18 restaurants that define dining in Washington, D.C.
by Christabel Lobo
Updated 29 March 2023
Washington, D.C.’s best restaurants are defined by global flavors. There are storied spots that have hosted former presidents, foreign dignitaries, and a cavalcade of other changemakers. But the District’s dining all-stars also include relaxed hangouts for laid-back everyday moments.
Head to Georgetown for a mid-Atlantic seafood feast at one of the city’s oldest fine-dining restaurants. Share crispy spinach chaat at an acclaimed Indian spot in Penn Quarter. Tuck into an all-you-can-eat Balkan spread at a Capitol Hill favorite.
Sample the tastes that are essential to Washington, D.C. by booking a table at one of the city’s 18 greatest restaurants right now.
About the restaurant
Top review
D
dolores
Dined 4 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 11 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jordan
Dined on 12 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
M
Meghan
Dined on 1 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
A
Agnesvip
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
S
Stephen
Dined 6 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
SR
SaraRvip
Dined on 1 Jan 2023
About the restaurant
Top review
S
scott
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
N
Nicole
Dined 4 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
M
Melissa
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Deborahvip
Dined 6 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
C
Cathyvip
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
J
John
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
K
Katievip
Dined 3 days ago
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
N
Nana
Dined 6 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
B
Beckyvip
Dined 4 days ago
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jeffrey
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
S
Sashavip
Dined 4 days ago
More lists for you
12 gorgeous Washington DC restaurants that will blow you away
Explore the 2023 MICHELIN picks for Washington D.C.
18 restaurants that define dining in Washington, D.C.
Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Washington DC
These 12 Washington DC restaurants crush the outdoor dining game
Washington DC's Award-winning Restaurants
12 Washington, DC restaurants that our local editor loves
10 special occasion-worthy restaurants in Washington, DC
Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants
9 Top Burgers in Washington, D.C. to Try
100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day
Seek out these 5 unique restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Explore other cities and regions
Other ways to experience the world through dining