Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington

58 restaurants available nearby

1. Olio e Più - DC

new

4.5

Awesome(101)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Washington

Booked 103 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.

2. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19291)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 259 times today

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.

3. Oyamel

4.7

Exceptional(9549)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 98 times today

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.

4. Centrolina

4.7

Exceptional(2099)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 38 times today

Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market. The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway. For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.

5. Chaplin

4.6

Exceptional(1572)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Shaw

Booked 29 times today

Chaplin's Restaurant & Bar is a 1930's style Japanese Ramen House and cocktail bar. Chaplin's Executive Chef and Partner, Myo Htun, is originally from Burma, but was cooking ramen in Japan at a young age. Myo received a blessing from his mentor in Japan after nearly 30 years of cooking in Japan, to come to America and continue to showcase his authentic Ramen and traditional Japanese cuisine. Chaplin's Restaurant demonstrates the aesthetic of a bustling ramen house in Japan in the 1930's silent film era. There is also a large outdoor dining area that is dog friendly. Chaplin's is located in the heart of the Historic Shaw neighborhood. And it is open until last call 7 days a week. Chaplin's received a Plate certification in the Michelin Guide in 2020. And it is located steps from the convention center and popular Logan Circle, 14th street and City Market.

6. Alta Strada- DC

4.4

Awesome(990)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mount Vernon Square

Alta Strada serves authentic, Italian food in the vibrant neighborhood of Mount Vernon Triangle in the heart of Washington, DC. Alta Strada was born from the simple wish to share great ingredients, honored flavors, and a warm welcome with neighbors and friends. Always expect housemade pasta, authentic Italian classics, and great reds (cocktails too)—all enjoyed in our dining rooms, patio spaces, or in the comfort of your own home. Alta Strada's full bar, shady patio and welcoming dining room are a short stroll from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

7. The Pembroke

4.5

Awesome(1919)

Price: Expensive

• Global, International • Dupont Circle

Booked 55 times today

Situated in the bustling heart of Dupont Circle is The Pembroke, a sophisticated dining destination. Featuring contemporary American fare with global influences, The Washington Post’s food critic Tom Sietsema described the experience as “cut from a different cloth." The Pembroke’s stunning design by Martin Brudnizki features plush velvet coral-toned banquettes around glossy marble tables, cream-paneled walls with playful artwork, and boasts panoramic views of the neighborhood, while a seasonal terrace offers al fresco dining from spring to fall. The marble-topped bar is a bright and airy nod to cocktail bars of the 1950s and features classic drinks with a twist and a selection of fine wines. Reserve your table today to see how “The Pembroke makes Dupont Circle a destination again.”

A photo of Taberna del Alabardero restaurant

8. Taberna del Alabardero

4.7

Exceptional(3827)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional Spanish • Downtown

Booked 25 times today

Taberna del Alabardero is authentic in its Spanish cuisine and atmosphere. Customers rave about the 'authentic quality Spanish food' and 'outstanding, authentic cuisine'. The Spanish Chef, Oscar Ordonez, brings back the authentic Spanish Cuisine. The restaurant also offers a 'vintage' and 'royal' ambiance, as mentioned in the reviews. It's 'a piece of Spain' in the heart of Washington DC.

A photo of El Centro D.F. - Georgetown restaurant

9. El Centro D.F. - Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(1966)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Mexican • Georgetown

Booked 13 times today

Chef Richard Sandoval invites you to gather, dine and raise a glass at El Centro, D.F. Authentic Mexican comfort food and fine Tequilas are served in three vibrant spaces.Reaching back to his roots, internationally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval created El Centro DF to introduce Washington DC to signature authentic Mexican flavors and traditional dishes that he grew up enjoying. The dynamic two-story restaurant in Georgetown, with a back patio, is also home to over 300 tequilas, mezcals alongside craft Mexican-inspired drinks.

10. Floriana

4.7

Exceptional(3836)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 18 times today

Floriana offers authentic Italian recipes with handmade pastas in the most comfortable of environments. Located in DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, in a historic brick stone row house that has been converted into a cozy restaurant, but hasn't given up the feel of coming over to someones home for dinner. Offering a seasonal menu of fresh and local ingredients Floriana has developed a reputation for consistent, high quality, authentic, feel good dishes at a great value. Our pledge of superior service is matched only by our ability to make every guest feel welcome and comfortable when joining us for a DC dining experience.We pay special attention to every guest that chooses Floriana.

‘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

B
Brittany
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was so tasty and the ambiance and staff were so professional
More info
Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
•
4.5
J
JL
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience at this family-run restaurant. Try it!
More info
CentrolinaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
R
roy
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Never fails to be a great experience. The only issue we've had in many years of coming back to Zatinya is noise. This time we arrived at 5 PM for a 6 PM reservation and it was quieter than usual. They were simply fantastic, acknowledged our anniversary and made the night special. But all visits to this superb restaurant are special
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Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
F
Frank
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I was dining with friends and our kids. The staff was amazing, especially given they had to contend with our energetic kids running around. The food was excellent and the ambiance just what we were looking for.
More info
ChaplinPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Shaw
•
4.6
L
Larry
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great food, friendly service, nice atmosphere. And the specials are reasonably priced. Ordering ala carte could get expensive, but still great food.
More info
OyamelPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington

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58 restaurants available nearby

1. Olio e Più - DC

2. Zaytinya - DC

3. Oyamel

4. Centrolina

5. Chaplin

6. Alta Strada- DC

7. The Pembroke

8. Taberna del Alabardero

9. El Centro D.F. - Georgetown

10. Floriana

See what locals rave about

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