The Top Restaurants by Cuisine in Washington, D.C.

Where’s the best Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, or Indian food in town? Where’s the best steak, the best pizza, the best plate of oysters? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among Washington D.C.'s most expert, seasoned diners, broken down by each type of cuisine.

The OpenTable team

9 Restaurants

Updated February 19, 2020

Restaurants:	Le Diplomate, The Salt Line - Navy Yard, Zaytinya…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	French, Seafood, Mediterranean…
Neighborhoods:	Logan Circle, Navy Yard, Penn Quarter…

Le Diplomate

$$$$

French

Logan Circle

4.8

13206 reviews

FRENCH: Le Diplomate, a pitch-perfect French bistro in Logan Circle, is undoubtedly one of the greatest spots to brunch in the city. (Ask anyone from DC and they’ll agree.) You can’t go wrong with any of the egg dishes, and make sure to eat as much bread as you possibly can—you won’t regret it.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Salt Line - Navy Yard

$$$$

Seafood

Navy Yard

4.7

2255 reviews

SEAFOOD: On the waterfront near the Navy Yard you’ll find The Salt Line, a seafood restaurant that celebrates the cooking traditions of New England and the Chesapeake Bay. This means there are excellent lobster rolls to be had, as well as clam chowder, fried clam bellies, stuffed lobster, and, of course, lots and lots of fresh oysters.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Zaytinya

$$$$

Mediterranean

Penn Quarter

4.7

17418 reviews

MEDITERRANEAN: Chef Jose Andres is a DC legend, with restaurants of all types delighting diners around the city. Zaytinya is his Middle Eastern spot, with a myriad of dips and salads and meats and vegetables served family-style in a bright, clean, airy space. We love it as much for brunch as we do for dinner.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Oyamel

$$$$

Mexican

Penn Quarter

4.7

9009 reviews

MEXICAN: Oyamel is one of those restaurants that manages to be elegant, refined, and a whole lot of fun. You’re here for upscale versions of Mexican street food—think tacos, ceviches, and tons of vegetable dishes—all served in a laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of margaritas to go around.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

China Chilcano

$$$$

Peruvian

Penn Quarter

4.7

3136 reviews

PERUVIAN: China Chilcano is a Jose Andres restaurant specializing in the food of Peru—specifically chifa, the Chinese-influenced Peruvian cuisine, and nikkei, the Japanese-influenced tradition that also permeates the country. What this results in is a menu that’s as informative as it is thrilling, with dishes like ceviches, sashimi, sushi rolls, and dim sum all making starring appearances.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Chaplin

$$$$

Japanese

Shaw

4.7

1345 reviews

JAPANESE: You probably wouldn’t expect a Japanese restaurant to be Charlie Chaplin–themed—but at Chaplin, a ramen spot in Shaw, it works. Check out the vintage movie posters while dining on any number of noodle soups, dumplings, and various Japanese small plates, and wash it all down with one (or a few) of their many delicious, inventive cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BLT Steak DC

$$$$

Steak

Downtown

4.5

3788 reviews

STEAKHOUSE: BLT Steak is a hit amongst the power-lunch-and-dinner crowd, and it’s not hard to see why: this is a first-rate steakhouse, with an impressive raw bar, a rainbow of sides, and beef good enough to live up to its name. Just don’t fill up too much on those popovers, which are delivered hot to every table.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lebanese Taverna - Washington DC

$$$$

Middle Eastern

Woodley Park

4.6

1172 reviews

LEBANESE: Lebanese Taverna is a part of a group of restaurants that’s been serving Lebanese food for decades, and it’s clear they know what they’re doing. We recommend anything from the “Hommus Bar” section of the menu, as well as their kibbeh, shawarma, and falafel.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mandu - K Street

$$$$

Korean

Mount Vernon Square

4.7

606 reviews

KOREAN: Mandu is a homestyle Korean restaurant beloved by locals and industry folk alike, serving classics like bibimbap, galbi, bulgogi, and, of course, top-notch mandu. We especially love going late at night, when cooks and chefs from nearby restaurants get off of work and let off some steam.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Best in Class by Cuisine: Best Restaurants by Cuisine Type