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!
Where to Eat Sushi in Washington DC
Even when the craving has stricken, remember that not all of these restaurants are open for dine in. You can always call in first to avoid expecting a full dine in experience only to find out it is order only. These sushi joints are out top choices for high quality Japanese food in DC.
Chinese Restaurant Guide to Washington DC
Whether you’re booking a reservation for a date, planning a dinner with friends and loved ones, or want to know where to grab a quick, tasty lunch, here are a few Chinese restaurants in DC that offer memorable meals.
Most Romantic Restaurants in Washington DC
Washington DC is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, especially if you’re planning a special night out. Whether you’re getting ready for a first date or want to spend quality time with your significant other, here are a few romantic restaurants in DC you’ll want to try.
Where to Eat Brunch in Georgetown – American Eats Favorites
Georgetown is one of the most sophisticated areas in Washington, DC, so if you’re visiting the area soon, you should definitely check out some of the elegant and modern local restaurants to enjoy a tasty brunch. Here are some of the best brunch restaurants in Georgetown Washington DC!
9 Budget Friendly Restaurants Washington DC
Washington DC is not just the political center of the country, it’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat at an affordable price. Here are some of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Washington DC when you want a quality meal that won’t break the bank.
Unmissable Michelin Star Restaurants in Washington DC
Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit. From museums to shopping centers, this city truly has it all. Additionally, Washington, D.C. is home to many Michelin Star Restaurants.
The 10 Best Burgers in Washington DC
Beef, Bread, Cheese and whatever your heart desires – it’s the American Way! What better place to discover this American culinary classic than in our nation’s capital. Check out our list of some of the beefiest, juiciest, most mouthwatering burgers in the District.
The Tastiest Vegan Restaurants in Washington DC
While D.C. is known as the birthplace of the half-smoke, as well as their number of steakhouses, the rise of plant-based diets throughout the United States has led to an influx of plant-based restaurants
8 of the Best Italian Restaurants in Washington DC
Washington, DC might be America’s most European city. It was designed by a Frenchman (shouts to Pierre L’enfant) and is laid out in a grid system with wide avenues, much like Paris. The lack of skyscrapers also gives it a continental air (thanks to the no-buildings-taller-than-the-capitol height limit).
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.