Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Van Ness

100 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

4.7

Exceptional(878)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • U Street Corridor

Booked 30 times today

Bresca, nestled in the vibrant U Street Corridor of Washington, DC, is a beacon of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant has garnered glowing accolades for its innovative approach to French dining, skillfully blending Eastern and Western culinary traditions under the guidance of Chef Ryan Ratino. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the Potato Pierogi and Diver Scallop, highlighting the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients which "sing of summer." The atmosphere is described as a perfect mix of cozy bistro charm and refined elegance, making every visit memorable. With accolades like "best duck I’ve ever had" and experiences that exceed expectations, Bresca stands out as a pinnacle of culinary excellence and creativity.

2. The Park at 14th

4.7

Exceptional(2917)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 126 times today

At The Park at 14th in Downtown Washington D.C., seafood enthusiasts are treated to an exquisite dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its high-quality and authentic seafood dishes. Nestled with a stunning view of Franklin Square, this venue is consistently praised for its culinary delights. Guests rave about the "amazing" seafood options, with particular shout-outs to the "blackened salmon that was worth every penny" and the "exceptionally delicious grits." The atmosphere is matched by the vibrant and attentive service, ensuring every seafood dish is a hit. As one reviewer put it, the food is "outstanding," making The Park at 14th a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood experience in the heart of the capital.

3. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3788)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Dupont Circle

Booked 60 times today

At the heart of Dupont Circle in Washington lies the Tabard Inn, a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Continental cuisine. Since 1922, this historic venue has served as a charming retreat, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and beautifully crafted dishes. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir, whose stellar background includes stints at notable D.C. establishments, the Tabard Inn offers a sophisticated menu that skillfully blends traditional favorites with inventive new offerings. Diners rave about the "delightful seasonal treats" like the gazpacho and rockfish, and the "succulent" chicken fricassee. The ambiance, described as a "cozy restaurant with great foods and warm services," complements the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether enjoying a meal on the picturesque patio or in the eclectic dining rooms, guests at the Tabard Inn are treated to a slice of Continental excellence that's both comforting and exciting.

A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant

4. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4.5

Awesome(608)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Georgetown

Booked 14 times today

CUT by Wolfgang Puck in Georgetown, Washington D.C. is a beacon for steak lovers seeking the epitome of culinary excellence. Praised for serving "the most perfect steak in DC," this restaurant excels in both food quality and service. Guests rave about the Nebraska filet, calling it "divine," and consistently celebrate the attentive and welcoming staff. As a testament to its commitment to a superlative dining experience, one reviewer exclaimed, "Seriously the best steak I’ve ever had and I’ve had a lot!" CUT by Wolfgang Puck not only promises a remarkable meal but delivers an unforgettable dining ambiance, making every visit a special occasion.

A photo of Chef Geoff's (New Mexico Ave.) restaurant

5. Chef Geoff's (New Mexico Ave.)

4.4

Awesome(4145)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Georgetown

Booked 33 times today

Chef Geoff's in Georgetown, Washington, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine that has been delighting diners for over two decades. Known for its "consistently fabulous" food and a "terrific" al fresco dining experience, this neighborhood gem stands out with its made-from-scratch menu that caters to all tastes. Whether it's the "scrumptious" fish tacos or the star-studded spiced scallop risotto, every dish is crafted with flair and flavor. Patrons rave about the "fantastic" service and the relaxing, friendly atmosphere, making it clear why Chef Geoff's is a cherished go-to spot. As one reviewer puts it, "The food is fantastic, and the customer service is always top notch, a rarity these days." Make your way to Chef Geoff's for a truly authentic American dining experience.

6. Dauphine’s

4.6

Exceptional(1395)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Dauphine’s in Downtown, Washington, D.C., is not just a restaurant but a vibrant celebration of New Orleans culture, particularly renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar. Patrons rave about their "refreshing and delicious" seasonal spritz and the "delightful spritz cocktail," highlighting the bar's creativity and quality. The cocktail list perfectly complements their New Orleans-inspired cuisine, creating a truly transportive experience. Whether it's the lively ambiance during happy hour or the elegant setting for a night out, each drink is crafted with meticulous care. As one reviewer puts it, the cocktails are "interesting and delicious," making Dauphine’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts in the capital.

7. Michele’s

4.3

Awesome(291)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 4 times today

Michele's, located in the vibrant West Loop of Washington, offers a delightful take on Contemporary French cuisine, crafted by MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker. This restaurant stands out for its commitment to seasonal and high-quality ingredients, presented in a manner that's both sophisticated and accessible. Guests rave about the innovative dishes, like the "beef tartare and the potato truffle tarte … WOW," highlighting the unique blend of flavors that Chef Baker brings to the table. The atmosphere is described as perfect for any occasion, from a casual burger night to a special date, with live music and prime steaks enhancing the experience. Michele's not only promises but delivers a "delightful dining experience" with each visit, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of fine Contemporary French dining in Washington D.C.

8. Silver

4.5

Awesome(2212)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Bethesda

Booked 71 times today

At SILVER in Bethesda, the essence of farm-to-table cuisine is brought to life with a menu curated by award-winning Chef Ype Von Hengst. The restaurant specializes in contemporary American dishes that are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a testament to sustainability and local sourcing. Diners rave about the freshness of the ingredients, with one patron noting, "Wonderful avocado toast and eggs. Quiet corner table for a great conversation. Terrific staff. Thank you." SILVER's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures that each dish served is both fresh and flavorful, making it a standout destination for those seeking authentic farm-to-table dining in a vibrant brasserie setting.

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

9. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.7

Exceptional(1084)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

A photo of Rosemary Bistro Cafe restaurant

10. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(519)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Friendship Heights

Booked 11 times today

Step into the charming ambiance of Rosemary Bistro Cafe in Friendship Heights, Washington, D.C., where the essence of French cuisine is celebrated with flair and authenticity. Praised as "the closest thing to a Parisian bistro in the area," Rosemary Bistro Cafe delights diners with its classic French dishes, often served with an inventive twist. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" halibut and the "terrific and authentic" Steak au Poivre. The floating island dessert comes highly recommended, encapsulating the meticulous attention to detail in both flavor and presentation. Whether it's a cozy lunch outdoors or a vibrant dinner experience, Rosemary Bistro Cafe consistently impresses with its superb service and "deliciously fresh ingredients," making every meal a memorable feast of French culinary excellence.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
destiny
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The ambience of the restaurant was pleasing. We got to do a tour of the rooftop and library. The food was amazing and cooked to a perfection with great customer service starting with the greeters at the door the host and the waitress I will be returning with my mother and mother-in-law for sure they will love this place.
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CUT by Wolfgang PuckPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Georgetown
•
4.5
B
Brooklin
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The park is a wonderful restaurant. The service is wonderful and the staff is very friendly. It’s a great place the celebrate a special occasion or just to dine at for dinner.
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The Park at 14thPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
C
Cynthia
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We love Chef Geoff’s. Plenty for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Steak was wonderful. Salmon was excellent (even the teenager loves it.) The vegetarian loves the mushroom ravioli. Excellent cocktails and cocktails. Services always attentive and warm. Been coming since I was a grad student at AU. Now I bring my family (including my 18YO!) So happy to share Chef Geoff’s with my family.
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Chef Geoff's (New Mexico Ave.)Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Georgetown
•
4.4
K
Karla
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing. The taste was wonderful, every dish was very good. The wine also is so good. Cocktails are good, but not amazing, presentation of cocktails is quite normal. But the food, attention and wine was so good. I definitely recommend it. The taste the Christmas menu and was so good. And the pasta with cheese for my little one also wonderful
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BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.7
P
Paul
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The restaurant, bar and lounge areas spread out across multiple rooms / terraces / levels so it is a really intimate and fun layout. Excellent service and value. Price for classic drinks skewed a tad high in my opinion. I'll try and catch a happy hour sometime and the jazz performances.
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.7

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Van Ness

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Van Ness

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100 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

2. The Park at 14th

3. Tabard Inn

4. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

5. Chef Geoff's (New Mexico Ave.)

6. Dauphine’s

7. Michele’s

8. Silver

9. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

10. Rosemary Bistro Cafe

See what locals rave about

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