Courtesy of Kevin Voelker Photography/Getty Images

What to Eat in Washington, D.C.
As the epicenter for American politics and nonprofits, Washington, D.C., attracts a diverse clientele – and the restaurant scene reflects this melting pot of ethnicities and cultures. Wander the streets of Georgetown and Dupont Circle 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. Or, head to the U Street Corridor or Florida Avenue, where you'll discover some of the district's best Black-owned dining establishments, including Ben's Chili Bowl and Oohh's & Aahh's on U street, and Florida Avenue Grill and HalfSmoke on Florida Avenue. Additionally, a strip of ethnic restaurants on H Street Northeast in the Atlas District offers Belgian fare, Japanese cuisine and more. For a crash course in the city's varied dining scene, consider booking a guided tour.
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. If you'd rather get a traditional taste of Washington, make reservations at tried and true spots like Old Ebbitt Grill and 1789.
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 and Union Market. At these bustling markets, you can pick up everything from pickles to sweet peaches to buttery pastries. Breweries and brewpubs have become a popular mainstay here, too, and a trip to the nation's capital wouldn't be complete without enjoying one of the best brunches the city has to offer.
Find the Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.
- #1Ambar Capitol Hill#1 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (1575)$ - $$ | Eastern European523 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003-2835Read More » - #2Bistro Aracosia#2 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (149)$ - $$ | Afghani5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington DC, DC 20016-3316Read More » - #3Barmini#3 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (233)$$ |501 9th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2155Read More » - #4Quill#4 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (168)$ - $$ | American, Bar1200 16th St NW The Jefferson, Washington DC, DC 20036-3202Read More » - #5Joe's Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab#5 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (2253)$$ | Steakhouse, American, Seafood750 15th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-1018Read More » - #6Lafayette Restaurant#6 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (315)$$ | American800 16th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20006-4102Read More » - #7Kinship Restaurant#7 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (206)$$ | American, Contemporary1015 7th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-3607Read More » - #8Keren Restaurant#8 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (275)$ | African, Ethiopian1780 Florida Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20009-2658Read More » - #9Commissary#9 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (1324)$ - $$ | American, Bar1443 P St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-1907Read More » - #10Doyle (Bar)#10 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (657)$ - $$ | American, Bar, InternationalDupont Circle 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington DC, DC 20036Read More » - #11Rose's Luxury#11 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (453)$ - $$ | American, Contemporary717 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003Read More » - #12The Dabney#12 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (279)$$ | American122 Blagden Alley North West, Washington DC, DC 20001Read More » - #13Rasika#13 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (2746)$$ | Indian633 D St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2904Read More » - #14Tortino Restaurant#14 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (492)$ - $$ | Italian1228 11th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-4264Read More » - #15Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier#15 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (652)$$ | French, European, International2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20037-1730Read More » - #16Zaytinya#16 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (4429)$ - $$ | Lebanese, Mediterranean, European, Turkish, Greek, Middle Eastern701 9th St NW Corner G Streets, Washington DC, DC 20001-4572Read More » - #17Old Ebbitt Grill#17 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (12720)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Seafood, Soups675 15th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-5702Read More » - #18Fiola#18 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (845)$$ | Italian601 Pennsylvania Ave NW Enter at 678 Indiana Ave, Washington DC, DC 20004-2601Read More » - #19The Capital Grille#19 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (2050)$$ | Steakhouse601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2601Read More » - #20The Capital Burger#20 of 3,387 Places to Eat in Washington DC
Tripadvisor (187)$ - $$ | American, Bar1005 7th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001Read More »
Explore More of Washington, D.C.
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.