upstairs bar (complete with a bocce court), it’s a fun, laid-back place to settle in with a plate of oysters and a cold drink.

Minibar

Minibar

Minibar by José Andrés offers one of D.C.’s most exclusive dining experiences. Seating just 12 guests, this two-Michelin-star restaurant presents a tasting menu where art, science, and tradition converge in playful, avant-garde dishes. Served in an intimate, modern space, each course feels like part of a culinary performance—unexpected, imaginative, and unforgettable.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab brings a taste of Miami to downtown D.C., just a few steps from the White House. Known for its signature Florida stone crab, the menu also features prime steaks, fresh seafood, and classic sides, with Key lime pie as the must-try dessert.

Zaytinya

Zaytinya

Led by chef José Andrés, Zaytinya serves innovative mezze inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese traditions. The sleek, modern space is the perfect backdrop for sharing small plates like lamb kebabs, crispy Brussels sprouts with coriander, and hummus variations, paired with creative cocktails and a standout list of Mediterranean wines.

Fiola

Fiola

Fiola, the flagship restaurant of chef Fabio Trabocchi, is one of D.C.’s most acclaimed fine-dining destinations. This Michelin-starred spot blends rustic Italian tradition with modern creativity, featuring a menu that changes with the seasons and highlights regional influences from Rome to Venice. The elegant setting, with its stone walls, artful décor, and warm yet polished service, creates a dining experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming.

The Red Hen

The Red Hen

The Red Hen is a wood-fired Italian restaurant in Bloomingdale, serving creative takes on classic Italian dishes in a roomy, rustic-industrial space with an open kitchen and large bar.

Rasika

Rasika

Rasika is regarded for serving some of D.C.’s best Indian food, from Tawa (griddle) and Sigri (open barbecue) dishes to Tandoori and regional curries. The menu is designed for small plates, so you can sample a variety of flavours. Standouts include the Raan-e-Rasika — lamb with saffron, mace, and rose petals — and the simple, comforting dal.

We, The Pizza

We, The Pizza

We, The Pizza is a family-run spot serving NYC-style pizza, along with hand-tossed wings, and Italian gelato shakes, and house-made sodas in a covenvient and relaxed location on Pennsylvania Avenue just steps from the Library of Congress.

Next section

Next Section