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Best Restaurants in Washington DC (2026)

Washington's restaurant scene reflects the many communities that live in and pass through the city. At the casual end, Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street has served half-smokes and chili since 1958, and Martin's Tavern in Georgetown has been run by the same family since 1933. Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House is the city's oldest saloon and a good choice for oysters. For a broader taste of the world, Zaytinya serves Turkish, Greek and Lebanese mezze in Penn Quarter, Rasika is known for modern Indian cooking and Thip Khao in Columbia Heights is a leading Lao restaurant.

For a special occasion, the city has several Michelin-recognised restaurants. Albi in Navy Yard serves a Palestinian tasting menu cooked over a wood-burning hearth, Rose's Luxury on Capitol Hill is known for inventive sharing plates in a converted townhouse and Fiola Mare offers Italian seafood on the Georgetown waterfront. Le Diplomate on 14th Street is a lively French brasserie that stays open late. Book ahead for dinner at the popular places, particularly from Thursday to Saturday, and remember that some restaurants add service charges or surcharges, so read the bill before you tip.

10 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 restaurants in Washington DC

  1. Ben’s Chili Bowl Half-smokes and chili, U StreetA family-run U Street institution since 1958, serving its original half-smokes and chili from a building that was once a silent cinema.
  2. Old Ebbitt Grill American saloon and oyster bar, DowntownWashington's oldest saloon, founded in 1856, with a busy oyster bar and wood-panelled dining rooms a short walk from the White House.
  3. Rasika Modern Indian, Penn QuarterA modern Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter led by chef Vikram Sunderam, known for tawa, sigri and tandoori cooking and regional curries.

Restaurant

3. Rasika

Modern Indian$$$Penn Quarter

A modern Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter led by chef Vikram Sunderam, known for tawa, sigri and tandoori cooking and regional curries.

View details — Rasika

Restaurant

4. Le Diplomate

French brasserie$$$Logan Circle

A large, lively French brasserie on 14th Street from Starr Restaurants, serving onion soup, steak frites, seafood platters and weekend brunch.

View details — Le Diplomate

Restaurant

5. Zaytinya

Turkish, Greek and Lebanese mezze$$Penn Quarter

José Andrés's Penn Quarter mezze restaurant, bringing together Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cooking in a large, bright dining room made for sharing.

View details — Zaytinya

Restaurant

6. Fiola Mare

Italian seafood$$$$Georgetown

Fabio Trabocchi's Italian seafood restaurant on the Georgetown Waterfront, with views over the Potomac and menus for lunch, brunch and dinner.

View details — Fiola Mare

Restaurant

7. Rose’s Luxury

Contemporary American$$$Capitol Hill

A Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted Capitol Hill townhouse, known for chef Aaron Silverman's eclectic menus and dishes such as its lychee salad.

View details — Rose’s Luxury

Restaurant

9. Thip Khao

Lao$$Columbia Heights

A Lao restaurant on 14th Street in Columbia Heights from chef Seng Luangrath, often called the godmother of Laotian cuisine in America.

View details — Thip Khao

Restaurant

10. Albi

Palestinian, wood-fired$$$$Navy Yard

Chef Michael Rafidi's Michelin-starred Palestinian restaurant, built around a wood-burning hearth and a five-course tasting menu called Sofra.

View details — Albi