Best Restaurants in Washington DC

DC’s dining scene has exploded beyond expense-account steakhouses. The city now has one of the best food scenes on the East Coast — driven by immigrant cuisines, a young professional population, and neighborhoods that each have distinct culinary identities.

Ethiopian (DC’s Signature Cuisine)

DC has the largest Ethiopian population outside of Africa, and the restaurant scene reflects it. The U Street and Shaw neighborhoods are the epicenter.

Dukem (U Street) — The standard-bearer. Injera (spongy flatbread), wot (stews), and tibs (sautéed meat) served family-style on a large communal plate. Order the combination platter and eat with your hands.

Chercher (multiple locations) — Slightly more upscale Ethiopian with excellent kitfo (Ethiopian steak tartare) and vegetable platters.

Neighborhood Dining

14th Street Corridor — The hottest restaurant strip in DC. Le Diplomate (French bistro that’s always packed), Estadio (Spanish tapas), and Barcelona Wine Bar.

Georgetown — Martin’s Tavern (where JFK proposed to Jackie), Fiola Mare (Italian seafood on the waterfront), and 1789 Restaurant (Federal-period townhouse fine dining).

The Wharf — DC’s newest waterfront district. Hank’s Oyster Bar, Del Mar (Spanish), and Kith/Kin (Afro-Caribbean from Kwame Onwuachi). Water taxi access from Georgetown.

Power Lunch & Steakhouses

The Palm (Dupont Circle) — Old-school DC power restaurant. Caricatures of politicians on the walls, giant lobsters, and steak.

Old Ebbitt Grill (near the White House) — The oldest bar in DC (1856). Oyster bar, American classics, and a history of presidential patronage.

RPM Italian (Penn Quarter) — Modern Italian from the Lettuce Entertain You group. Excellent pasta and a scene-y atmosphere.

Budget & Quick

Ben’s Chili Bowl (U Street) — The most famous casual restaurant in DC. Half-smoke (a smoked sausage) with chili. Open since 1958. Obama ate here. A DC institution.

Bub and Pop’s (Dupont Circle) — Sandwiches that are art. The Italian and the meatball sub are outstanding.

Union Market — Indoor food hall in Northeast DC. Artisan vendors, local produce, and prepared food stalls.

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