25 Best Georgetown Restaurants

By VacationIdea Staff on January 6, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com

Home to diplomats, elite university students, and ivory tower academics, Georgetown is one of D.C.’s most dignified neighborhoods. Visitors can spend their days strolling through posh art galleries and museums or head outdoors to cycle charming trails along the waterways. This upscale community is known for its snug cafes, brand-name boutique shops, ritzy restaurants, and dark-wood pubs lining the streets.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.1789 Restaurant

The sensational and award-winning 1789 Restaurant is situated just two blocks from the winding Potomac River in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The Federal-style architecture, antique art and furnishings, and wainscoting provide an ambiance rich with historical charm. Tables offer elegant design with clean, white table linens, floral and candle centerpieces, and fine cutlery. Patrons will appreciate opulent features that include exposed wood beams, a wood burning fireplace, and Limoges china. Guests will enjoy menu favorites like the yellowfin tuna, prepared with roasted morel mushrooms, white asparagus, deviled egg, warm rose potatoes, and a tangerine-fennel emulsion. Diners can start their evening with a refreshing craft cocktail from the restaurant’s brand new bar.

1226 86th Street, NW Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-965-1789

2.Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar is a warm, colorful, and delightful French bistrot situated along Wisconsin Avenue, NW, in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The cozy restaurant has been a favorite of Georgetown’s residents since opening its doors in 1995. Within its first year it garnered acclaim for being “One of the Top 10 new restaurants in the country” by Bon Apetit as well as earning the honor of “New Best Restaurant in Washington” from the Washingtonian. The restaurant delivers a French-Asian ambiance that offers both traditional and contemporary decor finishes. Guests will enjoy extraordinary dishes that include joues de veau braises – braised veal cheeks prepared osso-bucco style and served with pasta and basil.

1736 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-0111

3.Chaia

Chaia is a chic counter serve taco shop with an unconventional vegetarian and vegan twist. It’s situated a block from the Potomac River in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The red-bricked, Federal-style restaurant is nestled on a corner not far from Georgetown Waterfront Park. The interior is bright and airy, featuring large windows that provide abundant natural light, white walls, and beautiful light wood floors. Patrons will appreciate the casual atmosphere as well as the blend of bohemian and industrial decor. Diners will love mouthwatering plant-based tacos that include the Mushroom, prepared with a hand-griddled corn tortilla, cilantro, red sauce, and feta; and the Smoky Collards, prepared with queso fresco, radish, and salsa paprika.

3207 Grace Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-5222

4.Chez Billy Sud

The herringbone wood floors, coffered ceilings, skylight, pastel green walls, white table linens, and chic decor all provide a wonderfully elegant yet casual ambiance in this charming French restaurant. The highly touted Chez Billy Sud restaurant is located in the historical neighborhood of Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. Patrons will love the southern French cuisine, an outstanding French-focused wine list, and creative handcrafted cocktails. Diners will have the pleasure of tasting menu favorites that include saumon roti – a potato crusted salmon prepared with hen-of-the-wood mushrooms, spinach, and lemon beurre blanc, paired with a glass of Domaine Raffaitin-Planchon, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc ’17.

1039 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-965-2606

5.Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier

Travelers will find the sophisticated Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier restaurant located in Washington D.C.’s historic Georgetown neighborhood. Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema reviewed the fine dining French-Belgian restaurant and gave it 3.5 stars, while the Washingtonian listed the restaurant on its “100 Very Best Restaurants 2017.” The restaurant’s award-winning chef has put together a sensational menu that brings in droves of hungry patrons looking to experience some of his gastronomic brilliance. Guests will appreciate the restaurant’s warm, comfortable atmosphere replete with tasteful and elegant decor. Diners will be tempted by menu favorites that include the Scottish smoked salmon carpaccio prepared with quail egg, red onion, capers, and crème fraiche.

2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, Phone: 202-296-1166

6.Fiola

Fiola is an upscale Michelin-starred Italian restaurant located in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The sophisticated space features exposed stone walls, gold and mahogany ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and chic contemporary furnishings. The restaurant provides private dining spaces that are perfect for social and business events as well as seasonal outdoor seating on the well-appointed patio and loggia. Diners will appreciate classic Italian multicourse tasting menus, sensational handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list. The set menus offer patrons exquisite tasting options that include lobster bisque from the appetizer menu, pappardelle carbonara from the pasta menu, and yellowfin tuna from the seafood and meat menu.

601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, Phone: 202-525-1402

7.Fiola Mare

Travelers will find the award-winning Fiola Mare restaurant situated along the winding Potomac River in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The restaurant offers its guests an authentic seaside dining experience that is typically found along Italy’s Mediterranean coast. They specialize in using fresh seafood and ingredients elegantly prepared with subtle hues of color, texture, and flavor. Forbes recognized the restaurant in its “Washington D.C.’s Best Restaurants: A Neighborhood Guide,” and the Washingtonian listed it as #5 on its “100 Very Best Restaurants 2017.” Guests will have the pleasure of enjoying sensational menu items that include frutti di mare – a dish featuring tuna tartare, langoustines, king crab, sea scallops, sea urchin, lobster, tiger prawns, mussels, clams, and oysters.

3050 K Street NW, Suite 101, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-525-1402

8.George’s King of Falafel and Cheesesteak

George’s King of Falafel and Cheesesteak is located in the heart of Washington D.C.’s historic Georgetown neighborhood. For over 30 years this restaurant has been serving up some of the best Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in the D.C. area. The building’s exterior features painted white brick, a couple of blue awnings, and blue window shutters. The restaurant is modestly decorated with a few scattered art pieces, features large windows that offer plenty of natural light, and provides wood tables and chairs. Patrons will enjoy popular menu items that include the lamb kabob, made with strips of grilled lamb, hummus, onion, pickles, tomatoes, and parsley, wrapped in warm pita bread.

1205 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-342-2278

9.La Chaumiere

A staple of Georgetown, La Chaumiere is a sensational restaurant that offers its guests traditional French fare with a rustic ambiance in Washington, D.C. The restaurant features Federal-style architecture, a bright white exterior, and a maroon awning over the entrance. The interior design offers stucco walls, exposed wood beams, and a beautiful, centrally located fireplace. Newcomers and regulars alike will be wowed by the culinary experience provided by La Chaumiere’s award-winning chef. Patrons will fawn over the eclectic list of French and American wine procured by the restaurant’s proprietor, Martin Lumet. Menu favorites include the Magret de Canard – marinated duck breast served with black currant sauce.

2813 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-338-1784

10.Lapis

Travelers will find the Lapis restaurant situated near Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The windowed restaurant offers a bright and airy ambiance for its patrons while providing living-room charm with ornate artifacts and rugs. This modern Afghan bistro serves home-style dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Diners will love the authentic Afghan cuisine made from family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. The restaurant’s bar offers unique twists to classic cocktails with homemade syrups inspired by Afghan spices. Guests should expect a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, garden salads, kebabs, meat dishes, and savory stews.

1847 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009, Phone: 202-299-9630

11.Le Diplomate

Le Diplomate pays homage to authentic French café culture, offering a versatile, comfortable gathering place for patrons in Washington D.C.’s 14th Street corridor. The historic structure it resides in harnesses the spirit of a traditional Parisian brasserie, while the exterior and interior provide a subtle nod to tradition, imbuing meals with a sweeping feel of European drama. The large windows and tall, coffered ceilings provide a bright and airy ambiance patrons will appreciate with every meal. Offering gastronomic art like the grilled loup de mer and steak au poivre, it’s easy to see why the restaurant has garnered the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, and former Secretary of State John Kerry.

1601 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, Phone: 202-332-3333

12.Luke’s Lobster Georgetown

Luke’s Lobster Georgetown is a little “shack” situated a couple of blocks from Georgetown Waterfront Park and the shimmering Potomac River in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The interior of the restaurant offers its guests a quaint yet cozy space replete with charming design elements that include chalkboard menus, exposed wood surfaces, and black subway tile. This Georgetown eatery has a tap featuring a variety of Maine microbrews and offers a daily happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm. To get a taste of all of Luke’s sensational rolls, visitors should try Luke’s Trio, prepared with a half shrimp roll, a half crab roll, and a half Luke’s famous lobster roll.

1211 Potomac Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-4863

13.Martin’s Tavern

This historic tavern just recently celebrated its 85th anniversary and has been a staple of Washington D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood since it opened its doors in 1933. Martin’s Tavern provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can enjoy cold pints and delicious American eats. This historic tavern has been serving presidents for decades, from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush. History buffs will love dining in the storied booths, including the “Proposal Booth,” where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier. Aside from the incredible history, guests will savor mouthwatering menu items like the filet mignon, prepared with an 8-ounce tenderloin, garlic herb butter, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a veal reduction sauce.

1264 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-7370

14.Old Europe

The Old Europe restaurant is situated along Wisconsin Ave NW near the edge of Washington, D.C.’s historic neighborhood of Georgetown. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with plenty of Old World charm that temporarily transports its guests back to the old European days. The restaurant’s patrons will appreciate the antique steins as well as the original artwork and fine oil paintings that adorn the walls. Servers wearing traditional German dirndls as well as an imported German beer list and beautiful piano music complete the experience. The food is sensational, presented beautifully, and authentically German. Visitors will relish menu favorites like the Weiner schnitzel, prepared with breaded veal schnitzel served with a side house salad and home-fried potatoes.

2434 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-7600

15.Falafel Inc.

Falafel Inc. proudly prepares its food with fresh ingredients containing zero preservatives for a healthy, authentic, and delicious experience every time. Travelers will find this charming restaurant situated a couple of blocks from the Potomac River in the heart of Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The restaurant’s exterior features white painted brick, a black awning, and black painted window shutters. The interior offers its guests a quaint and cozy atmosphere complete with plywood walls, exposed brick, and industrial lighting. Every meal purchased from Falafel Inc. helps feed refugees around the world, so guests can feel great while they enjoy their sandwich prepared with falafel, red cabbage, lettuce, tatbili, pali salad, and tahini sauce on fresh baked pita.

1210 Potomac, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-4265

16.Pizzeria Paradiso

Travelers will find the popular Pizzeria Paradiso restaurant located a couple of blocks from the Potomac River in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The restaurant features exposed red brick, wood beams that stretch the length of the ceiling and large picture windows providing abundant natural light. Visitors will appreciate the restaurant’s awesome game room equipped with skee-ball, shuffle board, pinball, darts, and a rotation of arcade video games. Pizzeria Paradiso provides an extensive craft beer and wine selection for its patrons to choose from. Guests will enjoy menu favorites that include the margherita, made with Paradiso tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and basil and baked to perfection in a wood-burning stone oven.

3282 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-337-1245

17.Seasons

The posh Seasons restaurant is located inside the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The bright, tranquil space offers visiting dignitaries, movers and shakers, and discreet people-watchers of the world the ideal breakfast, brunch, and lunch location. The well-appointed restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows, chic decor, and a charming outdoor patio area. Restaurant guests will have the privilege of enjoying traditional American dishes brought to life with elegant twists. Visitors will want to bring their appetite for the restaurant’s hardy Sunday buffet brunch, where they’ll indulge in mouthwatering favorites that include Maryland crab cakes, Guinness braised short rib, and applewood smoked bacon.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-342-0444

18.Simply Banh Mi

Simply Banh Mi is a chill, basement-level café offering Vietnamese cuisine as well as halal and vegan options. Travelers will find this charming café located along Wisconsin Avenue NW in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The space provides a cheerful atmosphere with its pastel yellow walls featuring lime-green accents, warm dark wood floors, collection of potted plants, and array of colorful Asian-inspired artwork. Patrons will delight in menu favorites that include the BBQ pork belly banh mi sandwich, fresh spring rolls, and lemongrass beef pho. The café also offers a variety of refreshing and tasty boba milk teas, boba smoothies, and Vietnamese iced teas.

1624 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-5SBM

19.The Sovereign

Travelers will find The Sovereign restaurant situated along Wisconsin Avenue NW near Georgetown Waterfront Park in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The bar and bistro is dedicated to celebrating Belgium’s fabled brewing culture and rustic cuisine. The executive chef has created a classic, ingredient-driven Belgian menu that draws on Dutch, German, and French cooking traditions and techniques. The Sovereign offers 50 drafts and over 400 bottles of beer that have been procured by the restaurant’s beer director. The expansive selections offered highlight the craft-brewed, flavor-driven complexities that are the trademark of Belgian brewing. A popular dish is the pan seared salmon, prepared with cauliflower, carrots, turnips, parsnip puree, and charred onion vinaigrette.

1206 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-774-5875

20.Tortino Restaurant

Tortino Restaurant is a no fuss Tuscan-style trattoria situated along 11th Street NW near the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. Once patrons enter the restaurant they’ll notice two small rooms with red or yellow walls that are enlivened by beautiful paintings depicting a bucolic Italy. The quaint space, warm colors, and soft lighting provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere for restaurant guests. When diners take their first bite of one of many dishes, they’ll instantly understand the chef’s passion and unwavering attention to detail. They’ll have the pleasure of tasting mouthwatering favorites that include the grilled salmon, prepared with asparagus, scallions, baby carrots and white sambuca sauce.

1228 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, Phone: 202-312-5570

21.Pizza

Patrons will find the unconventional &Pizza restaurant nestled on a bustling corner in the charming neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The interior of the restaurant has a modern artistic feel to it with a dramatic white and black feather mural painted across an entire brick wall. The restaurant has light strips that zig and zag across the ceiling, black tables with white chairs, and large floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests will enjoy the unique, oval-shaped, craft pizza pies that are the signature of this award-winning restaurant. Meat lovers will want to give the Maverick a try: This mouthwatering pie is made with classic tomato sauce, pesto, parmesan, mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and salami.

2465 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-560-5497

22.Wingo’s

Travelers will find this traditional American-style restaurant situated along Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Two college roommates from Michigan State University set out to create one of the best wing spots in the country. That journey landed them in the heart of Georgetown. Bringing the warm Midwest hospitality to the D.C. area, Wingo’s offers a variety of mouthwatering menu items at affordable prices. Always putting customers first, Wingo’s takes pride in providing exceptional service and consistent, quality menu items. The carryout and delivery restaurant offers a few patio tables out front for guests to enjoy their meals. Visitors should go for the finger-licking personal order of wings served with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

3207 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-338-2478

23.Colonnade Restaurant - Fairmont

Travelers will find the wonderfully sophisticated Colonnade Restaurant – Fairmont located in the charming neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the restaurant, offering abundant natural light and gorgeous garden views for its guests. The restaurant features a dais with tables arranged around it as well as elegant crystal chandeliers that hang below large skylights. Diners will appreciate the restaurant’s bright and airy feel, charming architectural details, and excellent service. The restaurant is located inside the Fairmont hotel and is only open for special brunches that include Easter, Thanksgiving, and Mother’s Day. Guests should try menu favorites like the chocolate chip pancakes, eggs Benedict, and apple bread French toast.

2401 m Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, Phone: 202-429-2400