Washington, D.C. Travel Guide

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What to Eat in Washington, D.C.

As the epicenter for American politics and nonprofits, too, Washington, D.C., attracts a diverse clientele – and the restaurant scene reflects this melting pot of ethnicities and cultures. Wander the streets of Georgetown, Dupont Circle and the U Street Corridor and you'll find plenty of interesting eateries, from white tablecloth restaurants to trendy tapas joints plating everything from zesty Spanish bites to succulent oyster shooters. Additionally, a strip of ethnic restaurants on H Street Northeast in the Atlas District offer Belgian fare, Japanese cuisine and more. For a crash course in the city's varied dining scene, consider booking a guided tour. And for slow sips at one of the capital's swanky cocktail bars, head over to the U Street Corridor of 14th Street, where lively and laid-back bars lure college students, young professionals and visitors.

The city also appeals to gourmands who revel in haute cuisine. For a sophisticated meal at a high-end restaurant, try José Andrés' collection of restaurants, including Zaytinya, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana and minibar by José Andrés. For a traditional taste of D.C., make reservations at tried and true spots like Old Ebbitt Grill and 1789.

For more budget-minded options, grab a stool at the D.C. institution Ben's Chili Bowl, located right next to the U Street Metro stop. Good Stuff Eatery – a premier burger spot spearheaded by chef Spike Mendelsohn – is ideal for creamy milkshakes and flavorful patties topped with interesting toppings like chili and Thai basil. Good Stuff Eatery features locations in Capitol Hill Southeast and Georgetown.

Farmers markets have also become a major staple in the District. On any given Saturday or Sunday, you'll find Washingtonians perusing the stalls for healthy and organic fruits and veggies at colorful markets. Local favorites include FRESHFARM's market in Dupont Circle, Eastern Market, Union Market and the Columbia Heights Farmers Market. At these bustling markets, you can pick up everything from pickles to sweet peaches to buttery pastries, among other items. Breweries and brewpubs have become a popular mainstay in D.C., too, and a trip to the nation's capital isn't complete without enjoying one of the best brunches the city has to offer.

Find the Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

#1
Bistro Aracosia
#1 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (133)
$ - $$ | Afghani
5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington DC, DC 20016-3316
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#2
Ambar Capitol Hill
#2 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (1554)
$ - $$ | Eastern European
523 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003-2835
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#3
Barmini
#3 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (271)
$$ |
501 9th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2155
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#4
Quill
#4 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (164)
$ - $$ | American, Bar
1200 16th St NW The Jefferson, Washington DC, DC 20036-3202
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#5
Joe's Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab
#5 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (2310)
$$ | Steakhouse, American, Seafood
750 15th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-1018
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#6
Keren Restaurant
#6 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (284)
$ | African, Ethiopian
1780 Florida Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20009-2658
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#7
Doyle (Bar)
#7 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (652)
$ - $$ | American, Bar, International
Dupont Circle 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington DC, DC 20036
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#8
Lafayette Restaurant
#8 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (331)
$$ | American
800 16th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20006-4102
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#9
Kinship Restaurant
#9 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (199)
$$ | American, Contemporary
1015 7th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-3607
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#10
Commissary
#10 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (1304)
$ - $$ | American, Bar
1443 P St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-1907
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#11
Rasika
#11 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (2765)
$$ | Indian
633 D St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2904
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#12
The Capital Grille
#12 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (2042)
$$ | Steakhouse
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2601
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#13
Rose's Luxury
#13 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (492)
$ - $$ | American, Contemporary
717 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003
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#14
The Dabney
#14 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (274)
$$ | American
122 Blagden Alley North West, Washington DC, DC 20001
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#15
Tortino Restaurant
#15 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (485)
$ - $$ | Italian
1228 11th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-4264
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#16
HipCityVeg
#16 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (138)
$ | American, Fast Food
712 7th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-3716
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#17
Karma Modern Indian
#17 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (100)
$$ | Indian
611 I St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-3735
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#18
BLT Prime by David Burke
#18 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (342)
$$ | American, Steakhouse
1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC, DC 20004
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#19
Zaytinya
#19 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (4392)
$ - $$ | Lebanese, Mediterranean, European, Turkish, Greek, Middle Eastern
701 9th St NW Edison Place, Washington DC, DC 20001-4572
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#20
Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier
#20 of 4,092 Places to Eat in Washington DC
TripAdvisor (681)
$$ | French, European, International
2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20037-1730
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