Washington, DC is far more than a political powerhouse. Over the last two decades, the nation’s capital has evolved into one of the most exciting culinary destinations on the East Coast. From Michelin-starred tasting menus to soulful half-smokes, the city offers a depth of flavor that surprises first-time visitors and locals alike.
The dining scene here is shaped by its international community. Diplomats and expats bring authentic recipes from Ethiopia, Peru, and Southeast Asia, while homegrown chefs push the boundaries of modern American cooking. This creates a restaurant landscape that is both globally inspired and distinctly local.
Choosing where to eat in DC can feel overwhelming, especially with so many iconic neighborhoods to explore. Whether you are wandering the historic streets of Georgetown, browsing galleries in Penn Quarter, or enjoying the nightlife on 14th Street, a memorable meal is never far away.
This guide focuses on the establishments that define Washington’s culinary identity. We have prioritized restaurants that consistently deliver excellent food, warm hospitality, and a true sense of place. You will find a mix of special-occasion destinations and casual neighborhood favorites.
We have also considered value, atmosphere, and dietary inclusivity. From vegan tasting counters to classic steakhouses, there is something here for every palate and budget.
Below, you will find a curated list of the 17 best restaurants in Washington DC, followed by practical tips to help you navigate the city’s reservation culture and dining etiquette.
La Grande Boucherie DC
| Address | 699 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (771) 208-4804 |
We had an absolutely wonderful experience at La Grande Boucherie thanks to our incredible servers, Timothy R and Tahj. From the moment we were seated, they provided attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming service that made our evening feel special.
They were knowledgeable about the menu, offered great recommendations, and checked in at just the right moments without ever feeling intrusive. Their professionalism and positive energy truly elevated the entire dining experience.
Great food is always important, but outstanding service is what makes a night memorable—and Timothy and Tahj delivered exactly that. We will definitely be back and hope to sit in their section again!
I had an amazing experience dining here for my birthday dinner. Even though some members of my party didn't end up showing, the staff made sure the evening was still incredibly special.
Our server, Steven, was outstanding. He was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and professional. You can tell he truly knows what he's doing and excels at it. He made excellent recommendations, stayed on top of everything throughout the meal, and played a huge role in making this one of the best birthday dinners I've had.
I also want to recognize Hugo, who I believe was our food runner. He was absolutely amazing kind, attentive, and always one step ahead of us. It felt like he could read our minds because every time we needed something, he was already there taking care of it before we even had to ask. His service was exceptional, and together with Steven, they made sure we were very well taken care of from start to finish.
Thank you both for making my birthday such a memorable experience. I will definitely be back!!
The food was absolutely out of this world, and our server, Devyn, was fantastic! He was attentive, friendly, and made our experience even more special. We were celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary, and we couldn’t have asked for a better meal or a more wonderful experience. We’ll definitely be back!
Prior to my visit here at La Grande Boucherie Steven was waving us in from the third floor at the window 😁 Then he came down stairs and greeted me and my man at the door he also seated us👌Now that’s good customer service thank you. Steven introduced us to Devyn in which was our waiter for the night. He was very knowledgeable with the menu and all the questions we needed answered to complete our dinner👍 Just wanna say thank you both for going over and beyond to satisfy our dinner night, the food was delicious 😀👍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our experience at La Grande Boucherie was absolutely spectacular from start to finish. The service was exceptional, and Deysi and Raivo were a truly dynamic team—attentive, knowledgeable, warm, and perfectly in sync throughout the evening.
The food was outstanding. The Lobster Linguini was rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared, while the Filet au Poivre was cooked to perfection and easily one of the best steaks I’ve had in Washington. Every dish was beautifully presented and exceeded expectations.
From the elegant atmosphere to the impeccable service and incredible cuisine, everything about our evening was memorable. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend La Grande Boucherie for a special occasion or simply an unforgettable dining experience.
Founding Farmers DC
| Address | 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW #3607, Washington, DC 20006 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 822-8783 |
Great place for any time of the day. We had late lunch and it was fantastic. We had chicken and biscuits, smashed burger, and fried chicken salads. Everything was fantastic. I also had a mango lime mocktail. Food for any taste and the service was fantastic too. If you come here, ask for Evalese. She’s an incredible server. Very helpful and nice. It’s easy to walk here and there is seating inside and outside.
I had such a great experience at Founding Farmers! The food was absolutely amazing—from the black garlic pepper wings to the seven mac and cheese, everything was full of flavor. The Uncle Buck beignets were incredible and definitely a highlight.
You can really tell they take the farm-to-table concept seriously because everything tasted fresh, even the ketchup! The atmosphere was great too, with really good music that made the whole experience even better.
Our waiter, Edgar, was super helpful and friendly - he guided us through the menu and helped us decide what to get, which we really appreciated.
Overall, an amazing meal and I’d definitely come back!
23k reviews, doesn’t need another one but here it goes… Absolutely loved the Creole Blackened Chicken Thighs & Louismill Grits! (It was on a separate menu.) My wife loved her steak salad as well, cooked to perfection. We topped it with their incredible beignets…heavenly. Our server, Meara, was so helpful and actually enhanced our overall experience. Highly recommended!
Our server Nico Z was great, fun to talk with and provide great service. The Shrimp and Grits were awesome as was the Bread pudding and Peanut Butter pie. My wife loved her Shrimp and Lobster Risotto 🦞 😋. We came in early but it got super crowded by the time we left. All in all, great experience.
We had a great lunch at Founding Farmers! Overall, the food was really good, and we’d definitely recommend it.
The highlight was the blueberry pie with ice cream—it was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to end the meal. The goat cheese ravioli was flavorful, and the chicken was cooked well and tasted great.
We also tried the baby smash burgers. They were tasty, but a little on the dry side. Still, they were enjoyable.
Overall, it was a very good experience with great food, and we’d happily come back again.
Old Ebbitt Grill
| Address | 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | (202) 347-4800 |
Classic American cuisine in a fantastic location, right next to the White House.
Recommend for weekends for the brunch! We enjoyed the steak frites and shrimp and grits. Steak frites was classic - best at medium rare, great price point, perfect fries. Fries were crisp. Sauce was a shallot Dijon cream sauce, wonderful.
Shrimp and grits was SO creamy. Large shrimp, not too cheesy. Good tomato flavor.
The Walrus was a great seafood platter for two. The 6 jumbo shrimp were jumbo indeed. For oysters, we recommend: Dixon point and the wellfleet!
It gets extremely busy on the weekends, so use OpenTable to make a reservation. We didn’t want to wait for a table (about a 45 minute wait), so we just sat at the bar. The service was great, Doucette was our server, and she was fantastic!! Hopefully spelled her name right. She was making drinks, putting in orders, and gave us great recs for the oysters. Also everyone was super friendly.
The kitchen was running a little behind. It took 30 minutes to get our order of “The Walrus” raw bar platter. Other than that, fantastic experience. Lovely location. Interesting interior design as well.
I got to hit up the oldest saloon in DC before heading back home! A lot larger than I expected (which is amazing!) to help accommodate all of the people wanting to go there. Super popular tourist spot (and with good reason!),I def reccomend making a reservation. Luckily for my visit on a Saturday at 1pm, the wait to be seated wasn’t too long, only about 10 minutes. I’ve never had oysters anywhere besides New York so I wanted to try them here and my mom got the fried oyster deviled eggs. Our sever Stephanie was such a delight and probably has the coolest pin collection I’ve ever seen. Also the restaurant just has a really beautiful atmosphere to sit down and enjoy some really great hospitality. Onto the food!
Oysters were smaller than I thought they’d be but SO FLAVORFUL and just the right amount of brine, and slid beautifully from the shell 10/10
The deviled eggs were given a 10/10, presentation was beautiful and the pickled relish was a well rounded addition
We then finished up by sharing the cheasapeake eggs Benedict! Which featured their famous crab cake. The HOLLANDAISE?? literally danced in my mouth. The crab meat was so tender and buttery! Only difference I would’ve loved if the smoked paprika that was on the deviled eggs to also be featured on the Benedict! Over all it was a very lovely and sense awakening experience 9/10
Even though I’ve been here many times, this visit gave me a chance to experience more of the establishment, and it reminded me why this place remains such a popular DC staple. The restaurant itself is beautiful, full of character, and has an atmosphere that feels both historic and lively.
I started at the bar while waiting for my table and decided to order a few appetizers. The fried oyster deviled eggs were amazing, especially after adding a little Tabasco for extra flavor. The hot honey carrots were tender and well prepared, although I would have loved a little more sauce. Later, I tried the mussels, which were excellent, and paired everything with a sangria that was smooth, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.
The service was one of the highlights of the evening. The bartender was wonderful and had such a warm, welcoming personality. The hostesses were constantly smiling and cheerful despite how busy the restaurant was, which created a great first impression from the moment I walked in. Charlie, my server, was honestly one of the best servers I’ve ever had. He was entertaining, funny, attentive, and incredibly customer-focused. He made the dining experience even more enjoyable and deserves recognition for the outstanding service he provided.
The only downside was the restroom. While the restaurant itself is beautiful and well maintained, the bathroom had an unpleasant odor. I think adding automatic air fresheners or addressing the ventilation could make a big difference.
Overall, the food, drinks, atmosphere, and exceptional service far outweighed that one issue. Between the delicious appetizers, fantastic sangria, and memorable service from Charlie and the staff, this was another great experience at Old Ebbitt Grill, and I’ll definitely be back again.
We went there just for the history but it turned out EVERYTHING was excellent. Visiting DC with my daughter. There was a line for the restaurant so we ate in the waterfowl-themed bar. Beautiful woodwork and decor. The raw oysters and Oysters Rockefeller were both outstanding but my salad was from another planet- BLACKBERRIES & AVOCADO SALAD with goat cheese, almonds, radicchio, arcadian lettuce, white balsamic vinaigrette. Wow, crazy good. The cheese burgers were also great, much better than i expected. Love everything about this place.
Absolutely recommend this place! The food was amazing.
We ordered the crab cake, and it was delicious. You could really taste how fresh the crab meat was. The fries that came with it were absolutely incredible—honestly some of the best we’ve had!
We also ordered the filet mignon, which was cooked perfectly and very flavorful. For the side, we chose the steak fries, and they were fantastic as well.
Everything was fresh, well-prepared, and exceeded our expectations. We’d definitely come back!
Pink Tiger on the Wharf
| Address | 751 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 10:45 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 10:35 AM – 12:30 AM |
| Phone | (202) 601-3343 |
Pink Tiger on the Wharf was such a great experience, especially on a snowy night with flurries coming down outside. It felt cozy, lively, and welcoming even with the weather.
Huge shoutout to our servers, Maya and Gregory. Gregory mentioned it was his first day and you would never have known. He knew the menu, made thoughtful recommendations, and was confident and personable. Maya was equally attentive and on top of everything. The entire staff, including the team clearing tables, was friendly and efficient.
We ordered the lumpia, which was crispy and flavorful, and I paired it with a rosé that came with a very generous pour. Honestly, it was so generous I could not even finish it. My friend ordered the chicken wings with sauce on the side. She mentioned they could have been seasoned a bit more throughout, but she did alter the dish by requesting the sauce on the side. She also ordered the salmon and swapped the rice for mashed potatoes, which was a great move because the mashed potatoes were incredible.
Overall, great food, excellent service, and a fun atmosphere. I will absolutely be back.
Everything was amazing! We had a couple's dinner datenight with 4 other couple's for Valentine's Day to celebrate LOVE. Had 915 rsvps but had to wait about 25 or so mins bc it was so packed and busy. But the food and service from Mohammed made up for the long wait! My favorite appetizer was the houlihan cheese, wings, lumpia, tuna nachos, my meal, and fried red snapper was bomb! Ginger margarita was so refreshing! The piano player, singer/performer was really good too! We all loved his voice! Whole place is a vibe! We will def be back!
We came in for a visit to check out the wharf. Heard so many great things! It’s safe, vibrant and something to see! We didn’t really know where to eat so we walked by a few times saw the Pink Tiger and looked at the real interesting menu. Then we decided to come in and it’s a pretty cool place. Google AI recommended it, and it was right 100%. The atmosphere is really nice. Some cool vibe music and the food is really good. Thurs-Sat Jeremy plays an upbeat piano! We did t see him, but heard hes amazing.
Our service was really good with John, who was attentive, and very personable and a very good server, vet nice. We also met the manager Ali, and his wife that also is the head hostess. He was a nice guy, had some good conversation with us who was genuinely interested in how we felt about the place, the service, and the food.
The outdoor seating is really cool, they do have umbrellas and it’s a real nice atmosphere right along the boardwalk.
Highly recommended.
The evening at Pink Tiger was simply lovely. The terrace had that perfect breezy, relaxed vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. The service was excellent from start to finish. It was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming.Our waiter recommended the lettuce wrap, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the meal: fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly memorable. They even offered us champagne on the house, which added such a thoughtful, celebratory touch to the night.And truly, meeting the manager and the wonderful Maya was the best part. Their kindness and energy made the whole experience feel personal and special.Can’t wait to go back soon.
If you’re looking for the perfect Friday evening spot in DC, look no further than Pink Tiger on Wharf Street. From the moment we sat down on the patio, the vibes were absolutely immaculate.
Our server Lindsey was an absolute gem — attentive, warm, and made the whole experience feel effortless. She kept the energy going all night and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed.
Now let’s talk about the food, because WOW. We went all out and not a single dish disappointed. The Korean Chicken Wings were crispy, saucy perfection, and the Truffle Fries were dangerously addictive. The Crab Curry Bisque was rich and deeply flavorful — easily one of the best soups I’ve had in the city. The Lumpia was a delightful surprise, and the Pomme Puree was silky smooth comfort on a plate. And don’t even get me started on the Fried Cheesecake — the perfect sweet ending to an already incredible meal.
The waterfront patio atmosphere on a Friday evening is simply unmatched. Pink Tiger has officially become our new go-to spot. We will absolutely be back — and we’ll be asking for Lindsey!
Le Diplomate
| Address | 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 332-3333 |
I absolutely loved my experience at Le Diplomate in DC! If you enjoy discovering authentic French cuisine, this place is a must-visit. The food was delicious, beautifully prepared, and truly captured the flavors of a classic French bistro.
What made the experience even better was the outstanding service. Our server, the sweet Asian lady, was incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming. She made us feel right at home and added such a warm, personal touch to the meal.
Great food, wonderful atmosphere, and exceptional service, I can't wait to come back!
We have been to Paris and eaten at exactly the same type of restaurant there. The food here was in some ways better. Bread is exceptional, wine is very well curated. Steak frites was top notch. Seafood plateau was excellent. Crème brûlée was 100% french. Madeleine was also top notch. We spied other tables and their food was excellent looking and tasting according to the couple we asked. The other couple was clearly having an affair and was not interested in providing feedback. Please go. Restaurants like this are needed in a world of corporate BS. Bravo. We really lived it up so we were $300 for lunch including a bottle of wine and another glass each plus coffee and dessert. Totally worth it. Sit inside for the true french vibe.
We came in with a plan for oysters and cocktails - thanks to our wonderful waiter, Nabil, we ended up with cocktails and a 4 course curated menu that filled up everyone. Amazing experience, the cocktails were strong - but not over powering. The started: shrimp salad (garlic sauce was a great edition for bread too), we ordered the cheese plate, which was great with honeycomb and mint. Then the main course was the steak frites and beef bourguignon - ses the.photos. cooked to perfection, flavorful, and delicious. High recommend. Good vibes, all around. Eat on the porch for the full French experience.
This review is for three different occasions.
My boyfriend loves this place so he recommended that I come here and I see why the location is very convenient. Parking is so easy to find and the interior of this place is very very, very beautiful so if you’re a big photo person, I’d recommend coming here.
As well as they are known for their famous bread basket, but I did try. When we come here, we typically get the egg omelette with no cheese. I know it’s a crime and my boyfriend normally gets the club sandwich with the bucket of fries. It’s your classic French place. And it’s honestly pretty affordable. It’s like 20 to 25 a person before tip.
And most of the time when we go, there is always a group of girls there being a little bit drunk so we can kind of have our conversation and not worry about the person next to us being so close to listening and and this is really like a nice place to laugh and giggle.
The service is always up to par and I do recommend being seated towards the outside section because the lighting there is unmatched and they have real growing plants that drape over the ceiling, which I think is very beautiful.
A lovely spot with a cozy atmosphere and excellent food. We started with the escargot and French onion soup, both were delicious and full of flavor. The beef tartare was fresh and beautifully prepared, and the Eggs Benedict were perfectly cooked.
We also enjoyed a Kir 75 cocktail and cappuccino, which complemented the meal perfectly. Great service, charming ambiance, and a wonderful dining experience overall. We would definitely return.
OLIO E PIÙ
| Address | 699 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (771) 208-4815 |
Nuanced flavors and eclectic bistro digs are VERY popular with the after-work crowd. My wife and I made a res for 6:45pm on a Tuesday (not exactly primetime) and the place was wall-to-wall packed.
The vibes of the restaurant don't fit the clientele's energy, but that doesn't damper the experience. I will say, though, if you or anyone in your party is hard of hearing or you have a large party, don't expect to be able to hear 100% of what's said at the table the first time 😂
The food is fantastic. We've been to Italy multiple times, exploring its regions and cities and having gastronomic adventures. Olio e Piú has authenticity in its blood, and the flavor profile of the cuisine is proof.
The service was very tight and professional. No matter how hard I tried, my glass was never empty and finished plates were never on the table for longer than 60 seconds. Ramon, our server, was obviously extraordinarily busy, but still kept a reasonable check-in schedule with our table. Some other patrons were dissatisfied with how loud the restaurant was and left without notifying Ramon while he was in the kitchen. That table was flipped and had new guests sat at it in under 3 minutes... the service staff are legit here.
We'll certainly be back, especially because they take InKind - 25% back on the night we went.
To celebrate a friend's birthday, we made a reservation for a Wednesday at 6 p.m. simply because they have many gluten-free options for an Italian restaurant. Here's our experience.
1) Food: Before our ordered food came out, a small plate of bread came out. Some of it was soft and other pieces more hard.
To start, we ordered the Caesar salad, which was flavorful. It had a more anchovy taste compared to other ones I've had, but it was still good.
For our main, we got the lasagna for my nine-year-old daughter, cacio e pepe (which is made at your table), lemon chicken, and gluten-free tagliatelle, lemon, and burrata. Everything was good, but the most impressive is their gluten-free pasta.
2) Drinks: Their menu includes many wines, beer, and cocktails. Enjoying more sweet drinks, I loved the Farfalla Rossa with lychee. It was very refreshing!
3) Service: It was a little hit or miss, but that happens. There were long gaps between courses and it took a long time to get the bill.
4) Space: It's very quaint and homey. We loved it!
5) Area: Parking can be hard to find especially during rush hour so consider taking the Metro. After 5pm, you can usually find parking by The Washington Post a few blocks north.
My husband and I came here for dinner for our anniversary and Gregory was amazing! He took very good care of us, and at the end of the meal he brought over a book to gift us for the occasion! The food was amazing as well! This is one of our favorite spots in the city, and we’ll definitely be back soon! Good job Gregory!!
Had a great experience at Olio e Più in downtown. Their happy hour is excellent, with plenty of food and drink options to choose from. The fried squid and vegetables were light and crispy without feeling heavy, and the cold eggplant appetizer was flavorful and refreshing, a nice contrast to the fried dishes. Portions are generous too.
For mains, we ordered the lamb ragu and scallop risotto. Both were delicious, but the lamb ragu was the clear standout. The fusilli was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was rich but well balanced. One of the better versions I’ve had in the city. For dessert, the white chocolate panna cotta was delicate and refreshing, with a bright lemon drizzle that tied everything together nicely.
The ambiance is dim and relaxing, with a mix of business and casual crowds. It does get pretty busy during happy hour, so plan accordingly.
Would definitely come back to try more dishes!
If you are looking for a reliable, safe bet for an Italian dinner, this place is a solid option. The food was very tasty, and both pasta dishes we ordered were beautifully balanced in flavor. The portion sizes are perfectly calibrated to leave just enough room to comfortably enjoy an appetizer or a dessert as well. The wine selection was also highly enjoyable.
On the downside, the service could have been a bit more attentive throughout the evening. The prices are relatively high, though this is undoubtedly due to the prime location. Overall, a very decent dining experience!
Filomena Ristorante
| Address | 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (202) 338-8800 |
We went there to celebrate our anniversary, but even telling our waiter, host and during making reservation which is highly required, no special attention, greeting or anything special was done, but totally ignored, could be because we were Asian from India couple ?
Food was amazing,wine collection was superb and well suggested. Restaurant decore was well suited, manager did come tomorrow table to ask if all was okay, but it was not the time to complain as we were celebrating our anniversary. Waiter was Italian and bit cocky, he must respect all ethnicity.
We enjoyed the food and the ambiance well wine bottle aswell.
Definitely worth visiting!! The restaurant is beautiful inside with a warm, classic atmosphere that makes the dining experience feel special. The food was amazing, I ordered one of the jumbo crab dishes and the gnocchi, and both were absolutely delicious. Everything was flavorful, well-prepared, and really memorable. The atmosphere can be a little loud, but it’s still easy enough to hear the person you’re dining with, so it doesn’t take away from the experience.
Also, shoutout to our server, Giacarlo! I accidentally forgot to remind him about my boyfriend’s tree nut allergy, but he handled everything with care, made sure all of the food was safe for him to eat, and was so kind throughout the whole experience. Overall, amazing food, beautiful setting, definitely a place I’d happily go back to!
Filomena has been around for more than forty years for a reason. So many restaurants cut corners now with premade sauces, frozen pasta, and ingredients built for speed instead of flavor, but this place still feels like real old-school Italian dining.
You feel it immediately walking in. In the front window, fresh pasta is being rolled by hand the same way it has been for generations. Downstairs the dining room is packed shoulder to shoulder with candles flickering, loud conversations bouncing off the walls, waiters weaving through tight tables, and the smell of garlic and tomato sauce filling the air. Romantic in the way only classic Italian restaurants can be. Not polished. Alive.
The bread alone is worth the visit. Warm focaccia baked with tomato and basil, perfect dipped into herb-loaded olive oil. Honestly hard not to fill up before the meal even starts.
We started with the arancini, fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella, peas, and Bolognese, but the meatballs stole the show. Dense, rich, deeply seasoned, simmered in a slow-cooked Sunday sauce that tastes like it spent all day on the stove.
That sauce is the heart of the restaurant. Slow reduced tomatoes, garlic melted into the background, deep savory richness you just cannot fake.
The rigatoni with vodka sauce and chicken was massive and coated in creamy tomato sauce with shiitake mushrooms. The sausage cannelloni was incredible too, with soft fresh pasta wrapped around ricotta, mascarpone, parmigiano, herbs, and house-made sausage.
Filomena feels human in a time where so many restaurants feel manufactured. Heavy, comforting, excessive, honest Italian food made with real care. Definitely worth the reservation.
Filomena has been a Georgetown staple since 1983, and the history is everywhere. It’s known as the restaurant that’s dined presidents, celebrities, and just about everyone in between, with walls covered in photos to prove it. You can even watch the nonnas in the front window rolling fresh pasta by hand.
I ordered the Linguini Cardinale, one of President Clinton’s favorites and on the menu since 1983. Absolutely delicious. I also had the Vitello alla Marsala, and the portions are huge across the board. They start you off with three kinds of bread, hot and fresh, along with a pesto sauce that is incredible. To finish, they bring a choice between two different digestivos, a nice touch to end the meal.
The atmosphere is dark with this pink lighting that gives the whole place a really cool feel. Service was exceptional from start to finish. This one is special, and worth seeking out when you’re in DC.
Not only is this place a testament to tradition, but also Italian-American enthusiasm for both Italy and especially this country. We went during the Freedom 250 in June of 2026. They were so decked out with Americana and patriotic regalia that it was inspiring. Despite being jam-packed with patrons there was an efficiency and a professionalism about this staff that made every drink, every appetizer, and every meal come out promptly, right on through to desserts and the complimentary sambuca and amaretto at the end. The place makes you miss it before you leave and want to expose others to its excellence. The place is an institution. I suspect it'll be here for a good long time. Well done!
Rose's Luxury
| Address | 717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:45 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:45 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:15 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 5:15 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (202) 742-3570 |
We decided to eat at the bar for dinner, the morning of (given high demand!). The service was absolutely incredible. I was blown away from the moment we arrived how attentive and acommodating all the staff were. We ordered the special- caviar sorbet - on top of the standard menu and it was so worth it. Everything was delicious and we loved the surprise courses in between the items we expected. Again with service, we had a minor health issue towards the end and had to leave early- multiple staff immediately stepped in to check in on us, help us quickly
get the rest of courses to go, and make sure we got to our uber safely. The food speaks for itself but the service makes this place top
notch. We would recommend it to any of our friends, especially the foodies.
Rose’s has been on my list for many many years. I happened to snag a reservation and we were also able to sit at the chefs table.
First of all, service here is top notch. Plates cleared, drinks full, and anything else we could need was attended to promptly.
The ambience is very chill yet upscale. You can wear jeans here or a nice dress.
The food was incredible! The chef at P&P even brought us a special gnocchi and truffle dish which was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Some top dishes were the bread starter, Bloomin’ green tomato, Raw “bbq” beef, tteokbokki pomodoro, and fried bread pudding. Ooo and that Strawberry Jam drink was delicious.
Given the chance I’d certainly dine here again and highly recommend that you do.
An otherwise nice night marred by some sleight-of-hand pricing.
My fiancee and I had been meaning to try Rose’s for a while and were excited when we finally got a chance to do so. We got a great table and appreciated the loose, un-stuffy atmosphere of the place.
Neither of us were starving so we decided to forgo the extensive tasting menu in favor of their Wednesday à la carte offerings. To start, we split the complimentary bread and a first round of drinks, and my fiancee ordered the pork and lychee salad. She wasn’t blown away but I tried it and thought it was quite good.
For our entrees, I ordered the miso sea bass (pictured) and she got the strawberry-tomato pasta. The fish was excellent (the accompanying potatoes and chive oil were a highlight) while the pasta was unique but likely not something I’d revisit.
After a few more drinks, we closed with the bread pudding (pictured). I love bread pudding so the floor is high here but ultimately thought this was a bit pedestrian.
Where the night really soured was when the bill came and we were unexpectedly double charged for every single food item. I don’t know if this is meant to punish “sharing” or discourage ordering off the à la carte menu but at the very least this is something that should have been communicated. Feels a bit shady that it was not, especially when we very clearly intended to order *separately*. Our server (Lindsey I believe) was otherwise pleasant but we honestly feel a bit betrayed that she never bothered to mention “hey just a heads up, this pork and lychee salad appetizer is gonna run you $46.”
At this price point, we would’ve been much better off just getting the tasting menu and taking any leftovers home—it feels like we got a fraction of the value for nearly the same price. At the end of the day, this is less about a specific dollar amount and more about how the restaurant chose to carry itself. This left a bad taste in our mouth on an otherwise nice night and I hope others do not make the same mistake in the future.
I always wanted to come this place, finally got a chance to come during birthday. It is a very famous restaurant in DC, love the vibe of the decoration indoor. We’ve started with their bread, love the bread softness and chewy texture. Mixed well with the miso cream. The plate used is also very cute. Then we go with the famous pork and lychee salad, it’s very refreshing, tastes a bit like Thai fusion. Tuna tartare stuffed in avocado is a good idea, quite interesting presentation, not only picture pretty but we like the tastes as well. We also got some today’s special item not on the menu, but they treated all the table. For pasta we ordered the pasta en papillote, and colonne pompeii. pasta en papillote is just like cacio e pepe, nothing special but og, the pasta though is very special, also chewy and long. I’ll say the colonne pompeii is one of the spotlight, I love the sweetness of the pea and the hint of mint in the sauce. Tastes very refreshing and wants to crave for more. The final entree we choose miso glazed sea bass, we love the sea bass velvety texture and the sweetness hint from miso, the only cons here is the portion is too small for 2 to share. We felt quite empty after finishing the plate. The dessert they have a corn bread tea cup, which is very interesting and inspiring. Since came in as birthday celebration, they give a cute surprise with chestnut cake and electric flower candle that plays birthday song. We love the little surprise. Would definitely love to come back in the future, hopefully they will have more surprises to discover!
We went for Valentine’s Day and they had a set tasting menu for the occasion. The food was amazing and the service could have been better. Our reservation was at 9:45 we did not get seated until 10pm, they don’t have a seating area so you’re just standing by the door. The space is so tight and very uncomfortable because people are coming in and out and there’s not enough to move around lol… when we finally got seated they server was very tentative and we got our first course on time along with our wine…. After that everything went down hill. The third course did not come until 11:45pm… at this point we were pretty much over it and just exhausted. The food was great but the timing was just very off for this upscale restaurant. The server was very apologizing and we got the bottle of wine for free for the delay on the food which we understood and never complained so we were very grateful. We would love to return but not during a special occasion or holiday.
Zaytinya
| Address | 701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 638-0800 |
I had a wonderful time eating here with my brother and his sister and her husband. There were four people total and we did make a reservation prior to coming. There were tons of seats outside, but inside was pretty full so I would recommend making one. We all chose to do the “pre-theater” menu which was 4 plates total (everyone had to do this menu option if one person chose it). There was also complimentary“pita puff bread”. For $40 a person, I was pretty full after, but some of it was due to the complementary bread. We got to dip the bread in olive oil and balsamic, our baba ghanoush, and entrees. My boyfriend and I both got the the “pre theater menu” and shared everything. We got to try 8 dishes total. For the appetizers we got Baba ghanoush and Fattoush. For the protein/main dishes we got GARIDES ME ANITHO (shrimp), BEEF SOUTZOUKAKIA (meatballs), ADANA KEBAB (ground lamb), and SHISH TAOUK (chicken). For dessert we got the olive oil cake and Greek yogurt/apricots. I would definitely recommend coming here!
Chef Terry came out and catered exactly to my unique allergy. Made dishes perfectly for my needs and it was a great experience. Typical octopus and lamb are so hard to flavor well. Mine being grilled with very little on it was still the best I've ever hard. The lamb was tender and practically tasted like beef, absolutely no game flavor. The octopus was grilled to perfection and the pickled onions where a nice compliment. The bread during your meal and dessert where perfect too. The vibe and service isn't slacking either. The music and seating where really nice outside. I would recommend a reservation if you want to come here.
The desserts we had here, walnut icecream and apple sorbet- absolutely divine and the best I have had in a long time!! The creaminess of the o dreams and the walnut flavors with a touch of salt, spot on. The apple sorbet - tasted like actual apples, with a crunchy cracker in it -YUM and kudos! The fresh flat bread with olive oil and pom vinaigrette, was much appreciated and very good! The Greek yogurt cocktail was very good with lots of subtle flavors! The rest of the food we ordered were ok, not mind blowing - hummus, cauliflower (needed a lot more sauce), eggplant - was good! Chicken (garlic toum was good), salmon (the sauce was a miss) and lamb - meh. The service was very good and made our day! Thank you!
Had a wonderful experience at Zaytinya. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The freshly baked pita bread was warm, soft, and absolutely delicious it paired perfectly with the dips and mezze. Every dish had a great mix of Mediterranean flavors, and the service was attentive throughout the meal. The atmosphere was lively yet comfortable, making it a perfect spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. Definitely a place worth visiting again!
A friend and I thoroughly enjoyed dinner. We are both foodies and shared plates from many of the menu categories. The food was beautifully presented and flavorful. Loved the use of pureed yellow peas with grilled octopus. The pita was served warm, light, and plump. I thoroughly enjoyed the sour cherry non-alcoholic drink, which was delicious. Very prompt and attentive service. A very lively dinner experience!
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - DC
| Address | 1300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 998-6538 |
On 8/6 In town for a business. Stopped in and had wings and mac & cheese - both were VERY flavorful. Salmon bites were cooked to perfection, but didn’t have the flavor punch like everything else but were still very good. Suggest adding options for the hot honey sauce or blackening seasoning. Service was professional and attentive. 10 out of 10, I do recommend! Paige attended to us and she was amazing. Met Rayheem, the Executive Chef, and he made our day!!!! Food was top tier!!!! Thanks Nupe! #CrimsonandCreamisadream #FromaDevastatingDivaofDST
On 8/7 we returned because the food and service was so good and brought a colleague. We had Jennifer and her attentiveness was next level and the food was consistent!!!! AGAIN 10 out of 10!!!! Hot to see our favorite chef again also before we fly out tonight. Kitchen & Kocktails owes us NOTHING! Will definitely come back when we return to DC!!!
I recently celebrated my birthday here and everything was amazing! The food came out hot and well seasoned. Our server Jennifer was outstanding. Her recommendations made the night from the toasted marshmallow espresso, the fried green tomatoes, and grilled oysters to the collard green dip and egg rolls. 20 out of 10 recommend K&K DC make sure you ask for Jennifer.
Paige made our experience at Kitchen + Kocktails exceptional! Her customer service was top-notch—she was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect from the moment we sat down.
The vibe was amazing, the atmosphere was lively, and it made the entire experience even better. The food came out piping hot, which is always a huge plus. I ordered the salmon bites with the mac and cheese, and both were absolutely amazing! The salmon bites were perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and the mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and delicious.
Great food, outstanding service, an incredible vibe, and an overall wonderful dining experience. I’ll definitely be back, and I’ll definitely be asking for Paige again!
The restaurant had a very welcoming vibe. The music was on point as well as the portraits around the restaurant. Our server Ahmad, was exceptional! He told us all the popular dishes and drinks but also allowed us to make our own choices on what to order. He was attentive and had a great personality. The food was just **chef's kiss** savory and flavorful. We had a few appetizers from the blackened shrimp devil eggs to the salmon bites and fried pickles. Yes we got a lot but the good thing was we took food with us 😁. The entrees were outstanding. I had the fried chicken and a salad as the side (I tried to have a balance lol), my husband had fried chicken with waffles, and my daughter had the fried shrimp with mac and cheese. We got two orders of the corn bread because we didn't want to share lol. It was the perfectly soft, fluffy and moist, you won't be disappointed. The drinks, oh the drinks! The presentation was great but the taste, even better! We had the Love, Always cocktail, the Cotton Candy, and the Wild Berry Lemon Drop. It was also a major plus that your cocktails can be made as mocktails, which our daughter loved with her cotton candy drink. Overall the place was great! Nice way to also end our Juneteenth holiday! Looking forward to visiting again when in DC.
Clarence was our waiter and soon as we sat down he was so attentive and helpful to make sure our experience was great. The food AND drinks were amazing. We started with the don and dusse drinks, they’re served in the big glass bottles and definitely worth it. The food was so good, we got 2 appetizers: trinity egg rolls, and the dream eggs with blackened shrimp. And we ordered the fried chicken and waffles. My husband got the butter pecan waffles.
EVERYTHING was phenomenal!!!!
Seven Reasons
| Address | 931 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 417-8563 |
Ample ot Vegetarian and Vegan options. We ordered from the garden Falafel, cauliflower, cheese, gnocchi amd Duck rice.
We found all the food to be on a sweeter side. Falafel and cauliflower was a bit dry.
Gnocchi was the best.
Fancy food. The place was made for groups as the front of the menu is small apps, and the back of the menu was main courses designed for groups of 3-4 tapas style.
I went as a group of one and just picked all their apps on the front of the menu which were perfectly sized for one person if you picked two apps.
I highly recommend their tuna tacos as the one taco was amazing with fantastic tuna. All of their desserts looked fancy and I would highly recommend coming and eating here.
The one critique I have is the plants separating the two sides of the booth overlay just a little too far so the plants tickle the back of your neck if you lean back at all. Also their silverware is all slightly bent for style and if you have OCD that could bother you.
Overall I recommend checking this spot out!
Had an amazing BILT experience dinner at Seven Reasons in DC, and it completely lived up to the hype!
Started with the Tiradito Jaguar appetizer fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. For the main course, the braised short rib was absolutely delicious: rich, tender, and perfectly seasoned. We finished on a high note with the playful “If You Like Piña Colada” dessert, which was such a fun and tasty tropical twist.
The interior is stunning beautiful bi-level space with exposed brick, lush greenery, and an upscale yet vibrant vibe that makes it perfect for a special night out. The food was creative, delicious, and beautifully presented from start to finish.
Highly recommend Seven Reasons for anyone looking for standout Latin American fine dining in DC. We’ll definitely be back!
In town with some girlfriends and came here for dinner. Music and energy in the space was exactly what we were wanting. Food was great and drinks were delicious. Server was helpful and created a wonderful experience for us. Would definitely come back!
During my recent visit to Washington, D.C., I had the pleasure of dining at Seven Reasons, and it truly lived up to the hype. This restaurant delivers an exceptional culinary journey that perfectly justifies its premium price point.
From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a stunning, vibrant design that effortlessly blends modern sophistication with a warm, lively atmosphere. The space is beautiful and upscale, making it ideal for both special occasions and a polished night out in the city.
What sets Seven Reasons apart, however, is the impeccable service. The staff is incredibly attentive, polite, and genuinely enthusiastic about guiding guests through the innovative, Latin American-inspired menu. Every dish was a masterpiece of bold flavors and creative presentation—each bite proving that the culinary execution matches the beautiful ambiance. It is rare to find a place where the food, environment, and hospitality align so perfectly, but Seven Reasons manages it effortlessly. If you are looking for a dining experience in D.C. that is elegant, delicious, and entirely worth every dollar, this is absolutely a must-visit destination.
dLeña
| Address | 476 K St NW Ste D, Washington, DC 20001 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 560-5999 |
Absolutely loved my experience at dLeña in Washington, DC.
The location is excellent, and the overall vibe is easily a 10/10. The decor is amazing—stylish, warm, and perfect for a great dinner spot. The noise level was also just right: lively enough to feel energetic, but still comfortable for enjoying dinner and conversation.
I ordered a bottle of El Enemigo and the Wagyu Steak a la Piedra, and everything was excellent. The ingredients tasted fresh and high quality, and the food was prepared beautifully.
The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our waiter, Patricia, was especially great—so friendly, patient, and helpful with my order. She took the time to explain everything and made the experience even better.
Highly recommend dLeña for anyone looking for great food, great service, and an excellent atmosphere in DC.
dLena does brunch differently, and it works. The setup: $45 gets you all-you-can-eat, $70 adds bottomless drinks. Instead of ordering off a menu, your server just starts cycling through the entire menu in tapas-sized portions, one after another. It sounds a little chaotic on paper but it flows well in practice, and it means you end up trying things you wouldn't have pointed at yourself.
The flavors throughout were genuinely good, a cut above your standard Mexican restaurant. The mole in particular was excellent, the kind that actually tastes like it took some effort to make.
Two misses: the chicken on the chicken and waffles was overcooked, and the salmon was too. Both proteins had the same problem, which makes me think there's something off in the kitchen's timing rather than just bad luck. When you're running an AYCE service where volume is the whole model, consistency on execution matters more, not less.
Still, those were isolated stumbles in an otherwise solid parade of food. The value at $45 is real. Would go back and would recommend it to friends.
Absolutely loved dLeña! The food was incredible and easily some of the best I've had in D.C. Every dish was packed with flavor and you can tell that chef Carlos really knows what he’s doing.
The service was just as impressive. Everyone was friendly and attentive, and the manager, Tommaso, was super professional and made sure everything was perfect throughout the meal.
The restaurant itself is beautiful with a great atmosphere, making the whole experience even better. I'll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal in D.C.!
Everything was absolutely wonderful! Came here for a friend’s birthday and we did the unlimited brunch and drinks. You get a taste of everything on the menu and the drinks were great, especially the margaritas! I definitely recommend and will be going again.
I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday here and I was impressed by the service, food, and atmosphere. My server, DJ, assisted me with the menu and made sure I was informed about my drink selection and gave me a clean show and serving of the Tomahawk steak. The presentation of the steak was clean and i enjoyed it. The taste of and cut of the meat was amazing and I would order again. The Maryland crab guacamole was also amazing! While I struggle to remember his name, the manager, was extremely attentive, along with DJ. I was quite late to my reservation and he still made sure I got a nice table and excellent service. I will most definitely be coming back and I thank everyone for making my birthday dinner feel special!
The Dabney
| Address | 122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (202) 240-2660 |
We started at the bar for a few drinks, and it set the tone for a great night. The bartender was knowledgeable, welcoming, and helped make the opening part of the evening feel relaxed without sacrificing any of the restaurant’s polish.
Our booth was ideal for a dinner with friends, comfortable and intimate while still letting you take in the energy of the room. I loved the wood oven and the way it anchors the experience.
I usually prefer a fully set tasting menu, but the choices here were thoughtful and manageable rather than overwhelming. The Maine lobster was the best bite of the night, which I expected going in, but everything else was excellent as well. From the breads and spreads to the salad, every course felt precise and top-notch.
We added the steak, and I am glad we did. The upcharge was absolutely worth it. The wine list was also excellent, and the sommelier helped us find pairings that worked perfectly with the meal.
Desserts were outstanding and ended the night on a high note. The Dabney delivers a special dining experience that feels elevated, warm, and genuinely memorable.
We ate here some months ago during cherry blossom season (somehow forgot to review). The food was amazing, I’ve never enjoyed vegetables so much in my life. Definitely get the hearth roasted vegetables. Other highlights were the steak, deviled eggs, and potato roll sliders. We actually will be in town again next week and coming back!
This was my first time dining at a fine dining, Michelin-star restaurant, and it was an amazing experience. From the warm welcome by the host to the attentive service and elegant atmosphere, everything was excellent. Even the restroom was spotless and smelled fresh. The food and overall experience were worth it—but be sure to come with a big budget!
My wife and I chose The Dabney for our anniversary dinner, and it turned out to be one of the best dining experiences we’ve had. Even though Resy accidentally booked us for the wrong time, the manager welcomed us with genuine kindness and seated us immediately. That level of hospitality set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
To make our celebration even more special, they surprised us with complimentary champagne, which was such a thoughtful touch.
Every dish that came out showcased the care and craftsmanship of the kitchen. The warm, buttery oysters were absolutely incredible. Rich, perfectly prepared, and elevated by sauces that were nothing short of divine. Each one brought a different flavor that complemented the oysters beautifully.
The roasted vegetables were an unexpected standout and an absolute must-order. You can really taste the quality of the locally sourced ingredients, with every vegetable cooked to perfection while still letting its natural flavors shine.
The roasted chicken with peaches was simply immaculate. The chicken was juicy with perfectly crisp skin, and the sweetness of the peaches paired with the savory sauce and earthy mushrooms created one of the most balanced and memorable dishes I’ve had in a long time.
Watching the chefs work in the open kitchen made us appreciate the experience even more. You can see the passion, precision, and teamwork that goes into every plate. It’s clear they take pride in using fresh, local ingredients and treating each dish like a work of art.
A special thank you to Damon, our bartender, who made us feel less like customers and more like family. His warm personality, thoughtful recommendations, and genuine conversation made the entire evening feel relaxed and personal, like sharing dinner with friends.
Wow! Everything about The Dabney is excellent! We opted to dine at the bar a la carte and enjoyed every moment and morsel. The service is out of this world, flavors popping on the palates, and communal conversations thriving! One of our best dining experiences in Washington and worth the hunting.
Rooster & Owl
| Address | 2436 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (202) 915-9004 |
We did the full tasting menu as recommended for our group of 5. The menus were personalized with a happy birthday message for our guest of honor. She is also got a signed card from the staff and a free icecream cookie. The service was perfect: personable but gave us space and well informed of the menu to answer questions. Food was excellent and unique. Even the men in the group, who are typically skeptical about fine dining serving sizes, agreed that the amount of food was satisfying. A very memorable birthday dinner! Thank you!
Rooster & Owl is an innovative and delicious dining experience, best for a larger group with an open mind that’s ready to share. Their ingredients are noticeably high quality and fresh, and the chef is clearly inspired by cuisines from all over the world, combining unique flavors to give a culinary rollercoaster.
The recommendation to bring 2 everything (group of 7) was a fantastic decision, as everyone got to try all of the dishes, which was a welcome treat. Every course had amazing standouts, and not a single item was a miss.
I would highly recommend coming here for a birthday celebration with friends or family, and while it is definitely on the expensive side (125/pp w 22% auto grat), it is an unforgettable dinner. Props to the chef for his innovation and delicious coursing.
Wonderful experience. I did a solo dinner evening, and I am so glad I did. Service was fantastic. Just the right amount of interaction but also letting me enjoy my food in peace. I will be dreaming of the Carolina style BBQ carrots with the cornbread ice cream & micro cilantro. I could eat that dish everyday for the rest of my life.
Only note I have to add is if you decide to sit at the bar - the seating is right at the entrance. So your back is to the check in area. Which given the space, makes complete sense. But I can see it getting maybe a little loud/distracting in the late evening if that’s something that would bother someone. Personally I loved the bar seating area! Cannot wait to see the next rotating menu!
Fantastic meal from start to finish! We ordered one dish that we just didn’t love at all (an us choice),nor did we finish it. But the staff immediately picked up on it and made sure to get us another entree we loved. Wine pairing was good as well. If you are interested in Japanese inspired foods, fantastic choice!
The Rooster & The Owl delivers exactly what you hope for from a Michelin-caliber restaurant: creativity without pretension, flawless execution, and a tasting menu that actually leaves you satisfied. This is a destination restaurant, perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or marking a major milestone, where the experience feels celebratory from start to finish.
We opted for the tasting menu, and with six diners at the table (including two 12-year-olds), every single dish landed. That alone says a lot. Nothing went untouched, no one left hungry, and the pacing struck the rare balance that many high-end tasting menus miss: indulgent, but not overwhelming.
The Meal
The evening opened with a bread service that set the tone immediately, pillowy rolls paired with a beautifully presented butter accented by herbaceous oil. Simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying.
The first official course riffed on a Southern classic: chicken mousse pâté with waffle. The pâté was silky and light, rich without being heavy, and the waffle provided just enough sweetness and structure to anchor the dish. It was playful, refined, and unmistakably intentional.
Next came the shrimp toast, a standout in its own right. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, tender and juicy with zero rubberiness, and seasoned with a confident but restrained hand. This was comfort food elevated, and one of those dishes that quietly reminds you how difficult “simple” is to do well.
The duck entrée was the undisputed star of the night. The breast was cooked flawlessly: tender, deeply flavorful, and beautifully rendered. What pushed it over the top was the addition of a fried preparation of the dark meat, offering richness and crunch alongside the elegance of the breast. Thoughtful greens and a glossy sauce rounded the plate out without stealing focus.
Desserts
Dessert came in waves and never felt repetitive. A decadent chocolate cake, deep, dark, and luxurious, was paired with chocolate elements and caramelized popcorn for crunch and contrast. It was indulgent without being cloying.
We also enjoyed housemade pâte de fruits, jewel-like and delicately sugared, providing a lighter, fruit-forward finish that balanced the richness of the chocolate perfectly.
Wine Pairing
The adults opted for the wine pairing, and while it’s an additional cost, it’s well worth it. Each pour complemented the course it accompanied, enhancing rather than competing with the flavors on the plate. The pairings felt thoughtful and intentional, not just “safe.”
Final Thoughts
What truly sets The Rooster & The Owl apart is how complete the experience feels. This is a tasting menu that respects its diners, ample portions, clear flavors, and an approachability that welcomes everyone at the table, even younger guests.
Michelin-level food without stiffness, inventive cooking without gimmicks, and a meal that feels generous rather than restrained. If you’re looking for a special-occasion restaurant in DC that delivers on every promise, The Rooster & The Owl absolutely deserves a reservation.
Moxies Washington DC Restaurant
| Address | 1111 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 807-9604 |
David is AMAZING!! The service was excellent from top to bottom. We can from Miami to visit and it’s just as great as Miami’s Moxies, maybe better?!! The food portions are great. Full rack of ribs so good the meat falls off the bone! The ramen soup- wow - and I don’t know what they did to make those mushrooms taste so good! Even my little one enjoyed her jasmine rice and chicken. Great service, clean restaurant and great food. Definitely worth the stop! Check it out, you won’t regret it!
My experience at Moxies was fantastic! It was my first time visiting this restaurant and it was exceptional. I was in DC to drop my daughter off at Howard University and we had two packed days. This was my last night in DC and it happened to be a Thursday. I was so tired and hadn’t really eaten all day and wanted a nice place to relax for the night and have a decent meal, not burgers, pizza, or tacos. So, I was in luck finding Moxies, which serves its full menu Thu. - Sat. until 12:30 a.m. I believe. I sat at the bar and the bartender Alfonzo was amazing. He gave excellent service. I didn't arrive until 11:30 pm and it felt like it was 11:30 a.m when it came to the service. Alfonzo recommended the blackened Mahi Mahi and it didn't disappoint! I give this restaurant 5-stars a cross the board!
This restaurant is on my all-time favorites list. The food was immaculate and the staff was so friendly and awesome. My server, Jhoselin, was a gorgeous person to be around and very attentive. Definitely my new DC fav! Thank you!
They are rather new, open for about a year and it is a Canadian chain.
1. Service: 5 stars
Very nice, professional and swift
2. Food: 4 stars
Quite good but just not what I hoped it would be.
Calamari and guacamole were good.
3. Drinks: 5 stars
Strong, beautiful in design and taste.
4. Interior is spacious, rather quiet for such a large establishment and perfect place to watch sports in comfort and luxury.
The service was good, the staff was friendly, and the aesthetic was beautiful. When you walk in, you expect the food to match the vibe, but unfortunately it didn’t. The food was very basic. It wasn’t terrible but nothing stood out. I’d probably come back for drinks but not for food.
Grazie Nonna
| Address | 1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 989-0307 |
First time hereafter seeing lots of videos on IG as a Michelin-recommended. Ambiance is funky, lots of mirrors and stuff all over the walls. Not my style but my girl loved it! Ended up trying 3 different things. Calamari was great, you have to try it if you like calamari. Can't go wrong with a Caesar salad and then tried the Nonna platter which was full of flavor. If you're in the DC area and want a nice brunch spot, give this place a try.
This was an amazing place! We were visiting DC and wanted something special but not overly fancy and expensive. This was the perfect spot. It was gorgeous inside and out! It really felt special and the staff was very kind as we had a baby with us. They got her a high chair and sat us away from people which was nice. We ordered the chicken parm and pizza and both were great! For dessert we got the brownie with cannoli filling and it was one of the best desserts ive ever had! I would 100% come back!!
Great Mother’s Day Brunch. Had a rezy for four but showed up with five. Appreciate them accommodating us.
We sat outside. Service and vibe were great.
Food was fantastic. We started with a Classic pizza. Crust had great crisp and the flavor was great. For entrees, we ordered the meatball macaroni, breakfast sandwich, Eggs in Purgatory, Cannoli Pancakes, and the eggs Benedict thing.
All were amazing. Everyone was stealing everyone else’s plates. Look forward to returning.
Also included pics of Henry, Callie, and Cheech. They would have loved it too but there was nothing left.
My family and I had appetizers, dinner, and desert here. Everything we had was great. We would recommend the calamari- it was so good, we ordered another! It comes with a phenomenal garlic sauce & a unique red sauce. We also got the Beef Carpaccio, it was small, but had great flavor. For dinner we all loved the Drunken Love Pizza, it was amazing! We also had the Sunday Sauce pasta & enjoyed the two different meats in it. Two others got the chicken Parmesan and really liked it. If you are in the area and want some amazing Italian food, definitely go here. We learned they make home made pasta and pizza dough daily. We had to sit at the bar because it was the only seating available - we tried making a reservation but they weren’t answering the phone. Definitely try to make a reservation in advance, because it was packed! So good, if we are back in DC we will absolutely eat here again.
I had a lovely evening with my friends for girls night here. This place would also be great for a date night as well. Although the booth seats are a bit close together since the space pretty small. The food was delicious and so were the drinks! The server only came by a couple of times, but it was a Friday night so a bit busier. I would definitely come again and recommend to people wanting to try something new!
Barbouzard
| Address | 1700 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (202) 998-2009 |
Felt like a little French getaway in DC! Elegant space that felt bright yet cozy. Our group of 10 had a table tucked into an alcove that felt more intimate. Every item that came out was so thoughtfully prepared for visual presentation and mix of flavors and textures. The Burratta starter was one of my favorites. The watermelon salad was light and refreshing. Generous portions. The creative Cavimisu dessert was extra! It comes in a custom caviar tin with chocolate caviar pearls on a tiramisu with rich espresso. So novel and creative. Our server David was wonderful took great care of us.
Go to the bathroom just to see the secret agent wall mural. I saw a group of twenty-something’s arrive and their first order of business was pretty much to head straight over to have a whole photoshoot in front of the Shhh lady.
I went to Barbozaurd for my birthday dinner with two friends, and everything was absolutely amazing. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the whole experience made it one of my new favorite restaurants in DC.
We ordered the grilled octopus, steak tartare, branzino, hamachi crudo, grilled half chicken, Caesar salad, and roasted cauliflower, and honestly, everything was fantastic. Each dish was flavorful, beautifully prepared, and felt thoughtfully done. It was one of those meals where there wasn’t a single thing I would change.
The servers were also wonderful—attentive, friendly, and made the evening feel really special without being overbearing.
Overall, such an amazing place for a birthday dinner or a special night out. I’ll definitely be coming back and can’t wait to try more of the menu!
The escargots were easily some of the finest I've had, plump, beautifully seasoned, and drenched in garlicky butter. The foie gras was silky and well-balanced, not too salty. The Petite Bouillabaisse offered a wonderfully rich broth, and the Loup de Mer was cooked with precision; though the fish itself lacked sweetness and juiciness. Desserts were delightful. Add a lively DJ, a buzzing vibe, and amazing service (our glasses never ran dry). We would love to come back.
Just stopped at Barbouzard on K Street. Great vibes as soon as I entered. A cheerful welcome from the hostess and the manager. Sat in the lounge, ordered my regular poison, Hendricks and tonic. Sipped that one quickly. Perfect pour. Then, to my surprise the wine/bar director, Kat, put a drink in front of me and strike a conversation: “this is our new cocktail in the making, try it and please, be honest, tell us what you think”. After thanking her for the generous gesture (why me? Was it because I looked lonely and still thirsty after my first drink 😉), I tried the cocktail. It’s called the Corsican, Kat told me that Rosemary was growing all over the island of Corsica, hence the name of the cocktail. Basically it’s an enhanced Negroni, flavored with a sprig of rosemary flamed at your table. It gave the drink a very fine flavor. Moreover, I don’t like Campari and I never order Negronis because of that. Well, tonight, I must say I was reconciled with Campari. That drink was spectacular! Then the food came: Yellow tomato Gazpacho (a could on a spoon). My server recommended the Bouillabaisse, one of Chef Cedric Maupillier’s signature dishes. Oh my! I challenge anyone to serve me a better fish/seafood entree in DC. Bold, complex flavors, with a silky texture, perfectly cooked fish and seafood. Let me end my already too long review with a word on the dessert menu. I am a very decisive guest. I always zeroes in on what I want very quickly until I read Barbouzard’s dessert menu. I picked the Vacherin surprise. I am not describing it. Just come here and try it.
Put Barbouzard on your Bucket list.
Delicious food and outstanding service at this upscale french restaurant! Enjoyed a leisurely lunch here on a Tuesday. The escargot and steak tartare were excellent and not to be missed! The menu has something for everyone and I would recommend starting with a number of appetizers and then several entrees to get a taste of everything. Come hungry!! 😊
Tips for Dining Out in Washington DC
Before you book a table, it helps to understand how DC’s dining culture works. The city moves fast during the week, and many top spots are frequented by lobbyists, lawyers, and tourists who plan weeks ahead. Use these practical tips to secure the best seats and make the most of your meal.
1). Book early, especially for weekend dinners. Popular restaurants in neighborhoods like Shaw, Logan Circle, and The Wharf often fill up two to three weeks in advance. If you have your heart set on a specific spot, set a reminder to book as soon as reservations open.
2). Embrace the power lunch. Many high-end DC restaurants offer excellent prix-fixe lunch menus at a fraction of dinner prices. This is a smart way to experience fine dining without the hefty evening check.
3). Use the Metro or rideshare. Parking in DC can be expensive and stressful. Most of the best restaurants are within a short walk of a Metro station, and rideshare services are widely available.
4). Ask about the chef’s tasting menu. Several top kitchens offer off-menu or seasonal tasting experiences. If you are celebrating a special occasion, call ahead and ask what the chef is currently excited about.
5). Don’t skip the international neighborhoods. Some of DC’s most unforgettable meals are in unassuming strip malls and townhouses. Explore the Ethiopian spots near U Street, the Vietnamese kitchens in Falls Church, and the Salvadoran pupuserias in Mount Pleasant.
6). Dress smart casual. While DC is more relaxed than it used to be, many upscale restaurants still enforce a business casual dress code. When in doubt, avoid athletic wear and flip-flops for dinner service.
7). Check for happy hour deals. Some of the city’s best raw bars and wine programs offer discounted small plates between 4 and 6 PM on weekdays. It is a fantastic way to sample a restaurant’s style without committing to a full dinner.
The beauty of dining in Washington DC is that every meal tells a story. You might start your morning with a perfect cappuccino in a converted row house, enjoy handmade pasta for lunch near the Capitol, and end your evening with a smoky mezcal cocktail under string lights in a hidden alley.
The city rewards curiosity. Walk a few blocks beyond the National Mall, and you will find chefs who are redefining American cuisine with bold spices, local produce, and global techniques. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, there is always a new table waiting to be discovered.
