Washington’s food scene is currently booming, and because so many of you have been asking for our recommendations, we decided to put together a little guide to some of our favorite restaurants in DC right now. We hope you enjoy!!
Warning: do not read while hungry.
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Pizzeria Vetri: founded by Philadelphia-based Marc Vetri, a James Beard Award Winning Chef, Pizzeria Vetri on upper 14th street is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner to enjoy some really good pizza.
Tiger Fork: wander down Blagden Alley and you’ll find Tiger Fork, a Hong Kong kitchen serving up a medley of traditional Hong Kong street food with pops of other Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavors. Make sure to order one of their signature healing cocktails featuring traditional Chinese medicinal spirits.
Duke’s Counter: located in the Woodley Park neighborhood of DC, Duke’s Counter (see also: Duke’s Grocery, in Dupont) is a London-inspired pub open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. We love that Duke’s was envisioned after Shoreditch, a neighborhood in East London with a vibrant, diverse culinary scene – plus, everything is made from scratch, with an emphasis on sustainable ingredients and supporting local purveyors.
Capo Delicatessen: the Shaw neighborhood recently welcomed Capo Deli, founded by local restauranteurs Andy Seligman, and Brian Valise. By Day, Capo sells a variety of delicious subs (up until 4AM on Fridays and Saturdays) in addition to other Italian gourmet items, including meats, cheese, salads, pasta, and bottles of Capo dressing — a mix of imported Italian spices, olive oil and vinegar. By night, Capo offers much more than meets the eye… thought that was a walk-in freezer door in the photo below? Think again.
The Smith: New York’s The Smith opened up in the Penn Quarter neighborhood in downtown Washington. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, stop at The Smith at any time for bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails.
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Bad Saint: Ranked #2 on Bon Appetit Magazine’s America’s Best New Restaurants 2016, this walk-in only, 24-seat Filipino kitchen is a MUST-VISIT in DC. Brainchild of Chef Tom Cunanan, Bad Saint is located on 11th street in Northwest Washington and is most easily identified by the long ling of guests anxiously awaiting a seat to become available. We suggest arriving really early so you can snag a spot and try out their delicious Filipino fare for yourself.
Le Diplomate: Philly-based restaurateur Stephen Starr hit the nail on the head with this bustling French brasserie. Located on 14th Street in the Logan Circle neighborhood, Le Diplomate has quickly become one of the most iconic restaurants in Washington with its perfectly Parisian vibes, complete with a sun room (aka l’Orangerie), canopied terrasse, and authentic Tour de France antiques lining the walls. Be sure to make a res, as this bistro is never not busy.
The Red Hen: this cozy, rustic spot is a local favorite in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood of DC. Chef-Owner Michael Friedman’s The Red Hen is an Italian-inspired American restaurant featuring a delectable menu of crostinis, pasta, and other Italian classics. With dark wooden tables, exposed brick, and shabby chic floors, The Red Hen is indisputably one of the most charming spots in the city.
Ambar: Located on Capitol Hill, Ambar is a modern Balkan restaurant, and with its only other location outside the DC area (there is one in Clarendon, VA, too) being in Belgrade, Serbia, its safe to say this is as authentic as it gets. Primarily serving small plates, Ambar blends new and old world flavors to provide a delicious, unforgettable experience.
Whaley’s: DC has its fair share of raw bars, considering the easy access to neighboring rivers, bays, and sea. Whaley’s, however, offers riverfront views in the Washington Navy Yard and a menu featuring shellfish towers, crudos, a selection of other seafood plates and a beautifully selected beverage program to go along with it. Whether you’re stopping by for afternoon oysters or to grab a glass at their summertime Rosé Garden, Whaley’s is sure not to disappoint.
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Kinship: behind a discreet exterior on 7th Street lies Kinship, an intimate restaurant whose name denotes its goal exactly — to evoke a feeling of connection with others. Chef-Owner Eric Ziebold, with an impressive pedigree working under Chef Thomas Keller of the French Laundry, presents a unique menu of modern-American flavors, such as his signature Maine Lobster French Toast and Kinship Roast Chicken. Cozy up at the bar or in one of their adorable booths – no matter where you’re seated in this chic Michelin-Starred restaurant, Kinship is sure to impress.
Fiola Mare: Our personal favorite of all of Chef Fabio Trabbochi’s restaurants, Fiola Mare offers an exquisite seafood menu and stunning views with it’s prime location on the Georgetown Waterfront. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, Fiola Mare is perfect for all occassions. Just make sure to get the Lobster Ravioli – you won’t regret it.
The Dabney: If you took our recommendation above and visited Tiger Fork, you may have noticed a dreamy patio of greenery and twinkle lights. The Dabney, also located in Blagden Alley, serves up mid-Atlantic cuisine in this rustic setting, complete with an exposed kitchen and wood-fired hearth.
Rose’s Luxury: Rose’s has become a Washington favorite, despite it’s no-reservation policy and therefore, the long lines that follow suit. Chef Aaron Silverman presents a fun atmosphere with a small plates menu at this cute spot on Capitol Hill. If you can’t find a seat in the main dining room, always try for the upstairs bar, where they also serve the full menu.
Tail Up Goat: a nod to co-owner Jill Sybert’s hometown in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Tail Up Goat is a cute and casual spot in Adams Morgan serving soulful flavors with a special emphasis on pasta and bread. This Michelin Starred restaurant, with it’s beachy vibes and casually cool service will have you reevaluating what it means to be “Michelin Worthy.”
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Métier: if you took our recommendation above and visited Kinship, you may have noticed guests entering a small elevator near the front of the restaurant. This private elevator leads to Métier (French for “a field of work that is one’s area of expertise”), Chef Eric Ziebold’s tasting menu restaurant in an intimate 36-seat only dining room. Enjoy an apéritif and hors d’oeuvres in the Métier Salon before being seated in the candle lit dining room, where you’ll enjoy an exquisite seven-course tasting menu and catch a glimpse of the cooks showcasing their métier through the large window into the kitchen.
Masseria: If your heart is aching for Italy, go to Masseria. This ethereal indoor/outdoor restaurant makes you feel as though you’ve transported to the Italian countryside. With a discreet location in the Union Market district, Chef Nick Stefanelli presents four-, five-, and six-course tasting menus, as well as a small plates menu at the bar.
The Inn at Little Washington: if you’re willing to venture a bit out of the District, every Washingtonian will tell you to go to The Inn at Little Washington. Located about a little over an hour from DC in Washington, Virginia, The Inn opened its doors in 1978 and has been convincing people to venture out of the city ever since. Hailing two Michelin Stars, Chef Patrick O’Connell’s restaurant & inn is a timeless classic.
Plume: located inside The Jefferson Hotel, Plume exudes luxury and class. A diverse team of culinary geniuses work together to emulate the fresh garden harvest that was enjoyed by Thomas Jefferson during his days at Monticello. The dining room is dressed in silk wallpaper, complete with glowing wall sconces, crystal chandelier, and a cozy fireplace. The elegance of Plume, paired with the warmness of the waitstaff, allows for an upscale yet comfortable dining experience that will certainly blow you away.
Tour de José: our final recommendation isn’t just one restaurant – rather, it is a collection of several restaurants. The Tour de José is a special way to experience several of esteemed Chef José Andres’ restaurants in just one night. The evening features a dining tour of Zaytinya, Jaleo, Oyamel, and China Chilcano with a special menu of 3-5 small plates and a paired round of beverages at each restaurant, all of which are conveniently located a short walking distance from each other. Available Sunday-Thursday for parties of up to six, this makes for a unique, fun activity to indulge the foodie in you.
We hope this will answer some of the questions you all have been asking! What are your favorite restaurants in DC? What do you think should be on The DC Darlings’ list? Let us know in the comments below!
Yall should check out Founding Farmers! It’s a fantastic restaurant, everything is made from scratch and from local farmers. Everything was amazing, and the restaurant itself is aesthetically pleasing 🙂
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We love Founding Farmers! It is so delicious!!