21 Best Restaurants in Washington DC
Dining in America’s capital means a diversity of flavors! Here are the best restaurants in Washington DC.
One of my favorite things to do when I visit Washington DC is to eat! There are so many delicious restaurants to choose from, but I’ve rounded up some of my favorites. Read on to find out where to eat in Washington DC.
Where to Eat in Washington DC
1. Bulldog Sports Bar
Pizza, Sports Bar
Bulldog is an unassuming sports bar in Chinatown that serves pizza, wings, loaded fries, sliders, and mac & cheese skillets.
The vibes are a little bit hard rock, but it’s not so loud inside that you can’t have a conversation. They have multiple levels of seating, and you can kick back and enjoy a game.
I recommend the Carnivore Pizza, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings (I love that their garlic parm is wet instead of a dry rub like most other places!), and their Caesar Salad.
713 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
2. Mezcalero at La Cosecha
Mexican, Tacos
Mezcalero is an authentic Mexican restaurant located inside La Cosecha, a contemporary Latin American marketplace at Union Market District.
From Chef Alfredo Solis and his sister Jessica, Mezcalero brings authentic Mexican street food from the road-side kitchens of Mexico to DC.
I recommend the Enchilada “El Pollo” or the Street Tacos.
1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
3. Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub
Irish, Pub
Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub is a Penn Quarter/Chinatown restaurant run by a certified chef from Cork County, Ireland. The restaurant is located at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, DC/Downtown.
As you would imagine, they serve authentic Irish pub classics, have live music three nights a week, and open early for Tottenham Spurs Premiere League games.
I recommend the Guinness Stew or the Fish N’ Chips, both classic dishes.
500 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
4. Immigrant Food
International
Immigrant Food is a restaurant from Michelin-star Chef Enrique Limardo that features diverse and nourishing foods from the mix of immigrant people and cultures that make America great.
Immigrant Food has 4 locations in DC: at Planet Word, at The White House, at Union Market District, and at Ballston, .
We ate at the Immigrant Food at Planet Word. I recommend the Immigrant Poke, the Belgian Fries, and the Tamarind BBQ Ribs.
Planet Word: 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Ballston: 4245 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22203
The White House: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Union Market District: 1309 5th St NE Space 430, Washington, DC 20002
5. We, The Pizza
Pizza, Italian
We, The Pizza is one of the best places to eat in Washington DC on Capitol Hill. They also have locations at Ballston, Crystal City, and U Street.
They serve NY-style pizza by the slice or by the pie, as well as homemade sodas.
I recommend the Butcher’s Block, the Double Pepperoni, and the Buffalo Chicken pizzas.
Capitol Hill: 305 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Ballston: 4201 Wilson Blvd Ste # 120, Arlington, VA 22203
Crystal City: 2100 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202
U Street: 1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
6. Clyde’s of Georgetown
American, Bar
Clyde’s of Georgetown is a long-running local chain that started here in Georgetown in 1963. This saloon-like restaurant was one of the first in Washington DC to offer locally-raised and sustainable foods.
Clyde’s is Georgetown’s original local watering hole. Their menu serves brunch every day until 4 p.m., burgers and sandwiches, and American classics from Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish to Meatloaf.
I recommend the French Toast or the Eggs Chesapeake if you’re in the mood for brunch, or the Chicken #1 sandwich for lunch or dinner.
Clyde’s of Georgetown: 3236 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Clyde’s of Gallery Place: 707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
7. Hank’s Oyster Bar
Seafood, Oysters
Hank’s Oyster Bar has been serving up delicious seafood in DC since 2005. They have two DC locations: one at The Wharf and one at Dupont Circle. That means you’re never too far from Hank’s when you’re exploring DC’s top attractions!
On the menu, you’ll find a fresh selection of East and West coast oysters, crabs, lobster rolls, po’boys, and seafood platters. And during cherry blossom season, they have some great Japanese-inspired specials.
I recommend the Popcorn Shrimp & Calamari to start, and the Fried Oyster Dinner or the Seafood Fettuccine.
The Wharf: 701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Dupont Circle: 1624 Q St NW STE 100, Washington, DC 20009
8. Whiskey Charlie
Rooftop Bar
Whiskey Charlie is a rooftop bar at The Wharf on top of the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf.
They have a 10th floor outdoor deck with waterfront views, an indoor lounge, premium cocktails, and finger foods. This is a great place for pre-dinner drinks and appetizers.
I recommend the Gulf Shrimp Cocktail and the Mese Hummus to eat. To drink, go for the Purser’s Bane, the Coastal Vibes, or the Captain’s Choice.
975 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
9. Yard House
American, Bar
Yard House is high-end sports bar chain with a location in DC’s Chinatown serving up classic American bar fare.
They have a huge menu with over 100 American-style dishes made from scratch daily, from burgers to tacos to steaks. And they have the world’s largest selection of draft beer with 100 taps.
I recommend the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque or the “Everything-Crusted” Ahi Tuna sandwich.
812 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
10. Momiji
Japanese, Sushi
Momiji is a Chinatown restaurant for some great Japanese food, sushi, and hibachi.
The restaurant has two levels with a rooftop deck. Their menu features creatively named rolls, handmade cocktails, and delicious hibachi meals.
I recommend the Rock n’ Roll or the Sushi Sandwich.
505 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
11. Kirwan’s on the Wharf
Irish, Pub
Kirwan’s on the Wharf is an Irish pub located beneath the Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf.
On the menu, you’ll find all the traditional Irish classics but with a unique, modern touch. This area is perfect for an Irish pub because The Wharf was historically populated by Irish immigrants.
I recommend the Lamb Stew, the Kirwan’s Lamb Burger, or the Marie’s Pasta. To drink, try the Róisín Corcra (Violet Rose) or the Galway Girl.
749 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
12. Via Sophia
Italian, Pasta
Via Sophia is a contemporary Italian restaurant located in the lobby of the Hamilton Hotel DC.
Their menu features Italian classics made in-house from scratch using fresh local ingredients.
I recommend the Grilled Calamari, the Tagliatelle, the Creekstone Ribeye, or the Bucatini Carbonara.
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
13. Tiki TNT
Bar, Tropical
Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company is a restaurant and bar atop a rum distillery at The Wharf where you can find Hawaiian-themed dishes. Come here for the tiki vibes, beachy escape, and open-air rooftop dining by the waterfront.
On the menu, you’ll find small bites like poke and shrimp as well as a very few bigger items like a burger and flat bread.
I recommend the Tuna Poke, the Bang Bang Shrimp, or the Pu Pu Platter for a little of everything.
1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
14. City Tap House
American, Bar
City Tap House is a regional chain with locations in Penn Quarter and Dupont Circle. This tap house serves up craft food and craft beer.
The menu serves American bar favorites from sandwiches to brick oven pizza to sirloin. The food and drinks here were delicious, but I didn’t like their ordering system.
You don’t get a waiter, instead you have to order from your phone, their system was incredibly slow, and there’s no other option. I feel like that’s a huge accessibility problem. Older folks who aren’t as adept at using their phones or international visitors who don’t have service wouldn’t be able to eat here (and there wasn’t any public wi-fi either).
That said, I do recommend the Rigatoni Roma or the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup. To drink, I recommend the Cucumber Crusher or the Passionista.
Penn Quarter: 901 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Dupont: 1250 Connecticut Ave NW suite 105, Washington, DC 20036
15. Tony Cheng’s
Chinese, Asian
Tony Cheng’s Mongolian Restaurant is a multi-level Chinatown restaurant for classic Chinese dishes.
You’ll find dim sum being served upstairs and a Mongolian barbecue buffet served downstairs. We enjoyed doing their dim sum.
I recommend the Mongolian Beef, the General Tso’s Chicken, and Chow Mein.
619 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
16. Levain Bakery
Bakery, Cookies, Breakfast
Levain Bakery is a popular Georgetown bakery for their huge cookies (and I mean, huge!)
They’re most known for their Chocolate Chip Walnut cookies, but all of their options are delicious. They also sell loaf cakes, breads, and pastries, so this is a great spot to grab breakfast on the go. Just don’t be surprised if it’s crowded at all hours!
My favorites were their Dark Chocolate Chip and their Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies. Kevin liked their Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie the best.
3131 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
17. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Ice Cream, Milkshakes
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream serves ice cream and vegan ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, cookie sandwiches, sundaes, and milkshakes.
They serve huge scoops for a great price. I recommend the Dulce De Leche Brownie, the Chocolate caramel Cheesecake, Honeycomb, or the Praline Butter Cake.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has a bunch of locations in the DC area, including Union Market, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Arlington, Union Station, 14th Street Logan Circle, and Capitol Hill.
18. Tipsy Scoop
Boozy Ice Cream
Tipsy Scoop is a boozy ice cream parlor that serves ice cream made with alcohol. For obvious reasons, this ice cream shop is 21+.
You can get a scoop, a flight, a cocktail sundae, or pick up a pint. They have flavors like Spiked Mint Chip, Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Dark Chocolate Whiskey Salted Caramel, and Cake Batter Vodka Martini. Their DC exclusive flavor is the Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned.
I recommend getting a flight; they decorate each flavor, so it’s a whole experience. Definitely try the Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned while you’re in DC!
675 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
19. Food Court at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Food Court
If you’re out shopping or maybe visited the Pentagon for a tour in the morning and need a quick place for lunch, the food court at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City has some good options.
1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202
Restaurants at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Need somewhere to eat in the airport before you fly out? Here are my recommendations:
20. Matsutake Sushi
Japanese, Sushi
Matsutake Sushi is a full-service Japanese and sushi restaurant in the Regan National Airport. You’ll find it in the main hall of Terminal 2 past security, near C Gates.
They have signature sushi rolls, hibachi-style dishes, noodle and rice bowls, plus a bar.
I recommend the Dynamite Roll and the Yellowtail Roll.
21. American Tap Room
American, Diner
American Tap Room is a full-service American restaurant in the Regan National Airport. You’ll find it in Terminal 2 past security, in the middle of D Gates.
It’s called a tap room, but really I found the menu more diner-style. They serve breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a full bar with cocktails and plenty of beer.
I recommend the Basil Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich or the Steak Sandwich.
Restaurants in Washington DC Map
Ready to take a bite out of these best restaurants in Washington DC? Use the map below to plan out your next meal!
I hope you enjoy all these amazing Washington DC restaurants!
Where to Eat in Washington DC FAQ
Does Washington DC have any Michelin star restaurants?
There are 25 Michelin star restaurants in Washington DC. There is one restaurant with 3 stars, three restaurants with 2 stars, and 20 restaurants with 1 star.
Is DC a good city for food?
Washington DC is a great city for food! There are so many delicious places to eat in DC, with a ton of variety in cuisine thanks to all the immigrants who bring over their cultural dishes.
What is the average cost of a meal in DC?
The average cost of a meal in Washington DC is around $40 per person for dinner at a full-service restaurant and around $15 per person for lunch. Prices vary depending on the type of restaurant you go to, if you order a cocktail or appetizer, and what dish you order. In general, you can expect an inexpensive meal to cost around $16 per person, a mid-range meal to cost around $50 per person, and an expensive meal to cost over $100 per person.
Save on Washington DC’s Top Attractions
Want to save big on Washington DC’s top attractions? With the Washington DC Sightseeing Pass, you can save up to 60% on the cost of entrance tickets to museums, tours, and attractions all around the city!
Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With one price and one pass, you have everything you need right on your phone. This is the perfect pass for visiting Washington DC!
Where to Stay in Washington DC
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Washington DC, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center or the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
- Top Hotel: The Hay-Adams
- Great Value: Phoenix Park Hotel
- Unique Stay: Unique DC Row House Near Historic H Street
Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center
We enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center when attending an event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
This hotel has a great location. It’s just on the edge of Chinatown and is within easy walking distance to the National Mall and all the tourist hot spots. There are plenty of restaurant options and nightlife nearby.
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
We love the location of the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf, though the hotel’s customer service could use some work.
The Wharf is a great spot to be for beautiful waterfront views and lots of dining and nightlife. It’s also only a 10-15 minute walk from two different Metro stations, and it’s really easy to get to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
More Things to Do in Washington DC
Explore even more of the nation’s capital! Check out these other top tips for visiting Washington DC.
- 45+ Best Things to Do in Washington DC
- 27 Free Things to Do in Washington DC
- 12 Best Washington DC Bars, from Rooftops to Political Hangouts
- 10 Best Washington DC Tours That Are Worth the Money
- 11 Amazing Washington DC Hotels for the Perfect Stay
- Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
- 4 Best Rooftop Bars at The Wharf in Washington DC
- Visiting the Smithsonian Castle in Washington DC
- 6 Best Restaurants in Chinatown DC
- One Day in Alexandria, Virginia: Day Trip from Washington DC
- One Day in Baltimore, Maryland: Day Trip from Washington DC
Ready to visit Washington DC? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Washington DC using Hotels.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
- Explore DC in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic in Washington DC to discover more of the city.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite restaurants in Washington DC? Let me know in the comments!
