Restaurants in Washington DC
The city's many politicians and their expense accounts ensure
that Washington DC has some fantastic dining options to suit every
budget and taste. From glamorous upmarket restaurants dripping with
style, to roadside stalls and eateries, this city has all kinds of
food.
Fresh seafood, crab, oysters and rock fish are among the most
popular on restaurant menus, with special emphasis on dishes
focuses around or being created with locally-caught crabs, such as
crabcakes, blue crabs, crab legs, crab soup and even Crab Chips, a
brand of potato chip unique to Washington DC. A popular spice is
Old Bay, which is locally made and used to season just about
everything from peaches to popcorn.
Most restaurants are centred round the Midtown, downtown and
Penn Quarter areas with the very upmarket eateries close to Capitol
Hill and frequented by a largely business crowd. Dupont Circle and
the West End are also great areas for restaurants of all
nationalities. A tip of 15% is expected in restaurants and it is
customary to make reservations before dining out.
| 1789 Restaurant |
$$$$$ | American |
Located in an 18th-century federal townhouse, 1789 is divided
into five themed dining rooms with fireplaces and period furniture,
and the setting combines with the food to make this a premiere
dining experience presided over by chef Nathan Beauchamp. His 'keep
it simple' approach is enhanced by the best quality ingredients,
and complemented by excellent wine pairings. Fish and meat dishes
are followed by a list of decadent desserts. There is also a
good-value pre-theatre menu available, as well as an 'after hours'
menu catering to those who prefer a post-performance dinner.
Reservations essential. Open for dinner nightly.
Address: 1226 36th Street NW
Telephone: (202) 965 1789
The sweet Vidalia onion is a speciality in season at this
charming, lively restaurant below street level. The regional
Southern cuisine features such specialities as crab cakes, shrimp
on yellow grits and the renowned lemon chess pie; homemade corn
bread is served with every meal. Reservations recommended. Open for
lunch and dinner, but no lunch on weekends.
Address: 1990 M Street NW, Dupont Circle (Downtown)
E-mail: info@vidaliadc.com
Telephone: (202) 659 1990
Zaytinya is one of Washington DC's top restaurants, Greek or
otherwise. Travellers with adventurous palates can dig into mezze
delicacies like goat flatbread, crispy veal sweetbreads and grilled
octopus, while vegetarians will find plenty to choose from. There
is a reduced-price lunch menu offering sandwiches, salads and
shawarmas, and even a brunch menu available until 2:30pm.
Address: 701 Ninth Street NW, Edison Place
Post code: 20001
Telephone: (202) 638-0800
| Sushi-Ko |
$$$$$ | Japanese |
Washington DC's first sushi bar, Sushi-Ko still boasts one of
the best-quality sushi bars in town. This small restaurant has high
standards, and sashimi, tempuras and teriyakis are all excellent.
Daily specials are more innovative and equally delicious such as
the sea trout Napoleon or smaller dishes like the grilled baby
octopus with mango. There is also a long list of sakes.
Reservations recommended for dinner. No lunch Saturday to
Monday.
Address: 2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Glover Park
Telephone: (202) 333 4187
| Belga Café |
$$$$$ | Belgian |
For Belgian cuisine at its very best, look no further than Belga
Café. This stylish eatery with tasteful décor is a
favourite in Washington DC with locals and out-of-towers alike.
With unforgettable dishes, you won't soon forget this trendy
restaurant. There is also a large selection of Belgian beers and
wines to compliment your meal. Sample the four
kazen
korketten, two croquettes of 'four cheeses' with a frisee-bacon
salad and balsamic dressing - delicious! The
Lotte mit
Jenever, bacon-wrapped monkfish fillet with Jenever beurre
blanc, yellow potatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli on a bed of red
onion confit, is also excellent. Open Monday to Friday for lunch
and dinner. Saturday and Sunday brunch and dinner only.
Address: 514, 8th Street, SE
Telephone: 202 544 0100
| Bombay Club |
$$$$$ | Indian |
By far the smartest Indian restaurant in town, the ambience
created by the ceiling fans, wicker furniture and potted palms is
straight from the British colonial era. Bombay Club is known for
its setting, as well as for its gourmet regional Indian cuisine and
personalised service, and was a favourite spot for the Clintons
when occupying the White House across the road. Delicious naan
flatbread compliments dishes ranging from fiery green chilli
chicken and tandoori dishes, to rogan josh, biryanis, dhals and
lobster malabar. The Sunday champagne brunch is popular. Lunch
Monday to Friday, dinner daily. Reservations essential.
Address: 815 Connecticut Avenue NW (Downtown)
Telephone: (202) 659 3727
| Michel Richard Citronelle |
$$$$$ | French |
The breath-taking décor, including a wall that changes
colour and a glass-enclosed wine cellar that encircles the dining
room, complements the exquisite French-California cuisine that is a
work of art as colourful, light and innovative as its surroundings.
Among the many outstanding treats on the menu are truffles,
lobster, or lamb rack. The Chef's Table in the kitchen is an
intimate look at the top chefs in action, but must be reserved
months in advance. Jacket required for dinner. Open for breakfast
and dinner daily.
Address: Latham Hotel, 3000 M Street NW, Georgetown
Telephone: (202) 625 2150
| Capital Grille |
$$$$$ | Steakhouse |
If you're in the mood for a steak, there's no better place to go
in Washington DC than the aptly-named Capital Grille. The elegant
mahogany-panelled dining room creates the perfect backdrop for the
restaurant's famous dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood, accompanied
by an extensive wine list with thousands of choices.
Address: 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Post code: 20004
Telephone: (202) 737-6200
| Fogo de Chao |
$$$$$ | Brazilian |
Carnivores will be in heaven at Fogo de Chao, Washington DC's
top Brazilian restaurant. Skewers of meat are paraded around as you
eat all you can stand and the churrascarias beef is something
special. Vegetarians will have to content themselves with the salad
bar and vegetable sides.
Address: 1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Post code: 20004
Telephone: (202) 347-4668
| Birch and Barley |
$$$$$ | American |
Serving the best American food in the most American city in the
world, Birch and Barley is popular with locals and tourists alike
for its delicious comfort food like pan-seared rainbow trout,
honey-glazed duck breast, and their special bratwurst burger. The
brunch menu is equally tasty with offerings that include waffles,
French toast, sticky buns and even grits, but the real star of the
menu is the draft beer list, which stretches to an amazing 555
varieties!
Address: 1337 14th Street NW
Post code: 20005
Telephone: (202) 567-2576
