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

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems 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!

Maya Bistro

4.9

4.9 (271)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Arlington

About the restaurant

Welcome to Maya Bistro!

Maya Bistro is a family-owned restaurant in Arlington, VA. in Maya Bistro our delicious meals can be anything from a simple snack to an elaborate multi-course meal celebrates good food, hospitality and the heart of Turkey.

It is an upscale-casual dining experience that celebrates the rich diversity of Turkish & Mediterranean food and culture through a blend of classic and contemporary menu offerings and superb hospitality.

With the 35 years of experience in a variety of cuisines, our family draws on a deep knowledge of classic and contemporary Turkish & Mediterranean cooking as well as the many regional influences on Turkish & Mediterranean cuisine.

Top review

G. Denise

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

The dining experience was absolutely phenomenal! The food was incredibly delicious — from the soup to the variety of appetizers to the entrees, everything was simply fabulous. The Turkish wine was also excellent, complementing the meal perfectly. It was an ideal spot for my luncheon with my very good friend, with generous portions that even allowed us to bring food home. I didn't know that healthy could be so good!! Service was top-notch; the young man who greeted us, fixed our drinks and served us was nice and attentive. The owner even came over and greeted us. As someone known as the 'foodie' among my friends, I can confidently say I would love to return, and I highly recommend this place to others.

Il Piccolo Morso

4.9

4.9 (513)

$30 and under

Italian

Leonardtown

About the restaurant

Il Piccolo Morso - Serving delicious Italian food and cocktails in Leonardtown, Maryland. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

stevenvip

Dined 3 days ago

We enjoyed two of four specials offered. Grilled shrimp on a bed of linguine and the red snapper with a light red sauce and pasta. Caesar salad is always delicious. Cory was our server and did an excellent job assisted by Luis. THANK YOU for another great evening

Cork Wine Bar & Market

4.8

4.8 (521)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Logan Circle

About the restaurant

Logan's favorite neighborhood wine bar - now with a beautiful expanded garden patio! Locally owned Cork is an affordable, casually elegant place that demystifies the world of wine by giving you real descriptions of what you are drinking, flights of wine so you can explore different regions and varietals, and suggestions for pairing our wines with our offerings. Cork Wine Bar is the creation of Logan Circle residents Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts.

Dine Upstairs, in our Tasting Bar or in our Expanded Secret Garden. Tables are reserved for dining only. The reservation is for a 2 hour dining experience.

Top review

Jeffreyvip

Dined 6 days ago

Great service!

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Experience

Wine Tasting Experience

Experience

Weekend Brunch with Make Your Own Mimosas!

Murphy's Grand Irish Pub

4.8

4.8 (352)

$30 and under

European

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

---- IF FOR SOME REASON, ALL RESERVATIONS SLOTS ARE GONE, PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ONLY ALLOW FOR 30% OF OUR ENTIRE RESTAURANT TO BE RESERVED AT ANY ONE TIME TO ALLOW ROOM FOR WALK-INS ----
Opened in 1978 and located in the heart of historic Old Town, Alexandria, Murphy's Grand Irish Pub is one of Alexandria's best-loved and most inviting restaurants. Murphy's offers an extensive menu and top-class traditional cuisine in the welcoming ambiance of its cozy settings.

A short 10-15-minute drive from the nation's capital, this landmark establishment is located at the main intersection in Old Town, King & Washington.

Today, the tradition of great food and drink remains as steadfast as when the doors first opened back in 1978

Murphy's has Live Irish Music seven nights a week and on weekends, on both floors.

Top review

Evelynvip

Dined 2 days ago

We came in for brunch Sunday. Website says brunch until 3:00 but actually it stops at 2:00, we got there at 1:45. Unfortunately my eggs were over cooked , potato’s were old and cold, pancakes were burnt, black. Biscuit was old and dry. I was very disappointed as we had eaten there before and it was good.

Istanbul Grill

4.8

4.8 (109)

$30 and under

Turkish

Arlington

About the restaurant

Turkish Cuisine Istanbul Grill has so many delicious, fresh, quality and amazing food in Arlington, VA.
Fresh Doner Kebab made every day. If you like spicy try ADANA kebab. iskender kebab

Top review

Zafarvip

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Great food and excellent service. Recommend highly

a Modo Mio

4.8

4.8 (255)

$30 and under

Italian

Falls Church

About the restaurant

At a Modo Mio, you’ll find that our menu is made up of homemade recipes straight from our family’s recipe book back in Italy. Indulge yourself with an authentic Neapolitan Pizza or a pasta made to order, and a glass or better, a bottle of wine carefully selected to pair with your food choices. We’ve created an authentic Italian dining experience right here in Arlington – no need to travel all the way to Italy!

We have been included in the 50 Best Pizza in the US in 2023.

Join us for some freshly made Italian food, 11am – 9:30pm Sunday-Thursday
11am - 10 pm Friday and Saturday

Top review

paolavip

Dined 5 days ago

It's a family restaurant with good food and a relaxed atmosphere. You will find many Italians eating there as well!!

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Thursday All Day Happy Hour!

Brazil Gourmet Pizzeria & Grill

4.7

4.7 (106)

$31 to $50

Pizzeria

Damascus

About the restaurant

Exquisite pizza and Grill in the best style of São Paulo, Brazil.

Top review

Pattyvip

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Delicious food and big portions. Pizza crust is very good.

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Experience

All You Can Eat - Unlimited Pizza

Delhi Spice

4.7

4.7 (36)

$30 and under

Indian

Bethesda

About the restaurant

India has always been known as a land of spices and Asia’s largest spice market is in Delhi!! Join us as we take you through an aromatic journey of both local and exotic spices blended with the labor of love and effort put into each of our dishes, we try to bring diverse flavors of Delhi to you through the spices used to create our signature dishes.

Top review

Michael

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Nice outdoor space. Warm friendly and attentive service. Flavorful and well prepared food. Great value with generous portions.

Ko Japanese Dining

4.7

4.7 (9)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Located in Dupont Circle, we are excited to bring the rich culinary heritage of Japan to the vibrant heart of Washington, DC. At Ko Japanese Dining, we specialize in Kaiseki, a culinary art form originating from the elaborate tea ceremonies of Kyoto. Kaiseki showcases the chef's skill in crafting a meticulously balanced and seasonally inspired multi-course meal, highlighting the essence of Japanese cuisine.

In addition to Kaiseki, our menu features an array of classic Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and omakase experiences. Don't miss our signature dishes like karaage and tonkatsu set as well.

we invite you to join us on a culinary journey through the flavors of Japan at Ko Japanese Dining. Experience the true essence of Japanese cuisine in the heart of DC. We can't wait to welcome you soon!

Top review

Jaclyn

Dined on Aug 23, 2024

We absolutely love this place! The best traditional Japanese in the DC area. Don’t miss the tempura and agedashi tofu!

Service Bar

4.6

4.6 (7)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Mount Vernon Square

About the restaurant

Service Bar, opened by Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley, has provided Washington DC with a relaxed and intimate alternative to the typical stiff-upper-lip cocktail bar.

Top review

Bobby

Dined 4 days ago

I LOVE SERVICE BAR. This place seriously rules and I always take my people to this place.

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