Best Cozy Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

225 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant restaurant

1. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

5.0

Exceptional(99)

Price: Moderate

• Ethiopian • Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Booked 1 time today

Letena is a farm-to-table Ethiopian restaurant serving dishes made with natural, premium ingredients. Located in the heart of Columbia Heights, Washington DC, Letena is a family-owned destination centered around authentic, quality Ethiopian food. Owner Yamrot Ezineh opened Letena’s doors in October 2016. Yamrot and her team love welcoming new and old friends to enjoy Letena’s delicious, fresh food. Their goal is to make the unique experience of Ethiopian food approachable for everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to meat-lovers alike. Letena’s original Ethiopian dishes have won accolades from various publications and review platforms including Food Network, Washingtonian, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

A photo of Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge restaurant

2. Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge

4.9

Exceptional(16)

Price: Moderate

• Persian • Washington

KooKoo is a concept by Chef/Owner Yahya Sardari to bring the tastes of his childhood dishes to life. We strive to use the freshest available ingredients and best family recipes to bring our favorite dishes to life. We have a crafted some amazing Persian inspired cocktails for your enjoyment. Traditional spices married with the best spirits by our resident mixologist Danielle. Yahya Sardari brought Kookoo to life in August of 2023 to showcase his love of Persian cuisine. With family recipes handed down from his mom he recreates his childhood memories and shares his passion for cooking and hosting with his guests.

3. SHIA Restaurant

new

4.7

Exceptional(21)

Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 1 time today

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

4. Olio e Più - DC

new

4.5

Awesome(101)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Washington

Booked 95 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 Filomena Ristorante restaurant

5. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17050)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 168 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!

6. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(243)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 12 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

7. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29556)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 363 times today

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.

8. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19291)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 265 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.

9. Floriana

4.7

Exceptional(3836)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 19 times today

Floriana offers authentic Italian recipes with handmade pastas in the most comfortable of environments. Located in DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, in a historic brick stone row house that has been converted into a cozy restaurant, but hasn't given up the feel of coming over to someones home for dinner. Offering a seasonal menu of fresh and local ingredients Floriana has developed a reputation for consistent, high quality, authentic, feel good dishes at a great value. Our pledge of superior service is matched only by our ability to make every guest feel welcome and comfortable when joining us for a DC dining experience.We pay special attention to every guest that chooses Floriana.

10. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3745)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 53 times today

Tabard Inn is a cozy restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many reviews praise its 'quaint European setting', 'cozy and beautiful' bar/lounge area, and 'charming ambiance'. The restaurant's commitment to comfort is also evident in its 'home away from home' ethos. The intimate dining rooms, and fireplace lounge add to the warm, inviting feel. The restaurant's historic ambience, and thoughtful touches like decorative floor screens between tables, enhance the comforting environment.

‘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

B
Brittany
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was so tasty and the ambiance and staff were so professional
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Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
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4.5
L
Lucy
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Filomena does not disappoint! Always perfectly cooked pasta, chicken and seafood. The place is already decorated for Christmas which makes it quite an experience with a polar bear dressed in his best and Santa not to mention all the streamers and stuff hanging from the ceiling. No place like it. Only downside is they fill the place up and it gets tight and warm down in that basement. A must for any trip to DC and Georgetown!
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Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
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4.8
J
Jane
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Service was great, ambiance was VERY nice, and food was stellar! :)
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SHIA RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Korean• Washington
•
4.7
J
Janice
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food here is absolutely delicious! We were a group of five and everyone loved their meal.
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Kookoo Restaurant and LoungePrice: Moderate• Persian• Washington
•
4.9
M
Meghan
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
This was my first time at Letena and it was excellent! Will definitely be back. My table shared a platter and each item was delicious. The restaurant smelled amazing when you walked in the door. Servers constantly kept my water full.
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Letena Ethiopian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• Columbia Heights / Brightwood
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5

Best Cozy Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

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225 restaurants available nearby

1. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

2. Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge

3. SHIA Restaurant

4. Olio e Più - DC

5. Filomena Ristorante

6. The Dabney

7. Old Ebbitt Grill

8. Zaytinya - DC

9. Floriana

10. Tabard Inn

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