12 Uniquely Amazing Restaurants in Washington DC

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Looking for the most unique restaurants in Washington, DC? As someone who’s traveled to over 65 countries, I can tell you that DC’s dining scene is way more than politics and power suits…it’s full of amazing, one-of-a-kind places to eat. From the historic streets of Georgetown to the vibrant energy of Capitol Hill, DC has hidden gems that will totally surprise you.

Whether it’s dining in a converted townhouse or savoring global flavors with a local twist, this city has something special for everyone. Here’s your guide to 12 of the coolest, most unique restaurants in DC that you can’t miss!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Georgetown through a food tour… but here we are. This small-group tour is the best possible introduction to DC’s oldest neighborhood. We wandered past historic homes, stopped at hidden local gems, and tasted everything from falafel to Italian pizza. The portions? Generous. The guide? Incredibly knowledgeable and fun. It felt like walking around with a local friend who knows all the best spots.

Unique Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Are you ready to discover the most unique restaurants in Washington DC? As mentioned earlier, there’s no shortage of incredible places to eat in DC that all travelers will love. Keep reading to find out where to eat in Washington DC.

Are you looking for a taste of authentic Mediterranean flavors? Or would you prefer to indulge in a modern twist on classic American dishes? Whatever you’d like to eat, there are unique places to eat in Washington DC that can accommodate your needs. If you’re looking for a top east coast vacation spot, keep reading. Here’s your tried-and-tested guide to the most unique restaurants in DC.

1. The Dabney

• 📍 Location: Shaw (Blagden Alley)
• 💲 Price range: $100-$180+ per person (Tasting menu focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mid-Atlantic / Hearth Cooking
• 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin star, hearth cooking, regional ingredients.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, regional foodies, and intimate dinners.

Tucked away in Shaw’s historic Blagden Alley, The Dabney is a Michelin-starred gem celebrating Mid-Atlantic cuisine with a fiery heart. Nearly everything is cooked over a massive wood-burning hearth, infusing dishes with incredible flavor. The cozy, rustic tavern setting feels historic.

Dining here centers around thoughtfully prepared tasting menus. Expect dishes like hearth-roasted Chesapeake oysters with ramp butter, perfectly grilled heritage pork with seasonal vegetables, or wood-fired sugartooth mushrooms. It’s a sophisticated DC experience.

• 👉 PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION: History class was never this fun. I joined this DC pub crawl to sip cold beers and hear the wild stories no textbook would touch — duels, spies, scandals, and all the grit behind the monuments. Our guide crushed it with stories and drink recs, and the pubs? Absolute gems. If you’re into smart fun, a little booze, and making fast friends while walking past the White House, this is your move.

2. Maydān

• 📍 Location: U Street Corridor / 14th St Area
• 💲 Price range: $70-$130 per person (Family-style focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern / North African / Caucasian (Hearth Cooking)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin star, central hearth, communal dining, amazing bread.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Group feasts, adventurous eaters, and bread fanatics.

Step into Maydān and you’re immediately enveloped by the intoxicating aroma of wood smoke from the massive central hearth. Focusing on cuisines from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus, the experience is all about sharing diverse, flavorful dishes cooked over open flames.

The phenomenal, freshly baked bread is a must for scooping. Order platters of hummus with lamb shoulder, various kebabs (chicken, beef, or lamb) grilled over the hearth, and roasted halloumi. The atmosphere is energetic and communal.

3. Daikaya

• 📍 Location: Penn Quarter
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese / Ramen / Izakaya
• 🔥 Standout Features: Two-story concept, authentic ramen shop, upstairs izakaya, extensive sake list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ramen fanatics, after-work drinks, and lovers of Japanese small plates.

Daikaya is two completely different restaurants stacked on top of each other. Downstairs is a loud, bustling ramen shop that feels snatched right out of Tokyo, with steam fogging the windows and the constant, happy sound of slurping. Upstairs, it’s a whole other world: a dark, moody izakaya with a killer playlist and a more relaxed, lounge-like vibe.

Downstairs, you’re getting some of the best noodles in the city; the spicy miso ramen is a total flavor bomb. Upstairs, the menu is all about shareable plates and amazing drinks. The grilled avocado with ponzu and fresh wasabi is a must, as are the panko-fried crab croquettes. It’s the perfect pre-theater or late-night spot.

4. Pineapple and Pearls

• 📍 Location: Capitol Hill
• 💲 Price range: $350+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Fine Dining / Tasting Menu
• 🔥 Standout Features: Playful fine dining, party atmosphere, chef’s counter, tasting menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Big celebrations, ultimate foodies, and fans of fun fine dining.

Walking into Pineapple and Pearls is like crashing the most elegant and fun party in D.C. There’s no stuffy silence here, just the pop of a champagne magnum and an energetic buzz. A hot-pink neon “Fancy” sign glows in the window, setting the tone for a night that kills the old rules of fine dining. It’s an all-out, high-end experience that wants you to have a good time.

The menu is a wild, multi-course ride that’s always changing, but it’s packed with hits. You might start with delicate beggars’ purses filled with caviar and crème fraîche. The legendary gnocchi is a dish people talk about for weeks. And for a main, something like the Elysian Fields lamb loin shows up cooked perfectly, proving fine dining can be a total blast.

5. Ben’s Chili Bowl

• 📍 Location: U Street Corridor
• 💲 Price range: $10-$20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Chili Half-Smokes
• 🔥 Standout Features: DC icon, chili half-smoke, U Street landmark.
• 🎯 Perfect For: DC history, chili half-smoke fix, and late-night cheap eats.

Ben’s Chili Bowl is more than a diner; it’s a vital piece of DC history on U Street. Since 1958, this landmark has been serving its legendary chili half-smokes – a local sausage specialty smothered in meaty, flavorful chili – to everyone from locals to presidents.

The vibe is classic, no-frills counter service. Grab a half-smoke “all the way” (mustard, onions, chili). Chili cheese fries or a simple chili con carne are also essential. Ben’s offers a delicious, satisfying, and essential taste of DC heritage.

6. Rasika

• 📍 Location: Penn Quarter / West End
• 💲 Price range: $50-$100 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Indian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed modern Indian, Palak Chaat, elegant setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale Indian, special dinners, and must-try Palak Chaat.

For modern Indian cuisine that consistently wows, Rasika is a top DC destination. This acclaimed restaurant elevates classic Indian dishes with contemporary flair and beautiful presentation in stylish, upscale settings. Rasika is practically legendary for its Palak Chaat.

Beyond the chaat (crispy baby spinach, yogurt, tamarind, and date chutney), explore flavorful black cod with dill and honey. Perfectly cooked tandoori items, like lamb chops or chicken tikka, and inventive vegetable dishes also shine. Service is polished.

7. Iron Gate

• 📍 Location: Dupont Circle
• 💲 Price range: $60-$120 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean / Greek & Italian influences
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic carriageway, wisteria patio, fireplace room.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic dates, amazing patio dining, and Mediterranean fans.

Tucked away in a historic former carriageway near Dupont Circle, Iron Gate feels like discovering a secret Mediterranean garden. This place is renowned for one of DC’s most enchanting patios, covered in ancient wisteria vines and twinkling lights – pure magic.

The menu draws inspiration from Greece and Italy. Consider their wood-fired octopus with lemon and herbs. Flavorful Greek spreads like tzatziki and taramasalata with house-made pita, or their house-made focaccia, are perfect for sharing.

8. Red Hen

• 📍 Location: Bloomingdale
• 💲 Price range: $50-$90 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian-American / Pasta Focused
• 🔥 Standout Features: Neighborhood gem, house-made pasta, cozy rustic vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pasta lovers, neighborhood gem seekers, and cozy dates.

In the heart of Bloomingdale, The Red Hen is that perfect cozy spot serving seriously good Italian-American food. It feels like a true neighborhood gem – warm, inviting, with a rustic-chic vibe that’s comfortable. They’re known for fantastic house-made pastas.

Trying their rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu is essential. The grilled bread with ricotta and honey, or their seasonal mezze maniche all’Amatriciana, and the arancini are also consistently delicious. The Red Hen delivers satisfying meals without pretension.

9. El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria

• 📍 Location: Shaw / Logan Circle border
• 💲 Price range: $20-$40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Mexican / Tex-Mex Influences
• 🔥 Standout Features: Vibrant decor, rooftop deck, tequila/mezcal list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Casual Mexican, tequila/mezcal fans, and rooftop hangs.

Bringing bright flavors to Shaw/Logan Circle, El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria is a vibrant spot for authentic Mexican food and excellent tequila. The decor is cheerful and festive, matching the lively energy, especially on the popular rooftop deck.

The menu features flavorful favorites. Sizzling fajitas (chicken or steak) are a great choice. Diverse tacos, like al pastor or carnitas, and hearty enchiladas with various sauces, like the enchiladas suizas, are also popular alongside potent margaritas.

10. Blue Duck Tavern

• 📍 Location: West End (inside Park Hyatt Washington)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $140+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / Farm-to-Table
• 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin star, seasonal American, wood-burning oven.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale brunch/dinner, special occasions, and sophisticated dining.

Tucked inside the swanky Park Hyatt, Blue Duck Tavern is where you go for polished, Michelin-starred American cooking. The vibe hits that sweet spot between elegant and rustic, with an open kitchen and a massive wood-burning oven.

They celebrate seasonal, local ingredients. For brunch, their short rib hash is legendary. For dinner, expect dishes like wood-fired duck breast or perfectly cooked bone-in ribeye, and the famed apple pie for dessert. It’s a splurge, but delivers an impressive DC dining experience.

11. Farmers Fishers Bakers

• 📍 Location: Georgetown Waterfront (Washington Harbor)
• 💲 Price range: $30-$60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Diverse American / Farm-Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Georgetown waterfront, huge menu, brunch buffet, farm-sourced.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Waterfront dining, groups/picky eaters, and big brunch buffet.

Right on the bustling Georgetown waterfront, Farmers Fishers Bakers is a sprawling restaurant with a massive menu designed to please just about everyone. Part of the farmer-owned collective, they emphasize fresh ingredients across an incredibly diverse offering.

Their legendary weekend brunch buffet is a highlight, featuring endless stations. For regular dining, their farmhouse sushi rolls, brick-oven pizzas like the “Honey Pot”, or classic burgers are popular. The expansive patio offers great views of the Potomac River.

12. Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

• 📍 Location: Penn Quarter
• 💲 Price range: $30-$60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mexican Small Plates (Antojitos) / José Andrés
• 🔥 Standout Features: José Andrés spot, Mexican small plates, salt air margarita.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sharing plates, adventurous eaters, and fun margaritas.

Located in bustling Penn Quarter, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana is chef José Andrés’ vibrant celebration of Mexican antojitos (small plates). This is all about exploring diverse regional flavors through creative tacos, ceviches, sopes, and other shareable bites.

Trying their famous salt air margarita is essential. The chapulines (grasshopper) tacos are a classic Oyamel experience. Fresh ceviches, like the tuna or scallop, and the queso fundido are also fantastic. It’s a fun, lively spot perfect for sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Washington DC

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Washington DC? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Washington DC’s best restaurants.

What is the most famous food in Washington DC?

The most famous food in DC is the Half-Smoke sausage. Often served with chili, it’s a local delicacy that has become synonymous with DC’s food scene. This spicy sausage, typically grilled and served in a bun, can be found in various eateries across the city. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for the best food in DC!

Where do celebrities eat in Washington DC?

Celebrities, when in Washington DC, often frequent upscale and discreet dining spots. Restaurants like Fiola Mare in Georgetown, The Dabney in Shaw, and Blue Duck Tavern in West End have seen their fair share of A-listers. These establishments not only offer exquisite dishes but also provide an ambiance that’s both elegant and private. This makes them some of Washington DC’s best restaurants for star sightings.

What area of DC has the best food?

There’s no shortage of incredible places to eat in Washington DC. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best food neighborhoods:

1. Shaw: Known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, from modern eateries to classic diners.
2. Georgetown: Offers a blend of upscale restaurants and quaint cafes, perfect for a leisurely meal by the waterfront.
3. U Street Corridor: A haven for foodies, with a range of options from African cuisine to modern American dishes.
4. Capitol Hill: Home to both classic establishments and innovative new ventures, offering a taste of DC’s evolving food scene.

Is DC a foodie city?

Absolutely! Washington DC has rapidly evolved into a culinary hotspot, offering a diverse range of dining options. From upscale Michelin-starred restaurants to quaint food trucks, the city caters to all palates and preferences. With a myriad of cultural influences, DC’s food scene is a reflection of its diverse population.

What is the oldest restaurant in DC?

Old Ebbitt Grill, established in 1856, holds the title of the oldest restaurant in Washington DC. Located just steps from The White House, it has been a favorite among numerous presidents, politicians, and celebrities over the years. With its rich history and classic American dishes, it’s a unique restaurant in Washington DC that offers a blend of culinary and historical experiences.

Are there any vegan restaurants in Washington DC?

Washington DC is home to a growing number of vegan-friendly establishments. Here are some top picks for those seeking plant-based delights:

1. Fancy Radish: A modern eatery offering inventive vegan dishes that are both flavorful and visually stunning.
2. NuVegan Café: Serving comfort food classics, this cafe is a favorite among both vegans and non-vegans.
3. Elizabeth’s Gone Raw: An upscale dining experience, offering a vegan tasting menu that changes weekly.
4. HipCityVeg: A fast-casual spot, perfect for grabbing a quick vegan burger or smoothie on the go.

Where to eat when visiting Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, offers a diverse culinary scene that reflects its status as an international city and the seat of the U.S. government. Here are some recommended places to eat across various cuisines and price points:

1. Ben’s Chili Bowl: An iconic U Street eatery known for its chili dogs and half-smokes.
2. Le Diplomate: A bustling French bistro in the Logan Circle area, offering classics like steak frites and escargot.
3. Rasika: A modern Indian restaurant that’s frequently touted as one of the best in the country. Try their signature palak chaat.
4. Rose’s Luxury: Located on Capitol Hill, this spot offers inventive American dishes and is known for its warm hospitality.
5. Old Ebbitt Grill: Established in 1856, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in DC, known for its oyster bar and classic American dishes.
6. The Dabney: Located in a Blagden Alley, it offers Mid-Atlantic cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
7. Zaytinya: A Mediterranean restaurant by Chef José Andrés, offering dishes inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines.
8. Maketto: A unique combination of a cafe, retail store, and restaurant, serving Cambodian and Taiwanese food.
9. Little Serow: A small, intimate spot offering a set menu of Northern Thai dishes. Be prepared for some spice!
10. Georgetown Cupcake: For those with a sweet tooth, this bakery gained fame from the TV show “DC Cupcakes” and offers a range of delightful cupcakes.
11. Busboys and Poets: A combination of a restaurant, bookstore, and event space, offering a diverse menu and hosting various cultural events.
12. Tail Up Goat: Located in Adams Morgan, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a Caribbean-inspired menu.

What cuisine is best in DC?

Washington, DC, is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary scene reflects this diversity. While it’s hard to pinpoint a single “best” cuisine in DC, several stand out due to their prominence and quality in the city:

1. Ethiopian Cuisine: DC has one of the largest Ethiopian communities outside of Ethiopia, and as a result, the city boasts numerous top-notch Ethiopian restaurants. Dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew), injera (spongy sourdough flatbread), and kitfo (minced raw meat) are must-tries. Popular Ethiopian restaurants include Zenebech, Dukem, and Etete.
2. American/New American Cuisine: Given its status as the nation’s capital, DC offers a range of upscale American restaurants that focus on locally-sourced ingredients and modern interpretations of classic dishes. Restaurants like Rose’s Luxury, The Dabney, and Blue Duck Tavern are notable examples.
3. Seafood: Being close to the Chesapeake Bay, DC has a tradition of offering fresh seafood, especially blue crabs and oysters. Old Ebbitt Grill, for instance, is famous for its oyster bar.
4. International Diplomatic Cuisine: Due to the presence of numerous embassies and a large international community, you can find authentic dishes from almost every corner of the world in DC. This includes Salvadoran pupusas, Korean bulgogi, and more.
5. Southern Cuisine: With its location bordering the South, DC has a rich history of Southern cooking. Restaurants like Georgia Brown’s and Founding Farmers offer classic Southern dishes with a modern twist.
6. Fast-Casual Chains: DC is the birthplace of several successful fast-casual chains that have now spread nationwide. Cava (Mediterranean) and &pizza (pizza) are two examples.

Where do senators eat in DC?

In Washington, DC, senators, representatives, and other political figures often have a wide variety of dining options, from exclusive clubs to popular local restaurants. Here are some places where senators and other political figures have been known to dine:

1. The Senate Dining Room: Located within the U.S. Capitol, this is a private dining area reserved for senators, their guests, and occasionally members of the House of Representatives. It’s a place for political discussions and meetings over meals.
2. The Monocle: Situated on Capitol Hill, The Monocle is the first restaurant to open on the Senate side of The Hill. It’s a popular spot for senators, representatives, and their staff.
3. Charlie Palmer Steak: This upscale steakhouse is just steps from the Capitol and has been a favorite for many politicians over the years.
4. Cafe Milano: Located in Georgetown, this Italian restaurant is known for its high-profile clientele, including senators, diplomats, and even international celebrities.
5. The Capital Grille: Another upscale option, The Capital Grille is often frequented by politicians and lobbyists alike.
6. Occidental Grill & Seafood: Located near the White House, this historic restaurant has seen numerous politicians and international dignitaries over its long history.
7. BLT Steak: This modern American steakhouse in downtown DC is another favorite among the political elite.
8. Le Diplomate: A bustling French bistro in the Logan Circle neighborhood, it’s not uncommon to spot politicians and journalists here.
9. The Metropolitan Club: One of the oldest private clubs in DC, it’s a place for the city’s elite, including senators and other high-ranking officials.
10. Old Ebbitt Grill: As one of the oldest restaurants in DC, it’s a favorite for its history and classic American dishes. It’s not uncommon to see politicians dining here, given its proximity to the White House.

Discovering Unique Restaurants in Washington DC: Recap

Fly to Washington DC and you’ll be amazed by what you see. This is a city bursting with gastronomic gems waiting to be explored. From the rustic charm of The Dabney to the innovative dishes at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, the capital offers a dining experience like no other.

Each unique restaurant in DC that we’ve highlighted brings its own unique flair to the table. Farmers Fishers Bakers champions sustainability, while Zaytinya transports diners to the Mediterranean with every bite. And let’s not forget Blue Duck Tavern and El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria, each presenting dishes that are both familiar and refreshingly new.

The best part? There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge, DC’s dining scene caters to all. From upscale establishments to cozy cafes, the choices are as diverse as the city itself.

In the end, Washington DC is a haven for food enthusiasts. With its rich tapestry of flavors, cultures, and experiences, the city promises a culinary adventure that’s both memorable and utterly delicious.