Our ultimate Washington, DC Restaurants Foodie Guide contains Styled Traveler’s list of top recommendations. It is our take on how to best experience the DC food scene. These are restaurants we have visited multiple times over the years and truly love. They represent the best of what the food scene in Washington, DC has to offer.
Washington, DC’s gastronomic landscape is vibrant and culinarily diverse, reflecting the city’s international influences and evolving tastes. With a rich array of dining options, from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling food markets and food trucks, DC offers something for every palate. The city also takes pride in its farm-to-table movement, showcasing locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Its dynamic food culture is driven by innovative chefs, food festivals, and a growing emphasis on culinary creativity. DC truly is a delicious destination for food enthusiasts.
Styled Traveler’s Top Washington, DC Restaurant Picks
The following Washington, DC restaurants are grouped by type but are not listed in order of preference, as we like and recommend you try them all. They are all that good! 😋
Pineapples and Pearls by Chef Aaron Silverman
Pineapples and Pearls is very much at the top of our list for a special occasion dinner. The two Michelin star restaurant is a total delight for the senses. The freshness of the ingredients, creativity of the chef and his team, and food presentation are some of the best in town. You can expect a perfect multi-course dinner that starts the moment you enter this intimate restaurant. We recommend that you try the wine pairings, as they are expertly selected and enhance the food. Be sure to grab a reservation and plan ahead to be able to get a table. We highly recommend Pineapples and Pearls!
Maydan by Rose Previte and Mike Schuster
An absolute gem of a restaurant, Maydan will charm you from the moment you enter through the front door. The one Michelin star restaurant feels simultaneously elevated and casual. You will feel like you are in the house of old friends, and the dishes and menu add to this feeling. The food is inspired by the Middle East and North Africa. The dishes are super flavorful, and the staff is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. Much of the food is cooked on the custom-built hearth located right in the centerpiece of the restaurant. A reservation is a must. Be sure to come hungry and plan for a longer meal. We are sure you will absolutely love it!
Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt Washington, DC
Located in the Park Hyatt Washington, DC, the Blue Duck Tavern has been a favorite restaurant for many years. The restaurant design is minimalistic, yet very beautiful and comfortable. The menu centers around seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Every dish we have tried has been flavorful and beautifully presented. And you get to see how everything is prepared as the open-kitchen, with a unique Molteni range and wood-burning oven, is easily viewable from the main dining area. The restaurant also has a very large wine cellar with plenty of great options to try. Be sure to look for wines from the Northern Virginia region to uniquely complement your meal. We love all the wines by the RdV Vineyards winery. We highly recommend grabbing a reservation.
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw by Elizabeth Petty
It is hard not to call Elizabeth’s Gone Raw one of our favorite restaurants in Washington, DC. We have visited it many times and keep coming back. This is a one Michelin star vegan restaurant of the highest quality. And you do not need to be vegan to absolutely love it. Of note is that the restaurant is open only three days a week (Thursday – Saturday) and reservations are a must. The venue is beautiful, the food is absolutely outstanding, and the staff are welcoming and very knowledgeable. Be sure to try a cocktail and choose the wine pairing. We highly recommend Elizabeth’s Gone Raw!
Rose’s Luxury by Chef Aaron Silverman
Rose’s Luxury is the more casual venue of chef Aaron Silverman. Rest assured this one Michelin star restaurant offers outstanding food in a more casual setting. The open kitchen, exposed light bulbs, and strung lights give it a backyard kind of vibe. The food is fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. You need to book a table in advance and enjoy this wonderful restaurant on Barack’s Row in Washington, DC.
Minibar by Chef Jose Andres
Chef Jose Andres needs no introduction and his Minibar restaurant in Washington, DC is a study in avant-garde cooking. Reservations are highly sought after, and you will need to book months in advance in order to get a table. Make sure to plan ahead. You can expect to be seated at the open kitchen counter and be as close as it gets to seeing how the dishes are prepared. You will be in for a magical experience that combines art, food and science! We highly, highly recommend this unique restaurant! And stop next door to Jose Andres’s Barmini. This is an equally creative bar when drink making and science combine.
Sushi Taro
You are in for a great experience at our favorite sushi restaurant – Sushi Taro. Its location is a bit odd – on top of a CVS pharmacy. You need to climb stairs to get in. However, once there, you are welcomed into the beautiful dining room and omakase counter. There are different à la carte and tasting experiences. Additionally, its six-seat counter with a single service nightly is a must; however, it is a bit hard to reserve. Plan ahead. The food is of the highest quality and the presentation of every dish is beautiful. And if you have never done a sake wine pairing this is the place to try it. This restaurant is an absolute must if you are looking for an elevated sushi experience.
Bar Spero by Chef Jonny Spero
The latest addition to our Foodie Guide to Washington, DC Restaurants is Bar Spero. It is a slick and tasty Basque-style restaurant in the East End neighborhood. Shareable plates make it easy to try a number of different dishes. Be sure to choose the “Let us cook for you” option. It relies solely on the daily inspiration of the chef and his team, and we found it very tasty. Additionally, look at local Northern Virginia wines to pair with the food, especially from our favorite RdV Vineyards winery. This can be an elevated or a casual experience in a beautiful restaurant.
Compas Rose
Compass Rose is another hidden gem nestled in the heart of Washington, DC. This vibrant and globally inspired restaurant offers a fusion of flavors and cultures. Its menu takes you on a delectable adventure around the world. From fragrant Moroccan tagines to our personal favorite Georgian khachapuri, each dish is a celebration of authenticity and innovation. Be sure to grab a reservation as Compass Rose is a very popular restaurant.
Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate is a French restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and charming ambiance. It is a favorite restaurant among foodies because it offers an authentic taste of French culinary traditions, serving up classic dishes like escargot, coq au vin, and steak frites prepared with the utmost attention to detail and quality. Aside from the really top-quality food, we love its Parisian-inspired decor and its atmosphere. A very romantic restaurant! Be sure to grab a reservation ahead of time to ensure that you are able to try this excellent restaurant.
Bistrot Lepic and Wine Bar
Bistrot Lepic is a quintessential French bistrot in the Georgetown neighborhood. It is a great choice away from the touristy parts of the city. We love this authentic restaurant, with its romantic ambiance and a menu that pays homage to the rich gastronomic traditions of France. From classic coq au vin to delicate escargot, each dish is expertly prepared to evoke the flavors of the French countryside. And if you plan a visit on a Wednesday night, you can enjoy Live Jazz at the bar. Be sure to grab a reservation before you go.
Fiola Mare
Fiola Mare is a favorite Italian restaurant in the heart of the Georgetown neighborhood with great views of the Potomac River. The owners, renowned Italian American chef Fabio Trabocchi and his wife, Maria, have created one of DC’s most beloved restaurants. You can expect super flavorful dishes with a focus on the freshest seafood. The food and setting are superb and make for a great place for a romantic dinner or a celebration of a special occasion. Be sure to grab a reservation.
Pizzeria Paradiso
A more casual option, Pizzeria Paradiso is a local and a personal favorite. This restaurant is great choice if you like artisanal pizzas. It features creative and seasonal toppings, and the chefs use fresh high-quality ingredients. Additionally, it offers a well-curated selection of craft beers that you can enjoy in a relaxed dining atmosphere. Of note is that Pizzeria Paradiso’s menu also caters to various dietary preferences. It has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring that it accommodates a wide range of tastes. Pizzeria Paradiso has multiple locations in town, but we love their Dupont Circle location.
We intend to update our Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Washington DC Restaurants regularly as we discover more great food options. Stay tuned.
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
Be sure to check out our Ultimate Foodie Guide to Miami’s Restaurants.
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