Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Albi

Chef Michael Rafidi's Michelin-starred modern Levantine restaurant, repeatedly named DC's best and ranked among North America's 50 Best. The wood-fired cooking centers on dishes like pomegranate-glazed whole chicken and live-fire kebabs. Go for the tasting menu in the main room or order a la carte at the adjacent Yellow cafe; reserve well in advance.

Restaurants

Ben's Chili Bowl

A DC institution since 1958, beloved for its chili half-smoke (a smoky sausage topped with chili, mustard, and onions) and deep ties to the U Street and civil-rights history. Casual, cash-friendly, and open late. Note: it reopened in May 2026 after a roughly 10-month closure, so it's back in business and busier than ever.

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Fiola Mare

Chef Fabio Trabocchi's upscale Italian seafood destination on the Georgetown waterfront, with elegant nautical decor and Potomac River views. Come for crudo, handmade pasta, and whole fish in a special-occasion setting. It's one of DC's pricier rooms, so dress up and reserve a table by the windows or terrace.

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Le Diplomate

A buzzing, convincingly Parisian brasserie from restaurateur Stephen Starr, known for steak frites, onion soup, raw-bar towers, and a famous bread basket. It's a see-and-be-seen spot that anchors the 14th Street dining scene. Book ahead; weekend brunch and dinner fill up fast.

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Maydan

A Michelin-starred Middle Eastern and North African restaurant built around a central wood-fired hearth, serving spice-rubbed whole chicken, lamb shoulder, and an array of dips and breads. The dramatic, communal feast-style dining makes it ideal for groups. It's tucked behind a heavy wooden door off 14th Street, so look for the alley entrance and book ahead.

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Moon Rabbit

Chef Kevin Tien's modern Vietnamese restaurant, blending his heritage with Louisiana influences in a 50-seat Penn Quarter dining room. It's a Washingtonian 100 Very Best pick, with inventive plates and standout pastry from Susan Bae. Intimate and reservation-driven, it's great for a refined but unstuffy dinner.

Restaurants

Old Ebbitt Grill

Washington's oldest saloon (founded 1856), steps from the White House, famous for its bustling raw bar, oysters, and old-school clubby atmosphere. It's a reliable, history-soaked spot for visitors and a classic for happy hour. Expect a wait at peak times; the kitchen and bar stay open late.

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Rasika

DC's benchmark modern Indian restaurant, famous for the palak chaat (crispy fried baby spinach with sweet yogurt and tamarind) and tandoori and griddle dishes from chef Vikram Sunderam. It is consistently rated among the city's very best and stays in the Michelin Guide. Reservations are essentially mandatory, especially on weekends.

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The Red Hen

A warm, perennially popular Italian neighborhood restaurant in Bloomingdale with a Tuscan-farmhouse feel of reclaimed wood and moody lighting. The draw is house-made pasta, especially the much-loved rigatoni with sausage, plus wood-roasted secondi and crostini. It books up well in advance, so plan ahead for weekend dinners.

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Thip Khao

Chef Seng Luangrath's vibrant, beloved Laotian restaurant and one of the country's best sources for Lao cooking, recognized by the Michelin Guide. Highlights include crispy coconut rice salad, laab, and bold dishes from the fiery 'jungle menu.' It's a small Columbia Heights room, dinner only, and worth asking the staff to spice things up authentically.