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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Downtown

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48 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10992)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 126 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 Jônt restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(111)
Price: Very Expensive
• French / Japanese • U Street Corridor
Booked 15 times today
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.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(270)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 24 times today
Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19414)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 294 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.
A photo of Tosca restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4521)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 33 times today
Tosca is a foodie haven, offering a unique dining experience with contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Reviewers rave about the 'creative food selection', 'outstanding' food, and 'top notch service'. The restaurant's focus on seasonal ingredients, paired with a modern, elegant setting, makes it a go-to for foodies in Washington, D.C.
A photo of Dovetail restaurant
4.5
Awesome(94)
Price: Expensive
• American • Logan Circle
Booked 5 times today
Exploring the crossroads of southern hospitality and Mid-Atlantic cuisine, Dovetail draws from regional ingredients to innovate with the dynamic flavors of the Northeast. Situated on the District's 14th Street corridor within Viceroy Washington DC, the indoor-outdoor restaurant offers rotating seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from East Coast farmers, fishermen and purveyors. Relax on our all-weather outdoor patio for brunch or dinner while enjoying a destination raw bar with chilled Maine lobster and Chesapeake oysters, tantalizing appetizers like deviled eggs with kimchi or pork rinds with homemade ranch, exquisitely prepared dry aged steaks paired with fresh local vegetables, and sweet seasonal treats. Don't miss our happy hour where Dovetail's formidable beverage program is the star - highlighting local spirits, a selection of new and old world wines, craft brews, and inventive cocktails. At Dovetail, we're always up for sharing a good meal.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3936)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 114 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.
A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2271)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 25 times today
Dirty Habit DC is a globally inspired New American restaurant & bar in a hip, edgy hotel space with private courtyard space. Just a perfect location for happy hour cocktails, events and private bookings. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.
A photo of Centrolina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2140)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 30 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.
A photo of La Chaumiere restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4841)
Price: Expensive
• French • Georgetown
Booked 37 times today
La Chaumière is as close as it gets to dining in a French country inn. Celebrating 48 years, La Chaumière features traditional dishes like escargots en coquille, boudin blanc, quenelles of pike, cassoulet and Grand Marnier souffle. Chef Javier's specials reflect a modern approach to seasonal produce, seafood and game with favorites like baked oysters, Dover sole and our speciality, housemate Boudin Blanc. La Chaumière has won the 100 Best Restaurants award 29 times since 1978! We will be serving Al fresco as soon as the weather permits, please reserve, outdoor space is limited. Parking is available at the Four Seasons Hotel for $30 with validation stamp.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MariaVIP
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Authentic Italian food in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere with a great vibe for business, couples or family. Exceptional service.
    More info
    ToscaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.8
  • Leo
    New York City •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The 3 courses option in the bar area is plentiful and well-priced.
    More info
    The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
    4.7
  • MerSVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We enjoy eating at Jaleo much more than at the Cap Center. Always great! I wish there was a way to get Paella without having to wait an hour😳
    More info
    Jaleo - DCPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Delicious food- we had mixture of spreads, vegetables and meats everything was really good. Overall we had a great experience!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Rob
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 26 Dec 2024
    We went to Jont two years ago and it was spectacular then and I wasn’t sure how they could improve. However, this visit was off the charts and I’m not sure why they don’t have three Michelin stars yet. We have been to 30 Michelin stars worth of restaurants globally so we have a pretty good perspective. Chef Ryan was in the kitchen (which you essentially sit at a bar adjacent to) the whole time and he came over and spent some time with us which was very cool. The staff is funny, friendly and well informed. I got the special Waygu Zabuton in lieu of chicken and it was probably the best steaks I’ve ever had. Sometimes these type restaurants get a little too eclectic with one or two dishes, and that wasn’t the case here. Every dish wowed our family. In fact, my wife ate Uni for the first time (having passed on it before) and loved it. We feel fortunate to have this spot in DC and can’t wait to go back.
    More info
    JôntPrice: Very Expensive• French / Japanese• U Street Corridor
    4.9

Discover best foodies restaurants in Downtown

Explore the vibrant dining scene in Downtown Washington, D.C., a true haven for foodies looking for exceptional culinary experiences. This area is renowned for its diverse array of restaurants that cater to every palate, whether you're in the mood for traditional Spanish fare, refined power dining, or classic American steakhouse offerings. Each restaurant prides itself on delivering not only spectacular food but also impeccable service and a memorable ambiance, perfect for any dining occasion. The focus on high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and innovative menus highlights the expertise and dedication of the chefs. Dining in Downtown D.C. offers more than just a meal; it provides a gastronomic journey that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Indulge in a world-class dining experience where culinary artistry meets the charm and history of Washington, D.C.

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