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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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194 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Continent DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(99)
Price: Very Expensive
• African • Downtown
Booked 60 times today
From the savory stews of West Africa to the aromatic spices of East Africa, The Continent DC offers a menu crafted to bring you the best flavors from various African regions. Our restaurant is designed to reflect the rich cultures and traditions of Africa, offering a cozy and welcoming environment for you to enjoy your meal.
A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1083)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson is hailed as a delightful dining spot with an airy atmosphere and a menu filled with fresh, seasonal dishes. Reviewers consistently praise its excellent food, superb service, and beautiful ambiance. The dining experience is described as 'elegant', 'refined', and 'luxurious'. It's not just the food that gets high marks, the wine list and menu options are also commended. It's a place that many diners highly recommend for special occasions.
A photo of Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant
4.3
Awesome(758)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Via Sophia Washington DC is an authentic Italian restaurant as indicated by a reviewer who noted it as 'authentic Italian (not Italian-American) cuisine'. The restaurant's mission to reimagine the osteria experience for downtown D.C is reflected in its menu which offers classic Italian dishes and fresh-from-the-oven pizzas. The consistent high ratings in food, ambience, and service further affirm its authenticity.
A photo of Lincoln - DC restaurant
4.2
Awesome(3403)
Price: Moderate
• American • McPherson Square
Booked 7 times today
Founded in 2011 our seasonal menu features comfort food with a twist. LINCOLN pays tribute to one of the greatest US Presidents, with nods to many of his favorite foods including our signature chicken pot pie & another star on the menu, our kale salad. The menu is focused but varietal. Our cocktails are truly one-of-a-kind. Our barkeeps have created one of the city’s thoughtful bar programs highlighted by infused bourbons and DC's first moonshine-list served in antique-style copper cups. Our patio is open all year-round, offering a relaxed, urban landscape. Don't miss our butcher cut NY Strip or the city's best Mac & Cheese. LINCOLN is the right place for your next private event with many options for private dining from 10 to 200. Original paintings & distinctive interior design by homegrown artist, Maggie O’Neill. LINCOLN is your destination for Lunch, happy hour, dinner or brunch. We are open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter & Mother's Day for your special celebration.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(658)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
Il Piatto is the modern expression of the classic Italian cuisine. Enjoy a selection of antipasto, pastas, gnocchi, and more! Our private dining package seats 35 guests or holds a reception for 50 guests. With a view of the wine cellar, our Italian restaurant is perfect for all kinds of events.Il Piatto is open for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour. *Please note, we serve brunch on holiday Mondays and the 4th of July*
A photo of Bombay Club restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5317)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
The Bombay Club emulates characteristics of the old clubs of India. The elegant environment with pale pastels, ceiling fans, and a profusion of greenery is designed to create a warm and inviting gathering place for relaxation and regeneration. The cuisine is the finest of India, utilizing only the best quality ingredients to create a harmony of subtle flavors. Specialties prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, include tandoori salmon and green chili chicken. The sophisticated cuisine is enhanced by refine service and live piano music. Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award.
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(179)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 113 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19381)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 353 times today
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1296)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 132 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3917)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 107 times today
Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Suzanne
    Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing food, spectacular service. You cannot go wrong. We are here for Christmas 🎄 and it was perfect for us. I love the ambiance. It really is like sitting in a greenhouse.
    More info
    The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    4.7
  • MS
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Overall the space is quite lovely, beautifully done, good lighting, the most comfiest dining chairs I’ve sat in a while and good seating arrangements. It was Christmas Day and actually busier then I thought it would be but will also give a pass on the service sake of. It wasn’t the best but certainly not the worse, she was seriously multitasking (mindingthe bar) Overall the food was good but lacked the spice that usually comes with native food (I was disappointed in that) it could have come out hotter but the flavors were good. Creamed spinach (no flavor, didn’t like) Jollof rice - Smokey and flavorful but a littler underdone. Continent seasoned wings - yummy and done well Whole snapper - yummy, lightly seasoned, cooked well. The side pepper sauce was mild I’d rather it been spicy (next time I’ll ask if available) Chicken stew - could taste the tomato paste base but was okay. Chicken itself was ok but not very meaty and little hard (I know traditionally many like it as such) Oxtails - it’s like 3-4 large pieces, tender and flavorful Lamb chops - tender and tasty Caesar salad - crisp Suya - tender, flavorful the side pepper is really spicy (does contain peanuts in the spice) French fries - fresh, crisp and the seasoning was really good Plantain - ripe and done well I do feel some items were overpriced but it was well worth the trip and we will definitely be back soon!!
    More info
    The Continent DCPrice: Very Expensive• African• Downtown
    4.4
  • RobertVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    service and food were excellent, Christmas menu was well chosen.
    More info
    Il PiattoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    4.5
  • ColletteVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Having been to Italy recently, I found the food to be "authentically Italian" -- not overly seasoned but very flavorful. Portions were perfect -- not too large. Pasta was al dente, which is not common here in the U.S. Will definitely go back.
    More info
    Via Sophia Washington DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.3
  • Sandy
    Orlando / Central Florida East •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    Everything was fantastic! Highly recommend this restaurant
    More info
    Lincoln - DCPrice: Moderate• American• McPherson Square
    4.2

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Discover the essence of authenticity in Washington D.C.'s vibrant Downtown dining scene. Whether you're craving Spanish, Italian, seafood, or classic American steakhouse fare, the area offers a variety of restaurants that are celebrated for maintaining the authenticity of their culinary offerings. These establishments are not just about food; they provide a holistic dining experience that encapsulates both traditional flavors and the cultural heritage of their respective cuisines. Patrons consistently praise these restaurants for their commitment to quality and authenticity, often highlighting the expertise of chefs who skillfully bring authentic recipes to the table. The dining atmosphere in Downtown D.C. is characterized by a blend of sophistication and genuine cultural ambiance, making it a prime destination for those seeking an authentic dining experience. From fresh seafood to expertly crafted Italian dishes and beyond, each restaurant promises a journey of culinary delight rooted in authenticity. This area truly represents a microcosm of global cultures, all while being nestled in the heart of the nation’s capital.

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