The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (2024)

  1. Restaurants

April 5, 2024

The city boasts 24 Michelin-starred eateries.

By Elite Traveler

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (1)

Politics and governance may be the first thing that comes to mind, but if anyone who has done their fair share of admin knows: bureaucracy can make for a very hungry belly.The reality is that Washnton’s dining scene is about as diverse and eclectic as America itself. From its iconic street food – have you tried the capital’s trademark half-smoke? That’s an extra spicy hot dog made with half pork and half beef to non-Washingtonian – to steak houses and power lunches, Washington DC’s best restaurants have so much more to offer.

Home to 24 Michelin-starred restaurants – including 21 with one star, three with two stars and one with the coveted three-star accolade – the city boasts an array of incredible fine dining eateries spanning every type of cuisine from tapas to sushi. These aren’t stuffy restaurants reserved for Washington’s political elite, either. Helmed by some of the planet’s most talented chefs these are dining spots for real foodies.

With such a variety on offer, selecting your chosen spot is no mean feat. As always, we recommend planning and booking ahead, as reservations at the best restaurants in Washington DC don’t tend to stick around for long (but do make sure you set some stomach room aside for one of those half-smokes).

[See also: The 13 Best Restaurants in London]

Jônt

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (2)

Playfully French-ifying the word “jaunt”, Jônt restaurant pleasurably transports you to the fineries of Japanese cuisine without the hassle of long journeying. Despite opening at the peak of the pandemic, Ryan Ratino’s gastronomical mastery was immediately recognized, earning the restaurant two Michelin stars.

As you enter through Jônt’s sister restaurant Bresca, a dimly lit staircase guides you away from distracting color and toward sleek minimalism. A 14-seat counter envelopes the kitchen which, flawlessly clean, leaves the eye with nothing to fixate on but the spotted vibrancy that illuminates from plates of culinary craft.

Related

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants in Los Cabos

Restaurants

Omakase Room by Shin Opens in Midtown NYC

Though the tasting menu moves with seasonal availability, dishes such as the deep emerald and pale green of a courgette Trio of Canapés, rose-pink of dry-aged rohan duck a la presse and opulent orange of the Homard à la presseis stripped with jade leek and apple slivers paint both your visual and tasting palette.

jontdc.com

[See also: Michelin Announces 2023 Florida Guide]

Content from our partners

Exploring the Remote Flores Archipelago with Silolona Sojourns

Shura Links the Red Sea’s New Premier Golfing Destination

Grand Wailea: Experience Heaven, Earth and Sea
View all newsletters Sign up to our newsletter Latest in Luxury By the Elite Traveler team

Pineapple and Pearls

You did not come to a two-Michelin-star restaurant expecting to be served chips and dip but you are pleasantly surprised when a large wooden box unravels three smaller boxes of colourfully loaded circles of chips in Russian doll style. Aaron Silverman and the crafty team behind Rose’s Luxury have provided creatively creamy plates of Panna Cotta, Sea Bass glazed with grape slithers and a 150-layer lobster and octopus lasagne as part of an ostentatious tasting menu that continues to evolve innovatively.

Fuelling its festive atmosphere, an elaborate choice of drinks eases both the mood and mind. A sparkling glass of white wine opens the evening, paving the way for an array of boozy and juicy cocktails. Located only moments from the Capitol Riverfront, Pineapple and Pearl is the place to party.

pineappleandpearls.com

minibar by José Andrés

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (9)

Neighbouring the National Portrait Gallery, minibar continues to uphold the area’s artistry by showcasing José Andrés’ culinary capabilities. The interior itself is inventive; a gold dome dangles from the ceiling above seated tables that encircle an open kitchen and yellow lights set the room aglow. Although the rest of the restaurant space is equally lustrous, this seat, where diners are privy to Andrés’ chef-d’oeuvre first-hand, is the most coveted in DC.

From almond cups with Spanish blue cheese to a coconut steam bun or feta ravioli with Turkish tomatoes, Andrés’ inter-continental mingling grants this cuisine contemporary excellence that transcends boundaries of culture and taste. As suggested by its name, minibar also astounds diners with an alchemy brew of fruity and alcoholic mixtures that steam, bubble and bite with a zesty sting.

minibarbyjoseandres.com

El Cielo

Although it may seem counterintuitive to wash your hands in chocolate, whimsical experiences define the sensuality of this bold take on Colombian cuisine. Food is not designed simply for eating, but for living, as you consume food whose story is narrated by eloquent staff.

As well as these vocalised tales, the artistry of dishes speak for themselves. The Tree of Life, a loaf of fresh Yucca bread served on a wire bonsai tree representing the lung of the word –the Amazon rainforest – functions to this very end, profoundly resonating at a time of deforestation and climate change.

The menu comprising of 22 courses guides you through many such journeys. One is transported to the golden beaches of Cartagena and through the depths of the Amazon jungle using orality and physical immersion alone. The airily simplistic and vegetative interior of the restaurant further reflects the liberal naturalness that Colombia beholds.

elceliowashington.com

[See also: A Guide to All Green Michelin Star Restaurants in the US]

Masseria

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (11)

The finest of Italian cuisine is delivered by Nicholas Stefanelli at one of Washington DC’s best restaurants, Masseria. Secretly enclosed behind a large wooden fence, entering the restaurant reveals a warm outdoor lounge with firepits and fairy lights that prelude magical dining. Inside the dining room, enchantment continues as bubbled chandeliers float from the ceiling and exposed, industrial walls are fancified by veined marble counters.

Comfort is at the forefront of the restaurant’s ambiance as diners are invited to “vestiti per soddisfare gli altri, ma mangia per soddisfare te stesso”: Dress to Satisfy Others, but Eat to Satisfy Yourself. Yet satiety is far from the only purpose of indulging in this finery. Plates are playfully presented in treasure chests and metal cans, adding an amusingly interactive element to your meal. For the meals that are plated traditionally, their colors prove unconventional, blending purples with browns and oranges with greens to create strikingly edible art. The swirled linguine with XO sauce, a popular diner’s dish, is slurping lip-smacking, adding new depth to our conception of pasta.

masseria-dc.com

Maydān

As well as bringing you the best of Middle Eastern grills, Maydān hopes to bring together diners through a ‘Tawle‘ menu option (meaning table in Arabic), which places clay-oven-baked bread as the centerpiece of every table. Diners are encouraged to break bread together and immerse themselves in Middle Eastern culture by making bread their utensil. As you tactilely navigate your way through flavourful condiments, garlic, parsley, saffron and smoked paprika not only simmer on your tongue but fill your nose with familiarly mingled aromas to create a sense of home-cooked comfort.

Complimenting this smoky savoring experience are the rich browns of exposed red brick, hardwood floors and mahogany tables whose glass covers refract light from the open fire. Fresh from the fire, classic dishes are given a spicy twist to showcase the prowess of Middle-Eastern cuisine. Chicken shish taouk is sweetened by piquant pomegranate molasses, halloumi seasoned with nutty dukkar and enhanced by wildflower honey and a selection of hearty hearth-roasted vegetables that are both succulent and savory.

maydandc.com

[See also:Hot Stone Review: Authentic Japanese Omakase in London]

Xiquet

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (12)

Serving Spanish cuisine with heartfelt, Mediterranean hospitality, Xiquet caters to both appetite and comfort at the opening of Washington’s Observatory Circle. Diners are able to experience a seat at the Chef’s Counter where they sample canapés and aperitivos, peruse the evening’s tasting menu and prepare to ascend to the top floor dining room.

Seeping with sunlight during the day and warmly sky-lit in the evening, the dining room lined with sofa seats and auburn cushions invites leisure, whilst the simplicity of décor directs your gaze to the glass-enclosed kitchen.

The anticipation built-up in the watch of Xiquet’s world-class culinary team climaxes at taste. Espàrrecus Blancs served with Kristal Kaviari caviar and drizzled in smooth walnut sauce, Australian wagyu strip lion with meaty porcini and a zingy Meyer lemon tart with earthy lemon sage sorbet are a few top picks from an elaborate tasting menu.

xiquetdl.com

[See also:A Guide to All Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants in Spain]

Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (13)

A step up from Seven Reasons, the interior of this restaurant provides a seventh heaven. Located at the heart of the West End, Imperfecto invites you to leave the paths more trodden and step into naturally lit, minimalistic modern furnishing for a reversion to calm that juxtaposes the busy streets of Washington. Low ceiling lights and intimately long dining tables further invite conversation and enjoyment.

Like the lover who believes their partner’s imperfections make them perfect, you will be besotted by Enrique Limardo’s unapologetic platters of Imperfecto. Smoked eggplant, ground lamb, pine nuts and goat-manchego cheese cream pack a phyllo dough to construct a moussaka cigar, cardamom explodes with fruity sumac in a fluffy falafel and the finest salmon tartare is imbued with Latin toum and trout caviar to present dishes of improbable equilibrium.

imperfectodc.com

Tail Up Goat

Based in the historic Adams Morgan enclave of Washington DC, it is a beautiful and worthwhile commute to dine in Tale Up Goat. The wood-furnished restaurant, run by husband and wife duo Jill and Jon and their friend Bill, radiates the feel of togetherness and friendship that establishes this restaurant as one of the best in Washington DC. Intimate tables are circled by four chairs and cushioned booths line the walls whose nautical lighting compliments the emerald blues of sea-horizon wallpaper.

With an entire course devoted to bread, the simple heartiness of this dining experience is pleasingly evident. From breakfast favorites with a fishy twist, like seaweed sourdough with pickled fennel, to sophisticated dandelion greens with Sicilian almond brittle and anchovy, this restaurant nourishes both stomach and soul. A customer favorite is the goat lasagne, so flavourful and intricately layered that your tail would be up and wagging with glee.

tailupgoat.com

The Inn at Little Washington

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (14)

Perhaps we’re stretching what we consider as the Washington metropolitan area, but we had to make an exception for The Inn at Little Washington – and considering it boasts three Michelin stars and an additional green star, it far to say its worth crossing into the Virginian border. Although its façade seems typical of an American inn or private country house, the interior is far from ordinary. Richly carpeted and wallpapered with an intricate design that is illuminated by shimmery accents and lighting, the grandeur of the dining room is spectacularly romantic.

For those hoping for an intimate front-row feast, two Kitchen Tables cushion a baronial fireplace and can accommodate up to 12 guests. Alternatively, springy sofas and velvet chairs await you at white-clothed tables in the main dining room.

Starting the meal off with a glass of wine is never a bad idea when there are over 14,000 in the in-house cellar to choose from. Yet, just a glass is rarely enough, a dedicated sommelier is able to be of service for those who order three bottles or more, helping to guide and cultivate a prime tasting experience.

At the heart of this experience are of course the beautifully crafted dishes of chef Patrick O’Connell. Ranging from the highest-grade hamachi crudo atop golden beet “pasta” with a mélange of citrus and beet tartare, to a wonderfully wobbly vanilla panna cotta with strawberry consommé, the profundity of sweet, savory and sour are poised to perfection.

theinnatlittlewashington.com

[Read more: The Best Spas in Washington DC]

Elite Traveler

@elite_traveler

The 10 Best Restaurants in Washington DC (2024)

FAQs

What is DC's famous food? ›

We'd be remiss to start this list anywhere else. The half-smoke is the undisputed champ of Washington DC's best foods. Why you'll love it – This mouth-watering meaty concoction consists of a sausage casing filled with beef, ground pork, and a special spice blend.

What's the #1 restaurant in the US? ›

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Le Bernardin was named the number one restaurant both in the U.S. and worldwide by La Liste, the global restaurant guide and ranking system of the world's top 1,000 restaurants.

Where do the senators eat in DC? ›

Senate Restaurants
  • Cups & Company — Russell Building, SRB-65.
  • Dirksen Cafe — Dirksen Building, SDB-R7.
  • Inside Scoop — Dirksen Building, SDG-21A.
  • Refectory — U.S. Capitol, S-112A​
  • Senate Carry-Out — U.S. Capitol, SB-10A​
  • Senate Dining Room — U.S. Capitol, S-110.
  • The Coffee Shop — Dirksen Building, SDB-R7.

Where to see celebrities in Washington, DC.? ›

Top 10 Best Celebrity Hangouts Near Washington, District of Columbia
  • CODE RED. 4.6 (83 reviews) ...
  • Le Diplomate. 4.3 (5.2k reviews) ...
  • Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen. 4.1 (687 reviews) ...
  • Old Ebbitt Grill. 4.2 (10.7k reviews) ...
  • Barmini By José Andrés. 4.6 (509 reviews) ...
  • THROW Social. 3.8 (305 reviews) ...
  • The Park at 14th. ...
  • Filomena Ristorante.

What is the most famous thing in DC? ›

Even if you're only in town for a short trip, visiting the Washington Monument and the White House – two marble symbols of the U.S. – is a must for any first-time D.C. visitor.

Is DC a foodie town? ›

Most people would not think that Washington DC is a foodie destination. As a Washington DC native, I have seen DC's restaurant scene grow to compete with New York, Miami and LA. There are now 24 Michelin-star restaurants, multiple food halls and a diversity of foods.

What is the only 7 star restaurant in the world? ›

Head to Al Iwan restaurant at Burj Al Arab, dubbed to be "the world's only 7-star hotel".

What restaurant has the most reviews in the world? ›

While every business on this list has over 6,000 reviews, Bottega Louie in Los Angeles comes in as Yelp's most reviewed business with a whopping 17,020 reviews (and counting). Don't be surprised if this round up of iconic eating experiences leaves you planning your next vacation!

What is the top 1 restaurant in the world? ›

1. Central (Lima, Peru): Named the world's best restaurant for 2023, Central has led the way in putting Lima center stage on the global culinary map. 2. Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain): This restaurant was also named Best Restaurant in Europe.

Where do presidents eat in DC? ›

Martin's Tavern has been a Georgetown landmark for nearly a century. For 4 generations the Martin family has served every president from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush, many of Washington's most prominent movers and shakers, scores of Hollywood stars, Hall of Famers, and Broadway legends.

Where does the president eat dinner? ›

The President's Dining Room is a dining room located in the northwest corner of the second floor of the White House. It is located directly above the Family Dining Room on the State Floor and looks out upon the North Lawn.

Can I visit my senator in DC? ›

U.S. residents can go directly through the offices of their Representative or Senators. These Congressional offices typically offer their own staff-led tours and most can assist in reserving a general tour.

Where do celebrities stay when they come to DC? ›

According to our sources, ground zero for celebrity sightings is the Four Seasons in Georgetown. But that's hardly the only game in town. The Four Seasons's Royal Suite is a VIP favorite.

What clubs do celebrities go to in DC? ›

9:30 Club. This legendary venue just off U Street is where both famous and rising stars come to perform to sold-out, raucous crowds.

What do people in DC eat? ›

As the stereotype goes, D.C. is a world of power breakfasts and steak houses. But the best thing about eating in D.C. is the variety of international cuisine found around the city and its surrounding suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. Southeast Asian foods are particularly strong.

What is DC culture known for? ›

Perhaps no city in the world possesses such a unique cultural heritage as Washington, D.C. Home to iconic public monuments of world significance – Lincoln gazing across the Reflecting Pool towards Washington's monument, the Kennedy Center for the Arts, the Martin Luther King memorial across the Tidal Basin from the ...

What is Washington, D.C. really known for? ›

Washington DC attracts history buffs with its national monuments and memorials, as well as impressive museums displaying various cultures, artifacts, and collectibles from around the world. Home to the White House, you may even catch a glimpse of the nation's president while you're vacationing in the USA capital.

What is Superman's favorite meal? ›

Superman : Beef Bourguignon With Ketchup

Superman is an American icon, so naturally his favorite food is French staple beef bourguignon. Hey, he adds cloyingly sweet ketchup.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Edwin Metz

Last Updated:

Views: 6586

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edwin Metz

Birthday: 1997-04-16

Address: 51593 Leanne Light, Kuphalmouth, DE 50012-5183

Phone: +639107620957

Job: Corporate Banking Technician

Hobby: Reading, scrapbook, role-playing games, Fishing, Fishing, Scuba diving, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.