Washington is one of the most fantastic places for foodies in the USA offering a tremendous variety of food outlets to satisfy your culinary expectations. Being the capital of the USA, Washington DC is famous for its diverse culture and population from all around the globe. Be it Chinese, Thai, Japanese, or Indian, DC serves everyone. It is not surprising to find many classy restaurants serving top quality and exceptionally delicious food in an exotic and pleasing manner. Washington’s culinary sphere is also home to some of the award-winning chefs serving their specialties in an astonishingly pleasant way. Planning a visit soon? We suggest looking for either a staycation spot or a luxurious hotel first then read further to find the list of best fancy restaurants in Washington DC.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Rooster & Owl
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Rooster & Owl is a Michelin Star restaurant that believes that eating out is more than just enjoying a meal but a shared experience to be enjoyed with loved ones. It’s in this belief that the restaurant takes pride in making sure each visit is a celebration, offering excellent food, drinks, and service to go with the restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere. This dining spot also sources the ingredients locally, building a seasonal menu that ensures freshness each day of the year.
Rooster & Owl
Address: 2436 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Website: Rooster & Owl
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. The Dabney
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Please join us and create your own beautiful flatlay from our menu!
Posted by The Dabney on Friday, February 4, 2022
The Dabney is considered a “fancy” restaurant because of its refined menu but its bare tables, exposed historic brick walls, and friendly service showcase its overall casual atmosphere. The Dabney is one of the top fancy dinner places in Washington DC because it sources the ingredients from Mid-Atlantic’s finest farms and purveyors, not only providing support to local businesses but ensuring that every dish served is of its freshest quality.
After a marvelous dining experience, head to The Cellar, the restaurant’s cozy tavern where you can enjoy a nice drink with your friends.
The Dabney
Address: 122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Website: The Dabney
Opening hours: Wed, Thu, & Sun: 5pm - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. Del Mar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for fancy places to eat in DC, Del Mar is another Michelin Star option that offers Spanish seafood cuisine. It boasts a team of top-notch chefs headed by Fabio Trabocchi, an Italian chef and restaurateur based in DC. With such an excellent team handling the kitchen, you can expect only the best food that features outstanding Mediterranean flavors.
The restaurant also flaunts two floors of sophisticated Spanish-style dining areas with outdoor seats that provide stunning views of the marina and Wharf’s Yacht Club.
Del Mar
Address: 791 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
Website: Del Mar
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 9:30pm
4. Bad Saint
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Bad Saint on Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Bad Saint is a popular award-winning fine dining restaurant in DC that specializes in Filipino cuisine. It is helmed by Tom Cunanan, a Filipino-American who was named the best chef in the Mid-Atlantic by the respected James Beard Foundation in 2019. The kitchen dishes out a small yet excellent menu of favorite Filipino dishes, which include the ever-popular adobo and the luscious peanut-based oxtail stew called kare-kare.
The restaurant is more than just great food and drinks, though, as the Filipino-inspired designs in the dining areas, which also include an outdoor patio, create a relaxing homey vibe throughout.
Bad Saint
Address: 3226 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
Website: Bad Saint
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Thu: 5:30pm - 10pm; Fri: 5:30pm - 11pm; Sat: 5pm - 11pm; Sun: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Tue)
Washington Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Washington Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. 1789 Restaurant
1789 Restaurant is one of the most loved fancy restaurants in DC serving quintessential recipes from some of the best chefs in Washington. The restaurant is elegant, clean and perfectly hygienic offering top-class services and highly attentive staff ensuring a wonderful experience. The restaurant has a unique food menu, and the wine list is a must-try.
1789 Restaurant
Address: (202) 965-1789, 1226 36th St NW, Georgetown
Website: 1789 Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 10pm, Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm
6. Fiola
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fiola is one among the splendid fancy restaurants in DC that are located on Peninsula Avenue. The spot offers the customers to sit outside or inside the restaurant while relishing their meals. It is open on all days and serves an avid variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is Michelin-rated for the sublime flavors it offers. It offers a sophisticated dining experience and the serene music played in the background adds on to the elegance in the ambiance.
Fiola
Address: 601 Pennsylvania Ave Nw, Washington, DC 20004 at N 6th St Penn Quarter
Website: Fiola
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 10:30pm; Sat: 5pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm
7. Plume
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Plume on Monday, March 2, 2020
Plume is among the most ravishing fancy restaurants in DC. They offer dishes that promise to be smooth, strong and flavourful. The wines served at the restaurant are an inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s authentic collection. The ambiance of the eatery is an epitome of quality and ethnicity. This hub is recommended for a memorable dining experience and the service which is discreet as well as attentive and always informed.
Plume
Address: 1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, b/t N Scott Cir & N M St Downtown, Dupont Circle
Website: Plume
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5:30pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Sun)
8. Peacock Alley Tea
Peacock Alley Tea is amongst the magnificent fancy restaurants in DC. It is located in Pennsylvania Ave NW and offers a fusion of American cuisines with a blend of exorbitant champagne flair on the menu. The chef follows an approach to amalgamate dishes with the tropical flavors of America so that it glorifies a splendid menu for the customers.
Peacock Alley Tea
Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
Website: Peacock Alley Tea
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Thu)
9. Muze
Muze is a fancy restaurant located in DC that offers distinctive flavors of South-East Asia constituting a tantalizing menu of international dishes with a delicious Asian feel. The food is cooked with a blend of traditional spices and indulged in an array of sauces which will delight the food lover’s taste buds.
Muze
Address: Mandarin Oriental - Washington,1330 Maryland Ave SW Washington, DC 20024
Website: Muze
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 10:30am, 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 10:30am, 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
10. Blue Duck Tavern
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Thank you for your continued support of our ‘To Go’ program. Place your family meal for pick up or delivery tonight ?...
Posted by Blue Duck Tavern on Friday, February 19, 2021
Blue Duck Tavern is a grub-hub fancy restaurant in DC with a bar that provides a variety of delicacies which are absolutelyfull of flavors. The place accommodates food lovers to savor the menu with some delicious soul food during lunch, dinner and Happy Hours.
Blue Duck Tavern
Address: 1201 24th St NW West End
Website: Blue Duck Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 6:30am - 10:30am, 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm
11. The Lafayette
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
NEW on our all-day dining menu at The Lafayette — Charred Mediterranean Octopus with Pickled Baby Peppers, Chipotle...
Posted by The Hay-Adams on Tuesday, February 9, 2021
The Lafayette is a fancy restaurant in DC that provides delicious comfort food that will give a run for your money. The ambiance of the eatery comprises of pool tables, a private dining area, and a bar. This place is suitable for individuals from all age groups with food and beverages served during Happy Hours. The soulful music, elegant interiors, dope art on the window panes adds on a beautiful ambiance which will leave customers with happy faces.
The Lafayette
Address: The Hay-Adams, 800 16th St Nw Washington, DC 20006, b/t N I St & N H St Downtown
Website: The Lafayette
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6:30am - 10pm; Sun: 7am - 2pm
12. Kingbird
Kingbird is a fancy restaurant in DC which is located in the heart of the city. It offers French-inspired delicacies which are an absolute delight to the taste buds. The staff is welcoming, the interiors are crisp, space is large and can accommodate couples, friends, and families.
Kingbird
Address: The Watergate Hotel, 2650 Virginia Ave NW,Washington, DC 20037
Website: Kingbird
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 6:30am - 11pm
13. BLT Prime by David Burke
BLT Prime is a fancy restaurant in DC owned by David Burke located at Trump Hotel. This eatery is a master in culinary skills and specializes in delighting customers with cuisines from across the globe. BLT Prime serves dishes which gives a run for the money in terms of quantity and quality. Every meal savored with a glass of wine is blissful.
BLT Prime by David Burke
Address: 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004
Website: BLT Prime by David Burke
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 6:30am - 11pm
14. Cut
The Cut is a fancy restaurant in DC are tucked away in an alley in Beverly Hills. It is a treat to every customer to sit at the table and watch the timeless interiors by Richard Meier while waiting for the order to be served freshly cooked. The service is impeccable with servers attending the customers to provide the requirements to enjoy complete satisfaction during the visit.
Cut
Address: ROSEWOOD WASHINGTON, D.C.,1050 31st ST NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, USA
Website: Cut
Opening hours: Opening Spring 2019
Ready to go fancy in Washington DC
The above list of top 10 fancy restaurants in Washington DC is specially designed for food enthusiasts from all around the globe. So, if you ever wish to explore the rich taste and flavor of the capital city of the USA, don’t forget to relish these super authentic dishes served in this city.
Frequently asked questions about fancy restaurants in Washington DC
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data