DC is quickly becoming a foodie destination. But for those of us who have lived here for a while, we know that there has always been delicious food destinations. These 13 restaurants are just a sample some of the best restaurants. However they have helped define DC has a foodie city. Here are 13 irresistible restaurants that you must try!
- Occidental Seafood
Facebook/Occidental Grill & Seafood
Facebook/Occidental Seafood The Occidental Grill was built in 1906. It’s known for its presidential decor and its many photos of cabinet members, senators, athletes and celebrities just as much as its delicious seafood.
1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004
- Old Ebbitt Grill
Facebook/Old Ebbitt Grill
Facebook/Old Ebbitt Grill Old Ebbitt is one of the oldest restaurants in DC. This gorgeous eatery is also known for its fantastic oysters.
675 15th St NW Washington, DC 20005
- Founding Farmers
Yelp/Founding Farmers - DC
Yelp/Wing Y. Founding Farmers was the original “farm-to-table” dining establishment. They are owned by a family of American farmers and are committed to serving delicious meals with the freshest ingredients.
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20006
- Rose’s Luxury
Yelp/Pete T.
Yelp/Flo S. You can tell you’re almost close to Rose’s Luxury because you’ll see the line around the block. Seriously, they don’t take reservations and the place is charming but tiny. If you do get up to the rooftop garden, be sure to enjoy every bit of food!
717 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003
- Florida Avenue Grill
Yelp/Paul D.
Yelp/Lillian C. You go to Florida Avenue Grill when are craving good, old fashioned soul food. They opened in 1944 and have been the good to for delicious breakfasts and comfort food ever since.
1100 Florida Ave NW Washington, DC 20009
- Red Hen
Yelp/A.R. P.
Yelp/Richard R. You’re going to love dining at the Red Hen, which you can spot by the red hen on the side, of course. Enjoy huge pasta meals and rustic Italian entrees in this comfortable neighborhood spot in Bloomingdale.
1822 1st St NW Washington, DC 20002
- Toki Underground
Yelp/Jeff D.
Yelp/Alida H. Ramen is a big deal in DC and you can attribute that to Toki Underground. This is a tiny restaurant only has 27 stools but their filling bowls are enough to wait for a seat.
1234 H St NE Washington, DC 20002
- Mangialardo’s
Yelp/Austin G.
Yelp/David H. Mangialardo’s just might be one of the best Italian delis in all of DC. This family run business is known for their delicious sandwiches. Try the Gman, one of the most beloved sandwiches in DC. 1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003
- Zenebech Restaurant
Yelp/A.R.P
Yelp/Bin X. If you have been in DC, you need to try Ethiopian food and Zenebech is one of the best! They recently closed down their long-running restaurant in Shaw and opened up a new one in Adams Morgan. 2420 18th St NW Washington, DC 20009
- Martin’s Tavern
Yelp/Steven W.
Yelp/Jackie R. Martin’s Tavern originally opened in 1933 and has been a popular spot with Capitol Hill elite. The rumor is that John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie there. This cozy restaurant is a great place to enjoy classic pub fare. 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20007
- Stoney’s
Yelp/Stoney’s on L
Yelp/Adrienne D. There are two Stoney’s locations now, one on P Street and one on L but they have been around for a while. The original Stoney’s opened in 1968. They are a perfect low-key neighborhood restaurant. 2101 L St NW Washington, DC 20037
- The Monocle
Yelp/Rob R.
Yelp/Latrice L. The Monocle is a Capitol Hill steakhouse where many deals are made in DC. Their menu features steak and seafood and the restaurant is an elegant fine dining establishment. 107 D St NE Washington, DC 20002
- Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar
Yelp/Joye P.
Yelp/Dynne S. Tune Inn is a beloved dive bar and restaurant that is decorated with wild decor and serves delicious bar food. 331 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003
- Tabard Inn
Yelp/Bruce K.
Yelp/Veronica J. Tabard Inn is a classic 1922 Classical-Revival style row house. The restaurant at the Tabard Inn has one of the best brunches in the city. 1739 N St NW Washington, DC 20036
Did you favorite restaurant make our list? You also might want to try these 10 unique restaurants in DC that are absolutely excellent!
Facebook/Occidental Grill & Seafood
Facebook/Occidental Seafood
The Occidental Grill was built in 1906. It’s known for its presidential decor and its many photos of cabinet members, senators, athletes and celebrities just as much as its delicious seafood.
1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004
Facebook/Old Ebbitt Grill
Facebook/Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt is one of the oldest restaurants in DC. This gorgeous eatery is also known for its fantastic oysters.
675 15th St NW Washington, DC 20005
Yelp/Founding Farmers - DC
Yelp/Wing Y.
Founding Farmers was the original “farm-to-table” dining establishment. They are owned by a family of American farmers and are committed to serving delicious meals with the freshest ingredients.
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20006
Yelp/Pete T.
Yelp/Flo S.
You can tell you’re almost close to Rose’s Luxury because you’ll see the line around the block. Seriously, they don’t take reservations and the place is charming but tiny. If you do get up to the rooftop garden, be sure to enjoy every bit of food!
717 8th St SE Washington, DC 20003
Yelp/Paul D.
Yelp/Lillian C.
You go to Florida Avenue Grill when are craving good, old fashioned soul food. They opened in 1944 and have been the good to for delicious breakfasts and comfort food ever since.
1100 Florida Ave NW Washington, DC 20009
Yelp/A.R. P.
Yelp/Richard R.
You’re going to love dining at the Red Hen, which you can spot by the red hen on the side, of course. Enjoy huge pasta meals and rustic Italian entrees in this comfortable neighborhood spot in Bloomingdale.
1822 1st St NW Washington, DC 20002
Yelp/Jeff D.
Yelp/Alida H.
Ramen is a big deal in DC and you can attribute that to Toki Underground. This is a tiny restaurant only has 27 stools but their filling bowls are enough to wait for a seat.
1234 H St NE Washington, DC 20002
Yelp/Austin G.
Yelp/David H.
Mangialardo’s just might be one of the best Italian delis in all of DC. This family run business is known for their delicious sandwiches. Try the Gman, one of the most beloved sandwiches in DC. 1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003
Yelp/A.R.P
Yelp/Bin X.
If you have been in DC, you need to try Ethiopian food and Zenebech is one of the best! They recently closed down their long-running restaurant in Shaw and opened up a new one in Adams Morgan. 2420 18th St NW Washington, DC 20009
Yelp/Steven W.
Yelp/Jackie R.
Martin’s Tavern originally opened in 1933 and has been a popular spot with Capitol Hill elite. The rumor is that John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie there. This cozy restaurant is a great place to enjoy classic pub fare. 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20007
Yelp/Stoney’s on L
Yelp/Adrienne D.
There are two Stoney’s locations now, one on P Street and one on L but they have been around for a while. The original Stoney’s opened in 1968. They are a perfect low-key neighborhood restaurant. 2101 L St NW Washington, DC 20037
Yelp/Rob R.
Yelp/Latrice L.
The Monocle is a Capitol Hill steakhouse where many deals are made in DC. Their menu features steak and seafood and the restaurant is an elegant fine dining establishment. 107 D St NE Washington, DC 20002
Yelp/Joye P.
Yelp/Dynne S.
Tune Inn is a beloved dive bar and restaurant that is decorated with wild decor and serves delicious bar food. 331 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003
Yelp/Bruce K.
Yelp/Veronica J.
Tabard Inn is a classic 1922 Classical-Revival style row house. The restaurant at the Tabard Inn has one of the best brunches in the city. 1739 N St NW Washington, DC 20036
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