Best Authentic Restaurants in West Loop

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBaileys CrossroadsBethesdaCapitol Hill

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

205 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant

1. Via Sophia Washington DC

4.4

Awesome(780)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 23 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.

2. The Continent DC

4.2

Awesome(135)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• African • Downtown

Booked 45 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.

3. Lincoln - DC

4.3

Awesome(3410)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • McPherson Square

Booked 10 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.

4. Il Piatto

4.4

Awesome(692)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 39 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*

5. Mazi

4.6

Exceptional(748)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

Creative New American Cuisine influenced and inspired by Greek and Mediterranean recipes and flavors.

6. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19618)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 339 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 Filomena Ristorante restaurant

7. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17391)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 251 times today

Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!

8. Olio e Più - DC

4.3

Awesome(284)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Washington

Booked 70 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 Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant

9. Rumi's Kitchen - DC

4.8

Exceptional(2519)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Persian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 89 times today

Rumi's Kitchen is a beloved Persian restaurant in Washington DC. Its authenticity is confirmed by reviews like 'Great authentic Persian food with excellent customer service' and 'Absolutely delicious authentic Persian food'. The restaurant's dedication to traditional Persian dishes is noted in reviews like 'The menu, a symphony of flavors, offered a tantalizing selection of traditional Persian dishes'. It's not just about the food though, the overall dining experience is praised with comments like 'Rumi Kitchen proved to be more than a restaurant; it was a journey through Persian culture and gastronomy'.

10. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(11083)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 135 times today

Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lance
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula •13 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Nice place to grab a bite. Food was good and quick.
More info
Il PiattoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.4
E
Erin
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
George is an absolute gem! My friends and I come here for a delightful girls' lunch every few months, and it never disappoints. I usually go for the Greek salad or mussels—both are fantastic. The staff is incredibly accommodating, especially for those with gluten-free or dairy-free needs. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, making it ideal for both business lunches and elegant dinners. Highly recommend!
More info
MaziPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.6
J
Joan
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The continent was a great experience and love how we got the music and food
More info
The Continent DCPrice: Very Expensive• African• Downtown
•
4.2
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food, service and drinks were all amazing! I'm recommending my friends and family try this place for a nice intimate evening!
More info
Via Sophia Washington DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was delicious. I started with the fried zucchini, shrimp and grits and ended the night with smores sundae. It was delicious.
More info
Lincoln - DCPrice: Moderate• American• McPherson Square
•
4.3

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