Washington DC's Award-winning Restaurants

James Beard Award winners. MICHELIN-recognized restaurants. Perennial best-of picks. Book an award-winning spot in Washington DC and find out for yourself why these restaurants are beloved by critics and diners alike.

OpenTable

34 Restaurants

Updated April 18, 2023

Restaurants:	1789 Restaurant, ala, Ambar Capitol Hill…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	American, Mediterranean, Balkan Style…
Neighborhoods:	Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill…

1789 Restaurant

$$$$

American

Georgetown

4.7

6088 reviews

Always an incredible experience. Everything about this place makes for a special experience. And the Somm, incredible and unpretentious.

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

ala

$$$$

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

4.7

1108 reviews

Great place for a 3 -course bottomless mimosa brunch. The mimosas are great, and servers are friendly and attentive. Only downside is the food, which is just okay. Overall ambiance is relaxed and casual - would dine here again!

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

Experiences available

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Ambar Capitol Hill

$$$$

Balkan Style

Capitol Hill

4.8

4410 reviews

Melina was very caring hostess!

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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Bar Chinois

$$$$

Chinese

Shaw

4.7

396 reviews

Wonderful service from a friendly staff as we were visiting from Maryland. Food was quick, delicious, and fairly priced! We had bottomless mimosas and they were definitely bottomless, 10/10 experience!

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

Experiences available

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Bidwell

$$$$

American

NoMa

4.4

530 reviews

Lovely place with great service and delicious food. We have been going there a long time and absolutely love it there. It is one of our favorite places.

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

6362 reviews

Prices have increased considerably.

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

4887 reviews

This was the best Indian food I’ve ever had. My date and I had a fantastic experience. 5 star.

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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Chaplin

$$$$

Japanese

Shaw

4.6

1382 reviews

Great food (noodles make me happy) and cocktails; what’s not to love?

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

Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine

$$$$

Ethiopian

Bethesda / Chevy Chase

4.4

83 reviews

We love this restaurant - delicious food, good service, fun neighborhood place.

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

3168 reviews

2nd time here, but it's been a few years. Did not disappoint. Eclectic range of options. The wine Wednesday offer was a nice surprise. Ceviche and the rices dishes stood out. Food runners did a great job introducing each dish.

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

Das Ethiopian - Georgetown

$$$$

Ethiopian

Georgetown

4.7

1305 reviews

Highly recommend this fantastic, authentic Ethiopian that never disappoints! It’s always awesome - food and service are excellent!!

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

dLeña

$$$$

Latin American

Mount Vernon Square

4.7

1210 reviews

Troy was absolutely amazing!!! He literally ready my mind by sending suggested brunch plates before I even ordered them and everything we got from the menu was delicious! I cannot wait to return!

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

El Secreto de Rosita

$$$$

Latin American

Downtown

4.5

461 reviews

This place is our go-to for some amazing Peruvian food and drinks. The ambiance is moody, with beautiful lighting, furniture and wall art. The service is great and you won't be disappointed with the food. Try the aroz con mariscos and the hummus with short ribs, they are divine but everything else is really amazing too. Try their Pisco Sour if you want to try a Peruvian cocktail!

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

Estuary at the Conrad DC

$$$$

Unspecified

Penn Quarter

4.5

521 reviews

It was a wonderful time. We are high maintenance people and picky eaters…and we were pleased with everything. From the cinnamon bun, to the avocado toast, to the crab Benedict and the omelette, everything was delicious. Service was outstanding, shoutout to the hostess, waiters, manager, and especially the chef. Thanks for making our day so special.

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

Georgia Brown's

$$$$

Regional American (Low Country)

Downtown

4.4

8041 reviews

It's always a good time at Georgia Brown. I went for Sunday Jazz brunch and it was top tier. There was a bit of wait because people did not want leave their tables. We sat at the bar and enjoyed biscuits and Mimosas. Everything was delicious. The service was impeccable. The music was amazing. One warning: There is a homeless tent city in McPherson Square park that popped up over the pandemic. It's not a great sight, so I would not recommend sitting outdoors.

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

Gravitas

$$$$

American

Capitol Hill

4.4

133 reviews

Fantastic experience. Would definitely recommend and visit again. Food was excellent. Service was excellent as well

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

Experiences available

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Jaleo DC

$$$$

Spanish

Penn Quarter

4.7

9888 reviews

Always wonderful food, great service and will absolutely go back.

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

Joselito Casa de Comidas

$$$$

Spanish

Capitol Hill

4.7

1242 reviews

A lovely neighborhood fell with great dishes that are not the same as you will find elsewhere. Fine food without pretension

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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Kaliwa

$$$$

Asian

Southwest Waterfront

3.6

438 reviews

We loved the sharing menu option. They quickly served it.

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

La Bise

$$$$

French

Downtown

4.7

638 reviews

We celebrated our Anniversary at La Bise, our dinner and service were top notch. It was our first time, but not our last :-)

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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Lupo Verde - 14th St

$$$$

Italian

Logan Circle

4.5

1788 reviews

My bolognese pasta was over cooked but the sauce was great. Service was great and the outdoor area is well protected from sun.

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

Maiz64

$$$$

Mexican

Logan Circle

4.6

266 reviews

My friends and I decided to go to maiz 64 to celebrate my bachelorette and had so much fun and had delicious food, the corn tamal is a must, it also was a fave for all of us, we had a couple drinks, they were so flavorful and fresh, the staff made sure we had the best bachelorette dinner ✨

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

Experiences available

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Michele’s

$$$$

Contemporary French / American

West Loop

4.3

175 reviews

My group was treated exceptionally well. I'm very grateful for the experience.

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

Experiences available

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Ottoman Taverna

$$$$

Turkish

Mount Vernon Square

4.6

1422 reviews

Service is fast, Menu is affordable - Nothing outrageous. I made a reservation for my father's birthday and they were able to bring out a baklava with a sparker attached to it. I appreciated that they did something for the occasion. Only downside was the coke might have been flat but the food was very good and big on portions.

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

9027 reviews

My daughter is a senior at CUA in DC. We both enjoy an adventurous dining experience. We are working our way through all of José Andrés restaurants. Oyamel did not disappoint! We love the small plate concept as it allows us to try many different delicious dishes. Our server was pleasant and efficient. Each dish was delightful and the guacamole was the best I have ever had! I highly recommend the Oyamel margarita.

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

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

$$$$

Seafood

Logan Circle

4.8

1294 reviews

My partner and I had brunch and it was great. Good food bu I do think a couple of more signature items could be added to the menu. Overall great experience!

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

Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf

$$$$

Oyster Bar

Southwest Waterfront

4.2

85 reviews

We love Rappahanock. Great place for fresh seafood and a chill atmosphere

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

Rumi's Kitchen - DC

$$$$

Persian

Mount Vernon Square

4.7

1601 reviews

All I can say is WOW!!! Saw this restaurant on Tic Tock and gave it a try…. Amazing experience the food was delicious, the drinks were on point. The sever was knowledgeable and provided recommendations. I can’t wait to go back.

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

San Lorenzo

$$$$

Italian

Shaw

4.7

113 reviews

Great meal, the seafood was so flavorful (we had oysters, the tonno, and salmon and branzino)!

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

Shilling Canning Company

$$$$

American

Navy Yard

4.9

19 reviews

The Chef's counter Tasting/Pairing experience was a-mazing! The food was exquisite, crazy good flavors, the wine selection was fantastic and we loved seeing it all being prepared in the wood fired oven right in front of us. The whole staff was awesome as well, very pleasant and giving us all the information on the food we were experiencing, but also giving us space to enjoy our date night. Such a memorable experience, highly recommend!

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

Experiences available

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Swahili Village The Consulate

$$$$

African

Dupont Circle

4.8

326 reviews

One of the best meals I’ve had - the fried tilapia with coconut sauce and grilled goat with onions and tomatoes. The joloff spinach in coconut milk and cabbage. You just have to try to know for yourself. Amazing food experience with friendly non overbearing waiters

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

The Pembroke

$$$$

Global, International

Dupont Circle

4.7

1474 reviews

The brunch was delicious, the music playlist really set the mood, the decor was bright and vibrant. It was perfect for a girls brunch.

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

Tonari

$$$$

Italian

Penn Quarter

4.6

164 reviews

Food was great! I’ve lived in both Italy and Japan, so it was wonderful to see both cuisines being represented so well. Pizza and pastas were fantastic!

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

17507 reviews

Delicious food and unlimited bread! Im so glad I found out about this place! The people that work here are so lovely as well

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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