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.
With a plethora of 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 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.
| 701 Restaurant |
$$$$$ | International |
Located just a few steps from Capitol Hill and the White House,
this trendy eatery is popular for corporate functions, private
parties and anyone who knows a good restaurant when they find one.
Serving delicious delights such as caramelized Bay Scallops with
mustard, celery, roasted tomato and kataifi and Roasted Lamb Saddle
Medallions with lentils, black trumpet mushrooms and a horseradish
mustard, this restaurant doers not disappoint and diners can relax
and enjoy their meals to the sounds of a live jazz band.
Reservations recommended. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to
Friday. Saturday and Sunday dinner only.
Address: 701 Pennsylvania Ave
E-mail: contact@701restaurant.com
Telephone: 202 393 0701
| 1789 Restaurant |
$$$$$ | American |
Located in an 18th-century federal townhouse, 1789 is divided
into five themed dining rooms with fireplaces and period furniture,
and the setting makes this a premiere dining experience presided
over by chef Nathan Beauchamp. His 'keep it simple' approach is
enhanced by the best quality ingredients, and complemented by
excellent wine pairings. Fish and meat dishes are followed by a
list of decadent desserts. There is also a good-value pre-theatre
menu available, as well as an 'After Hours' menu catering to those
who prefer a post-performance dinner. Reservations essential. Open
for dinner nightly.
Address: 1226 36th Street NW
Telephone: (202) 965 1789
Flagship restaurant of executive chef Roberto Donna, Galileo
serves renowned and innovative Piedmontese-style Italian dishes at
what is claimed to be one of the best Italian restaurants in the
country. The menu changes depending on the season's ingredients,
but dishes include homemade pasta, a variety of meat dishes, or one
of the irresistible desserts such as the traditional tiramisu. For
a special dining experience book a seat at the table in the
Labortorio del Galileo, a private kitchen-dining room in which
Donna prepares and serves a multi-course tasting menu for his
guests. Open for dinner nightly and lunch Monday to Friday.
Address: 1110 21st Street NW, Foggy Bottom (Downtown)
E-mail: info@galileodc.com
Telephone: (202) 293 7191
The sweet Vidalia onion is a speciality in season at this
charming, lively restaurant below street level. The regional
Southern cuisine features such specialities as crab cakes, shrimp
on yellow grits and the renowned lemon chess pie; homemade corn
bread is served with every meal. Reservations recommended. Open for
lunch and dinner, but no lunch on weekends.
Address: 1990 M Street NW, Dupont Circle (Downtown)
E-mail: info@vidaliadc.com
Telephone: (202) 659 1990
| Kinkead’s |
$$$$$ | Seafood |
Located in an old townhouse, Kinkead's offers a sophisticated
formal dining area upstairs and a casual bar and café on the
ground floor that has live jazz music every evening. With the
exception of at least one meat and poultry dish, the menu
concentrates on seafood that is always fresh and superbly prepared
and presented, and includes classic dishes like grilled fish as
well as more creative seafood specialities. Open daily. No lunch on
Saturdays. A light menu is offered between brunch/lunch and dinner.
Reservations essential and the dress code is business casual.
Address: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Foggy Bottom (Downtown)
Telephone: (202) 296 7700
| Sushi-Ko |
$$$$$ | Japanese |
Washington DC's first sushi bar, Sushi-Ko still boasts one of
the best-quality sushi bars in town. This small restaurant has high
standards, and sashimi, tempuras and teriyakis are all excellent.
Daily specials are more innovative and equally delicious such as
the sea trout Napoleon or smaller dishes like the grilled baby
octopus with mango. There is also a long list of sakes.
Reservations recommended for dinner. No lunch Saturday to
Monday.
Address: 2309 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Glover Park
Telephone: (202) 333 4187
| Belga Café |
$$$$$ | Belgian |
For Belgian cuisine at its very best, look no further than Belga
Café. This stylish eatery with tasteful décor and
attentive and friendly waitstaff is a favourite in Washington DC
with locals and out-of-towers alike. With unforgettable dishes, you
won't soon forget this trendy restaurant. There is also a large
selection of Belgian beers and wines to compliment your meal.
Sample the four
kazen korketten, two croquettes of 'four
cheeses' with a frisee-bacon salad and balsamic dressing -
delicious! The
Lotte mit Jenever, bacon-wrapped monkfish
fillet with Jenever beurre blanc, yellow potatoes, cauliflower, and
broccoli on a bed of red onion confit, is simply to-die-for! Open
Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Saturday and Sunday brunch
and dinner only.
Address: 514, 8th Street, SE
Telephone: 202 544 0100
| Bombay Club |
$$$$$ | Indian |
By far the smartest Indian restaurant in town, the ambience
created by the ceiling fans, wicker furniture and potted palms is
straight from the British colonial era. Bombay Club is known for
its setting, as well as for its gourmet regional Indian cuisine and
personalised service, and was a favourite spot for the Clintons
when occupying the White House across the road. Delicious naan
flatbread compliments dishes ranging from fiery green chilli
chicken and tandoori dishes, to rogan josh, biryanis, dhals and
lobster malabar. The Sunday champagne brunch is popular. Lunch
Monday to Friday, dinner daily. Reservations essential.
Address: 815 Connecticut Avenue NW (Downtown)
Telephone: (202) 659 3727
| Michel Richard Citronelle |
$$$$$ | French |
The breath-taking décor, including a wall that changes
colour and a glass-enclosed wine cellar that encircles the dining
room, complements the exquisite French-California cuisine that is a
work of art as colourful, light and innovative as its surroundings.
Among the many outstanding treats on the menu are truffles,
lobster, or lamb rack. The Chef's Table in the kitchen is an
intimate look at the top chefs in action, but must be reserved
months in advance. Jacket required for dinner. Open for breakfast
and dinner daily.
Address: Latham Hotel, 3000 M Street NW, Georgetown
Telephone: (202) 625 2150
| Café Renaissance |
$$$$$ | International |
For some of the best fine dining in Washington DC, head to
Café Renaissance. The staff are welcoming and the meals
mouth-watering. The elegant dining room with large bay windows and
historical paintings sets the scene for dining experience for a
president. Sample the grilled Canadian Salmon with béarnaise
or the Maryland style crab cake with buerreblanc. The Filet Mignon
is a favourite with locals and doesn't disappoint, while the Veal
Scallopini Oscar with fresh asparagus, crabmeat and hollandaise
melts in the mouth. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner.
Saturday and Sunday dinner only. Reservations recommended.
Address: 163 Glyndon Street, SE
E-mail: info@caferenaissance.com
Telephone: 703 938 3311
| Gerard’s Place |
$$$$$ | French |
This quiet little restaurant is known for its menu that combines
an intriguing and delicious mixture of ingredients into every dish.
There are a variety of memorable savoury offerings, as well as
desserts. A fixed-price menu gives the best of everything.
Reservations essential. No lunch weekends. Dinner Monday to
Saturday. Dress is business casual.
Address: 915 15th Street (Downtown)
Telephone: (202) 737 4445
