Best Georgetown DC Restaurants in Washington DC
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on October 20, 2021 and last updated on April 6, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information. For more recommendations on the best restaurants to eat and drink around Washington, DC, check out our city page.
Situated along the Potomac River in Washington DC, Georgetown is home of one of the country’s most prestigious universities, and many popular tourist attractions, as well. Although the town exudes a feeling of wealth and class (with dining room decor to match), thanks to its proud past and rich history, its food choices are quite varied and will definitely fit all types of palettes and budgets, as well. Here is a list of our most favorite Georgetown restaurants.
1789 Restaurant
1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 965-1789
If you’re looking for a restaurant that FEELS like DC – a place with elevated dishes and old oak and mahogany that smells like history – you won’t find a better place than 1789. Named for the year Georgetown University was founded, it’s evocative of the smoke filled rooms of the past – now, instead of burning tobacco, it’s the smell of world class dining.
Cafe Milano
3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-6183
Like Filomena, the restaurant may not be at its peak, but its solid offerings and Washington history make it worth the visit. Just search Cafe Milano history to read tons of stories about intrigue (link) or about the latest administration to turn it into a scene. With a full Italian menu, some highlights include freshly made pasta, Osso Buco, and their tiramisu.
Chez Billy Sud
1039 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-8852
When it comes to French fare in a neo bistro setting, you don’t have to look farther than Chez Billy Sud. With a moody modern bar atmosphere, the menu features a modern take on French classics like moules frites, Confit de canard and steak frites, along with delicious pastas. The next time you’re walking down Georgetown’s cobblestone streets, stop by Chez Billy Sud for great atmosphere, an inviting dining room, a quick bite of French food and an excellent evening.
Clyde’s
3236 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-9180
Clyde’s is a DC establishment. Ever since opening its doors in the neighborhood in 1963 it has become a can’t-miss destination for millions of patrons. No matter what your purpose is for visiting, you’ll find something to love. Get your brunch fix on with their perfectly composed breakfast sandwich (and a Bloody Mary while you’re at it); enjoy a date night with some linguini & clams and a roasted beet salad; or take on the late night scene with a fried chicken sandwich. No matter what time of day it is, Clyde’s will leave you satisfied.
Das Ethiopian Cuisine
1201 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-4710
Washington, DC has a rich history of Ethiopian Cuisine and for over a decade, Das Ethiopian Cuisine has been delivering incredible Ethiopian comfort food for local residents. Das has an inviting dining room that blends the modern and Ethiopian traditions, and a menu to match. Get delicious injera bread with beef kay wat, chicken doro wat, beef zilzil tibs and more.
El Centro D.F.
1218 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-4100
Run by renowned restauranteur Richard Sandoval, this Mexican hot spot brings a bright, lively food and drink menu to the neighborhood. Our favorite thing there may be the bottomless brunch, however. They do a full on Mexican style brunch with hues rancheros, chilaquiles, breakfast enchiladas and more.
Filomena Ristorante
1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 338-8800
Filomena Ristorante is a Georgetown classic, with hand made, fresh pastas available for every dish on their impressively sized menu. Of course, they have amazing food, white tablecloths service and an impressive wine bar. But they also have an inexplicable old school charm that makes every night in their dining room feel like something out of the movie Big Night. Whether you have any special occasions coming up or you’re simply craving good pasta, Filomena Ristorante is what you want.
Fiola Mare
3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 525-1402
With a focus on Italian style seafood dishes in a waterfront dining destination, Fiola Mare is one of DC’s best in both categories. Their seafood forward pasta dishes alone confirm this – offerings like the Mancini Spaghetti Vongole with clams, the Acquerello Risotto with King Prawns and Sea Urchin, and their famous Lobster Ravioli are what make this place shine! Book a date night of waterfront dining in one of the best Georgetown restaurants at Fiola Mare!
Kafe Leopold
3315 Cadys Alley NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 965-6005
You might have to look a little harder than usual to find it, but once you do track down Kafe Leopold, it’s worth it. An Austrian restaurant tucked away in Cady’s Alley near M Street, it’s one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the area, particularly on a Saturday afternoon brunch with friends. Keep an eye out for delicious baked goods, excellent lunch options and more.
La Chaumiere
2813 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 338-1784
It’s too bad Pierre L’Enfant couldn’t time travel after designing our beloved capital, because he would have loved this place. A classical French restaurant menu with cozy interiors brings a charm to this place that any new enfant on the block would be smart to avoid replicating. Whether it’s the lobster bisque, deliciously cheesy French onion soup, escargots, boudin blanc or anything else on the menu, it’s all magnifique at La Chaumiere.
Martin’s Tavern
1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-7370
Martin’s Tavern is nearly 90 years old, but is definitely NOT acting its age. This classic Georgetown restaurant is still serving out tavern favorites like the burger, fish and chips, and meatloaf, but they also may have the best steaks in the neighborhood. Whether it’s the Center Cut New York Strip or the Aged Filet Mignon, these guys serve up a world class dining experience in a Steakhouse-casual (and historic) setting.
Peacock Café
3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 625-2740
With some of the best outdoor seating for anyone visiting Georgetown, Peacock Café has been a popular weekend brunch and lunch spot for college students from nearby Georgetown and George Washington University for years. In addition to spectacular patio seating, Peacock Café offers delicious jumbo lump crab cakes, steaks, pastas and more for dinner, and Corned Beef Hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, Steak and fried egg, french toast and more at brunch.
Ristorante Piccolo
1068 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 342-7414
Another Italian restaurant with a rich history in Georgetown, Ristorante Piccolo vibes are romantic and sexy. Make reservations for date night and split a drink with your partner while waiting to indulge in delicious dishes from an award winning chef.
The Sovereign
3236 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 774-5875
The Sovereign might just be the hippest spot in town. It’s located in a back alley (isn’t that a cool start?) and serves up rustic Belgian grub, not to mention 25 beers on draft and over 350 bottles. And what exactly is Belgian cuisine? The Sovereign offers specially-sourced Dutch-style mussels, traditional flammekuchen (flatbreads), and stews like Lapin a la Kriek (rabbit braised in cherry beer). Any of these pair perfectly with a cheese board or any of the other luxury cocktails.
For the most scenic Georgetown waterfront restaurants, click here.
For the best brunch spots in Georgetown, click here.
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