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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown

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69 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(643)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 21 times today
Il Piatto is the modern expression of the classic Italian cuisine. Enjoy a selection of antipasto, pastas, gnocchi, and more! Our private dining package seats 35 guests or holds a reception for 50 guests. With a view of the wine cellar, our Italian restaurant is perfect for all kinds of events.Il Piatto is open for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour. *Please note, we serve brunch on holiday Mondays and the 4th of July*
A photo of Bombay Club restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5296)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown
Booked 24 times today
The Bombay Club emulates characteristics of the old clubs of India. The elegant environment with pale pastels, ceiling fans, and a profusion of greenery is designed to create a warm and inviting gathering place for relaxation and regeneration. The cuisine is the finest of India, utilizing only the best quality ingredients to create a harmony of subtle flavors. Specialties prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, include tandoori salmon and green chili chicken. The sophisticated cuisine is enhanced by refine service and live piano music. Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award.
A photo of Wild Days restaurant
4.1
Excellent(120)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon
OUR ROOFTOP BAR IS AN INDOOR/OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE THAT FEATURES DJ SESSIONS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES IN ADDITION TO TASTY COCKTAILS AND SNACKS.COME JOIN US FOR SOME SMORES BY OUR FIRE PIT OR ENJOY A SPECIALTY COCKTAIL OVERLOOKING ALL OF K STREET.
A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2231)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 21 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 Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2391)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 41 times today
Rumi's Kitchen in DC is totally worth the drive! The food is a sensational blend of Iran's fresh herbs and kabobs cooked over an open-fire grill, all served in a warm, cozy ambiance. Reviewers rave about the attentive service, flavorful dishes, and unique, upscale vibes. One review even stated, 'This restaurant has a swank vibe and very good food.' The restaurant's chef owner, Ali Mesghali, is clearly a master of his craft, serving up a memorable dining experience. Plus, it's not all about food; the restaurant's decor and presentation are also highly praised. So, it's not just the food that makes Rumi's Kitchen worth the trip, but the whole package.
A photo of Oyamel restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9552)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 63 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.
A photo of Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(175)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Washington
Booked 10 times today
Often referred to as “the wine lover's restaurant,” Sixty Vines delivers simple, yet flavorful cuisine paired perfectly with 60 wines on its sustainable tap system. Every plate and pour is designed to inspire adventure and discovery of wine culture reimagined. Guests are encouraged to experience abundance over shared plates, enjoy wine “pinkies down” and to visit for brunch, lunch and dinner. Signature menu items include charcuterie boards, seasonal proteins, wood fired pizzas and innovative pasta dishes all inspired by ingredients found in wine country.
A photo of Reverie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(27)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Georgetown
Booked 3 times today
Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience without pretension or fuss. Hidden in a Georgetown alleyway, Spero has redefined luxury in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, showcasing masterful culinary creativity alongside upbeat music and minimalist decor. The tasting menu skews heavily coastal with offerings from the garden and the sea, along with a sense of humor and novelty that balances the sheer beauty of Spero’s cooking. Simultaneously indulgent and charmingly casual, the restaurant invites guests to bring a sense of curiosity, while leaving their troubles at the door.Our current menu is offered at $255 per guest with optional beverage pairings available as well.We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com.
A photo of a.kitchen+bar D.C. restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(47)
Price: Expensive
• American • Washington
Booked 2 times today
Located in the West End neighborhood of Washington DC, James Beard Foundation Award-winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin's High Street Hospitality Group brings their acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant, a.kitchen+bar, to the nation's capital. Exploring the seasonality of the Chesapeake, the menu is a culmination of hyper-seasonal American small plates and an acclaimed natural wine and beverage program.Join us from 4-5PM at the bar for Golden Hour. Our team has thoughtfully curated a selection of off-menu cocktails and bites, perfectly paired to indulge you after a long day. Immaculate vibes, soulful tunes and our talented team await. We look forward to welcoming you.
A photo of San Lorenzo restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(305)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Shaw
Booked 4 times today
Come in and feel transported to the streets of Italy. Enjoy light, wholesome dishes - beautiful stucco walls and black and white photos of the chef/owner’s quaint hometown. Chef Massimo believes in creating dishes that honor the heritage and flavors of his native Tuscany. The magic of this cuisine is the exceptional preparation — fresh, simple ingredients paired with unique herbs and seasonings for a taste that’s anything but simple. With over 30 years of culinary training - Chef Massimo delivers homemade pastas, sauces, Florentine steak, veal, lamb, fresh fish and exceptional risotto. Stay tuned for the not-to-be missed tasting menus offered nightly. Also inquire about the unique communal wine lunch experiences on Saturday afternoons that can be booked only directly with management because they book up quickly. If you enjoy dining in Chef Massimo’s ‘San Lorenzo’ home - know he will also come to your home for special occasions or even travel with you within the US and Italy.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown

Discover a selection of restaurants in the Downtown, District of Columbia area that are genuinely "worth the drive." Each establishment in this carefully curated list stands out for its exceptional dining experiences, combining superb cuisine, attentive service, and inviting atmospheres. Whether you're seeking a spot for a special occasion or simply a memorable meal, these restaurants offer a top-notch dining scene that caters to both locals and visitors. The dining scene in Downtown D.C. is vibrant and diverse, featuring everything from upscale eateries to unique culinary gems, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Emphasizing quality and satisfaction, these restaurants not only meet but exceed expectations, making each meal worth the journey. Experience the best of Washington, D.C.’s culinary offerings where each restaurant promises a blend of delightful flavors and impeccable service that's definitely worth the drive.

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