Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington

193 restaurants available nearby

1. Olio e Più - DC

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Washington

Booked 97 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

2. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.4

Awesome(1353)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 233 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.

3. Modena

4.6

Exceptional(1192)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

Modena presents Italian-inspired cuisine that takes heavy cues from seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients. Modena balances classic cuisine with a modern approach, all enhanced by Chef Joshua Hunt's passionate and creative touch.

4. Cafe Du Parc

4.3

Awesome(2577)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C. within the iconic Willard InterContinental, steps from the National Mall, and across from Pershing Park, a national park home to the new World War I Memorial, Café du Parc is reminiscent of a Parisian-inspired sidewalk café. Nestled between The White House and the U.S. Capitol, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital, Café du Parc’s seasonal outside terrace remains a trendy locale for al fresco dining by both visitors and Washington, D.C. locals alike.Paying homage to traditional French cooking, the restaurant offers diners various culinary creations from coffee and pastries at its coffee shop, Le Café, to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sunday on its outside terrace or inside the main dining room. We are pleased to offer parking validation for Valet or Garage parking at Willard InterContinenatal when you join us for dinner.

5. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19415)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 274 times today

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.

6. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(3936)

Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 103 times today

Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.

7. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(10992)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 128 times today

Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

8. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17196)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 277 times today

Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!

9. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(2023)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 95 times today

Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington

A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant

10. Rumi's Kitchen - DC

4.8

Exceptional(2435)

Price: Expensive

• Persian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 83 times today

Rumi's Kitchen is a beloved Persian restaurant in Washington DC. Its authenticity is confirmed by reviews like 'Great authentic Persian food with excellent customer service' and 'Absolutely delicious authentic Persian food'. The restaurant's dedication to traditional Persian dishes is noted in reviews like 'The menu, a symphony of flavors, offered a tantalizing selection of traditional Persian dishes'. It's not just about the food though, the overall dining experience is praised with comments like 'Rumi Kitchen proved to be more than a restaurant; it was a journey through Persian culture and gastronomy'.

‘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

G
Gustavo
Indiana •1 review
5.0
Dined today
My wife and I loved our visit to Zaytinya in DC! If you’re in downtown, you’ve got to check it out. They specialize in Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish food, and everything is meant to be shared, which makes it even more fun. The flavors were amazing, and the vibe was relaxed but still classy. Definitely try their mezze dishes—they’re so good!
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Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
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4.7
N
NataliaVIP
Tampa / Central Florida West •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Beautiful place. A classic and full of history. Food is simple but perfectly made and delicious.
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Cafe Du ParcPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown
•
4.3
M
MichelleVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time, and will not be the last. The food, drinks, service and ambiance were 10/10. Happened to dine on Wednesday. Who knew it was jazz night! Holiday season decor made it extra special. Great attention to details. Oh, and this is a biggie for me… the restrooms were clean!!
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La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
•
4.4
E
Emma
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Incredible service and 10/10 food! Expected standard brunch food, but was pleasantly surprised. Order the foccacia, burrata, and pork pasta!
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Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
•
4.4
G
gary
Washington, D.C. Area •145 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 Dec 2024
Our service was excellent. When we asked about the wine by the glass, he had the sommelier come to discuss the choices which was super helpful. Our dinners were excellent, both the appetizers and the mains. Their brodetto is one of the best dishes we’ve experienced in DC.
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ModenaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6

Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington

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193 restaurants available nearby

1. Olio e Più - DC

2. La Grande Boucherie - DC

3. Modena

4. Cafe Du Parc

5. Zaytinya - DC

6. Succotash PRIME

7. Jaleo - DC

8. Filomena Ristorante

9. dLeña

10. Rumi's Kitchen - DC

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