Washington, DC Restaurant Guide
The iconography of America’s capital city is ingrained in all of our minds – white marble monuments, bespoked 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. The city was designed by Frenchman Pierre L’Enfant, who created the wide boulevards and grid pattern we recognize today. For another, DC is one of America’s most African American 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.
To start, Washington DC is home to nearly 700,000 people – a population greater than Nashville, Boston, Portland, Vegas and Atlanta. So, while Washington DC has the reputation of a commuter city (which to be fair, is somewhat true – Northern Virginia and Prince George’s County Maryland are all part of the Metro DC area), there’s over a half million people in its borders. That’s a lot of mouths to feed, but DC can do it – the city has a wide selection of dining options – everything from fine dining at Michelin starred restaurants to something budget-friendly but delicious.
In fact, between Georgetown, George Washington, American University and Catholic University, DC is also one of the busiest college towns on the east coast. We cover great places to eat in the area when mom and dad are in town and can shell out a few extra bucks, alongside some great budget eats in DC too for the undergrad counting quarters.
Towards the beginning of the City’s history, African Americans were about 25% of the population, the majority of them enslaved. By 1830, most were free people, even before the emancipation proclamation. DC has always been a place where black people were freer to create businesses than elsewhere in the United States. Places like Ben’s Chili Bowl and Georgia Brown’s are iconic DC businesses built on the back of this history, still standing today. Standing on the shoulders of these giants are new up and comers like HalfSmoke on Florida Avenue and Milk and Honey Cafe on H Street.
When it comes to European food, DC may have some of the best French and Italian restaurants in the country. Le Diplomate in DC has been lauded for years in addition to the Michelin starred The Inn at Little Washington. With a number of chefs with Classic French culinary backgrounds, you can get the best French dishes in DC – everything from Steak Frites to Foie Gras to Fruits De Mer. On the Italian end of things, DC has some of the freshest pasta restaurants on the east coast. Filomena has been making pillowy pasta from their front window for years, but you know you can also get hand rolled noodles and more from Sfoglina, Fiola and more.
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. Finally, DC may be best known for its Ethiopian community – and the incredible dishes passed down from their home countries (check out Zedd’s in Georgetown to start). In fact, 20% of the total number of Ethiopian immigrants in the US live in DC!
Upscale Restaurants in D.C. Worth Getting Dressed up for
Whether you’re visiting DC or you’ve lived in the area for a while, going to a fancy restaurant in the area is a memorable experience for several reasons. Whether you want to taste a dish that you can’t get off your mind, experience a milestone in your relationship with your significant other, or celebrate a special occasion with friends, there are several upscale restaurants in DC that will provide the ideal dining experience. Here are a few recommendations.
Top Notch Sports Bars in Washington, DC
Sports bars are always a great idea to hit up whether you’re going out after work or looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon. In a city of transplants like DC, it’s all too important to find a bar playing your favorite team’s game where you can also enjoy some tasty bar grub and throw back a couple of drinks. Check out our list of some of the best sports bars around Washington, DC.
The Very Best Girl’s Night Out Spots in Washington, DC
Although the capital of our country is a great place to visit for a history lesson, there are also tons of fun places to hang out after a full day of museuming or your 9-5. Dancing, drinks, and cool hangouts are in abundance, so round up the girls for an evening! If you’re in need of a classic girl’s night out, plan on having a blast at the spots on our list when in Washington, DC.
Where to Eat Near American University in Washington, DC
American University is a top tier private university in the heart of Washington DC. It can be overwhelming to find the best restaurants nearby because there are so many. The good news is that we love DC and happen to know what to recommend no matter what you might be in the mood to eat. If you need some good recommendations for restaurants to eat near American University, check out this blog for 10 of our favorite spots!
Where to Eat Near Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
The Washington, DC area has become a certified foodie heaven over the years. With so many choices out there, it’s important to know about the best places. When you’re visiting the Capital One Arena in DC, we have a few recommendations for you on the best places to eat nearby!
The Ultimate Guide To Southern Food in Washington, DC
Vibrant soul food and southern cuisine has been alive and well in Washington, D.C. for decades. There have been a plentiful mix of soul food restaurants in more predominantly Black neighborhoods and communities in D.C., while other southern style spots can be found in other areas of the city. Talented chefs like much beloved Washington native Chef Oji Abbott of Ooh’s & Aah’s Soul Food are looking to reinvigorate D.C.’s Southern food scene by highlighting the deep African American connection and influence that is at its foundation. Here are just a few of the best southern and soul food spots you’ll find in Washington, DC.
The Very Best Bakeries in Washington, DC 🥖
Bakeries are usually something that you can smell long before you make it through the door. There may be a dusting of flour in the air, or there may be the sweet aroma of baked goods luring you in. Pastries, breads, and more carby deliciousness can be found inside a bakery, and Washington, DC has some of the very best for you to enjoy. Take a look at our list for the very best ones!
The Most Delicious Ramen Spots in Washington, D.C. 🍜
Prepackaged “ramen”—think 12-pack dehydrated bricks and Cup-o’-Noodles—have been a leading food group in college dorms since we can remember. However, now more traditional—and infinitely more mouthwatering—versions of the Japanese noodle soup dish started popping up everywhere in the last few years. This “restaurant ramen” craze, as we’ve dubbed it, offers rich meaty broths, a variety of toppings and, of course, is made better by cracking a soft-boiled egg into it Check out this list of some of the best ramen restaurants we’ve found in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
12 of the Best U Street D.C. Restaurants
When you’re visiting DC, you’ll see beautiful historic sites, breathtaking parks and walking trails, and a variety of award-winning restaurants. The district’s U Street is a trendy part of town that is home to innovative eateries that offer some of the best food in the area. Here are the best U Street DC restaurants to choose from when you’re dining in the district.
10 Mouthwatering Mediterranean Restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Food from the Mediterranean area has long been a favorite with many people. That’s because it is hearty, light and incredibly varied. It’s a great way to eat delicious and eat healthy! In the last few decades, diners in Washington, D.C. have increasingly embraced this incredible cuisine. If you’re looking for the best Mediterranean restaurants in Washington DC, you’ll find plenty of marvelous choices. There are places that you can dine alone for a quick lunch, and you can also find places that let you have fun with a great crowd. So without further ado, keep reading for our list of Mediterranean restaurants in D.C.!
Delicious Deep Dish Pizza in Washington, DC
The nation’s capital has become quite the food scene over the years. More and more chefs are choosing to set up shop, offering decadent dining options that are reminiscent of their hometowns. Deep dish pizza is one delicacy that has been showing up with greater frequency, providing you with the chance to experience the deep crust that became famous in Chicago. If you find yourself in Washington, DC and craving some deep dish pizza, check out our list of 8 of the best spots to check out.
Delicious Ice Cream Spots in Washington, DC 🍦
There’s nothing quite like a scoop of ice cream as you’re roaming the streets of DC. Whether it’s a decadent treat in the middle of summer or the perfect way to end a good meal, there are some sweet, ice cold treasures around the capital for you to find. Next time you’re craving a flavorful scoop, check out our list of ice cream spots around Washington, DC.
You won’t need to look too deeply into our coverage to see that DC is an incredible food city. All of these disparate elements combine – a Western European historical influence, modern immigrant communities, a strong African American history and a vibrant student community – to make one delicious, four-star stew.