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Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington

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190 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
1. Olio e Più - DC
new
4.4
Awesome(94)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 87 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 La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
2. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.5
Awesome(1063)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 198 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.
A photo of Cafe Du Parc restaurant
3. Cafe Du Parc
4.5
Awesome(2531)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C. within the iconic Willard InterContinental, steps from the National Mall, and across from Pershing Park, a national park home to the new World War I Memorial, Café du Parc is reminiscent of a Parisian-inspired sidewalk café. Nestled between The White House and the U.S. Capitol, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital, Café du Parc’s seasonal outside terrace remains a trendy locale for al fresco dining by both visitors and Washington, D.C. locals alike.Paying homage to traditional French cooking, the restaurant offers diners various culinary creations from coffee and pastries at its coffee shop, Le Café, to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sunday on its outside terrace or inside the main dining room. We are pleased to offer parking validation for Valet or Garage parking at Willard InterContinenatal when you join us for dinner.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19271)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 266 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
5. Jaleo - DC
4.7
Exceptional(10898)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 135 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 Oyamel restaurant
6. Oyamel
4.7
Exceptional(9547)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 124 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 Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant
7. Rumi's Kitchen - DC
4.8
Exceptional(2380)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 82 times today
Rumi's Kitchen is a beloved Persian restaurant in Washington DC. Its authenticity is confirmed by reviews like 'Great authentic Persian food with excellent customer service' and 'Absolutely delicious authentic Persian food'. The restaurant's dedication to traditional Persian dishes is noted in reviews like 'The menu, a symphony of flavors, offered a tantalizing selection of traditional Persian dishes'. It's not just about the food though, the overall dining experience is praised with comments like 'Rumi Kitchen proved to be more than a restaurant; it was a journey through Persian culture and gastronomy'.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
8. Succotash PRIME
4.6
Exceptional(3847)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 125 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 dLeña restaurant
9. dLeña
4.7
Exceptional(1950)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 64 times today
Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington
A photo of Taberna del Alabardero restaurant
10. Taberna del Alabardero
4.7
Exceptional(3823)
Price: Expensive
• Traditional Spanish • Downtown
Booked 24 times today
Taberna del Alabardero is authentic in its Spanish cuisine and atmosphere. Customers rave about the 'authentic quality Spanish food' and 'outstanding, authentic cuisine'. The Spanish Chef, Oscar Ordonez, brings back the authentic Spanish Cuisine. The restaurant also offers a 'vintage' and 'royal' ambiance, as mentioned in the reviews. It's 'a piece of Spain' in the heart of Washington DC.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Markvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    La Grande Boucherie seems to have fixed their earlier staffing problems. The service and food were perfect. The place is beautiful and impressive. I would highly recommend a visit
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
    •
    4.5
  • Sandra
    Washington, D.C. Area •62 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The restaurant has a limited menu but still offers a range of choices. I had the mussels and my friend had the hamburger. Both were quite good. The chocolate/orange mousse we shared for dessert was excellent. There is a nice selection of wines by the glass, which I appreciated. The place is within easy walking distance of the National Theater, and we ate there before the show -- a perfect spot to do so.
    More info
    Cafe Du ParcPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Molly
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Zaytinya is one of my go to places to take friends, family, and out of town people because the food is great and the price is great! Our waitress took a while to take our order but the food came out fast and the drinks were great!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • NathanS
    Maine •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had been wanting to have dinner at Jaleo for the past few years and finally got to go tonight for my wife’s birthday dinner. Let me start off by saying that it lived up to and exceeded our expectations. We had the mid-range tasting menu with the sherry pairing and every bite was delicious. Our experience was enhanced by our server Carlos’ knowledgeable description of each course and each of the sherries. We look forward to coming back.
    More info
    Jaleo - DCPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • neil
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    Greeted with a warm smile, I opted to sit at the bar. Chris made some great recommendations, I chose the Basil rye old fashioned. For appetizer, I enjoyed the octopus carpaccio, which was delightful and perfectly flavored. Main course I went for the club sandwich. Definitely tasty combination of flavors. They also gave me some focaccia bread with what appeared to be kalamata olives! I can never resist a good tiramisu, so I opted for one, and I am glad I did. Overall, it was a great experience with good food and welcoming staff. Justin checked on me several times. The chef also came by to inquire about the food and some feedback, which shows how much they truly care about guest's experience. Definitely recommend!
    More info
    Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
    •
    4.4

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