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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Downtown

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51 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Elizabeth's restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1309)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vegan • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Elizabeth's offers an extraordinary dining experience every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. We merge our gorgeous venue with a prix fixe Vegan Tasting Menu at $110 per person. Elizabeth's is a destination for special occasions and adventurous cuisine.Our sommelier curates a pairing of wines and beverages sourced from around the world at an additional $85 per person. We also offer a non-alcoholic beverage pairing comprised of non-alcoholic wines, mocktails, and infusions for $65 per person.Fully raw menus are not available. Please call the restaurant (202-347-8349) in reference to any allergies prior to making your reservation. Regarding reservations of 5 or more, please call the restaurant directly. We source and prepare the freshest ingredients for our exclusive fine dining experience. For this reason, reservation confirmations are required 24 hours in advance. Thank you for your understanding of the commitment that is made to creating a memorable dining experience.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19545)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 261 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 Jaleo - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(11042)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 108 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.
A photo of Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(621)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary European • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 183 times today
Transcend on set to Chef Ramsay's iconic 22-season, six-time, Emmy-nominated television series Hell's Kitchen. A fine dining experience like no other, watch as the red and blue teams prepare, cook, and plate dishes emulating on-set Hell's Kitchen dinner service.
A photo of Jônt restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(136)
Price: Very Expensive
• French / Japanese • U Street Corridor
Booked 15 times today
At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(305)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 14 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.
A photo of Estuary restaurant
4.5
Awesome(725)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Penn Quarter
Booked 26 times today
At Estuary, we celebrate the essence of contemporary American cuisine while embracing the rich bounty of the Chesapeake region. Modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows await you, giving way to sweeping views of DC’s iconic skyline. Here, the city’s dynamic energy pairs seamlessly with a menu that tells a story of culture, tradition, and artistry – all firmly rooted in the Chesapeake.Here, artful cuisine is brought to life through impeccable service. Our dedicated staff is committed to upholding the highest standards, ensuring an unforgettable experience. About Our ChefChef de Cuisine Arturo Elias brings a deeply personal touch to every dish, making full use of his traditional French training while also drawing inspiration from memories of cooking side-by-side with his grandmother in Mexico. His multicultural experience shines through in bold, flavorful accents that add a unique twist to Mid-Atlantic fare, blending time-honored techniques with a passion for innovation.
A photo of Dovetail restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(103)
Price: Expensive
• American • Logan Circle
Booked 4 times today
Exploring the crossroads of southern hospitality and Mid-Atlantic cuisine, Dovetail draws from regional ingredients to innovate with the dynamic flavors of the Northeast. Situated on the District's 14th Street corridor within Viceroy Washington DC, the indoor-outdoor restaurant offers rotating seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from East Coast farmers, fishermen and purveyors. Relax on our all-weather outdoor patio for brunch or dinner while enjoying a destination raw bar with chilled Maine lobster and Chesapeake oysters, tantalizing appetizers like deviled eggs with kimchi or pork rinds with homemade ranch, exquisitely prepared dry aged steaks paired with fresh local vegetables, and sweet seasonal treats. Don't miss our happy hour where Dovetail's formidable beverage program is the star - highlighting local spirits, a selection of new and old world wines, craft brews, and inventive cocktails. At Dovetail, we're always up for sharing a good meal.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4001)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 130 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.
A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2305)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 28 times today
Dirty Habit DC is a globally inspired New American restaurant & bar in a hip, edgy hotel space with private courtyard space. Just a perfect location for happy hour cocktails, events and private bookings. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LizVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Fantastic evening! Impressive to see the team work together as they prepare the experience throughout the evening. So impressed by the execution and attention to detail. Food and wine pairing was top notch. I love that they escort you to another room for dessert. They made our anniversary celebration unforgettable!
    More info
    JôntPrice: Very Expensive• French / Japanese• U Street Corridor
    4.9
  • Nola
    Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were there as party of 6 to celebrate 2 birthdays - a soon-to-be 26 year old and a soon-to-be 74 year old. We had the same group at about this same time for the same celebration a few years ago so the repeat was great fun. Our waiter Eduardo was excellent - giving us good recommendations and hitting just the right tempo for checking in. The rest of the staff were great too. Quietly slipping in to whisk away dishes, fill water glasses, etc. The food, as always, was delicious and fun to experiment with a few dishes. Ending the meal with 2 fabulous desserts (with candles) for the birthday folks plus coffees and expresso shots was perfect.
    More info
    Jaleo - DCPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Ashleigh
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We’ve been coming to Elizabeth’s for Valentine’s Day for more than ten years in a row, for good reason. First, it’s romantic, with wonderful ambiance, thoughtful preset menu options, and lovely service. Second, of course it’s delicious, but in a ways that’s at once a surprising culinary treat while also leaving you full but somehow healthier than when you arrived. If you don’t question, “how did they do that” about their vegan dishes at least a couple times throughout the meal, you just weren’t eating mindfully. And lastly, it’s a consistent, local staple that we can count on, down to Elizabeth herself facilitating things and stopping by the table in the most humble and thoughtful of ways. This place should have a Michelin Star.
    More info
    Elizabeth'sPrice: Very Expensive• Vegan• Downtown
    4.9
  • StevenVIP
    Utah •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I can’t get over how incredible our server was. Elvis immediately acknowledged that we were vegetarians and had accommodations made for even the fixed Valentine’s Day menu. We truly appreciate it. And not to forget, but the food was incredible. I would go back and eat an entire bowl of the beet salata
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Bud
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    With so much hype behind the name, you are never sure that a place will live up to the expectation, well that wasn't an issue here. The whole experience was amazing. We arrived early and waited less then 5 mins to get the absolute best table overlooking the new snow fallen harbor. The food was amazing and the drinks were on point. I highly recommend the Beef Wellington and definitely add the truffle butter !! You should expect that a dinner for 2 will be pricy, but it was a fantastic foodie treat.
    More info
    Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary European• Southwest Waterfront
    4.4

Discover best foodies restaurants in Downtown

Explore the vibrant dining scene in Downtown Washington, D.C., a true haven for foodies looking for exceptional culinary experiences. This area is renowned for its diverse array of restaurants that cater to every palate, whether you're in the mood for traditional Spanish fare, refined power dining, or classic American steakhouse offerings. Each restaurant prides itself on delivering not only spectacular food but also impeccable service and a memorable ambiance, perfect for any dining occasion. The focus on high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and innovative menus highlights the expertise and dedication of the chefs. Dining in Downtown D.C. offers more than just a meal; it provides a gastronomic journey that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Indulge in a world-class dining experience where culinary artistry meets the charm and history of Washington, D.C.

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