1 Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers is a sprawling, eco-conscious
restaurant in DC’s Foggy Bottom, where barnyard chic meets industrial garage.
This two-story dining room with weathered-wood accents and shelves of pickled
peaches and corn has been playing to overflow crowds since it opened in the
International Monetary Fund building.
2 Kinkead’s
A long-running seafood mainstay—a great place to go
for first-rate chowders, excellent crab cakes, and simple, elegant preparations
of shellfish and fish. Bob Kinkead has been serving up his signature brand of
unfussy Modern American cooking since many of its current practitioners were in
grade school.
3 BLT Steak
BLT Steak breaks free of convention and makes those
manly clubs where politicos order mammoth steaks seem fusty and old. This is a
steakhouse that gestures at formal seriousness (two-tone leather-and suede
booths) without veering toward the uptight. Or just call it a French
sensibility; the owner and overseer is New York chef Laurent Tourane.
4 Bistrot du Coin
With its feel good motto of “French, Fun &
Friendly,” this neighborhood hot spot offers great French fare, right in the
heart of Dupont Circle. Whatever your hearts desire, the warmth and coziness
offered, coupled with the décor undoubtedly makes you feel as if you’ve been
transported overseas to a bistro in Paris without breaking the bank.
5 Old Ebbitt Grill
DC’s oldest and most historic saloon, located just
steps away from the White House and museums, is a staple amongst Washingtonians
and a favorite amongst DC guests. With its Victorian décor boasting a priceless
collection of antiques and memorabilia, you are sure to feel a part of the
city’s history while enjoying popular dishes like the jumbo lump crab cakes,
succulent shrimp cocktail or chicken paillard.
6 Georgia Browns
Serving southern hospitality on a plate is GB’s
specialty, and the number one reason its diners return over and over again.
Executive Chef Dante Fowlkes dubs his guest favorites fried green tomatoes,
fried chicken, sugar and spice pork chops and Carolina gumbo to compete with
your grandma’s cooking—low country cuisine.
7 Oya Restaurant & Lounge
With its glitzy backdrop and cool social scene, Oya is
amongst DC’s highly favored. The sultry and sleek décor featuring white leather
and marble blends is truly French-Asian inspired. Oya is all about options,
offering small plates allowing you the opportunity to indulge in several
favorites like the apple-jicama salad, herb-crusted lamb or the chef’s pork
ribs.
8 Sushi Taro
This family owned and operated establishment offers
amazing cuisine and features the largest sushi bar in town. With approximately
30 different varieties of fish and shell fish, along with vegetarian sushi
served, they are sure to satisfy every palate. Great for family dinning,
offering a taste of Japan.
9 The Oval Room
Located steps from “The Oval Office,” The Oval Room is
a critically acclaimed restaurant serving modern American cuisine with
Mediterranean influences, in a sophisticated, contemporary setting.
10 Taberna
With raving reviews and amazing Spanish food, Taberna
will leave you more than satisfied.
Between the beautifully decorated
interior and the tasty dishes, you are sure to enjoy a fantastic meal.
11 Source
Sit down in Wolfgang Puck’s glass-centric , three
story restaurant located in the news museum, Newseum. Serving a traditional Izakaya Japanese Menu
on the ground floor, Source features a contemporary and edgy menu of Asian
interpretations upstairs. Make sure to
check out their two floor, temperature controlled glass wine wall when you’re
there.
12 Komi
Take on one of the most exclusive dining experiences
in the city. Not seating more than four
people, and only offering a multi-course dinner for $135 per person, Komi
follows through with healthy, enjoyable flavors, including pasta and a
family-style entrée.
13 Zatinya
Offering innovative Mediterranean food inspired by
Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines, brought to you in a modern setting by a
celebrated chef, Jose Andres. Since
opening in 2003, Zatinya has been known as one of the most exciting restaurants
in DC.
14 Central
Central is an inviting bistro, serving traditional
American food with a unique layer of French flair. Featuring delicious food at moderate prices,
Central is sure to please almost any diner.
15 Café Milano
Bringing to you the perfect blend of food and
entertainment, owner Franco Nuchese believes that they “must always serve the
very best food and provide terrific service.”
Additionally supplying and electric and vibrant atmosphere, Café Milano
is a town favorite.
16 Equinox
A frontrunner in the seasonal and sustainable food
movement, Equinox draws diners in with a scrumptious American cuisine prepared
with a European technique. Being very
close to the White House makes this the perfect place to end a day of
exploring.