Washington DC is the center of our American history. Visit all the monuments. Stroll through all the museums, and art galleries. Go on some amazing tours.
Going to Washington DC is a great trip for the whole family in multiple rounds of education. There’s lots of beauty and architectural designs to appreciate, and lots of great food to try of course!
Restaurants in Downtown DC
Downtown DC is known for its standout bars near the White House, professionals, and log lobby is possibly the streets. There are landmarks galore in swanky fine hotels. Restaurants in downtown DC cater to a variety of tastes and desires.
Down on fourth street, you can experience some amazing Mexican cuisine that is inspired by the Puebla Mexican region. There are also some places to get designer cocktails that come with a flair of Chinese herbal mixes. You can even experience some upscale delis that specialize in new American cuisine.
DC Wharf Restaurants
Food options by the water, how relaxing, or how romantic it is depending upon who is with you. There are some Mediterranean themed restaurants, Mexican and of course seafood restaurants. DC wharf restaurants also include gelato located down near the wharf it makes for a nice treat. If you’re up for some upscale pizza Marinai Pizzeria is a fabulous option.
Restaurants in Georgetown DC
After visiting all the attractions and museums in the area, you may very well work up an appetite! You will be able to find Mediterranean cuisine, upscale seafood options, and American eats galore. Down along the river, there are some fond restaurants in Georgetown options as well.
Chinatown DC restaurants
The Smithsonian Museum is near the Chinatown area. Chinatown Restaurants definitely has some goodies that are quite appealing. You will most definitely Asian cuisine options, along with many other ethnic groups. Being in Chinatown is great for experimenting with all types of ethnic foods.
DC Waterfront restaurants
DC Waterfront Restaurants are rather clustered together, but you do have some great options at hand. There are a few seafood options. Along with varying types of Mexican food and even Filipino food. There are a few cafes and quick eats available as well!
Navy Yard DC restaurants
The Navy Yard DC restaurants span from around the Anacostia River and span north. The salt mine is a highly recommended restaurant serving up Chesapeake seafood and New England classics. There are some wineries and bars to take advantage of.
Capitol Hill restaurants
Capitol Hill Is a rather large area. So, there are tons of restaurant options that span north to south. On the northern side of Capitol Hill, you’ll find Asian restaurants, sushi, Salvador foods, in typical pubs
Restaurants around 14th St. DC
There are a host of restaurants in the 14th St. DC area that is just southeast of the Northwest Washington area. You can find Ethiopian cuisine, French-influenced cooking, trendy tacos that represent new American food cuisine. Tapas and wine bars. There is much that this area has to offer.
Eastern Market Restaurants
Eastern market which is just below the central area of capitol Hill presents us with some delicious eastern market restaurant choices. You have options like Greek tapas, traditional Balkan cuisine, quick American stops that provide breakfast lunch, and dinner. There are raw bars that specialize in serving oysters. And traditional cafés that have their own spin on some menu options.
Italian Restaurants
Italian restaurants who can ignore it? Italian food provides a good solid meal. Italian restaurants in Washington DC are not exactly alike by any means. In the area, you can find an amazing common dish like chicken Parmesan. They are quick and easy options. Even if you just wanted to do pizza, there are some great pizzeria options to choose from.
Vegan Restaurants
Vegan restaurants are in high demand these days and that is excellent news for vegans. No longer do vegans have to worry about every meal as they are out and about. It’s so much easier to find a wide variety of vegan restaurants. So, whether you’re just wanting Steeple vegan meals or vegan meals that are tied to an ethnic group. Asian vegan restaurants are quite popular and definitely can be found in Washington DC.
Indian Restaurants
In the event that you are prepared for a rich and strong supper that fuses flavors and impactful Curry, a fine Indian eatery must be likely for you!
If you foresee yourself on a manhunt for Indian restaurants, you’ll be able to find something that fits your fancy. Be aware that there are restaurants that cater to Southern-style Indian food and others cater to northern Indian style foods. Also, you might want to be aware of the menu options if you are taking children with you.
The flavors in curries of Indian Food are not necessarily little kid friendly. So, double-check to make sure that there is something that your kids will enjoy.
Seafood Restaurants
Depending upon the mood that you’re in you could enjoy an upscale seafood restaurant or one that is more casual. Some seafood restaurants in DC will give you the feel of being near the ocean by the way it is steamed, and others are simpler.
You can do something like a fish and chips restaurant that sometimes has other options like fried squid, oysters, and crab. Or you could do something elsewhere; they serve up really fresh seafood platters.
Mexican Restaurants
Who can live without Mexican food? As lengthy timespan history, it's had relations with a taste that the vast majority get snared on. Mexican food brings astonishing varieties that have arisen through time among and impact from various ethnic groups.
There are Mexican restaurants of regional cuisine where you can try a different region of Mexican food than what we’re typically familiar with. Their ones centered around being very family-oriented, where you can consider just doing it's a simple taco night that everyone can enjoy.
Ethiopian Restaurants
Ethiopian cooking ordinarily comprises zesty meats and vegetables. As a rule, there will be fairly thick stews accompanied by sourdough flatbread it is produced using aged flour.
Ethiopian restaurants are definitely a unique experience, because of the unique flavors that they bring to the table, no pun intended. If you have a little one Ethiopian cuisine might be a little for their taste buds, just a little heads up.
French Restaurants
French restaurants typically are great for breakfast lunch and dinner options. There are plenty of French cafés that serve wonderful breakfast like pastries, with a robust cup of coffee. And of course, they also typically have a great lunch menu. If you are thinking of dinner that could be a really charming option. The ambiance tends to create a romantic feel.
Thai Restaurants
Just about anywhere you go Thai restaurants will be around the corner.
Thai food is quite a delicious option with his various types of Asian style curries and stewed meats. Everything doesn’t have to be curry oriented. You can get other things like Thai barbecue chicken or pork. Which usually comes accompanied by a salad and a specialty dressing.
Thai restaurants seem to offer food options that are easier for children to partake in, as opposed to maybe an Indian restaurant.
Chinese Restaurants
Chinese food is additionally a staple in our American culture.
There are different sorts that originate from areas that we are not really acquainted with. Da Hong Pao is one that stands out. However, you may not be in the mood to try something different but go with what you know Chinese food to be in your world.
Thus, there are wonderful traditional types of Chinese restaurants that serve basic meals like egg foo yong, Beef and broccoli, Kung pow chicken, and more.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Vegetarian restaurants are flourishing in Washington DC. No need to worry about finding restaurants that fit your dietary preferences. There’s quite a range of vegetarian restaurants to choose from.
There are plenty of places that are centered around salad and veggie dishes. Then there are other ones that are attached to different ethnic groups which can be Fun. You’ll be able to find desserts that tickle your fancy as well.
Japanese Restaurants
Japanese food has its own paramount Asian taste. Japanese food will in general be somewhat lighter on the stomach than Chinese food. Since Japanese culture is quite centered around family-style meals, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Japanese restaurants in DC range from casual to a little upscale, some even carry sushi along with their traditional Japanese menu options.
American Restaurants
It’s pretty common to want to try new types of cuisine whenever one gets the opportunity to explore a new city. Inevitably there comes a time when all you want is just a good solid American meal.
There are plenty of American restaurants in the area serving up just what you are looking for, including Ebbitt Grill. Whether they be hole in the wall that serves specialty items like pizza or hotdogs, or more of a full-blown sit-down restaurant with tons of American menu entrées.
Soul Food Restaurants
Home cooking never gets old.
While visiting another zone it's not unexpected to eat plenty of nibble nourishments or stop by a huge number of food trucks.
There comes that second where you realize you need a strong dinner and soul food certainly hits that spot. You may want something like chicken and dumplings. Or you might want to visit soul food restaurant where they serve up homestyle fried chicken with some southern sides. Let’s not forget about the peach cobbler.
Peruvian Restaurants
Peruvian cuisine provides a very collaborative mix of the indigenous populations over time that includes the Inca people and also some immigrants from Europe. You can find a combination of cuisine styles that come from Spain, Germany, and Italy and some aspects that might remind you of Asian cuisine.
Does that sound tempting? Peruvian restaurants are great options for a nice dinner. Peruvian food tends to be an adult’s choice, versus kids because of the uniqueness of the food provided.
Cuban Restaurants
Tasty, solid, and filling is the best way to describe Cuban food. Cuban restaurants traditionally served stewed meats that are simmered in tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers. Meals normally come served with, plantains, beans, and rice. Cuban restaurants serve up hearty portions.
Steak Restaurants
You can’t go on a trip and not know about the local steakhouses. There are no shortages of steak houses in Washington DC. Steak houses, depending on how formal, are great options for the whole family. Kids love steak too! Aside from that, there are typically other menu options that can suffice the needs of everyone coming together.
Greek Restaurants
Typically, restaurants showcase their cleaved onions and tomatoes with custom made pita bread in their well-known yogurt sauce. It's your essential meat and vegetables, with some carbs however with the Mediterranean style.
Greek restaurants can be quick and in and out. Others are more of a sit-down experience, where they provide more of an authentic feel. Whichever option you decide to choose don’t forget to try the baklava.
Korean Restaurants
Korean eateries are a fun spot to visit since it is very not the same as other Asian food. The way they prep the sorts of vegetables, roots flavors, and meats makes it a great encounter. At Korean grill there and you're snared!
Spanish Restaurants
You might be wondering what’s the difference between a Mexican restaurant and Spanish restaurants. Well, Spanish restaurants have a strong European influence over their cuisine. Having a taste of Spain is a fun experience. There are some good options in Washington DC typically in the more touristy areas.
Restaurants with Kosher Cuisine
Kosher restaurants definitely do exist in Washington DC. Kosher establishments are wonderful for individuals to stick to eating an extremely pure, and compromised diet.
Ingredients must be free from all chemical processing and sometimes tends to be locally grown. You will have no trouble finding kosher foods, as the restaurants are spread across DC.
Restaurants with Turkish Origins
Turkish food is also known as Ottoman cuisine, which is a fusion of Armenian, European, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian. So, that sounds like an adventure in your mouth? If you are into a fusion that you may very well enjoy what Turkish restaurants have to offer.
Mediterranean Restaurants: You can't Miss 'Em
Mediterranean food is often quite pure and refreshing. It is also quite similar to what Greek food has to offer. Mediterranean restaurants serve fresh meals of vegetables, sometimes locally grown meat, delicious sauces, and pita bread.
Are you hungry yet? If you would like to spoil your taste buds, go ahead! You can find Mediterranean food just about anywhere!
Filipino Restaurants
Filipino is another fusion type of cuisine as it is influenced by over 100 ethnic groups. There is a wide range of soups, omelets, chicken dishes, and fried meals.
This type of cuisine is anything but boring and definitely delicious and usually served in big portions! Here are some recommended spots to consider.
Russian Restaurants
Russian cuisine is no for hearty soups, especially cabbage soup. Homemade bread and butter are also a staple part of the meal. You can count on sausage, beans, vegetables, fish to make to be included.
German Restaurants for the Hearty Meal
Let me reveal to you forthright that in the event that you are to eat at German cafés, you better have a spot to proceed to sleep or call it a day.
German eateries present the absolute heaviest, but, however, certainly flavorful eats. Cafe Berlin and Cafe Mozart are excellent options to get your feet wet.
Jamaican Restaurants: A Taste of the Island Life
Jamaican food has its own flair of seasonings and colorful ingredients. It’s like a tropical explosion in your mouth. It’s fun to try things like their rice dishes because they’re full of flavor. Even their rice dishes are far from boring. Going to Jamaican restaurants is like taking a short little trip to Jamaica where it is definitely quite easy to pick up on the cultural vibes.
Persian Restaurants
There are a lot of Persian restaurants across the map in the DC area. A Persian eatery has its own culture and people tend to dress up a little. When you are in the mood to be a little low-key fancy, a Persian environment allows for this!
Brazilian Restaurants
Brazilian food can have quite a lot of variety depending on the continental regions. However, as a rule, Brazilian food is a combination of three ethnic groups which is Armenian, European, and African. Imagine how unique and delicious that can be. You can definitely find some Brazilian restaurants in Washington DC.
New Restaurants in DC
New restaurants are always a joy! You can discover new gems probably just about anywhere in DC. However, we recommend checking out the downtown area as well as Capitol Hill!
Michelin Star Restaurants
Michelin is a brand our culture has trusted for many years. Now, they provide us with ratings on restaurants across the US! Just type in your location of choice and you will be supplied with top-rated options.
Romantic Restaurants for an Incredible Date Night
Capitol Hill is an amazing area to scope out some romantic restaurants. This location is a wonderful area to cultivate romantic memories. Also, the downtown area would be lovely too.
Rooftop Restaurants
Rooftop restaurants are in every case extremely enchanting. Believe it or not, there are rooftop restaurants spread out across the DC area. The only thing is, you will want to verify which ones are open. Some are temporarily closed because of our present conditions.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
The best way to plan a trip to a kid-friendly restaurant is to find where the kid activities are. It makes it that much easier to decide where to take the kiddos after a day of fun!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Bring Man's Best Friend with You
Dog-friendly restaurants are clustered right about the Capitol Hill area. Let me tell you, there are a lot of options! You can have multiple dates with your little pooch.
Fancy and Upscale Restaurants
In case you're feeling extravagant and pleasant you can wager there are extravagant and decent cafés to browse and Minnie Annapolis. Obviously, everybody's degree of extravagant is abstract, however in the event that you want to put on something decent here are a few territories where you can get somewhat dressy and venture out.
Outdoor Restaurants
Outdoor restaurants are becoming quite the thing! We are being kind of forced into it in some regards. Just call ahead of time to make sure what the regulations are, and other tidbits you might need to know!
Cool and Fun Restaurants
Cool and fun restaurants can be centered around what adults like to do. Or they are cool and fun restaurants that cater to children or an overall family experience.
If you are looking for something that caters to your whole family, your best bet is to look for so many areas where you would be doing activities that are centered around children. There you will normally be able to find some restaurants that cater to being cool and fun.
What are the Must-try Restaurants in DC?
Oyster Bar & Lounge: You think you might be going to a sit-down seafood restaurant, but you are actually going to a creative on the go type of restaurant. They have a carryout window that’s open particular hours, they serve amazing sandwiches and four-course dinners.
Mercy Me. This is kind of an upscale, healthy South American restaurant. They serve incredible breakfast tacos, unique bagels, and gourmet pastries. For lunch and dinner options they serve salads, chorizo, gourmet sandwiches, and Roman-style pizza.
How Many Restaurants are in DC?
There are nearly 400 restaurants in Washington, DC.
Are you excited for all there is to experience? We hope your trip to Washington DC is thorough, thoroughly exciting, memorable, and educational. Use this guide, to help you discover complimentary restaurants that add to the unique definition of your trip.