Washington, D.C. is a town that runs on power. Power lunches, power dinners, and power brokers cutting deals over plates of something spectacular. But here’s the thing: somewhere along the way, the nation’s capital quietly turned into a legit food mecca.
It’s not just steak houses and stuffy old supper clubs anymore. We’re talking Michelin stars sprinkled around like confetti, funky ethnic joints that’ll blow your mind, and cozy neighborhood cafes that feel like a warm hug.
The dining scene here is more electric than ever. Whether you’re a policy wonk on your lunch break or a tourist trying to see the monuments AND eat your weight in amazing food, D.C. delivers.
From the White House to Capitol Hill and everywhere in between, these 13 spots represent the absolute best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia right now. Get your stretchy pants ready—this is going to be a delicious ride.
1. Jônt
Let’s start with a bang, shall we? Tucked away in the Shaw neighborhood, Jônt isn’t just a meal; it’s a 20-course masterpiece. This place has been tearing up “best of” lists for a minute, and it recently snagged the No. 1 spot for fine dining in D.C. on Trip.com’s 2026 rankings.
We’re talking an intimate counter with just 14 seats, where you watch the chefs work their magic right in front of you. It feels less like a restaurant and more like you snuck into the world’s most exclusive dinner party.
The cuisine is innovative Japanese, and every single course is a showstopper. Think tiny, perfect bites that blend technique with pure artistry.
It’s the kind of place where you take a bite, close your eyes, and just… pause. Getting a reservation here is a sport, but if you land one, you’ve just secured a seat at the table of one of the most coveted culinary experiences in the city.
For a special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself to something unforgettable, this is the pinnacle of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia. It’s an investment, sure, but your taste buds will thank you forever.
2. Elizabeth’s
Now, here’s something you don’t see every day: a vegan fine dining restaurant that’s absolutely killing it. Down on L Street Northwest, Elizabeth’s (formerly Elizabeth’s Gone Raw) is a stunner.
Housed in a historic townhouse, the vibe is intimate, romantic, and seriously upscale. Chef Francisco Hernandez is the wizard behind the curtain, crafting seasonal multi-course tasting menus that will make even the most devoted carnivore question their life choices.
We’re not talking about a sad plate of steamed veggies. This is plant-based cuisine pushed to its absolute limits. Think intricate flavor combinations, stunning presentation, and ingredients so fresh they practically glow.
The restaurant opened its doors back in 2009, born from owner Elizabeth Petty’s personal health journey, and it’s been setting the standard for plant-based dining in D.C. ever since.
They even have an intimate Onyx Bar downstairs if you want to pop in for a smaller bite and a creative cocktail.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just curious about what all the fuss is about, Elizabeth’s is a total game-changer and easily one of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia.
3. The Second Address
Over on the Hill, something new and wonderful just opened its doors. The Second Address is a newly reimagined neighborhood cafe that’s already making waves.
Housed in a beautifully renovated townhouse, it’s the kind of bright, airy spot that makes you want to settle in for a long, lazy brunch. They serve New American food with a Mediterranean lean, and everything is made with love and local ingredients.
Here’s a detail that makes this place stand out: all their meat is halal . That’s a huge win for so many people in the city. The menu is full of tempting options, from a Grilled Cheese & Mushroom Sandwich loaded with sautéed creminis and shiitakes to a hearty Beef Short Rib Sandwich.
Their coffee game is strong, too, with creative lattes like Fig Tahini and Pistachio Rose that are almost too pretty to drink. The Second Address brings a fresh, inclusive energy to the Capitol Hill dining scene.
It’s proof that some of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia are the ones that make everyone feel welcome and well-fed.
4. Maydan
Walking into Maydan in the heart of the city feels like stepping into another world. Literally. The dining room is cavernous and warm, lit by flickering firelight from the open hearth where most of the magic happens.
This place is all about communal dining and ancient cooking techniques. They roast meats and veggies over an open flame right in the center of the restaurant, and the smell alone will make your knees weak.
The menu draws inspiration from the Silk Road and the Middle East. You absolutely have to order the lamb—it’s slow-cooked until it’s so tender it falls apart at the slightest touch.
The fluffy pita bread comes straight from the oven, warm and perfect for scooping up all that delicious hummus and baba ganoush. Everything is meant to be shared, so bring a hungry crew and order a bunch of stuff.
It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s an absolute experience. Maydan has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia for a night that feels adventurous and unforgettable.
5. Fancy Radish
Over in the H Street Corridor, Fancy Radish is doing for vegetables what rock stars do for guitars: making them sing. This is a plant-based restaurant from the folks behind the famous Vedge in Philadelphia, and it’s anything but an afterthought.
The space is sleek, modern, and honestly kind of romantic. You’d be perfectly happy on a date here, and no one would even realize there’s no meat on the menu unless you told them.
The dishes are creative, bold, and deeply satisfying. We’re talking a “French Dip” made with rich, savory seitan that’s so good it’ll fool you. Their versions of classic dishes are clever without being gimmicky.
The horseradish potato cake is a thing of beauty—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Even the desserts are knockout. Fancy Radish proves that plant-based can be fancy, filling, and freaking delicious.
It’s a must-visit for vegans and a wonderful surprise for omnivores looking for something different among the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia.
6. St. Anselm
If you’re looking for a place that feels like a true neighborhood joint but with food that’s way better than it has any right to be, head to St. Anselm in Union Market. This place is all about relaxed vibes and seriously good grub.
Think exposed brick, a long wooden bar, and a patio that’s packed as soon as the sun comes out. It’s the kind of spot where you can show up in jeans and a t-shirt and feel right at home.
The menu is built around cooking with fire. They have a “Butcher’s Steak” that’s a cult favorite—it’s affordable, perfectly charred, and served with a knob of butter that melts right into it.
But don’t sleep on the veggies either; the charred broccoli is a thing of legend. They also have these insane whiskey-bacon jam biscuits that are basically little bites of heaven. It’s simple food done with incredible skill and zero pretension.
For a casual, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes, St. Anselm is easily one of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia.
7. Das Ethiopian Cafe
You absolutely cannot talk about D.C. food without talking about Ethiopian cuisine. It’s the city’s signature dish, and Das Ethiopian Cafe in Georgetown is a shining example of why.
While D.C.’s famous “Ethiopian Row” on U Street is a must-visit, Das brings these incredible flavors to the Georgetown crowd with a modern, cozy twist. It’s a family-run spot that’s been winning hearts with its authentic, home-style cooking.
The star of the show is, of course, the doro wat—a spicy, slow-cooked chicken stew that’s basically the national dish of Ethiopia. It’s rich, complex, and absolutely incredible sopped up with injera, that spongy, slightly tangy flatbread.
They have plenty of delicious vegan options, too, like the misir wat (red lentils) and gomen (collard greens). Eating here is a hands-on, communal experience. You tear off a piece of injera, grab some stew, and just go for it.
It’s messy, fun, and utterly delicious. Das is a beautiful reminder that some of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia are the ones serving up the city’s deepest culinary traditions.
8. Albi
Over in the Navy Yard, Albi is a restaurant that’s got everyone talking. It’s a James Beard Award winner, and for good reason.
Chef Michael Rafidi is doing something incredibly special with Levantine cuisine, drawing on his Palestinian roots to create food that’s both deeply traditional and completely modern. The space is warm and inviting, with an open kitchen that lets you watch the team fire up the charcoal grills.
The cooking here is all about live fire and fermented ingredients. The kibbeh nayeh is a must-order—it’s a dish of raw lamb and bulgur wheat that’s silky and spiced to perfection.
The pita bread comes out of the oven puffed and golden, just begging to be torn apart and dragged through the creamy hummus. Everything on the menu has a depth of flavor that comes from time and care.
Albi isn’t just a meal; it’s an education in how fire and fermentation can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia for a memorable, high-level dining experience.
9. The Royal
LeDroit Park is home to The Royal, a place that defies easy description. Is it a Thai restaurant? Is it a cool diner? Is it an art gallery? The answer is yes. It’s all of those things, and it works perfectly.
The space is bright and airy, with a long counter up front and a glass-covered atrium in the back that makes you feel like you’re eating in a chic greenhouse. It’s effortlessly cool without even trying.
The food is where things get really interesting. It’s a mashup of American diner classics and bold Thai flavors. You can get a cheeseburger that’s honestly one of the best in the city, but it sits on the same menu as a killer pad see ew.
The crispy rice salad is a flavor bomb of herbs, chilies, and lime. The vibe is laid-back, the staff is friendly, and the whole experience feels refreshingly unpretentious.
The Royal is the kind of place you want to become your regular spot. It’s a true original and absolutely deserves its spot among the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia.
10. Cane
Down in the bustling Waterfront district, Cane is serving up Caribbean flavors with a whole lot of soul. This place is all about big, bold tastes and a vibe that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
The bright, colorful decor and the friendly buzz of the crowd set the stage for a meal that’s pure comfort.
The menu is a tour of the islands. You have to try the curry goat—it’s tender, deeply spiced, and cooked low and slow until it falls apart. The oxtail is another standout, rich and gelatinous in the best possible way.
For the vegetarians in your crew, the tofu dishes are marinated and cooked with the same love and attention as the meats. Everything comes with rice and peas and a side of their famous plantains.
It’s hearty, satisfying food that feeds your belly and your spirit. Cane brings a vibrant energy to the D.C. dining scene and proves the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia can transport you without a plane ticket.
11. Bresca
Bresca in Logan Circle is the kind of restaurant that makes you excited about food all over again. Chef Ryan Ratino has earned two Michelin stars here, and when you sit down for a meal, you instantly understand why.
The dining room is sleek and modern, but it’s got this warm, approachable energy that keeps it from feeling stuffy. It’s fine dining without the side of intimidation.
The menu changes with the seasons, but it’s always built on French technique with a creative, modern twist. Dishes are intricate and beautiful, but they never sacrifice flavor for looks.
You might get a foie gras course that’s reimagined in some clever, surprising way, or a fish dish with a sauce so good you want to drink it.
They offer both a tasting menu and a la carte options, so you can go all out or just pop in for a few incredible plates. Bresca is a shining star in D.C.’s culinary galaxy and a non-negotiable stop when you’re hunting for the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia.
12. Keren
Sometimes the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia are hiding in plain sight. Keren is a tiny, no-frills spot in Shaw that serves up the most incredible Eritrean and Ethiopian food.
This is the real deal—home cooking that’s been perfected over generations. Don’t let the humble storefront fool you; some of the most exciting flavors in the city are happening right here.
The menu is packed with stews and sautés, all served atop a giant bed of injera. The zigni, a spicy beef stew, is a total knockout. It’s slow-cooked until the meat is meltingly tender and the sauce is thick with berbere spice.
They have fantastic lentil and vegetable dishes that are completely vegan and just as flavorful. Eating here is a purely delicious experience, no frills, just incredible food.
You sit at a small table, you tear off some injera, and you eat with your hands. It’s messy, communal, and perfect. Keren is a true hidden gem and a vital part of what makes D.C.’s food scene so special.
13. Chloe
Just over the line in Navy Yard, Chloe is a breath of fresh air. This is a modern, seasonal restaurant from the same folks who brought you the beloved, now-closed Beuchert’s Saloon.
The space is stunning—all warm woods, soft lighting, and a gorgeous marble bar. It feels elegant but comfortable, the kind of place you could go for a fancy date or a relaxed dinner with your parents.
The food is New American with a focus on local ingredients. The menu is full of dishes that are creative without being weird. A perfectly cooked piece of fish, a seasonal vegetable tart, a handmade pasta that tastes like it’s been made with love.
They’re also known for their weekend brunch, which draws a crowd for good reason. Everything is executed with skill and care.
Chloe rounds out our list as a perfect example of a modern D.C. restaurant that just gets it right. It’s a wonderful, welcoming spot and absolutely one of the best restaurants in Washington, District Of Columbia to add to your lineup.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a curated tour through the absolute best plates that Washington, D.C. has to offer right now.
From the two-Michelin-star artistry of Bresca to the humble, perfect stews at Keren, from the fire-cooked feasts at Maydan to the plant-powered elegance of Elizabeth’s, this city is serving up something for every mood and every appetite.
These aren’t just places to grab a bite; they’re destinations in their own right.
Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, book that reservation (seriously, for some of these, do it now), and get ready to eat your way through the capital. Your new favorite table is waiting for you.