11 Hidden Gems in Washington, DC
D.C. has a reputation for some of its best places to eat being a little bit off the beaten path or even downright hidden. There’s so many mainstream spots that, yeah, people know and love, but sometimes it’s way more fun to try a spot you’ve never heard of before. Check out this list to find some of the best underrated restaurants and hidden gems around Washington, DC!
Sakuramen
2441 18th Street NW, Washington DC, 20009
(202) 656-5382
Sakuramen is the passion project of a couple of guys who feel that ramen is the ultimate comfort food. Well, once you’ve eaten at this place, you’ll start to see why they say that. No matter what kind of bowl you order, you won’t have any kind of artificial flavoring of any kind. All the ingredients are fresh. While Sakuramen doesn’t subscribe to any particular style or cultural influence, they’ve taken inspiration from all over. Each bowl is a unique fusion of flavors that will warm you up and have your belly full. Not only is this place a hidden gem, but it’s one of the best ramen spots in all of DC.
Sushi Ogawa
2100 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20008
(202) 813-9715
While it may not get the hype like other sushi restaurants, Sushi Ogawa is still absolutely one of the best places to get sushi in the whole city. Chef-Owner Minoru Ogawa is a second-generation sushi chef with over two decades of experience. Chef Ogawa’s father’s sushi restaurant in Tokyo has been open for over 50 years, and that tradition and flavor have made their way to the District. If you’re craving an authentic Omakase experience, this is where you should go.
The Well Dressed Burrito
1220 19th Street NW, Washington DC, 20036
(202) 293-0515
Known by locals as “the Burrito Place in the Alley,” The Well Dressed Burrito has been dishing up delicious southwestern food since 1986. It’s also the perfect definition of a hidden gem, as it’s discretely located down an alley right off Dupont Circle. This family-run restaurant specializes in overstuffed but well dressed burritos that will always meet your lunch needs. It’s more than just burritos, though. They have fresh specials that change daily, as well as quesadillas, tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas. You should definitely get a burrito the first time you go, but as for your second, third, or fourth trip…well, there’s so much to try that you’ll just have to keep coming back.
Appioo African Bar & Grill
1924 9th Street NW, Washington DC, 20001
(202) 588-7366
Serving up traditional and Ghanaian, and West African dishes that are packed with flavor, Appioo African Bar & Grill is the definition of a hidden gem. In typical DC culinary tradition, it’s located in a basement off street level. If you’ve never tried this style of food, you’re sorely missing out. The Egusie Stew and Jollof Rice are absolutely fantastic. They also play soccer matches on the big screen, so if you want a bit of a different experience when it comes to watching the game, you need to stop in.
Big Bear Cafe
1700 1st Street NW, Washington DC, 20001
(202) 643-9222
This cozy and laid-back cafe is covered in a canopy of beautiful vines that only serve to add to the relaxing ambiance. Big Bear Cafe is another one of our favorite hidden gems. Beloved by the locals who frequent it, you can grab a delicious breakfast or brunch in the morning with a cup of their delightful coffee. But in the evening, you can get some of the best pizza in the city as the cafe changes over into a lovely dinner and cocktail lounge. Big Bear Cafe truly has the best of both worlds, and you’ll struggle to find anywhere with more relaxing vibes.
Lupo Verde
1401 T Street NW, Washington DC, 20009
(202) 827-4752
Lupo Verde is the perfect place for authentic rustic Italian cuisine. Their meat and cheese selection is expansive and hard to beat. This place knows how to make a proper charcuterie board. The pasta is all house-made, and the flavor says as much. Whether you go for pasta, steak, fish, or pizzas al tegamino, you’ll be happy you tried this spot and will probably already be planning your next trip back. They also serve up an Italian-style brunch on Saturdays and Sundays that’s a different and delicious experience in its own right. Lupo Verde definitely fits the bill when it comes to hidden gems.
Pluma by Bluebird Bakery
391 Morse Street NE, Washington DC, 20002
(202) 544-2429
Most people will be familiar with Bluebird Bakery. It has provided restaurants and cafes with high-quality pastries for years. Well, proprietors Camila Arango and Tom Wellings finally decided to open up their own shop and serve guests those famous loaves of bread and pastries themselves. The delicious all-day menu serves up some of the tastiest pastries, breads, and sandwiches anywhere around. The Breakfast Samy features pork belly and aged cheddar with a farm egg on their to-die-for brioche. If you’re in the Union Market district, you need to stop by. Trust us.
Filomena Ristorante
1063 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20007
(202) 338-8800
When it comes to Filomena Ristorante, if you know, you know, if you don’t, well, you’re going to realize why this place is one of the best restaurants in DC, period. If you’ve spent enough time in the city, you’ve probably been to this pillar of Italian cuisine that’s been family run since 1983. For those of you who are visiting or just moved to the city, it’s easy to get swayed by other spots that steal the limelight, so to speak. Trust us, this is the place you should be going. The pasta is made fresh right in front of your eyes. So whether you want gnocchi, farfalle, linguine, and more, Filomena will deliver fresh and authentic flavors straight out of Italy. It may not be hidden to those who know, but Filomena Ristorante is and always will be a gem in the DC culinary scene.
Panda Gourmet
2700 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC, 20002
(202) 534-1620
You’ll find this delicious Sichuan-Chinese spot located in the back of a Days Inn. Seriously, it’s in a Days Inn. Those who know, know that this is one of the best spots to get Chinese anywhere in the city. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on this menu. The scallion pancakes are worth trying if you’ve never had them. The classics, such as Kung Pao Chicken and Mongolian Beef, are also excellent. If you have a sweet tooth, they’ve got tasty dessert options as well, with the sweet potato fried pancakes being a great choice.
Calico
50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington DC, 20001
(202) 791-0134
Calico’s busy neighbors, like the Dabney and La Colombe, tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to Blagden Alley, but that suits Calico just fine. The facade may look like an old garage, but once you get inside and past the bar, you’ll find a cozy yet spacious outdoor patio space. It’s perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying a game of trivia or bingo, all while sipping on one of Calico’s adult juice boxes. The food options are a bit limited since it’s more of a laid-back cocktail place, but the tomato pies are absolutely delicious and worth ordering.
Kafe Leopold
3315 Cady’s Alley NW, Washington DC, 20007
(202) 965-6005
Kafe Leopold puts the “hidden” in “hidden gem.” That’s because even on Google, this Cady’s Alley spot’s address is a little bit confusing. However, once you’ve found your way in, this little place will delight you with its modern take on traditional Austrian cuisine. When the weather is behaving, you can sit in a lovely courtyard garden and have your ears massaged by the sound of a relaxing fountain while you dig into a delicious schnitzel and sip on a glass of wine from their extensive selection. You can also come earlier in the day for their Austrian-style breakfast, which will make you feel like you are sitting at a coffeehouse in Vienna. No matter what, you’ll be glad you made your way off the beaten path for this one.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Washington, DC page, here!
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