Washington D.C. is unlike any other city in the United States. It is here that politics, business, diversity and American history all intersect, to give D.C. its dynamic and inimitable culture. The spirit of Washington D.C. is alive in its food culture, where anyone from students to secretaries to diplomats can be found enjoying a meal at one of Washington’s many restaurants. To get an idea of where to eat while staying in the “District”, here are 18 delicious eateries that feature something unique, within the capitol city.
1. Baked and Wired
While most tourists will find themselves in “Georgetown Cupcake” for their sweet tooth fix, D.C. natives know the best place to go for some coffee and a pastry is Baked and Wired, a family owned coffee shop and bakery, near the waterfront. All of their baked goods are made in small batches, with fresh and quality ingredients and they offer gluten free and vegan-friendly items, too!
Baked & Wired
Address: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Website: Baked & Wired
2. CAVA
The concept of CAVA is essentially a “build-your-own-bowl” Mediterranean restaurant, which in theory sounds like every other trendy, quasi-fast-food take on Mediterranean food, but CAVA, with its variety of fresh ingredients, delicious sauces and healthy portions, is actually a D.C. area gem. Not only do they have delicious food, they have unique drinks, like lavender lemonade or strawberry and mint juice.
CAVA
Address: 4 locations in Washington DC, please refer to website for more information.
Website: CAVA
3. Zaytinya
Following the small-plate trend is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Gallery Place called Zaytinya. Dining at Zaytinya will feel like stepping into the Mediterranean, with its fresh and authentic food cooked with traditional techniques. Award-winning chef Jose Andres and his staff create original, unique dishes that impeccably bring Greek, Lebanese and Turkish cuisine, straight to Washington D.C. – though the rave reviews for Zaytinya don’t end there. Zaytinya also has an exceptional bar, with cocktails that are as creative as they are delicious.
Zaytinya
Address: 701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Website: Zaytinya
4. Le Diplomate
Washington D.C. is not only one of the best cities to go to for a feel of American history and culture, it is also a spectacular place to get away from the feeling of being in the United States, without actually needing a stamp in your passport. When you walk into Le Diplomate, it as if you’ve walked into the doors of a Parisian café. The restaurant takes after French café culture and is the perfect place to enjoy a cappuccino and a conversation. Le Diplomate has a lengthy menu of French cuisine, and their cheeses, bread and wine will make you feel like you’ve arrived in France.
Le Diplomate
Address: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Website: Le Diplomate
5. Lincoln
This Washington D.C., small plates restaurant takes dining in the District to a whole other level. For those looking for a restaurant that is uniquely American, Lincoln pays homage to President Abraham Lincoln, and its modern take on southern dishes, combined with its presidential ambiance is what puts this restaurant on the radar for those looking to dine in D.C. The most Instagrammable part of Lincoln? The floor is covered in nearly one million pennies, featuring Honest Abe.
Lincoln
Address: 1110 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Website: Lincoln
6. Founding Farmers
Yes, there is always a line, and yes on a beautiful day, the most lucrative place in the entire world is undoubtedly an outside table at Founding Farmers, but the food is well worth the wait. Founding Farmers takes the credit of being the original “farm to table” restaurant in D.C., and it is frequently noted as a place where wealthy businessmen and powerful politicians spend their Saturday and Sunday afternoons, away from their offices.
Founding Farmers
Address: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
Website: Founding Farmers
7. District Taco
Washington D.C. is by no means a hub for Mexican food, but District Taco goes beyond what one would expect for a taqueria in a posh Washington neighborhood. Originally just a food truck, this taco stand turned brick and mortar restaurant is one of the best places in the District for an easy, affordable, yet surprisingly delicious Mexican lunch option. Made with fresh ingredients and now featuring an expansive menu that includes burritos, huevos rancheros and more, this is a great place to hang out and eat to your heart’s content, while in D.C.
District Taco
Address: 4 locations in Washington DC, please refer to website for more information.
Website: District Taco
8. El Centro D.F.
For delicious Mexican comfort food, hearty Latin brunches and fine tequilas in Washington D.C., look no further than to El Centro D.F. While the restaurant, colloquially known as “El Centro” is famous for its after-hours nightclub scene, its menu features an array of mouthwatering Mexican dishes. Another great perk of El Centro D.F? On the weekends, the kitchen is open past 1 a.m.!
El Centro D.F.
Address: 1819 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Website: El Centro D.F.
9. Sushi Taro
When it comes to fine Japanese dining in the District, skip the chain Japanese steakhouse and head to Sushi Taro. At this delectable Washington D.C. sushi spot, the fish is freshly caught and chefs prepare your food in front of you, while you wait. For those with an open mind and a welcoming palate, Sushi Taro offers a variety of authentically Japanese dishes that may be outside of your culinary comfort zone, including fried oyster and soft shell turtle, all which can be experienced with the restaurant’s “kaiseki” tasting course. Finish your meal here with some green tea ice cream, and don’t forget to tip your waiter for the phenomenal service Sushi Taro always brings.
Sushi Taro
Address: 1503 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Website: Sushi Taro
10. Taylor Gourmet
Taylor Gourmet is a D.C. lunchtime favorite. Their innovative hoagies and delicious sides and salads make it popular with businessmen, politicians and tourists alike. Their bread is always fresh, their risotto balls with marinara are decadent, and their attentive service is some of the best in the entire District.
Taylor Gourmet
Address: 6 locations in Washington DC, please refer to website for more information.
Website: Taylor Gourmet
11. Ravi Kabob
Come with an empty stomach, and leave with a full belly, or at least some delicious leftovers – that’s the ideology behind Ravi Kabob’s family-style Pakistani eatery. With enormous portions of Pakistani favorites like chicken karahi, biryani, and of course their variety of kabobs, Ravi is undoubtedly where to go to satisfy your Indo-Pakistani cravings, while in D.C.
Ravi Kabob
Address: 305 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203, USA
Website: Ravi Kabob
12. Old Ebbitt Grill
This famous restaurant has served the who’s who in Washington for years. It’s an iconic D.C. tavern with plenty of history to go with the name. Not only is it the oldest active bar and restaurant in D.C., it’s been included in movies, and novels and its bar has served former presidents, like Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Warren Harding.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Address: 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Website: Old Ebbitt Grill
13. Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl is just as delicious as it is a significant part of Washington D.C. history. During the 1968 Washington riots, the restaurant was frequented by both police and protestors and has always kept its doors open in times of turmoil, in the city. Their menu features a variety of chili-filled dishes, including chili hot dogs, chili cheeseburgers and chili con carne. It has been frequented by many politicians and celebrities, including George Bush and then-President-elect Barack Obama, who visited in 2009, as a part of his welcome to the city.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Address: 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Website: Ben’s Chili Bowl
14. 1789 Restaurant
1789 Restaurant exemplifies the elegance of Washington D.C.’s Georgetown and combines it with a fine-dining twist on American comfort food. The restaurant has been around for over 50 years and has created quite a name in Washington, winning numerous accolades, including recognition from Gourmet Magazine as one of America’s Top Tables. The restaurant is located inside a renovated Federal-style house and is decorated in American antiques, giving it a relaxed, country-inn style.
1789 Restaurant
Address: 1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Website: 1789 Restaurant
15. The Federalist Pig
Good old-fashioned American barbeque meets Washington D.C. and the rest is history. This D.C. smokehouse has a reputation for its flavorful meats and delectable sides, as well as its reasonable prices and friendly neighborhood spirit. The Federalist Pig is definitely an Adams Morgan “hole-in-the-wall”, but with its rising popularity, there is no doubt it will continue to grow.
The Federalist Pig
Address: 1654 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Website: The Federalist Pig
16. Maté Lounge
Happy hour lovers in the District rejoice at the thought of a night at Maté. Its delicious sushi, an array of reasonably priced cocktails and sophisticated atmosphere puts it on the map for those visiting the District. Best of all, it has a prime Georgetown Waterfront location and unbeatable happy hour deals.
Maté Lounge
Address: 3101 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Website: Maté Lounge
17. &Pizza
No, Washington D.C. is not Italy and it’s not New York City, but it definitely does not lack in the pizza department. Visitors to the District who are looking for a trendy, unique pizza experience should definitely find themselves at &Pizza. This “make-your-own” pizza bar comes with a plethora of toppings for guests to custom make their pizzas. Best of all, every pizza comes with an unlimited amount of toppings.
&Pizza
Address: 11 locations in Washington DC, please refer to website for more information.
Website: &Pizza
18. Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets has been a favorite eatery for D.C. natives, since its opening in 2005. The food at Busboys and Poets is delicious, with plenty of fresh ingredients and made-to-order dishes, but the food is not the main attraction of this Washington D.C. gem. Busboys and Poets is notorious for transforming into a community space for D.C.’s intellectuals. Writers, artists and activists, all gather here to collaborate and spark meaningful conversations over delicious food. The restaurant is filled with books for reading while you eat or purchasing and events such as live mic nights and book clubs are frequently held here.
Busboys and Poets
Address: 4 locations in Washington DC, please refer to website for more information.
Website: Busboys and Poets
Worth coming to D.C.
Washington D.C. is an extremely diverse place, and it’s no wonder that also influences their food culture. With so many brilliant eateries to choose from, there’s definitely no chance you’ll go hungry in this amazing city.
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