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!
The Most Delicious Restaurants Near Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
If you’re a student at Georgetown or visiting the Georgetown area, then you are at the right place. Many restaurants in the area will give you a great taste of D.C.’s food scene with the convenience of being near Georgetown University. Here are some suggestions on restaurants near Georgetown University.
Where to Sample DC’s Finest Mumbo Sauce
For the uninitiated, mumbo sauce is sweeter than barbecue sauce, albeit similar to it, and totally addicting. This red-orange sauce is a little spicier with a bit of tang, and oh so popular in restaurants around D.C. You can enjoy the sauce with fried chicken wings, fried rice, French fries, jumbo fried shrimp–anything, really! If you are visiting Washington D.C., there are numerous places to sample this local sauce. Here’s where to find the best mumbo sauce in D.C.!
Delicious Donuts in Washington DC
Who doesn’t like a donut? There are all varieties of donuts you can have in Washington D.C. from classic donuts to Asian, Italian, vegan, and savory among others. Here are some places to enjoy a good donut in DC!
The Best Black Owned Soul Food Restaurants Washington DC
As we close the curtain on this year’s black history month, it is just in time for us to celebrate black-owned restaurants with the best food, ambiance, and vibes. These black restaurants will serve you up a range of foods from great soul food, barbecue and so much more. Here are some top picks for the best black-owned Soul Food Restaurants DC.
The Best Pupusas in DC
Pupusas are it right now in food trends. There are so many filling options to cater to every kind of diet. This Salvadorian dish has captured so many people; that is why many pupuserias are sprouting everywhere in Washington DC. However, you need a carefully constructed pupusa to enjoy the delicacy and finally learn if they live up to the hype. You can eat these amazing treats for dinner, lunch, brunch, or breakfast. If you are visiting Washington DC, or you are a local looking for the best places that serve pupusas, we have got you covered. Here are the best joints you can find the amazing dish.
Best Restaurants at the Wharf in Washington, DC
There are a lot of great restaurants in Washington, D.C. and many of them are found near The Wharf. The Wharf is the newest destination in The District and it’s full of tasty restaurant options!
9 of the Best Steak Houses in Washington DC
Washington, D.C. is a great city full of culture, history, and politics. But most importantly, Washington, D.C. has some of the best restaurants in the country. In Washington, D.C., there are many fantastic steak houses that any meat lover should add to their must-see list. Here is a list of the 5 Best Steak Houses in Washington DC.
Best Georgetown DC Restaurants in Washington DC
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, 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.
Gluten-free Restaurants in DC
More people are trying gluten-free diets. As a result, there are so many establishments dedicated to making such dishes. It’s not enough to find a restaurant with gluten-free options on the menu; they also have to provide excellent services. Without further ado, these are some of the best gluten-free restaurants in DC.
Kosher Restaurants In DC
DC has a vibrant kosher scene with various restaurants serving different cuisines of kosher food. The food is varied, and you are sure to find something that you like. Here is a list of our great Kosher Restaurant in DC based on the food, the service, and the decor.
19 Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Washington DC
There are several Instagrammable restaurants in DC serving unique delicacies. Make their wait worth it by visiting some, if not all, of these restaurants.
Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Washington DC
If you want to bring your pooch along with you while you enjoy a meal with family and friends, check out these dog friendly restaurants in 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.