The Top Restaurants in Washington, DC
The iconography of America’s capital city is ingrained in all of our minds – white marble monuments, on the go K street staffers and hard nosed reporters. But there’s way more to DC than what you’ve seen in the movies. For one, DC is one of America’s most European cities, both in design and population. For another, DC is one of America’s most diverse cities, with nearly half of its residents identifying as Black or mixed race. This European/African/American cultural history is seen everywhere in the City, including on its plates.
DC also has incredible options from Latin America, Asia and Africa. DC’s Chinatown is iconic thanks to its Chinese iconography throughout the area, including the Friendship Arch, a traditional Chinese gate installed in 1986. And while there isn’t one Latin American nationality that dominates the area culturally, there is a strong pan-Latino presence, and it’s clearly visible in the Latino cuisine in the area, whether you’re looking for terrific seafood tacos or a mouthwatering mofongo.
Basically what we’re getting at is Washington, DC is killing the culinary game across the board and it is something we are proud to be apart of in some way. Whether you’re local to the area or just visiting, you have to check out this list of some of our all time favorite places to grab a bite in Washington, DC.
1. Joe’s Seafood
750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 489-0140
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab is a staple in the DC seafood scene serving up some delicious meals. The star of the menu is the stone crab served with a complimenting house sauce that is just perfect. The aged bone-in ribeye is tender while bursting with flavor, and the crab-stuffed shrimp was fresh and seasoned perfectly. The fish and chips are another great choice, and you can never go wrong with the lobster mac and cheese. The atmosphere in the eatery is relaxed, and the food is fresh, hot and perfectly seasoned, making it one of the best seafood spots in DC.
2. HalfSmoke
651 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001,
(202) 986-2079
HalfSmoke is relatively new to the half smoke game, but it’s already become a DC icon! In addition to the namesake goodies, they also sling burgers, pizzas, and all kinds of other to-die-for snacks and munchies (mac n’ cheese bites, anyone?) In addition to those treats, they serve bottomless brunch all day, every day. Half Smoke hash and as many mimosas as you could ever want?Count us in.
3. Andy’s Pizza
2016 9th St NW Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 506-2043
Hungry Washingtonians can grab a slice or a whole pie at Andy’s Pizza when the craving for pizza hits. A 2021 winner of the World Pizza Championship for their cheese pizza, diners at Andy’s will love the bigger-than-your-plate slices and authentic flavors. Snag an impossibly tasty white slice topped with ricotta and roasted garlic, or if a veggie base is more your style, Andy’s serves a delicious Miller Time vegan whole pie. The House Favorite pepperoni pie is not to be missed at Andy’s either, as it’s some of the best pizza in Washington.
4. Hellbender Brewing Company
5788 2nd St NE Washington, DC 20011
(202) 827-8768
Hellbender is that chill neighborhood brewery everyone knows and loves. Perhaps you are running errands in DC and you want a place where you can grab a glass of cold beer on the way home and enjoy the experience in a relaxing and accommodating environment. Hellbender has pizza, bbq, cocktails, and of course flavorful beers that are oh so refreshing after a stressful day, or even a peaceful one.
5. La Cosecha
1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 421-5160
La Cosecha has an appealing coziness. It is a contemporary food hall/market that celebrates Latin American heritage from the restaurants to shops here. It boasts of interesting culture and gently combines retail shops, niche food choices, as well as art. Enjoy exciting food at Jarabe and experience the varying flavors ranging from tamarind and hibiscus to more modernized flavors like cookies and cream. If you haven’t tried an arepa (corn dough stuffed with meat or beans and cheese) from Mosaico, be sure to do so, we found them amazing. For local ciders, wines, and cocktails, Serenata’s patio bar is the place to be.
6. 12 Stories
75 District Square SW 12th floor, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 894-9700
For wide-open views of the Washington Channel, head to the Intercontinental DC – The Wharf’s rooftop bar and restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views even if you are seated indoors, but on a nice day, the obvious choice is to sit outside and take in the scenery. This bar and restaurant oozes luxury. A sleek and contemporary design is the setting for an experience of creative cocktails. You can accompany your drink and the views with high-end fare such as oysters.
7. GCDC
1730 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
It’s often said that in order to run for President of the United States, you must be clinically insane to want to do such a grueling job. However, running for president doesn’t seem like such a crazy endeavor when you know you could be moving next door to GCDC near George Washington University. They deliver some of the most unique and delicious gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches you’ve ever had in your life. You can build your own grilled cheese, choosing your bread, cheeses, proteins, veggies, and spreads, or you can go for the classic Young American: American cheese, bacon, and diced tomatoes, on sourdough. Alongside your sandwich, you can add Loaded Tots, Mac & Cheese, and grilled cheese’s favorite sidekick: tomato soup.
8. Osteria Morini
301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 484-0660
When you’ve got a taste for authentic Italian food, you’ll find a number of fresh, delicious entrees at Osteria Morini. This restaurant, which has a friendly ambiance and modern decor, is fairly new to Navy Yard and offers a variety of hearty Italian dishes including their memorable handmade pasta. The mortadella is the most popular dish at the eatery, closely followed by the crostini. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth at Osteria Morini by ordering pesche or tiramisu.
9. Bangkok Joe’s
3000 K St. NW., Washington, DC 20007
Two words: Dumpling Bar. Chef Aulie Bunyarataphan and Propreieter Mel Oursinsiri feature 20 of Aulie’s dumplings paired with homemade sauces for a fantastic dumpling meal. Bangkok Joe’s takes traditional Thai dishes and flavors but applies a modern twist to them thanks to Chef Aulie’s experience with Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French training. The ambiance and decor is that of the temple that Chef Aulie’s family built three centuries ago! With the most expensive item on the menu being their crispy flounder filet coming in at $24, Bangkok Joe’s also provides you with fantastic food at an extremely affordable price as well. Pair their bold exotic flavors with the beauty of Washington Harbor.
10. Henry’s Soul Café
1704 U St NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-3336
Henry’s Soul Cafe’s mumbo sauce goes well paired with their mouthwatering fried chicken wings. The chicken is meaty with its crispy skin at Henry’s, and the taste is awesome. The syrupy red sauce topped over these fried wings is a real delicacy. In terms of dining experience, they are known to have a very welcoming staff to serve you with a smile. You simply cannot leave D.C. until you visit Henry’s and get to taste of their mumbo sauce and fried chicken wings or their sweet potato pie.
