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Best Authentic Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

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189 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant restaurant
1. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(99)
Price: Moderate
• Ethiopian • Columbia Heights / Brightwood
Booked 8 times today
Letena Ethiopian Restaurant is authentic because it's family-owned, farm-to-table, and serves dishes made with natural, premium ingredients. Reviewers praise it as having 'fresh, vibrant and tasty' food, and the 'best Ethiopian food in the area.' The owners are also commended for their 'great hospitality' and 'unique and beautiful interior space'. The restaurant's goal of making Ethiopian food approachable for all is evident in the high ratings from customers.
A photo of Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge restaurant
2. Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge
4.9
Exceptional(16)
Price: Moderate
• Persian • Washington
Booked 2 times today
KooKoo is a concept by Chef/Owner Yahya Sardari to bring the tastes of his childhood dishes to life. We strive to use the freshest available ingredients and best family recipes to bring our favorite dishes to life. We have a crafted some amazing Persian inspired cocktails for your enjoyment. Traditional spices married with the best spirits by our resident mixologist Danielle. Yahya Sardari brought Kookoo to life in August of 2023 to showcase his love of Persian cuisine. With family recipes handed down from his mom he recreates his childhood memories and shares his passion for cooking and hosting with his guests.
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
3. Olio e Più - DC
new
4.4
Awesome(94)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 91 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.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19271)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 271 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 Filomena Ristorante restaurant
5. Filomena Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(17033)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 239 times today
Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!
A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant
6. Rumi's Kitchen - DC
4.8
Exceptional(2380)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 82 times today
Rumi's Kitchen is a beloved Persian restaurant in Washington DC. Its authenticity is confirmed by reviews like 'Great authentic Persian food with excellent customer service' and 'Absolutely delicious authentic Persian food'. The restaurant's dedication to traditional Persian dishes is noted in reviews like 'The menu, a symphony of flavors, offered a tantalizing selection of traditional Persian dishes'. It's not just about the food though, the overall dining experience is praised with comments like 'Rumi Kitchen proved to be more than a restaurant; it was a journey through Persian culture and gastronomy'.
A photo of Amazonia restaurant
7. Amazonia
4.7
Exceptional(109)
Price: Very Expensive
• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 38 times today
Venture into the relaxed ambiance of Amazonia, our inviting upstairs bar, dining room and rooftop hideaway. As one of the first Amazonian restaurants in the U.S., discover the exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru's rainforest, as well as favorite Peruvian staples. Here you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of pisco and imaginative cocktails. The dishes you'll enjoy in Amazonia are meant for sharing, and are expertly prepared by the very same skilled kitchen team from Causa downstairs.
A photo of dLeña restaurant
8. dLeña
4.7
Exceptional(1951)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 69 times today
Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington
A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
9. Jaleo - DC
4.7
Exceptional(10898)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 130 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 Oyamel restaurant
10. Oyamel
4.7
Exceptional(9547)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 118 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ruth
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Filomena has always been our go-to restaurant, and it never fails to exceed our expectations. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance that sets the tone for an incredible dining experience. The food, as always, was absolutely delicious—each dish crafted with care and bursting with flavor. What truly elevated our evening was the outstanding service we received from Nebil. His professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine friendliness made us feel truly valued as guests. Nebil anticipated our needs effortlessly, provided thoughtful recommendations, and ensured everything was perfect from start to finish. It’s rare to encounter such exceptional service, and it made an already great meal even more memorable. Filomena, once again, proved why it remains our favorite dining spot!
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    •
    4.7
  • Molly
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Zaytinya is one of my go to places to take friends, family, and out of town people because the food is great and the price is great! Our waitress took a while to take our order but the food came out fast and the drinks were great!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • neil
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Nov 2024
    Greeted with a warm smile, I opted to sit at the bar. Chris made some great recommendations, I chose the Basil rye old fashioned. For appetizer, I enjoyed the octopus carpaccio, which was delightful and perfectly flavored. Main course I went for the club sandwich. Definitely tasty combination of flavors. They also gave me some focaccia bread with what appeared to be kalamata olives! I can never resist a good tiramisu, so I opted for one, and I am glad I did. Overall, it was a great experience with good food and welcoming staff. Justin checked on me several times. The chef also came by to inquire about the food and some feedback, which shows how much they truly care about guest's experience. Definitely recommend!
    More info
    Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
    •
    4.4
  • Janice
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Nov 2024
    The food here is absolutely delicious! We were a group of five and everyone loved their meal.
    More info
    Kookoo Restaurant and LoungePrice: Moderate• Persian• Washington
    •
    4.9
  • Meghan
    Greater Boston •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Nov 2024
    This was my first time at Letena and it was excellent! Will definitely be back. My table shared a platter and each item was delicious. The restaurant smelled amazing when you walked in the door. Servers constantly kept my water full.
    More info
    Letena Ethiopian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• Columbia Heights / Brightwood
    •
    5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Discover the heart of authentic dining in Washington, D.C.'s vibrant Columbia Heights / Brightwood area. This neighborhood is a treasure trove of culinary delights, where restaurants pride themselves on delivering genuine flavors that reflect their unique cultural heritages. Each establishment in this locale offers a distinct experience, focusing on traditional cooking techniques and high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste that resonates with both locals and visitors. The dining scene here is characterized by its eclectic mix, from cozy eateries to sophisticated settings, all committed to providing an unforgettable gastronomic journey. These restaurants not only cater to those seeking traditional dishes but also to diners looking for an authentic atmosphere. The commitment to authenticity is evident in the meticulous preparation and presentation of each meal, making Columbia Heights / Brightwood a go-to destination for anyone craving a true taste of diverse cultures. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply exploring the area, the authenticity of these dining spots is sure to provide a rich and satisfying experience.

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