Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Washington DC

249 restaurants available nearby

1. Afghania

4.9

Exceptional(93)

Price: Expensive

• Afghan • Georgetown

Booked 16 times today

Our newest restaurant, Afghania is the sister restaurant to Bistro Aracosia in the Palisades neighborhood of DC, Aracosia in McLean Va and Afghan Bistro in Springfield VA. Afghania accommodates any diet and is proud of taking cooking back to its origins. Welcome to Afghania, where the Steppe of Central Asia meets the Hindu Kush and Suleiman Mountain Range, bordering South Asia. Come and enjoy the warm hospitality, exquisite flavors, and the mystery of the Afghan frontier that so many have been intrigued by.At Afghania you will enjoy some classical dishes of the warriors from the frontier. Smoked meats, vegetables full of flavor, exotic spices, exquisite flavors and aromas and unmatched hospitality are promised at Afghania.Come and enjoy dishes that date back to the early 1800’s from the Afghan Empire - Afghania.

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29707)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 275 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.

3. SHIA Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(36)

Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 6 times 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.**

A photo of Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant

4. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(13840)

Price: Moderate

• American • Georgetown

Booked 227 times today

Located at Georgetown’s Washington Harbor on the Potomac River with a lively dining room, full-service bar, and a covered & heated patio, this farmer-owned restaurant is open 365 days a year serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and a decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch. Everything is made from scratch with simple, high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they know and trust. Expansive menus include an array of seafood dishes, sushi, pizzas, tacos, decadent desserts, Founding Farmers Chocolates, classic and tiki cocktails featuring spirits from their DC-based distillery, Founding Spirits. You can also swing by for a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from their First Bake Cafe. Mission driven and operating Through The Eyes Of The Farmer,™ they actively care about their guests, communities, and the planet. This all comes together in their friendly neighborhood restaurant.

A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.5

Awesome(34459)

Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 349 times today

Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. 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 neighborhood restaurant.

6. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19387)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 327 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 Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

7. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1179)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 35 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

A photo of Bourbon Steak - Four Seasons Washington DC restaurant

8. Bourbon Steak - Four Seasons Washington DC

4.7

Exceptional(3874)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Georgetown

Booked 38 times today

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC invites you to discover a distinctive fine dining steakhouse in the heart of Georgetown featuring lunch and dinner menus.

A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant

9. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4.5

Awesome(608)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Georgetown

Booked 15 times today

A contemporary culinary destination where innovative design meets impeccable service. Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, CUT by Wolfgang Puck presents a fine-dining experience featuring the finest selections of beef, complemented by fresh, locally inspired dishes that embody the vibrant spirit of Washington, D.C.The restaurant boasts two iconic bars: one at the entrance, providing a stylish and inviting setting for pre-dinner drinks, and a second atop the hotel, offering breathtaking city views alongside a menu of bespoke cocktails, curated wines, and craft beers. For private gatherings, our exclusive 14-seat dining room provides an intimate space for celebrations, meetings, or special occasions.To ensure an exceptional experience for all guests, we request 24 hours' notice for cancellations, as late changes may result in a $25/person fee. Guests are welcome to bring their own wines (not featured on our extensive list), with a corkage fee of $45 per bottle or $90 per magnum.

10. Ruthie's All-Day

4.8

Exceptional(3190)

Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 120 times today

The menu follows a Southern-fried meat-and-three concept, meaning diners order a meat, plus three sides. Those will include Ruthie’s mac and cheese, of course, but also white-soy-braised greens, stewed chickpeas and smoked cauliflower with a spicy soy glaze. “We’re going to be changing it a lot based on seasonality,” Hill says of the menu. “ Every vegetable has got to be fantastic because it has to stand on its own.” One thing that will help that: Hill is already growing all of the restaurant’s own herbs at his South Arlington community garden plot.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
TaraVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely wonderful dinner. I had their Christmas pre fix dinner. Butternut squash soup, prime rib, lemon potatoes, chard squash and carrots,and stuffing. Pair the potters old fashion. Beautiful venue, amazing staff.
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KILNPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Alexandria
•
4.6
H
Holly
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
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.
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Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
•
4.1
B
Brian
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 18, 2024
My wife and I ordered the veggie sampler with fish and then the lamb tibs. The food was delicious and we really enjoyed our experience!
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EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.7
A
Amanda
Philadelphia County •1 review
4.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Food was delicious and drink was good. Service was terrible. Waiter was uninterested and didnt want to be there. He did not introduce himself and never check on us. Other servers were having to do his work. Unfortunate because food is so good.
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The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4
J
JohnVIP
New York City •116 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 5, 2024
Mala needs to spruce up its facility. One waiter only. Poor guy running whole Place. He was very nice and as quick as possible. Terrible lighting and heat was lacking on a cold night. Kinda sad since the food was very good. Dark and cold last night.
More info
Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
•
4.2

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Washington DC

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Washington DC

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249 restaurants available nearby

1. Afghania

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

3. SHIA Restaurant

4. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

6. Zaytinya - DC

7. Caruso's Grocery - DC

8. Bourbon Steak - Four Seasons Washington DC

9. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

10. Ruthie's All-Day

See what locals rave about

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