Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Van Ness

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillChevy Chase

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

244 restaurants available nearby

1. Tikka

new

5.0

Exceptional(0)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Van Ness

Booked 1 time today

At Tikka, we bring the heart and soul of North Indian and Nepali cuisine to your plate, blending tradition with a touch of innovation. Renowned for our signature dishes from the tandoor and our authentic tikka masala sauce, we take pride in delivering bold, vibrant flavors that stay true to their roots. Our menu showcases the depth of South Asian culinary artistry, crafted with expertise and passion for authenticity. Complementing our food is our unique collection of cocktails, each infused with a South Asian twist—exciting yet comfortably familiar.

2. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(80)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 32 times today

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

3. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4004)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 64 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 Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

4. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.6

Exceptional(34510)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 216 times today

Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. 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 neighborhood restaurant.

5. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11911)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 188 times today

The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.

A photo of Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant

6. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(13885)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Georgetown

Booked 85 times today

Located at Georgetown’s Washington Harbor on the Potomac River with a lively dining room, full-service bar, and a covered & heated patio, this farmer-owned restaurant is open 365 days a year serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and a decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch. Everything is made from scratch with simple, high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they know and trust. Expansive menus include an array of seafood dishes, sushi, pizzas, tacos, decadent desserts, Founding Farmers Chocolates, classic and tiki cocktails featuring spirits from their DC-based distillery, Founding Spirits. You can also swing by for a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from their First Bake Cafe. Mission driven and operating Through The Eyes Of The Farmer,™ they actively care about their guests, communities, and the planet. This all comes together in their friendly neighborhood restaurant.

7. Kyojin Sushi

4.6

Exceptional(467)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Washington

Booked 42 times today

Celebrate Valentine's Day all week long with our 6-course Chef's Tasting Menu for $150 per person. Available February 10th to February 16th.Welcome to KYOJIN, an extraordinary culinary experience curated by Chef Saran Kannasute. Located in Cady's Alley of Georgetown, Washington, D.C., KYOJIN is the flagship restaurant and joining sibling to the acclaimed YUME Sushi.Blending non-traditional Japanese expertise with Thai roots and refined French techniques, KYOJIN offers an unforgettable sensory journey. Our imaginative Asian-inspired cocktail menu is thoughtfully designed to enhance this dining experience, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Asia.With its inviting ambiance, intimate sushi bar, and elegant private dining areas, KYOJIN delivers sophistication, and takes guests on a memorable journey through extraordinary flavors.

8. Oyamel

4.6

Exceptional(9638)

$$$$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 Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant

9. Mi Vida Penn Quarter

4.6

Exceptional(438)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 25 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.

A photo of The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant

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

4.6

Exceptional(3856)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 104 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
ErisVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We travel from Potomac, MD to eat at Mala Tang. The food is authentic, delicious and an experience. We love to do the hot pot when we have a large group as we can all share the proteins and veggies to put inside. When we are a smaller group we love the dry pot. The vegetables they offer are very fresh and unique. The service is always top notch and the price is very reasonable. We can't wait to go back!
More info
Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
•
4.4
W
William
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Cheryl was amazing as a waitress as well as the rest of the staff!!
More info
The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4
C
Cameron
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful & delicious dining experience! Shared the veggie sampler and the beef & chicken sampler - highly recommend both! Honey wine was incredible. Very happy that I chose this restaurant for Valentine's Day dinner!
More info
EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.8
M
MonicaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great service and food was fantastic! I was very impressed with the service considering it was Valentine’s Day.
More info
Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.6
L
LyndaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 Feb 2025
Wonderful food, especially the lamb chops and interesting appetizers. Will certainly return. One of the best Indian meals I have had in DC
More info
Delhi SpicePrice: Moderate• Indian• Bethesda
•
4.6

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Spicy food

Van Ness

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