Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants

Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the Washington, D.C. dining scene. Here are Washington, DC’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.

The OpenTable team

8 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Zaytinya, Oyamel, Central Michel Richard…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Mediterranean, Mexican, American…
Neighborhoods:	Penn Quarter…

Zaytinya

$$$$

Mediterranean

Penn Quarter

4.7

17123 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

9012 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?

Central Michel Richard

$$$$

American

Penn Quarter

4.7

7460 reviews

Since it opened 10 years ago, Central Michel Richard has been serving French-American food that is both elegant and low-key, winning accolades from all over the country. We particularly love the steak au poivre, rotisserie chicken, and French onion soup.

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

Jaleo DC

$$$$

Spanish

Penn Quarter

4.7

9645 reviews

Chef Jose Andres is an integral part of the Washington, DC food scene, and with Jaleo—a modern tapas bar in the Penn Quarter—it’s easy to see why. Couple the top-notch food with impeccable (and unpretentious) service and you’ve got one of the most fun spots to dine in the city. Chef Jose Andres is an integral part of the Washington, DC food scene, and with Jaleo—a modern tapas bar in the Penn Quarter—it’s easy to see why. Couple the top-notch food with impeccable (and unpretentious) service and you’ve got one of the most fun spots to dine in the city.

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

Bombay Club

$$$$

Indian

Downtown

4.8

4652 reviews

It’s hard to believe that Bombay Club has been around for thirty years; the food at this posh Indian restaurant still feels exciting and new. Don’t miss dishes like the green-chili chicken, Goan crab masala, and duck kebabs—and even meat-eaters should check out the vegetarian section, with exemplary versions of paneer makhni, gobi matar, and kale-spinach kofta.

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

Takeout available

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Tosca

$$$$

Italian

Downtown

4.8

3922 reviews

Tosca Ristorante is where the power-lunch-and-dinner types come for delicious Italian food, served in a handsome, stately room. The pastas, in particular, are excellent, as well as the appetizers; don’t miss the spaghetti with clams, pappardelle with wild boar ragu, and the crisp-fried squash blossoms.

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

Old Ebbitt Grill

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.8

24986 reviews

There are few restaurants in DC as entrenched in the political scene as Old Ebbitt Grill, where politicos of all stripes come to hang out and unwind. You’ll find a menu of American classics such as oysters Rockefeller, New England clam chowder, and bacon-horseradish-glazed meatloaf, and if you’re caught at the office, not to worry—much of the menu is available late into the night.

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

BlackSalt

$$$$

Seafood

Palisades Northwest

4.8

6181 reviews

For a night of gorging on some of the freshest seafood in the city, head to BlackSalt, a DC institution in the Palisades neighborhood. We particularly love the clam chowder, crab cakes, and low country seafood stew—and if you’re feeling fancy, go for the caviar service.

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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