Favorite Local Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

There are lots of things to be proud of in our nation’s capital: the rich sense of history, the architecture, the countless landmarks and monuments—and now, even more so than ever before, the food. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to sprawling French bistros, legendary Indian spots to not-so-classic diners—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. You'll want to follow their lead.

The OpenTable team

11 Restaurants

Updated February 25, 2020

Restaurants:	Le Diplomate, Zaytinya, Oyamel…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	French, Mediterranean, Mexican…
Neighborhoods:	Logan Circle, Penn Quarter…

Le Diplomate

$$$$

French

Logan Circle

4.8

13074 reviews

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?

Zaytinya

$$$$

Mediterranean

Penn Quarter

4.7

17362 reviews

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

8995 reviews

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

3122 reviews

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?

The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

$$$$

American

Penn Quarter

4.5

2943 reviews

The Smith in Penn Quarter is the first DC outpost of the Manhattan group of restaurants, serving classic, crowd-pleasing American food in a fun, lively atmosphere. The food is simple, but tasty; the staff is friendly and attentive; and there will be something on the menu to make everyone happy.

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

Farmers & Distillers

$$$$

American

Mt. Vernon Square

4.3

8839 reviews

Farmers & Distillers is a restaurant owned by farmers themselves; it’s a collaboration between restaurateurs Mike Vucurevich and Dan Simons and the 47,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union. That alone makes for a unique restaurant, but the concept—which is situated around “What would George Washington do?”—makes for a diverse, rollicking menu.

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

Founding Farmers - DC

$$$$

American

Foggy Bottom

4.4

31685 reviews

From the same farmer-owned group behind Farmers & Distillers is Founding Farmers, a—you guessed it—farm-to-table restaurant in downtown DC. Expect crowd-pleasing dishes like pastas, burgers, chicken pot pie, and other American classics.

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

4.6

2234 reviews

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?

Succotash PRIME

$$$$

American

Penn Quarter

4.5

2865 reviews

Succotash is a breathtaking restaurant in every which way: the 9,000-square-foot-space is marbled and gilded in every which way, the bronze-plated glass atrium sparkles, and the food—which showcases chef Ed Lee’s take on Southern food—is excellent. We especially love the Nashville hot–style oysters and pimento cheese burger.

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

Iron Gate

$$$$

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

4.8

2491 reviews

Iron Gate, a cozy, romantic restaurant in Dupont Circle, has a lot going for it: the wood-fired hearth and rotisserie, the red leather banquettes, the wisteria-lined patio. Tuck into a platter of lamb meatballs or roasted manicotti, and you’re in for quite an evening.

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

Experiences available

View Experiences

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

RPM Italian - DC

$$$$

Italian

Washington DC

4.7

3612 reviews

For excellent Italian food in a sleek, sexy setting, head to RPM Italian, the DC outpost of the Chicago classic. You’ll find delicate crudos, excellent antipasti, and great versions of Italian-American classics like chicken parmesan—but you’re really here for the pastas, with dishes like pappardelle bolognese and spaghetti carbonara stealing the show.

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

Explore OpenTable

Washington DC

Local Favorites: The 20 Best Restaurants