Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

200 Monroe

5.0

5 (252)

$31 to $50

Continental

Frederick

About the restaurant

Opening * October 3rd• Thursdays • 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. (Last reso 7:00pm)

Welcome to 200 Monroe, a unique restaurant delivering capstone-learning experiences for Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute (HCTI) students at Frederick Community College.

Join us for a high-quality dining experience as our students, under the guidance of our Executive Chef and Maître d’ instructors, showcase their hospitality and culinary skills in our open-kitchen restaurant setting. Our exclusive 3-course dinner menu offers your choice of selections including starter, entrée, dessert, and beverage, for an all-inclusive price between $40 - $46.

Open during restaurant hours, our all-new bakery counter also offers fresh baked goods made by our Baking & Pastry Arts students for purchase.

We are located at 200 Monroe Ave in Frederick, MD. Please note, we can only accept credit card payments and are unable to accommodate food allergy requests.

*Closed 10/24, 11/21 and 11/28.

Visit frederick.edu/HCTI

Top review

Bob

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Another wonderful night of food from the FCC culinary arts students. All the food was great tasting and very pretty and the service was always great. Always love helping the FCC program that I graduated from many years ago.

Smyrna Restaurant Alexandria

4.9

4.9 (274)

$30 and under

Greek

Newington

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Smyrna, a specialty Aegean Coast (Greece & Turkey) restaurant where homemade food, regional wines, and cocktails take center stage. Whether you're looking for a simple breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a delightful dinner, we invite you to join us at any time. Come alone, with family, friends, or colleagues, and immerse yourself in the cheerful ambiance of our small tavern-style setting.

At The Smyrna, we've created a unique and refined concept inspired by the charm and diversity of a typical Antique Greek House. Our aim is to showcase the rich heritage and cultural divertsity that Virginia embodies.

Indulge in our signature dishes, which include mouthwatering classics like Mousakka, succulent Lamb Chops, flavorful Double Cooked Octopus, and delicate Branzino in Parchment. Each bite is a journey through the Aegean Coast's authentic flavors.

In addition to our cozy indoor seating, we also offer a charming back patio where you can enjoy you

Top review

Judy

Dined 6 days ago

The food and service is amazing. I’ve used this restaurant for catering before and you can’t go wrong with them.

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Popular dish

MOUSAKKA

Popular dish

BRANZINO IN PARCHMENT

Popular dish

BAKLAVA

Afghan Bistro

4.9

4.9 (1384)

$30 and under

Afghan

Springfield

About the restaurant

Afghan Bistro, located in Springfield, VA provides guests an authentic Afghan cuisine with a modern flair.

Top review

Riad

Dined 4 days ago

Great food and cute place. I would go again to try the rest of the menu. Yummy

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Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (2474)

$31 to $50

French

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Restaurants in Alsace traditionally have a formal main dining room as well as a casual dining room known locally as a weinstube or brasserie. At the brasserie, diners may enjoy traditional, hearty Alsatian dishes in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. These friendly establishments are immensely popular with Alsatians and visiting them is always the best part of my trips back to Alsace. I opened Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez François to bring the tastes and comforts of the Alsatian brasserie to Great Falls.

Top review

BarryVIP

Dined 5 days ago

For the last 7 years we have celebrated our anniversary at L'Auberge Chez Francois. The food is always outstanding, and the service is impeccable. It is our all-out favorite restaurant in the area.

Taste of Old Country

4.9

4.9 (109)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Manassas

About the restaurant

Taste of Old Country provides a truly unique artisan bistro & market experience combining the world of food service, private events & retail gourmet food shopping, all under one roof. Home of the Mega Platter, a Mediterranean themed charcuterie board as well as a variety of small bites, artisan panini's, salads, pizza and desserts, you will definitely have a Taste of Old Country, where everything starts and ends with good food, wine, hospitality and friends.

Our bistro wine bar is ideal for a date night, lunch meeting, friends/social/family gatherings or to host smaller corporate/private events. While our culinary wonders cater to all pallets we kindly recommend and welcome our dining experience to adults and older family groups, as our space is not suited for infants or young children.

Conveniently located 1 mile off Exit 47 on I-66 in Balls Ford Center, across the street from the Holiday Inn on Balls Ford Rd.

Top review

William

Dined 7 days ago

My friends and I had a fabulous lunch at Taste of Old Country! The food was wonderful, our waitress was so sweet and funny. We truly enjoyed our lunch and will definitely go back.

Causa

4.9

4.9 (69)

$50 and over

Peruvian

Shaw

About the restaurant

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.

Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.

If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking.

Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

Top review

Ben

Dined 3 days ago

Absolutely phenomenal experience. Every interaction was better than the one before. Felt like it was a joy to the staff that I was there. In addition, each dish and wine pairing was unbelievable. I wish this could be in m weekly budget ! I would always be there if I could.

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Experience

Valentine's Day at Causa - Table Experience

Experience

Valentine's Day at Causa. - Counter Experience

Afghania

4.9

4.9 (97)

$31 to $50

Afghan

Georgetown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Dined 6 days ago

An outstanding Georgetown experience. Great ambiance, service, pace, and menu.

Hillbrook Inn

4.9

4.9 (77)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Purcellville

About the restaurant

Our dining experience showcases the artistry and skill of Executive Chef Tom O'Hara. We partner with local farmers and regional purveyors who share our philosophy to create a menu that showcases our passion for food. Our extended Wine cellar holds approximately 200 varietals. An amazing beer and spirits-menu is available in our Bullskin Tavern with seasonal specialty cocktails created by our mixologist and sommelier, Sarah Rhinehart.

The dress code for dinner is business casual. Coats and ties are welcomed but not mandatory.

Open to the public as well as inn guests.

Reservations required.

Top review

Cullen

Dined 7 days ago

This was hands down the best experience of food and atmosphere I’ve had. The price was more than worth it and both myself and my girlfriend are coming back for every major event we have. It was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary!!

L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (9342)

$50 and over

French

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Welcome to L'Auberge Chez François, our French country inn a short distance from the nation's capital that has captivated visitors for over 66 years. L'Auberge Chez François is the ideal spot to celebrate special moments, private parties, luncheons, weddings, and cooking demonstrations. Our menu is extensive and full of the flavors of Alsace and traditional French cuisine. Excellent food and service, attention to detail, and a casually elegant atmosphere are hallmarks that have made L'Auberge Chez François a Washington favorite! We hope that you will enjoy your visit with us. Should you not see your preferred time to dine with us, please call us at 703-759-3800.

Top review

CarolynVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We hadn’t been there in years. My husband courted me there over 40 years ago. We had special celebrations there with loved ones. My daughter and I returned today, and it met all of our expectations. Joyful! Delicious! I promise we won’t have air so long to return! All the staff was gracious, professional and delightful! Thank you

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4.9

4.9 (338)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Discover our Modern American menu inspired by Chef Tomas Chavarria’s Mesoamerican heritage and training. Our regionally sourced plates such as Korobuta Pork Belly and Seven Hills Farms Center Cut Steak are complimented by our library of classic cocktails. Grab your favorite sip and savor attentive service, a luxe atmosphere, and live entertainment in a boutique hotel.

Top review

Jerome

Dined 5 days ago

If you want a great spot for good conversation with a modern ambiance, and good live music that doesn't overwhelm the entire room, this place is for you! Had a great time. Will definitely be going there again.

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Experience

Autobiography of The Study - Tasting Menu

Experience

Alexandria Restaurant Week

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