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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Penn Quarter

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232 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
1. Succotash PRIME
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 The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant
2. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C
4.6
Exceptional(3856)
Price: Expensive
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 154 times today
The Smith is a casual American brasserie with a simple mission — make people happy! We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.
A photo of Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant
3. Mi Vida Penn Quarter
4.6
Exceptional(436)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 40 times today
“Mi Vida” translates to “My Life.” However, in Mexico, “Mi Vida” means much more. “Mi Vida” is a term of endearment bestowed on close family and friends to signify love, care and importance. When one says, “Mi Vida,” they are telling someone special how much they mean to them. MI VIDA describes how we feel about our team and our guests. It is our expression of Mexican culture and cuisine as interpreted through the lens of Chef Roberto Santibañez. Our menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.
A photo of Oyamel restaurant
4. Oyamel
4.6
Exceptional(9638)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 127 times today
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.
A photo of Rania DC restaurant
5. Rania DC
4.7
Exceptional(553)
Price: Very Expensive
• Indian • Penn Quarter
Booked 21 times today
We are excited to welcome you to Rania, DC's hottest destination for modern Indian food. Tom Sietsema has called our food "some of the most inspired Indian cooking in DC." At Rania, we offer homage to the time-honored traditions, rich flavors, and spices of India in an intimate, luxurious setting. We look forward to sharing our vision with you!Presenting sophisticated, highly acclaimed 4-course prix-fixe menu, with an upcoming debut of our chef's tasting menu.Policies:-Dress Code: Smart Business Casual. No shorts, athletic wear, or baseball caps are allowed.-Children under 10 are not allowed in the main dining areas.-Reservations are available for parties of up to 6 people.- A non-refundable deposit of $30 per person is required for parties larger than 5.-A 20% gratuity will be added to all parties 5 or more.For large party or private dining inquiries, please email: Info@raniadc.com
A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant
6. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown
4.4
Awesome(10446)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 215 times today
Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday
A photo of Centrolina restaurant
7. Centrolina
4.7
Exceptional(2169)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 13 times today
Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market. The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway. For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.
A photo of China Chilcano restaurant
8. China Chilcano
4.7
Exceptional(3766)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 85 times today
China Chilcano celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to our Nation’s Capital. The restaurant, led by award-winning chef José Andrés, honors Peru’s deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name an homage to Peru’s renowned fish stew and its popular national drink, the Chilcano.
A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant
9. Carmine's - Washington DC
4.5
Awesome(6596)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 87 times today
Carmine's is a family style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted Carmine's with a singular vision; bringing his guests abundant portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast. Platters of made to order pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing among friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic - we want every day to feel like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's! We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Pick-up, Delivery, Catering and Private Parties. Your safety is our priority. DC no longer requires proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Indoor & Outdoor dining are available.
A photo of Umaya restaurant
10. Umaya
4.0
Excellent(770)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Penn Quarter
Booked 25 times today
Umaya, where East meets West in a plethora of Japanese inspired small & large dishes. We focus on drawing from the simplicity of flavor in fresh ingredients, while giving it a Western flair. Specializing on the popular Japanese ‘street food’ - think small 'tapas' style dishes that are easy to share amongst friends & family. Our Izakaya grill features a one of a kind charcoal brick that is imported from Japan & allows for the natural flavors of the proteins & vegetables to radiate.Umaya elevates the typical 'beer garden' concept with hard-to-find Asian dishes. Our menu promotes friends, coworkers, family to enjoy their time together. We carry a wide array of Asian beer, sake & Japanese Whiskey, complimenting the tranquility of the restaurant. The menu will feature seasonal highlights; however, the time-honored staples will always be available. ‘Umaya’ directly translates to a ‘place that tastes good’ in Japanese; it is a place where you can go

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ErisVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We travel from Potomac, MD to eat at Mala Tang. The food is authentic, delicious and an experience. We love to do the hot pot when we have a large group as we can all share the proteins and veggies to put inside. When we are a smaller group we love the dry pot. The vegetables they offer are very fresh and unique. The service is always top notch and the price is very reasonable. We can't wait to go back!
    More info
    Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
    •
    4.4
  • William
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Cheryl was amazing as a waitress as well as the rest of the staff!!
    More info
    The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
    •
    4.4
  • Cameron
    New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful & delicious dining experience! Shared the veggie sampler and the beef & chicken sampler - highly recommend both! Honey wine was incredible. Very happy that I chose this restaurant for Valentine's Day dinner!
    More info
    EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
    •
    4.7
  • Sally
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 7, 2025
    The food was amazing! My husband and I shared the salmon dish which had a delightful spicy pineapple sauce over mashed sweet potato and a side of Brussel sprouts. Waiter was attentive and our water pitcher was filled several times before it was emptied. Music was a bit loud and the lights from the Capital One Arena were very distracting.
    More info
    Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.6
  • Holly
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    There is a lot of great choices on the menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet (mostly because we dined on a holiday, but I am certain if we dined on a normal day it would’ve been lively and energetic). Our server was wonderful, and the food was great. The pizzas are great to share among 2 people as they are individual pizzas with 6 sizeable slices. The pastas a generous portion and fit the price. They do add gratuity (tip) to the bill & leave you the option to add more. Overall the experience was wonderful and I would recommend and go again.
    More info
    Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
    •
    4.3

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