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Best Fun Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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402 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
1. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19419)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 256 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.
A photo of Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien restaurant
2. Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien
4.8
Exceptional(450)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Washington
Booked 60 times today
Moon Rabbit is a highly-regarded Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C., drawing inspiration from the virtuous rabbit depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tale. Led by acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, the restaurant embodies an innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a menu that is both unique and complex. Chef Tien's main objective is to pay tribute to his heritage as a first-generation Asian American, using Moon Rabbit as a platform for expressing his love for Vietnamese culture and food.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
3. Succotash PRIME
4.6
Exceptional(3941)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 94 times today
Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.
A photo of Tonari restaurant
4. Tonari
4.6
Exceptional(320)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 31 times today
Tonari is our Wafu Italian restaurant. WAFU means Japanese-style, so our menu is a Japanese take on Italian food. It originated in Japan through the love that the Japanese had for Italian food but wanted to incorporate some of their cultural flavors and ingredients to them. We at Daikaya Group and chef & owner, Katsuya Fukushima, are bringing this experience to you here in DC.Looking for some fun Japanese antipasti bites, one of a kind pasta dishes, or pizza that you won't find anywhere else in the city? Then come join us for dinner, we look forward to having you soon.
A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
5. Dirty Habit | The Glass House
4.3
Awesome(2272)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 31 times today
Dirty Habit DC is a globally inspired New American restaurant & bar in a hip, edgy hotel space with private courtyard space. Just a perfect location for happy hour cocktails, events and private bookings. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.
A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
6. Jaleo - DC
4.7
Exceptional(10993)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 141 times today
Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.
A photo of China Chilcano restaurant
7. China Chilcano
4.7
Exceptional(3722)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 60 times today
China Chilcano is a fun spot, praised in reviews for its 'innovative food', 'great service', and 'beautiful decor'. With its unique blend of Peruvian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, there's something for everyone. As one reviewer puts it, it's a 'wonderful Jose Andres restaurant' with 'unique flavor combinations'. Plus, the ambiance is consistently rated highly, making it a great place to enjoy a meal or share dishes with friends.
A photo of The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant
8. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C
4.5
Awesome(3812)
Price: Expensive
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 98 times today
The Smith in Penn Quarter is a blast! It's a fun brasserie that serves delicious food and has a wonderful vibe, according to reviews. With a menu featuring bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails, it's the perfect spot for date night, drinks on the town, or a big birthday bash. Plus, the decor is beautiful and the service is excellent. As one reviewer said, it's a place with a 'vibrant vibe, very good food and attentive service'!
A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant
9. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown
4.3
Awesome(10375)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 166 times today
Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday
A photo of Rania DC restaurant
10. Rania DC
4.7
Exceptional(509)
Price: Very Expensive
• Indian • Penn Quarter
Booked 26 times today
We are excited to welcome you to Rania, DC's hottest destination for modern Indian food. Tom Sietsema has called our food "some of the most inspired Indian cooking in DC." At Rania, we offer homage to the time-honored traditions, rich flavors, and spices of India in an intimate, luxurious setting. We look forward to sharing our vision with you!Presenting sophisticated, highly acclaimed 4-course prix-fixe menu, with an upcoming debut of our chef's tasting menu.Policies:-Dress Code: Smart Business Casual. No shorts, athletic wear, or baseball caps are allowed.-Children under 10 are not allowed in the main dining areas.-Reservations are available for parties of up to 6 people.- A non-refundable deposit of $30 per person is required for parties larger than 5.-A 20% gratuity will be added to all parties 5 or more.For large party or private dining inquiries, please email: Info@raniadc.com

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jennise
    Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Beautiful ambience. Very relaxed and unique! The food was great,
    More info
    Dirty Habit | The Glass HousePrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.3
  • Gustavo
    Indiana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My wife and I loved our visit to Zaytinya in DC! If you’re in downtown, you’ve got to check it out. They specialize in Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish food, and everything is meant to be shared, which makes it even more fun. The flavors were amazing, and the vibe was relaxed but still classy. Definitely try their mezze dishes—they’re so good!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • JackiVIP
    Austin •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We tried Moon Rabbit for lunch (not easy to get a dinner reservation) and it was a perfect experience. The decor is simple, beautiful, spacious, and welcoming. The servers were gracious & helpful but not intrusive. Flatware and plates were changed frequently like they are in a Michelin-star restaurant. The food was SO creative, not overly salty nor smothered with garlic. Portions were just right for sampling multiple offerings and sharing between 2 people. We had the Chinese broccoli & the squash salad, the stuffed leaves, the mussels, the catfish & the fried chicken. All superb. We had room for dessert and actually ended up trying all 3 offerings. I cannot choose a favorite! None was too rich or too much. We also enjoyed their wine selection which matched very well with the Vietnamese cuisine.
    More info
    Moon Rabbit by Kevin TienPrice: Very Expensive• Vietnamese• Washington
    •
    4.8
  • Kinga
    Virginia •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Tried taste of the south for brunch on New Years Day. The restaurant is cute, service was outstanding! Our waiter was amazing, I wish I caught his name. Smashed potatoes and shrimp and grits were delicious. Already planing a visit back for dinner :)
    More info
    Succotash PRIMEPrice: Moderate• American• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.6
  • Michelle
    Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Original flavors , delicious and surprisingly fast service. My favorite the pizza Detroit style really tasty and full of flavor, with a twist on the ingredients.
    More info
    TonariPrice: Expensive• Italian• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in Penn Quarter

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Washington D.C.'s Penn Quarter, a hub of culinary diversity and excitement perfect for those seeking a fun dining experience. This area boasts an array of restaurants that cater to those looking for an upbeat and enjoyable meal, whether it's innovative fusion cuisines or classic bistro fare. Each venue offers a unique ambiance that complements their creative and delicious menus, ensuring a memorable dining experience. From cozy spots ideal for a pre-theater dinner to energetic venues perfect for a night out with friends, Penn Quarter serves up a perfect mix of food, fun, and festivity. Reviewers consistently praise these restaurants for their exceptional service, beautiful decor, and the ability to deliver a fun atmosphere alongside mouth-watering dishes. Whether you're in the mood for shared plates in a casual setting or a sophisticated cocktail evening, Penn Quarter's dining scene has something to excite everyone.

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