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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown

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69 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(654)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 27 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*
A photo of Bombay Club restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5315)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown
Booked 28 times today
The Bombay Club emulates characteristics of the old clubs of India. The elegant environment with pale pastels, ceiling fans, and a profusion of greenery is designed to create a warm and inviting gathering place for relaxation and regeneration. The cuisine is the finest of India, utilizing only the best quality ingredients to create a harmony of subtle flavors. Specialties prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, include tandoori salmon and green chili chicken. The sophisticated cuisine is enhanced by refine service and live piano music. Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award.
A photo of Wild Days restaurant
4.1
Excellent(120)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon
Booked 3 times today
OUR ROOFTOP BAR IS AN INDOOR/OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE THAT FEATURES DJ SESSIONS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES IN ADDITION TO TASTY COCKTAILS AND SNACKS.COME JOIN US FOR SOME SMORES BY OUR FIRE PIT OR ENJOY A SPECIALTY COCKTAIL OVERLOOKING ALL OF K STREET.
A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant
4.5
Awesome(34424)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foggy Bottom
Booked 223 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.
A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2263)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 27 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.
A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2421)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 77 times today
Rumi's Kitchen in DC is totally worth the drive! The food is a sensational blend of Iran's fresh herbs and kabobs cooked over an open-fire grill, all served in a warm, cozy ambiance. Reviewers rave about the attentive service, flavorful dishes, and unique, upscale vibes. One review even stated, 'This restaurant has a swank vibe and very good food.' The restaurant's chef owner, Ali Mesghali, is clearly a master of his craft, serving up a memorable dining experience. Plus, it's not all about food; the restaurant's decor and presentation are also highly praised. So, it's not just the food that makes Rumi's Kitchen worth the trip, but the whole package.
A photo of Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C. restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2708)
Price: Moderate
• Peruvian • Downtown
Booked 65 times today
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar adds a modern twist to Peruvian cuisine. Inspired by Peru’s top eateries, the new DC outpost serves up bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers.Situated in the bustling and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar brings people together in a space that’s packed with personality and soul. Our vibrant bar with open kitchen views is the perfect spot for sipping, socializing, and savoring our crazy good ceviche. Come experience a celebration of good eats and good times for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour.Looking for the perfect venue? Plan your next event at the best ceviche bar this side of the Andes. Call today and ask about our private dining options.
A photo of Reverie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(28)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Georgetown
Booked 3 times today
Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience that focuses on an entirely seafood driven menu. Our current menu is offered at $255 per guest exclusive of beverage, service charge, taxes, or gratuities. Starting January 1, 2025, our tasting menu will adjust to $285 per guest.Please allow 2.5 hours for this experienceWe can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. We are unable to provide dairy-free or fully vegetarian versions of our experience.
A photo of Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(198)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Washington
Booked 33 times today
Often referred to as “the wine lover's restaurant,” Sixty Vines delivers simple, yet flavorful cuisine paired perfectly with 60 wines on its sustainable tap system. Every plate and pour is designed to inspire adventure and discovery of wine culture reimagined. Guests are encouraged to experience abundance over shared plates, enjoy wine “pinkies down” and to visit for brunch, lunch and dinner. Signature menu items include charcuterie boards, seasonal proteins, wood fired pizzas and innovative pasta dishes all inspired by ingredients found in wine country.
A photo of San Lorenzo restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(311)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Shaw
Booked 9 times today
Come in and feel transported to the streets of Italy. Enjoy light, wholesome dishes - beautiful stucco walls and black and white photos of the chef/owner’s quaint hometown. Chef Massimo believes in creating dishes that honor the heritage and flavors of his native Tuscany. The magic of this cuisine is the exceptional preparation — fresh, simple ingredients paired with unique herbs and seasonings for a taste that’s anything but simple. With over 30 years of culinary training - Chef Massimo delivers homemade pastas, sauces, Florentine steak, veal, lamb, fresh fish and exceptional risotto. Stay tuned for the not-to-be missed tasting menus offered nightly. Also inquire about the unique communal wine lunch experiences on Saturday afternoons that can be booked only directly with management because they book up quickly. If you enjoy dining in Chef Massimo’s ‘San Lorenzo’ home - know he will also come to your home for special occasions or even travel with you within the US and Italy.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • 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
  • JordanVIP
    Scranton / Poconos •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 1, 2024
    Went on a slow, cold Sunday afternoon so it wasn’t not busy at all. For some reason, though, our server was difficult to find throughout our meal. Food/drinks were really good, & they had fun holiday themed drink decorations. Definitely bundle up though if you’re seated on the patio.
    More info
    Tokyo PearlPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Dupont Circle
    4.4
  • KrisVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •68 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 1, 2024
    The BBQ is some of the best I have ever eaten. The brisket tender and delicious is my favorite. We will order their Thanksgiving turkey next year and we cannot wait.
    More info
    Smokecraft Modern BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
    4.5
  • David
    Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 20, 2024
    Great drinks and food! Can't wait to try the brunch for bottomless mimosas
    More info
    RewindPrice: Moderate• American• Dupont Circle
    4
  • Michael
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jul 30, 2024
    A limited but delicious menu. Full bar. Pleasant inside and outside. But, in the evening, you're going for the music, and it was great July 30--Gabe Koempel and combo.
    More info
    Wild DaysPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon
    4.1

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown

Discover a selection of restaurants in the Downtown, District of Columbia area that are genuinely "worth the drive." Each establishment in this carefully curated list stands out for its exceptional dining experiences, combining superb cuisine, attentive service, and inviting atmospheres. Whether you're seeking a spot for a special occasion or simply a memorable meal, these restaurants offer a top-notch dining scene that caters to both locals and visitors. The dining scene in Downtown D.C. is vibrant and diverse, featuring everything from upscale eateries to unique culinary gems, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Emphasizing quality and satisfaction, these restaurants not only meet but exceed expectations, making each meal worth the journey. Experience the best of Washington, D.C.’s culinary offerings where each restaurant promises a blend of delightful flavors and impeccable service that's definitely worth the drive.

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