Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Penn Quarter

228 restaurants available nearby

1. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19417)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 263 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.

2. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(3937)

Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 88 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 The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant

3. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

4.5

Awesome(3811)

Price: Expensive

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 119 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with a simple mission — make people happy! We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

A photo of Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien restaurant

4. Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien

4.8

Exceptional(449)

Price: Very Expensive

• Vietnamese • Washington

Booked 68 times today

Moon Rabbit is a highly-regarded Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C., drawing inspiration from the virtuous rabbit depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tale. Led by acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, the restaurant embodies an innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a menu that is both unique and complex. Chef Tien's main objective is to pay tribute to his heritage as a first-generation Asian American, using Moon Rabbit as a platform for expressing his love for Vietnamese culture and food.

5. Oyamel

4.7

Exceptional(9607)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 105 times today

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

6. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.3

Awesome(10368)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 147 times today

Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday

7. Centrolina

4.6

Exceptional(2140)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 35 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 Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant

8. Mi Vida Penn Quarter

4.5

Awesome(408)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 36 times today

“Mi Vida” translates to “My Life.” However, in Mexico, “Mi Vida” means much more. “Mi Vida” is a term of endearment bestowed on close family and friends to signify love, care and importance. When one says, “Mi Vida,” they are telling someone special how much they mean to them. MI VIDA describes how we feel about our team and our guests. It is our expression of Mexican culture and cuisine as interpreted through the lens of Chef Roberto Santibañez. Our menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.

9. China Chilcano

4.7

Exceptional(3721)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • Penn Quarter

Booked 62 times today

China Chilcano celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to our Nation’s Capital. The restaurant, led by award-winning chef José Andrés, honors Peru’s deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name an homage to Peru’s renowned fish stew and its popular national drink, the Chilcano.

A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant

10. Carmine's - Washington DC

4.5

Awesome(6568)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 84 times today

Carmine's is a family style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted Carmine's with a singular vision; bringing his guests abundant portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast. Platters of made to order pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing among friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic - we want every day to feel like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's! We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Pick-up, Delivery, Catering and Private Parties. Your safety is our priority. DC no longer requires proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Indoor & Outdoor dining are available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Heidy
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great experience for date night, the management was amazing.
More info
The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4
T
TaraVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 Dec 2024
Absolutely wonderful dinner. I had their Christmas pre fix dinner. Butternut squash soup, prime rib, lemon potatoes, chard squash and carrots,and stuffing. Pair the potters old fashion. Beautiful venue, amazing staff.
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KILNPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Alexandria
•
4.6
H
Holly
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
There is a lot of great choices on the menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet (mostly because we dined on a holiday, but I am certain if we dined on a normal day it would’ve been lively and energetic). Our server was wonderful, and the food was great. The pizzas are great to share among 2 people as they are individual pizzas with 6 sizeable slices. The pastas a generous portion and fit the price. They do add gratuity (tip) to the bill & leave you the option to add more. Overall the experience was wonderful and I would recommend and go again.
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Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
•
4.1
B
Brian
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
My wife and I ordered the veggie sampler with fish and then the lamb tibs. The food was delicious and we really enjoyed our experience!
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EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.7
J
JohnVIP
New York City •116 reviews
4.0
Dined on 5 Dec 2024
Mala needs to spruce up its facility. One waiter only. Poor guy running whole Place. He was very nice and as quick as possible. Terrible lighting and heat was lacking on a cold night. Kinda sad since the food was very good. Dark and cold last night.
More info
Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Penn Quarter

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228 restaurants available nearby

1. Zaytinya - DC

2. Succotash PRIME

3. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

4. Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien

5. Oyamel

6. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

7. Centrolina

8. Mi Vida Penn Quarter

9. China Chilcano

10. Carmine's - Washington DC

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