50 Restaurants You Should Try in the Nation’s Capital

Washington, D.C. has become one of America’s most exciting food cities. The District now boasts dozens of Michelin-recognized restaurants along with globally inspired neighborhood eateries reflecting the city’s diverse cultural communities.

From Ethiopian restaurants in Shaw to waterfront seafood in Georgetown and historic soul food institutions along U Street, every neighborhood offers a unique culinary experience.

This FavoriteEateries.com guide highlights the best dining neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. and 50 outstanding restaurants worth visiting.

Shaw & Blagden Alley

One of DC’s Premier Culinary Districts

Shaw has evolved into one of Washington’s most influential food neighborhoods, with Michelin-recognized restaurants and chef-driven kitchens lining its historic streets.

The Dabney

Wood-fire cooking and Mid-Atlantic ingredients define this Michelin-starred restaurant. Seasonal menus feature regional seafood, heirloom grains, and locally sourced produce.

Address: 122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 240-2660
Website: https://www.thedabney.com

Oyster Oyster

A Michelin-starred restaurant focused on sustainable and plant-forward cuisine, Oyster Oyster has gained national attention for creative vegetable-driven tasting menus.

Address: 1440 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 918-1122
Website: https://www.oysteroysterdc.com

Unconventional Diner

A modern reinterpretation of the classic American diner with comfort foods like meatloaf, fried chicken, and house-made desserts.

Address: 1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 847-0122
Website: https://www.unconventionaldiner.com

Kinship

Kinship offers refined American cuisine with seasonal ingredients and an elegant dining room.

Address: 1015 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 737-7700
Website: https://www.kinshipdc.com

Mita

A Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in innovative Latin-inspired vegetarian cuisine.

Address: 804 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 812-9030
Website: https://www.mitadining.com

U Street Corridor

Historic “Black Broadway”

The U Street Corridor has long been the cultural heart of African American music and nightlife in Washington. Today, it remains a destination for both historic eateries and trendy new restaurants.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

A legendary DC institution founded in 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl is famous for its chili-covered half-smokes and deep roots in Washington’s civil rights history.

Address: 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 667-2367
Website: https://www.benschilibowl.com

Busboys and Poets

A unique combination of restaurant, bookstore, and cultural gathering space inspired by poet Langston Hughes.

Address: 2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 387-7638
Website: https://www.busboysandpoets.com

Maydan

Maydan features live-fire cooking inspired by the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus.

Address: 1346 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 370-3696
Website: https://www.maydandc.com

Dupont Circle

Cosmopolitan Dining

Dupont Circle is one of Washington’s most vibrant restaurant districts, known for international cuisine and stylish cafés.

Le Diplomate

A famous French brasserie known for steak frites, escargots, and freshly baked baguettes.

Address: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 332-3333
Website: https://www.lediplomatedc.com

Residents Cafe & Bar

A neighborhood favorite offering creative cocktails and globally inspired comfort food.

Address: 1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 601-5285
Website: https://www.residentsdc.com

Astoria DC

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant known for bold Mediterranean and Asian-inspired small plates.

Address: 1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 803-8546
Website: https://www.astoriadc.com

Georgetown

Historic Dining and Waterfront Restaurants

Georgetown blends historic charm with some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.

Fiola Mare

A luxurious Italian seafood restaurant overlooking the Potomac River.

Address: 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 525-1402
Website: https://www.fiolamaredc.com

Filomena Ristorante

A beloved Italian restaurant known for handmade pasta and festive holiday decorations.

Address: 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 338-8800
Website: https://www.filomena.com

Capitol Hill & Barracks Row

Rose’s Luxury

An award-winning restaurant famous for creative shared plates and rooftop dining.

Address: 717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Phone: (202) 580-8889
Website: https://www.rosesluxury.com

Pineapple and Pearls

A Michelin-starred restaurant offering luxurious tasting menus.

Address: 715 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Phone: (202) 595-7375
Website: https://www.pineappleandpearls.com

Additional Highly Rated DC Restaurants

The following restaurants frequently appear on Michelin, Washingtonian, and Eater lists of top dining destinations in Washington, D.C.:

Why Washington DC Is One of America’s Best Food Cities

Washington’s restaurant scene reflects the global nature of the nation’s capital. The city now hosts dozens of Michelin-recognized restaurants, along with vibrant immigrant-driven food communities that make dining here uniquely diverse.

Whether you’re exploring Ethiopian cuisine in Shaw, enjoying waterfront seafood in Georgetown, or discovering innovative tasting menus on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. offers one of the most exciting dining landscapes in the United States.