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Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in District of Columbia

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best value restaurants in District of Columbia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Afghania restaurant

4.9

4.9 (90)

$31 to $50

Afghan

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Our newest restaurant, Afghania is the sister restaurant to Bistro Aracosia in the Palisades neighborhood of DC, Aracosia in McLean Va and Afghan Bistro in Springfield VA. Afghania accommodates any diet and is proud of taking cooking back to its origins.

Welcome to Afghania, where the Steppe of Central Asia meets the Hindu Kush and Suleiman Mountain Range, bordering South Asia. Come and enjoy the warm hospitality, exquisite flavors, and the mystery of the Afghan frontier that so many have been intrigued by.
At Afghania you will enjoy some classical dishes of the warriors from the frontier. Smoked meats, vegetables full of flavor, exotic spices, exquisite flavors and aromas and unmatched hospitality are promised at Afghania.
Come and enjoy dishes that date back to the early 1800’s from the Afghan Empire - Afghania.

Top review

K

KatiVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

We have been fans of Bistro Aracosia for years, so we anxious to try the newest from this family. It did not disappoint. Food was superb. Especially happy that they have added spicier fare with entrees from the “frontier.”

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

4.8 (1172)

$31 to $50

Italian

Capitol Hill

About the restaurant

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location.

Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.

Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here.

A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

Top review

J

JOHN

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

My second time dining at the restaurant. Excellent food and superb service!

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A photo of Shrimp Scampi of a restaurant

A photo of Spicy Neapolitan Ragu of a restaurant

Spicy Neapolitan Ragu

A photo of Carusos Alfredo of a restaurant

Carusos Alfredo

A photo of Bistro Aracosia restaurant

Bistro Aracosia

4.8

4.8 (2694)

$30 and under

Afghan

Palisades Northwest

About the restaurant

Bistro Aracosia is a critically acclaimed authentic Afghan gourmet and Chop House located in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, DC. Aracosia has been acknowledged as 1 of 50 best restaurants in the nation for Vegetarians on Forbes Magazine, written up and reviewed by top food critics from the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and numerous other publications. Bistro Aracosia has been awarded 100 Best restaurants for 2 years in a row in the Washingtonian.
Aracosia accommodates any diet and is proud of taking cooking back to its origins. Chef Sofia Masroor diligently ensures top grade quality cuts of meat and the freshest produce in the market. All foods prepared at Aracosia are prepared with love. No artificial ingredients MSG& or preservatives are used, nor do we cook anything with nuclear such as microwaves and pre-made stations. Full Bar , extensive Wine and Beer menu Come and experience authentic and classical Afghan Gourmet and hospitality at its finest.

Top review

J

JoanVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Well pac d snd attentive service. Even with a full dining room, we could hear everyone at our table. Food was delicious and serving size ample. Wish we had left room for desert

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A photo of Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Saffron Chicken of a restaurant

Saffron Chicken

A photo of Lamb Shank Sabzi Moghuli of a restaurant

Lamb Shank Sabzi Moghuli

A photo of Peacock Café restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1976)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes.
Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.

Top review

C

C. MauryVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful and welcoming. A true diamond in the neighborhood.

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A photo of Peacock Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Ambar Capitol Hill restaurant

Ambar Capitol Hill

4.7

4.7 (4989)

$30 and under

Balkan style

Capitol Hill

About the restaurant

Welcome to Ambar, the gem of Capitol Hill, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines.

Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events.

Top review

M

Madeline

Dined 3 days ago

Great quality food and the service was amazing. Everything was fresh and flavorful, the homemade bread was also fantastic.

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A photo of Lamb Lasagna of a restaurant

A photo of Steak Tartar of a restaurant

A photo of Ottoman Taverna restaurant

Ottoman Taverna

4.7

4.7 (1698)

$30 and under

Turkish

Mount Vernon Square

About the restaurant

Ottoman Taverna provides flavors and dishes from the Turkish cuisine. Enjoy house made kebaps, dips, hot mezes, desserts and more at our Turkish restaurant. Ottoman Taverna has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status since opening in 2017.

Top review

B

BRADD

Dined 7 days ago

Absolutely amazing food and a great experience. Mushroom Hummus was sublime

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A photo of Grilled Lamb Chops of a restaurant

Grilled Lamb Chops

A photo of Red Lentil Soup of a restaurant

Red Lentil Soup

A photo of Tavuk Adana Kebap of a restaurant

Tavuk Adana Kebap

A photo of Eatopia Eatery restaurant

4.8

4.8 (16)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

E

EricVIP

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Restaurant was lovely. We had live music, which was quite enjoyable. Food was terrific-we got the largest combo platter, which had many vegetarian and several meat entrees. There was a good level of heat. Would definitely recommend/return.

A photo of Baan Mae restaurant

4.8

4.8 (60)

$31 to $50

Asian

Shaw

About the restaurant

We are a Laotian restaurant in the heart of the neighborhood of Shaw. Baan Mae means Mom's house in Laotian. Chef Seng of Thip Khao and Padaek is serving up dishes reminiscent of her home kitchen and her mother's kitchen.

Mom's House Reservation Policy:

All reservations are allowed a 15-minute grace period.

All parties must be present at the restaurant to be seated. If parties are incomplete by the end of the 15-minute grace period, the reservation may be moved to the waitlist upon the completion of the party.

Reservation wait times may be impacted in the case of rain or heat advisory as we will do our best to accommodate patio reservations indoors.

Due to our limited seating capacity, all reservations are limited to a maximum of 90-minute seating time and 2 hours for large parties of 5+.

Please contact us for for reservations for parties of 5+.

Top review

E

Emma

Dined on Nov 25, 2024

The food here was exceptionally good. Bright bold flavors and exciting menu choices that made me want to order everything. Drinks on point as well. Service very friendly and food came out quickly too. All around checks the boxes. I can't wait to go back, definitely a new favorite/staple.

A photo of Le DeSales restaurant

4.7

4.7 (848)

$31 to $50

French / Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

Le DeSales, a restaurant located in South Dupont, across the street from the historic Mayflower Hotel. Upon reopening in December, Michelin-starred Chef Raphael François has brought back his most popular dishes while teaming with award winning Sushi Master Noriaki Yasutake (formally SEI Restaurant) presenting French/Asian cuisine, including a full sushi menu (signature Fish and Chips Roll) in an informal, cozy, and romantic setting. The specialized wine list includes diversified appellations encompassing regions as unexpected as Macedonia and Portugal, with a concise focus on France, Italy, and California. Also offering a sake menu and selections of Japanese Whiskeys. Le DeSales is available for large parties, semi-private events, and buyouts. Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
No reservation is needed for Happy Hour. Please walk in and one of our friendly staff will find you a spot.

Top review

A

Anne

Dined 4 days ago

Great service at the bar. We ordered mostly from daily specials… ingredients were high quality and preparations were excellent. Appreciated unusual combinations.

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A photo of New York Strip 14oz Dry Aged of a restaurant

New York Strip 14oz Dry Aged

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