Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. OpenTable Classics: Iconic Restaurants on OpenTable
  3. Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants
A photo of Iconic Restaurants thumbnail

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.

A photo of Otlogo
The OpenTable team
7 Restaurants
Updated February 26, 2020
Restaurants:Zaytinya, Oyamel, Jaleo DC
Price Range:$$ - $$$
Cuisines:Mediterranean, Mexican, Spanish
Neighborhoods:Penn Quarter
A photo of Zaytinya restaurant

Zaytinya

$$$$
Mediterranean
Penn Quarter
4.7
17436 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?

A photo of Oyamel restaurant

Oyamel

$$$$
Mexican
Penn Quarter
4.7
9014 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?

A photo of Jaleo DC restaurant

Jaleo DC

$$$$
Spanish
Penn Quarter
4.7
9829 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?

A photo of Bombay Club restaurant

Bombay Club

$$$$
Indian
Downtown
4.8
4831 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
View Takeout Menu
A photo of Tosca restaurant

Tosca

$$$$
Italian
Downtown
4.7
4141 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?

A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant

Old Ebbitt Grill

$$$$
American
Downtown
4.8
26269 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?

A photo of BlackSalt restaurant

BlackSalt

$$$$
Seafood
Palisades Northwest
4.8
6306 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?

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo