Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown

244 restaurants available nearby

1. Michele’s

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • West Loop

Booked 2 times today

MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker's second restaurant is an homage to his late mother. Join us for Summer Restuarant Week, August 12th-25th for $35 lunch options and a $55 dinner menu! Guests can enjoy the bar and lounge, perfect for dining solo or gathering with friends. Weekends are reserved for delectable brunch options, served alongside craft cocktails. A slight departure from his highly-acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, Gravitas- the approach to all things culinary at Michele's is just as seasonal and serious, but playful and accessible. We have a celebration fit for any occasion: the perfect blend of delicious food, live entertainment, and great company! Now offering lunch, Mondays-Fridays 11:00am-3:00 pm.Ask about our specialty features:Monday Burger Night Wine Down WednesdaysLive Music & Prime Steaks Every ThursdayHalf-Shell Happy HoursSeasonal Happenings & More!

A photo of Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant

2. Via Sophia Washington DC

4.3

Awesome(758)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

Via Sophia reimagines the osteria experience for downtown D.C; where classic Italian dishes and fresh-from-the-oven pizzas are paired with bespoke beverages and a discerning wine list. With a focus on quality, consistency, and hospitality, we offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest, at any time of the day.

A photo of Lafayette Restaurant restaurant

3. Lafayette Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1611)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

Washington’s destination for power dining, the Lafayette Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With large windows opening onto Lafayette Park and the White House, this sun-lit dining room is one of the most elegant settings in the capital and is certain to complement any dining experience.

A photo of Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC restaurant

4. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC

4.7

Exceptional(1118)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Centrally located in downtown Washington DC, RARE Steakhouse & Tavern (RARE) is a one-of-a-kind fine dining concept that brings together the best qualities of world-class dining venues with USDA prime, dry-aged steaks, exquisite wines and first-class service bolstered with Midwestern charm. Created by Wisconsin natives, RARE boasts a classic and elegant atmosphere, striving to bring the nostalgia and romance of the classic steakhouse to life, to a time when eating out was meant to be an experience.

5. Lincoln - DC

4.3

Awesome(3404)

Price: Moderate

• American • McPherson Square

Booked 6 times today

Founded in 2011 our seasonal menu features comfort food with a twist. LINCOLN pays tribute to one of the greatest US Presidents, with nods to many of his favorite foods including our signature chicken pot pie & another star on the menu, our kale salad. The menu is focused but varietal. Our cocktails are truly one-of-a-kind. Our barkeeps have created one of the city’s thoughtful bar programs highlighted by infused bourbons and DC's first moonshine-list served in antique-style copper cups. Our patio is open all year-round, offering a relaxed, urban landscape. Don't miss our butcher cut NY Strip or the city's best Mac & Cheese. LINCOLN is the right place for your next private event with many options for private dining from 10 to 200. Original paintings & distinctive interior design by homegrown artist, Maggie O’Neill. LINCOLN is your destination for Lunch, happy hour, dinner or brunch. We are open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter & Mother's Day for your special celebration.

A photo of Opaline Bar and Brasserie restaurant

6. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

4.3

Awesome(297)

Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

The French way of dining – often en plein air, typically unhurried and with a strong commitment to quality ingredients – is one of the cornerstones of l’art de vivre. Join us at Opaline Bar for thoughtful, French-inspired cuisine and specialty drinks in the heart of Washington DC. We also offer a special curated afternoon tea every Saturday afternoon.

7. Causa

4.9

Exceptional(58)

Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Shaw

Booked 7 times today

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking. Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

8. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17153)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 130 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. Centrolina

4.6

Exceptional(2126)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 21 times today

Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market. The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway. For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.

10. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(1994)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 58 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JudiVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Really lovely experience. Food and service were both top notch. The dry- aged steak and all of the sides were perfectly prepared and the rolls were a standout! Don’t bother with the sauces, the steak is so flavorful, it really doesn’t need it. Wine list was a bit pricy. I wish the corkage was more reasonable.
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Rare Steakhouse - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.7
C
ColletteVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Having been to Italy recently, I found the food to be "authentically Italian" -- not overly seasoned but very flavorful. Portions were perfect -- not too large. Pasta was al dente, which is not common here in the U.S. Will definitely go back.
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Via Sophia Washington DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.3
D
Debra
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a fabulous meal in a wonderful atmosphere. Jose took wonderful care of us. We highly recommend it if you are looking for a quiet elegant atmosphere!
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Lafayette RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.8
S
Sandy
Orlando / Central Florida East •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
Everything was fantastic! Highly recommend this restaurant
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Lincoln - DCPrice: Moderate• American• McPherson Square
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
The food was excellent and better than I expected. The restaurant has a casual elegance. I will return.
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Michele’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• West Loop
•
4.3

Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown

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244 restaurants available nearby

1. Michele’s

2. Via Sophia Washington DC

3. Lafayette Restaurant

4. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC

5. Lincoln - DC

6. Opaline Bar and Brasserie

7. Causa

8. Filomena Ristorante

9. Centrolina

10. dLeña

See what locals rave about

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