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
P
Pam
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
A
Alina
Dined 1 day ago
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
G
Gerryvip
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
S
Stephen
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
SR
SaraRvip
Dined on 1 Jan 2023
About the restaurant
Top review
S
scott
Dined 5 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
N
Nicole
Dined on 19 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
M
Michael
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
A
Aleia
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Joanne
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
J
John
Dined 7 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
K
Katievip
Dined 7 days ago
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
A
Allan
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
B
Beckyvip
Dined on 19 Nov 2024
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jeffrey
Dined 6 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
S
Sashavip
Dined on 19 Nov 2024
Discover more
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