Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Washington

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaBrookland / BrentwoodCapitol Hill

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C. restaurant

1. Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C.

4.7

Exceptional(2773)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Downtown

Booked 127 times today

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar adds a modern twist to Peruvian cuisine. Inspired by Peru’s top eateries, the new DC outpost serves up bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers.Situated in the bustling and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar brings people together in a space that’s packed with personality and soul. Our vibrant bar with open kitchen views is the perfect spot for sipping, socializing, and savoring our crazy good ceviche. Come experience a celebration of good eats and good times for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour.Looking for the perfect venue? Plan your next event at the best ceviche bar this side of the Andes. Call today and ask about our private dining options.

2. Reverie

4.8

Exceptional(38)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Georgetown

Booked 6 times today

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience that focuses on an entirely seafood driven menu. Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience.Our tasting menu is offered at $245 per guest exclusive of beverage, service charge, taxes, or gratuities. Corkage is offered at $75 per 750ml.We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. We are unable to provide dairy-free or fully vegetarian versions of our experience.

A photo of DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYA restaurant

3. DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYA

4.5

Awesome(2139)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Penn Quarter

Booked 14 times today

Please be advised that the reservation is for the Izakaya on the second floor and not the ramen shop on the first floor. The ramen menu is not available at the Izakaya. The Izakaya, located on the second floor of Daikaya, is a casual restaurant that serves Japanese comfort food to accompany a diverse selection of bar offerings. The izakaya experience is perfect for after work, before a big night out, as a full supper, or for late-night bites with friends. The cuisine is freestyle and adaptive in nature. Each izakaya in Japan puts its own touch on its menu items. The plates are typically small so that one can sample many different items.

4. San Lorenzo

4.6

Exceptional(328)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Shaw

Booked 19 times today

Come in and feel transported to the streets of Italy. Enjoy light, wholesome dishes - beautiful stucco walls and black and white photos of the chef/owner’s quaint hometown. Chef Massimo believes in creating dishes that honor the heritage and flavors of his native Tuscany. The magic of this cuisine is the exceptional preparation — fresh, simple ingredients paired with unique herbs and seasonings for a taste that’s anything but simple. With over 30 years of culinary training - Chef Massimo delivers homemade pastas, sauces, Florentine steak, veal, lamb, fresh fish and exceptional risotto. Stay tuned for the not-to-be missed tasting menus offered nightly. Also inquire about the unique communal wine lunch experiences on Saturday afternoons that can be booked only directly with management because they book up quickly. If you enjoy dining in Chef Massimo’s ‘San Lorenzo’ home - know he will also come to your home for special occasions or even travel with you within the US and Italy.

A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant

5. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4.5

Awesome(642)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Georgetown

Booked 22 times today

CUT by Wolfgang Puck is a gem in Georgetown, DC, renowned for its exceptional food and service. The contemporary American cuisine, especially the selection of beef, is highly praised by customers. The restaurant's unique design and ambiance, paired with its exceptional service, makes it a go-to destination. One reviewer noted, 'The food & service were exquisite. My spouse and I already decided to splurge a little & come back at least once a month.' Another stated, 'Food & service were top notch. I would highly recommend and will definitely be back!'

A photo of a.kitchen+bar D.C. restaurant

6. a.kitchen+bar D.C.

4.6

Exceptional(94)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • West End

Booked 12 times today

Located in the West End neighborhood of Washington DC, James Beard Foundation Award-winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin's High Street Hospitality Group brings their acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant, a.kitchen+bar, to the nation's capital. Exploring the seasonality of the Chesapeake, the menu is a culmination of hyper-seasonal American small plates and an acclaimed natural wine and beverage program.Join us from 4-6PM at the bar for Golden Hour. Our team has thoughtfully curated a selection of off-menu cocktails and bites, perfectly paired to indulge you after a long day. Immaculate vibes, soulful tunes and our talented team await. We look forward to welcoming you.

7. Lincoln - DC

4.3

Awesome(3411)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • McPherson Square

Booked 19 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 Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown DC restaurant

8. Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown DC

4.5

Awesome(2217)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 27 times today

Morton's The Steakhouse in DC is definitely worth the drive! With a consistent high standard, the steakhouse has been a hit with locals and visitors alike. Reviewers rave about the 'excellent service' and 'spectacular food' - particularly the USDA prime-aged steak. The ambience is also frequently praised, with a 'beautiful setting' and a 'muted ambiance'. Whether it's for business or pleasure, Morton's is a reliable and dignified spot for a great dining experience.

A photo of The Mayflower Restaurant, Lounge & Garden restaurant

9. The Mayflower Restaurant, Lounge & Garden

new

4.1

Excellent(120)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle

The Mayflower restaurant opened in the same building that used to house a prominent Prohibition-era speakeasy of the same name. The new two-level restaurant and lounge rounds fills out a complex at 1223 Connecticut Avenue NW.

10. Rewind

3.8

Excellent(276)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Dupont Circle

Booked 4 times today

Rewind by Decades is a premium dining destination highlighting the finest in timeless, comfortable, and forever beloved cuisine, beverages, and entertainment.

‘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

S
steve
Washington, D.C. Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Sat us early- delightful server - met GM who was also delightful and interested in us.
More info
Smokecraft Modern BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was amazing, just don’t use the bathroom there. It’s shared with their club. The line gets very confusing and the bathroom itself was trashed. The sushi and drinks were fantastic though! Everyone working there was very friendly!
More info
Tokyo PearlPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Dupont Circle
•
4
鉞享
Taichung •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
A very great restaurant and food is very delicious
More info
CUT by Wolfgang PuckPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Georgetown
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 Feb 2025
I came to have happy hour with my husband to celebrate my birthday! Our waitress Takiya(sp) was great and tended to all of our needs, she even provided great drink recommendations!
More info
Wild DaysPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon
•
4.1
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
4.0
Dined on 8 Feb 2025
The server was amazing very tentative and the food was good….i think there was speed dating happening during my dinner so the vibe was a lot however I enjoyed my time
More info
RewindPrice: Moderate• American• Dupont Circle
•
3.8

Explore OpenTable

Area
Worth the drive

Washington

Hyattsville
Keswick
Clinton
Reston
Dupont Circle
Adams Morgan
Bethesda
Chevy Chase
Northeast
Rockville
West End
Fairfax
Gaithersburg
Cleveland Park
Great Falls
Ivy City
Brightwood
Vienna
Rosslyn
Foggy Bottom