Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Brightwood

85 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

4.6

Exceptional(858)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • U Street Corridor

Booked 14 times today

Bresca, nestled in the vibrant U Street Corridor of Washington, DC, is a beacon of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant has garnered glowing accolades for its innovative approach to French dining, skillfully blending Eastern and Western culinary traditions under the guidance of Chef Ryan Ratino. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the Potato Pierogi and Diver Scallop, highlighting the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients which "sing of summer." The atmosphere is described as a perfect mix of cozy bistro charm and refined elegance, making every visit memorable. With accolades like "best duck I’ve ever had" and experiences that exceed expectations, Bresca stands out as a pinnacle of culinary excellence and creativity.

2. The Park at 14th

4.7

Exceptional(2894)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 68 times today

At The Park at 14th in Downtown Washington D.C., seafood enthusiasts are treated to an exquisite dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its high-quality and authentic seafood dishes. Nestled with a stunning view of Franklin Square, this venue is consistently praised for its culinary delights. Guests rave about the "amazing" seafood options, with particular shout-outs to the "blackened salmon that was worth every penny" and the "exceptionally delicious grits." The atmosphere is matched by the vibrant and attentive service, ensuring every seafood dish is a hit. As one reviewer put it, the food is "outstanding," making The Park at 14th a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood experience in the heart of the capital.

3. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3753)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Dupont Circle

Booked 40 times today

At the heart of Dupont Circle in Washington lies the Tabard Inn, a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Continental cuisine. Since 1922, this historic venue has served as a charming retreat, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and beautifully crafted dishes. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir, whose stellar background includes stints at notable D.C. establishments, the Tabard Inn offers a sophisticated menu that skillfully blends traditional favorites with inventive new offerings. Diners rave about the "delightful seasonal treats" like the gazpacho and rockfish, and the "succulent" chicken fricassee. The ambiance, described as a "cozy restaurant with great foods and warm services," complements the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether enjoying a meal on the picturesque patio or in the eclectic dining rooms, guests at the Tabard Inn are treated to a slice of Continental excellence that's both comforting and exciting.

4. Michele’s

4.1

Excellent(289)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 3 times today

Michele's, located in the vibrant West Loop of Washington, offers a delightful take on Contemporary French cuisine, crafted by MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker. This restaurant stands out for its commitment to seasonal and high-quality ingredients, presented in a manner that's both sophisticated and accessible. Guests rave about the innovative dishes, like the "beef tartare and the potato truffle tarte … WOW," highlighting the unique blend of flavors that Chef Baker brings to the table. The atmosphere is described as perfect for any occasion, from a casual burger night to a special date, with live music and prime steaks enhancing the experience. Michele's not only promises but delivers a "delightful dining experience" with each visit, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of fine Contemporary French dining in Washington D.C.

A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant

5. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4.5

Awesome(593)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Georgetown

Booked 10 times today

CUT by Wolfgang Puck in Georgetown, Washington D.C. is a beacon for steak lovers seeking the epitome of culinary excellence. Praised for serving "the most perfect steak in DC," this restaurant excels in both food quality and service. Guests rave about the Nebraska filet, calling it "divine," and consistently celebrate the attentive and welcoming staff. As a testament to its commitment to a superlative dining experience, one reviewer exclaimed, "Seriously the best steak I’ve ever had and I’ve had a lot!" CUT by Wolfgang Puck not only promises a remarkable meal but delivers an unforgettable dining ambiance, making every visit a special occasion.

6. Dauphine’s

4.6

Exceptional(1382)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

Dauphine’s in Downtown, Washington, D.C., is not just a restaurant but a vibrant celebration of New Orleans culture, particularly renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar. Patrons rave about their "refreshing and delicious" seasonal spritz and the "delightful spritz cocktail," highlighting the bar's creativity and quality. The cocktail list perfectly complements their New Orleans-inspired cuisine, creating a truly transportive experience. Whether it's the lively ambiance during happy hour or the elegant setting for a night out, each drink is crafted with meticulous care. As one reviewer puts it, the cocktails are "interesting and delicious," making Dauphine’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts in the capital.

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

7. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10283)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 125 times today

At Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown, located in the vibrant Mount Vernon Square of Washington, D.C., the essence of Contemporary American cuisine is celebrated with an innovative twist. Esteemed for its commitment to farm-to-table freshness and a menu rich in diversity, this restaurant stands out for its authentic American flavors blended with local influences. Praised for its “amazing food” and “excellent service,” patrons consistently applaud the quality and creativity of dishes like the Chinese fried chicken and the house-made cornbread. As one diner raved, it’s “definitely something to put on your bucket list.” The restaurant’s robust connection with American family farmers ensures that each meal is not only delightful but also rooted in sustainability and community support. With a lively ambiance and a menu that caters to varied palates, Founding Farmers & Distillers is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Contemporary American cuisine in the heart of the capital.

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

8. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

Exceptional(1070)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 8 times today

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

9. Reverie

4.8

Exceptional(27)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Georgetown

Booked 2 times today

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.

10. Silver

4.5

Awesome(2197)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Bethesda

Booked 67 times today

At SILVER in Bethesda, the essence of farm-to-table cuisine is brought to life with a menu curated by award-winning Chef Ype Von Hengst. The restaurant specializes in contemporary American dishes that are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a testament to sustainability and local sourcing. Diners rave about the freshness of the ingredients, with one patron noting, "Wonderful avocado toast and eggs. Quiet corner table for a great conversation. Terrific staff. Thank you." SILVER's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures that each dish served is both fresh and flavorful, making it a standout destination for those seeking authentic farm-to-table dining in a vibrant brasserie setting.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Chris
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent service, delicious food. A great place to dine on Thanksgiving!!
More info
CUT by Wolfgang PuckPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Georgetown
•
4.5
D
David
Greater Boston •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding service. We appreciated the description of all the courses, the ingredients and those not to be overlooked. to be missed. First off, I noticed that the server noted in writing my "deadly" allergy to oysters. The Thanksgiving special tastings was inspired so we now look forward to a "school night" dinner. Oh ! an easy to converse rooms, but maybe someone could fine-tune the play list..... Maybe a task with so many generations, from infants to elders, in the room. DMM
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BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.6
E
Elliot
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It's been many years since I've been to the Tabard Inn, so long ago that I was living in Dupont on Riggs Place. It was low key and funky and much smaller. The present version is very different but equally enjoyable. Larger, still good food, but more space and fewer distractions. A great place to meet for breakfast and escape from the bustling of one of Washington's friendliest circles.
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Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.7
M
Majia
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The Park at 14th was a great experience! The vibes were so lively, the music was a 10/10 played all the good hits (hip hop, rap, rnb, Caribbean). The food was really good, and worth the price, the mimosas were more champagne then juice/flavor so if ordering different flavors you wont really be able to tell the difference! the service was good, our waitress was nice, attentive and gave us complimentary shots. The music and energy is definitely loud, so if thats not ur vibe then it may not be the place for you, but you will have a good time! they make sure of that of course being that the food and mimosas are unlimited!
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The Park at 14thPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
C
Connor
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We had an amazing experience here! We came to celebrate my mom’s birthday and the staff went above and beyond for us! I wish I could remember the servers name because he was amazing! I would definitely come back again!
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Michele’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• West Loop
•
4.1

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Brightwood

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85 restaurants available nearby

1. Bresca

2. The Park at 14th

3. Tabard Inn

4. Michele’s

5. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

6. Dauphine’s

7. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

8. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

9. Reverie

10. Silver

See what locals rave about

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