10 Can't Miss Restaurants in Washington DC
While most people see Washington DC as just museums and the National Mall, there’s also a bustling food scene in the DMV. From hole-in-the-wall casual spots to smoky backroom steakhouses, there’s something for everyone in the nation’s capital. Home to twelve Michelin-star restaurants and countless food trucks, there’s really something for every taste — and every budget.
Room 11 - Columbia Heights
Down Columbia Heights’ 11th Street Corridor — and a bit quieter than the hustle and bustle of 14th Street — is Room 11, regularly voted as one of the favorite bars and casual gathering places in the District. Stop by for small plates at dinner, a clever cocktail at the bar, or an early morning pastry during their weekend brunch service. There’s no losing.
Rose’s Luxury – Capitol Hill
Always a star of restaurant lists, this Capitol Hill restaurant has earned its top spot since opening in 2013 and was named America’s best new restaurant in 2014. A Michelin-star restaurant with a James Beard Award-winning chef, the menu is a constantly changing array of small plates, pastas, and expert cocktails. Rose’s also holds group dinners on their heated rooftop garden. Rose’s Luxury does not take reservations, so get ready to hop in line before the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. It’s worth every minute.
Queen of Sheba - Shaw
If you’ve never had Ethiopian food, there’s no better place than the District to take the plunge. Queen of Sheba in DC’s Shaw neighborhood opened in 2005 and features a full menu of Ethiopian standbys, including a large range of vegetarian options and fruit smoothies. If you’re not sure what to get, start with one of the combination platters like the Queen’s misto (lamb).
Sushi Taro - DuPont Circle
Another Michelin-star recipient, Sushi Taro offers an excellent Omakese experience — and an excellent happy hour to pair with their high-end sushi — just a few blocks from the DuPont Circle red line stop. It’s best to make a reservation before you go. Sushi Taro’s presentation is clean, refined, and most important of all, delicious.
The Red Hen - Bloomingdale
A superstar since opening in 2013, The Red Hen in the blossoming Bloomingdale neighborhood is home to some of the best pasta in DC. Couple that with clever cocktails and an extensive wine list, and you have a recipe for success. Everyone will say to try the Mezzi Rigatoni (a rare continuity on their ever-changing menu), but don’t leave without sampling some of the appetizers as well.
El Sol - Shaw
There’s no way around it: El Sol is a hole-in-the-wall. In a basement east of Logan Circle, this casual spot serves up some of the best Mexican food in the city at some of the best prices and has been rightly labeled “the best taqueria in Washington by a long shot.” Featuring familiar standbys as well as lesser-known options like lengua, trompo, and nopales tacos, you can’t go wrong. One piece of advice: don’t leave without trying some of their tequila too.
Cava Mezze - Capitol Hill
Often outshined by the better-known Zaytinya (a worthwhile trip in itself), Cava’s Capitol Hill location serves up great Greek mezze in an atmosphere relaxed enough to welcome large groups. While the saganaki is always the star, don’t leave without trying the Brussels sprouts and the taramasalata as well.
2Amys - Cleveland Park
2Amys opened in the Cleveland Park neighborhood back in 2001 as the first DOC-certified Neapolitan pizzeria in the District. Get your fill of fresh pizza, Southern Italian wine, and made-daily fresh ice cream. A family-friendly place, anticipate walking a bit if you take public transit — 2Amys is about 15 minutes from the Cleveland Park metro stop on the red line.
A Baked Joint - Shaw
Often overlooked for its better-known sister restaurant, Baked and Wired, A Baked Joint offers some of the best breakfast not only in Shaw, but in the entire city. Order at the counter and try the open-faced smoked salmon baguette. Try one of the biscuit breakfast sandwiches with goat cheese and chives baked in. Open all day, A Baked Joint also offers evening happy hours and sells a full slate of baked goods, breads, granolas, and pickled vegetables — not to mention great coffee.
Boundary Road - H Street Corridor
A neighborhood spot along the always-busy H Street Corridor, Boundary Road is a casual option for locals and visitors alike. Boundary Road is committed to sourcing local ingredients, and it’s more than worth a trip to H Street for their bottomless mimosa brunch. Walk over from the Union Station red line stop, which is just a few blocks away.