Discover the best restaurants in Washington DC right now

Old Ebbitt Grill stands as a legendary cornerstone of the best restaurants in Washington DC, offering a quintessential American tavern experience in the heart of Downtown. Located just steps from the White House, this historic institution, established in 1856, features a richly appointed interior with mahogany bars, velvet booths, and sporting memorabilia that whispers tales of political power plays. As a flagship of the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, which also operates iconic spots like 1789 Restaurant and the Hamilton, it remains a favorite for tourists and beltway insiders alike. The restaurant has gained national exposure for its annual Oyster Riot, a celebration of bivalves that is a highlight of the DC social calendar. You cannot leave without sampling the freshly shucked oysters from their raw bar or the classic Ebbitt trout parmesan.

Amazonia brings the lush, vibrant energy of the Peruvian rainforest to the Blagden Alley corridor of Shaw, serving as a lively counterpart to its fine-dining sibling, Causa. The space is a botanical sanctuary, featuring a tropical rooftop bar where the air is filled with the scent of pisco and grilled botanicals. Under the direction of chef Carlos Delgado, who was recognized as the MICHELIN Guide Washington, D.C. 2024 Young Chef Award winner, the restaurant has become a critical darling. It offers a more casual, a la carte alternative to the tasting menus downstairs, appearing on Washingtonian’s lists for its spirited atmosphere. The menu shines with dishes like the grilled octopus with botija olive sauce and an array of innovative ceviches that pop with citrus and spice. The experience is designed to be transportive, focusing on the biodiversity of the Amazon through a unique cocktail program and a menu that celebrates Peru’s most vibrant ingredients.

Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien offers a sophisticated and deeply personal reimagining of Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of Penn Quarter. The dining room is elegant yet modern, utilizing soft textures and clean lines to create an environment that feels both high-end and intimate. Chef Kevin Tien, a multi-time James Beard finalist, uses the menu to tell his own story, blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with contemporary techniques. The restaurant has received high praise from Eater DC and The Washington Post for its innovative spirit. You should prioritize the lemongrass pork ribs or the scallops served with a complex, ginger-forward sauce. The beverage program is equally acclaimed; Bar Director Thi Nguyen earned the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Exceptional Cocktails Award for her artistry.

Bresca represents a vibrant, neo-bistro approach to modern French dining, located on the bustling 14th Street corridor. The interior is a whimsical blend of floral accents, plush velvet, and experimental art, mirroring the playful yet precise nature of the food. Chef Ryan Ratino, the mastermind behind Hive Hospitality (which also includes the two-MICHELIN-Starred JÔNT), has earned a MICHELIN Star here for his boundary-pushing techniques. Ratino was also the recipient of the 2023 Young Chef Award from the MICHELIN Guide, highlighting his status as a star in the industry. The menu is a playground of textures, with the pressed duck and the whimsical foie gras cake po” often cited by The Infatuation as must-try items. Bresca is notably the first carbon-neutral restaurant in DC, reflecting a philosophy where high-concept culinary artistry is balanced by a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.

Maydān is a sensory explosion of Middle Eastern flavors, centered around a towering open fire in a two-story warehouse space in the U Street corridor. The atmosphere is electric with the sound of cracking wood and the aroma of roasting spices creating a communal, high-energy environment. Co-owner Rose Previte and the culinary team have earned a MICHELIN Star and a James Beard nomination. Food & Wine and Bon Appétit both named it one of the best new restaurants in the country upon its debut. The menu encourages large-format sharing with the whole-roasted chicken with toum and the coal-charred lamb shoulder serving as the stars of the table.

Imperfecto explores the intersection of Mediterranean and Latin American cultures in a stunning, light-filled space in the West End. Chef Enrique Limardo, the first Venezuelan chef to receive a MICHELIN Star for their restaurant in the US, leads the kitchen with a bold, artistic flair. As part of the Seven Reasons Group—the same team behind the acclaimed Seven Reasons—this establishment earned its own MICHELIN Star in 2022. The menu features theatrical presentations like the forbidden risotto and the aged duck breast, which have been highlighted in Modern Luxury. Limardo’s philosophy is one of culinary fusion without borders, utilizing European techniques to highlight the bold, soulful flavors of his Latin American roots, resulting in a dining experience that feels like a piece of performance art.

Xiquet by Danny Lledó is a premier destination for Valencian gastronomy, located in an elegant multi-level townhouse in Glovers Park. The experience begins with a welcome drink in the lounge before moving to the chef’s counter, where the focus is on the traditions of the Spanish coast. Chef Danny Lledó, whose restaurant has received both a MICHELIN Star and a AAA Five Diamond designation, is world-renowned for his mastery of rice. The restaurant has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide not only for its food but also for its exceptional sommelier program. The 16-course tasting menu is anchored by Lledó’s award-winning paella, made with Senia rice and rare red prawns from Dénia.

Causa offers an intimate and high-concept journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Peru, situated in a sleek, counter-service space in Shaw’s Blagden Alley. The atmosphere is focused and immersive, allowing you to watch the culinary team execute complex preparations with surgical precision. Chef Carlos Delgado’s vision for the restaurant earned it the #1 spot on Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants list in 2024 and its first MICHELIN Star shortly after. The restaurant is the sister concept to the rooftop bar Amazonia, offering a more structured, multi-course tasting menu that travels from the coast to the Andes. Standout dishes like the nigiri-style causas and the whole-grilled fish celebrate the Japanese influence on Peruvian cuisine, known as Nikkei.

Seven Reasons remains a powerhouse of modern Latin American dining, located in a multi-level, greenery-filled space on 14th Street. The atmosphere is high-energy and chic, designed to feel like a sophisticated tropical escape in the heart of the city. Chef Enrique Limardo and partner Ezequiel Vázquez-Ger launched the restaurant to immediate national acclaim, with The Washington Post naming it the #1 restaurant in DC and Esquire crowning it the Best New Restaurant in the Americas. The menu is a vibrant explosion of flavors, featuring signature items like the crispy chicharrón and wagyu beef tartare. Seven Reasons provides a celebratory experience where the food is as loud and colorful as the environment, cementing its place as an essential stop for anyone seeking the best restaurants in Washington DC.

Jônt is a hyper-exclusive, 16-seat counter experience that pushes the boundaries of luxury dining from its location above Bresca in the 14th Street corridor. The atmosphere is quiet, intense, and deeply personal, focusing entirely on the interaction between the chefs and the guests. Chef Ryan Ratino’s pursuit of perfection here has earned the restaurant Two MICHELIN Stars and a place on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list. The 15-course tasting menu utilizes some of the rarest ingredients on earth, including Hokkaido uni, A5 wagyu beef, and kaluga caviar. The New York Times has noted the restaurant’s obsession with “the art of time,” particularly in their dry-aging and fermentation processes. The experience at Jônt is one of total immersion in the craft of cooking, where the philosophy of place and possibility leads to a meal that is as intellectually stimulating as it is decadent.

Centrolina is a vibrant hybrid of a gourmet Italian market and a sophisticated osteria, located in the sleek CityCenterDC development. The dining room is bright and modern, featuring an open kitchen where you can see the wood-fired oven in action. Chef Amy Brandwein, a perennial James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, leads the kitchen with a focus on regional Italian traditions and seasonal Midwest produce. The restaurant was recently named a 2026 James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant, reflecting its enduring quality. The menu is famous for its hand-rolled pastas, such as the pappardelle with white bolognese and the delicate agnolotti. Centrolina’s philosophy is rooted in the Mercato spirit, where the freshest ingredients from the market are transformed into elegant, soul-satisfying plates that honor the simplicity and integrity of Italian cooking.

minibar by José Andrés is a world-renowned laboratory of molecular gastronomy, offering a theatrical and avant-garde dining experience in Penn Quarter. The setting is intimate, with just a few seats surrounding a sleek kitchen where chefs use liquid nitrogen and spherification to create edible art. As a two MICHELIN Star recipient and the flagship of José Andrés’s ThinkFoodGroup, it is widely considered one of the most innovative restaurants in the world. The multi-course tasting menu features icons like maize butterflies and strawberry milk reimagined in ways that defy physics. The experience is designed to challenge your senses and perceptions, staying true to Andrés’s philosophy of merging science, art, and culinary tradition into a singular, unforgettable event.

Service Bar offers a refreshingly unpretentious and high-energy take on the cocktail bar experience on U Street, proving that elite-level drinks don’t require a tuxedo. The space is cozy and laid-back, featuring the Snug Room for small groups and a lively bar that feels like a neighborhood local. Founded by industry veterans Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley, the bar was ranked No. 23 on the 2025 list of North America’s 50 Best Bars. While the cocktails are world-class, the food is equally celebrated, particularly the famous fried chicken that has become a DC staple. The Infatuation frequently recommends it for a “low-key but high-quality” night out.

barmini by José Andrés is the high-concept cocktail lab adjacent to minibar, where the art of the drink is treated with the same molecular precision as a multi-course meal. The decor is whimsical and white-on-white, featuring an array of hand sculptures emerging from the walls to hold glassware. As a 50 Best Discovery recipient, it is known for its menu of over 100 cocktails, ranging from classics to spherified creations. You can opt for the cocktail flight, a curated journey through different flavor profiles and techniques led by expert bartenders. Esquire has called it one of the best bars in America for its dedication to the craft. The experience at barmini is theatrical and playful, reflecting a philosophy where the cocktail is not just a drink, but a performance and an exploration of liquid chemistry and flavor.

Mita brings a revolutionary plant-based Latin American perspective to the Shaw neighborhood, offering a sophisticated tasting menu in a moody, elegant space. The interior is intimate and contemporary, providing a serene backdrop for dishes that elevate vegetables to the status of fine art. Owners and chefs Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora launched the concept in late 2023 and were quickly recognized with a MICHELIN Star. Standout items include the smoked carrot tartare and the heart of palm tiradito, which mimic the textures and flavors of seafood and meat through innovative preparation. Mita’s philosophy is centered on sustainability and the untapped potential of the plant kingdom, proving that plant-based dining can be just as indulgent and complex as any traditional tasting menu.

Caruso’s Grocery is a nostalgic red-sauce joint that celebrates the soul of Italian-American comfort in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Nestled beside The Roost culinary collective, the space features red leather banquettes, Sinatra on the speakers, and a warm, neighborhood vibe. Partner and chef Matthew Adler, who has worked with legends like Alain Ducasse and Michael White, created the restaurant as a love letter to the simple, classic eateries of his childhood. It has been lauded by The Washington Post for its commitment to high-quality execution over modern reinterpretation. The menu is a parade of hits, including chicken parmesan and penne alla vodka that are widely considered some of the best in the city.

The Duck and the Peach is a bright, California-inspired New American restaurant located in the historic heart of Capitol Hill. The dining room is airy and stylish, designed to feel like a high-end dinner party with its open kitchen and warm aesthetic. Led by owner Hollis Silverman and a talented culinary team, the restaurant has received a James Beard nomination for its exceptional hospitality and fresh, vibrant menu. Eater DC frequently highlights its seasonal approach and its status as a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s dining scene. Signature dishes like the rotisserie duck and the peach-glazed pork belly reflect a commitment to simple, ingredient-driven cooking.

La Collina offers a playful and contemporary take on the Italian hillside trattoria, located in a vibrant, family-friendly space in Capitol Hill. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, featuring a large bar and a menu designed for sharing. As part of the Eastern Point Collective—alongside The Duck and the Peach—it is overseen by RAMMY-nominated executive chef Katarina Petonito. The restaurant’s dessert program is also a major draw, led by 2024 RAMMY Pastry Chef of the Year Rochelle Cooper. The Infatuation notes its popularity for group dinners and casual weeknight bites. You must try the radiatori with vodka sauce or the Wagyu ragu lasagna, which showcase the kitchen’s pasta-making prowess.