Restaurants in the Washington, D.C. Area

Daikaya is is one of the top restaurants in DC. The two-story Japanese restaurant is run by three friends who wanted to open a DC-based restaurant that would serve excellent Japanese specialities in a fantastic ambiance. The first floor features a traditional ramen shop that serves mouthwatering Sapporo-style ramen and miso ramen in a fast-paced environment. The second floor is home to izakaya, a type of Japanese restaurant that serves unique cuisine accompanied by a range of drinks in a more relaxed, casual setting. Here, the cuisine is marked by an innovative and adaptive flair, flavored with subtle yet poignant twists on international and American flavors.

705 6th St NW Washington, DC 20001, 202-589-1600

Central Michel Richard is modern American bistro with a French flair that has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant in the US. Named for its “central” location on the corner of 11th and Penn NW in downtown Washington, the restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Michel Richard. The restaurant features stylish décor and a sophisticated yet casual ambiance, with lunch and dinner menus that offer guests a wide selection, including shareable table starters, unique appetizers, sumptuous entrees, and mouthwatering desserts. Chef Michel Richard’s lively, jovial style echoes throughout the eatery, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere that keeps guests coming back time and time again. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas, Central Michel Richard is one of the best romantic restaurants in DC.

1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-626-0015

Bringing a slice of Spain to the heart of Washington, DC, Jaleo is a Spanish tapas restaurant that serves a range of traditional small dishes and tapas, savory paella and seafood dishes, and a very nice selection of sangrias, Spanish wines, and beers. Chef José Andrés manages this popular eatery and updates the menu on a regular basis, using the freshest ingredients around and pulling inspiration from all the regions of his homeland Spain. Jaleo has a comprehensive wine list featuring regional wines from Spain and other international vintages, as well as craft beers and cocktails and has a relaxed, casual and laid-back ambiance. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion in a unique setting, Jaleo is one of the best DC restaurants.

480 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-628-7949

Purple Patch serves a delicious and unique combination of classic Philippine dishes and American cuisine. Owners Patrice Cleary and her husband Drew aspire to feature a menu with comforting, relaxing, and homey dishes; Chef Jason Smith succeeds in doing just that. Famed for their lumpia (the Philippines’ version of an egg roll), which is served by the hundred every day, the menu offers many other delights such as fried guajillo pepper chicken wings, shrimp and kale, and the traditional Filipino soup with pork belly known as Pork Sinigang.

3155 Mt Pleasant ST NW Washington, DC 20010, 202-299-0022

Hill Country Barbecue Market is a Washington, DC barbecue restaurant with a Texan flair. Meat lovers flock to the eatery to savor their freshly cooked brisket, sausage, ribs, and other meats, many of which are dry-rubbed and slow-cooked over Texas post oak in a custom meat-smoking room. They are served by the pound and wrapped in butcher paper. For something sweet, try some of the DC versions of Southern classics such as Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes or Lone Star favorite Blue Bell ice-cream. Complement your meal with a drink from their impressive selection of beers, tequila, and specialty cocktails. To complete this savory experience, take in live American Roots Music in the legendary Boot Bar most nights of the week.

410 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004, 202-556-2050