Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

4.9

4.9 (1659)

$50 and over

American

Lovettsville

About the restaurant

www.patowmackfarm.com
Sourcing food and supporting local artisan growers and producers and utilizing our farm as the chefs pantry gives us the opportunity to create an evolving menu that draws its inspiration from the seasons and in harmony with the earth. The venue has a breathtaking view and natural setting overlooking the Potomac River. We offer a tasting menu Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check the website for the menu.
Wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate or special event – we strive to exceed your dreams. Innovative and skillfully executed dishes follow the lead of nature, being mindful of the environment.
*Due to the style of menu on special events and holidays and the complexities involved with individual and specific food allergies, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions on those days. We make every effort to provide vegetarian and accommodate gluten sensitivities.*
2023 #2 Northern VA Magazine

Top review

EricaB

Dined on Oct 3, 2024

From start to finish, top tier performance by Chef and the entire Staff! This was our second time at PF and we were blown away by the use of local ingredients, sourced fresh water fish and the wine pairing was perfect. Our waiter, John was knowledgeable, enjoyable and truly kind. We enjoyed meeting most of the Staff and had the pleasure of speaking with Chef, who in and of himself was great! Also, I am dairy free and they were so accommodating, I am truly grateful and impressed! We loved every minute of this experience (not to mention the view as the sun is setting). And it’s truly that, an experience!

Jônt

4.9

4.9 (68)

$50 and over

French / Japanese

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.

We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.

Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.

Top review

Eliot

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent nonalcoholic beverage pairing. Really great food. Pricey, but you get exquisite preparations of some of the world's finest ingredients, and the staff and friendly and accommodating.

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Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu

Experience

$295 Chef's Tasting Menu

Experience

Krug Champagne Dinner

Mita

4.9

4.9 (39)

$50 and over

Latin American

Washington

About the restaurant

Vegetable Experience.

The root of everything. The beginning of life, where we come from, the reason for being. The origin of many paths that lead to a single destination. The upward growth from darkness to light. From mystery to truth. What it was, what it is and what will be.

Mita is life and flavor.

Mita is Latin America.

We can be reached at info@mitadc.com.

Top review

Judyvip

Dined on Oct 1, 2024

This is one of those places you go that you pray will do great as you want to be able to go back again and again! Amazing!!!

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4.7

4.7 (18)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience without pretension or fuss. Hidden in a Georgetown alleyway, Spero has redefined luxury in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, showcasing masterful culinary creativity alongside upbeat music and minimalist decor. The tasting menu skews heavily coastal with offerings from the garden and the sea, along with a sense of humor and novelty that balances the sheer beauty of Spero’s cooking. Simultaneously indulgent and charmingly casual, the restaurant invites guests to bring a sense of curiosity, while leaving their troubles at the door.

Our current menu is offered at $255 per guest with optional beverage pairings available as well.

We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com.

Top review

David

Dined 4 days ago

Truly exceptional in every way ! Felt like I landed in Spain and dined at a 3 Michelin Star Restaurant . Seafood focused tasting menu that truly delivers. Service is impeccable and genuine . My too recommend for sure !

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Experience

Tasting Menu

Agua 301

4.5

4.5 (812)

$30 and under

Mexican

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

Aqua 301 celebrates the culture and cuisine of Mexico taking contemporary Mexican cuisine and infusing it with modern flair. This is not Tex Mex! Chef Jaime Pelayo tweaks traditional Mexican ingredients and flavor profiles through experimental ingredient combinations and serves it up waterside in Yards Park.

Top review

Kapeka

Dined on Aug 18, 2024

Great place and great service the food was really good and they had a great experience

The Alchemist

4.5

4.5 (61)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

McPherson Square

About the restaurant

Step into the clandestine world of The Alchemist, an elusive speakeasy where craftsmanship and libation unite. Immerse yourself in a realm of handcrafted cocktails featuring smoke and fire, where we infuse spirits seasonally and boast over 150 carefully selected bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Uncover the art of mixology and savor the allure of rare spirits at The Alchemist DC

Top review

Lubna

Dined 7 days ago

Inventive cocktails in a cozy den with friendly & approachable bartenders. I’d be a regular if I lived in the neighborhood. Ask the bartender to give you butterflies:)

WHINO

4.3

4.3 (46)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Arlington

About the restaurant

There is no place like WHINO. The Art is the centerpiece in this stunning 6200 sq. foot restaurant experience complete with tasting bar, large craft cocktail bar, 5 large-scale immersive murals and open kitchen. The chef carefully curated a seasonal mix of international small plates to enhance the dining experience.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 15, 2024

Juan was an amazing bartender and server. Top notch!

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Experience

“Expressions of Tempranillo” Wine Tasting 8-930pm

Lima Twist

4.3

4.3 (71)

$31 to $50

South American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Legendary Lima returns… with a twist. Located at 1411 K St. NW Washington, D.C. Step into a world of sophisticated luxury and exquisite taste. Cultivated and designed to awaken and arouse all of your senses. Take in the beauty of modern elegance and those around you. Tickle your taste buds and indulge in an array of culinary creations inspired by regions of robust flavors. Refresh yourself with artisanal crafted cocktails sourced from natural ingredients. Become engulfed in the exotic scents of the Pacific coast of Peru, Lima and valley of Machu Picchu. Be amazed at the site of masterful illumination, crystallized lighting and LED light shows.

Top review

Zandra

Dined on Aug 9, 2024

Omg amazing place the staff the ambiance the vibe. The food the hookah EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING

Planta - Washington, DC

4.2

4.2 (59)

$30 and under

Vegetarian / Vegan

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

PLANTA Queen is a celebration of innovative and plant-based Asian-inspired cuisine by Chef David Lee, served in a high energy and beautifully designed space with an overflow of fun, late-night vibes. PLANTA Queen DC stays true to signatures like Truffle Udon Noodles and Bang Bang Broccoli while expanding plant-powered horizons in the way of sushi, dumplings, cocktails, and more. PLANTA Queen reimagines and reinvents plant-based dining, providing flavorful (and fun) proof that the power of plants can change the world.

Top review

Jamaal

Dined on Oct 4, 2024

This was my first time eating at PLANTA Queen and I have to say two thumbs up. All the waitresses and servers were friendly and informative which made my experience so comforting when choosing my dish. I’m already planning to go back to explore more of their menu.

Sports & Social - North Bethesda

4.0

4 (196)

$30 and under

American

North Bethesda

About the restaurant

Sports & Social Bethesda is bringing the ULTIMATE FAN EXPERIENCE to you. Don't miss a moment of the action with a large media wall and 20+ HDTVs.

We're raising the sports bar with big eats, an extensive beer selection, games and more!

Top review

Fred

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent service with a smile by Gladis G. Great place to watch a Phillies game in Bethesda. Boneless wings and burgers were exceptional!

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