Restaurants in Washington
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Best Restaurants
“Amazing! The staff was welcoming from the moment you walk in the door!! And the..Food was globally inspired with a twist, and beautifully displayed. Truly felt like a gift to stumble upon this establishment!!”
“Amazing! The sushi tasting menu was exceptional and filling! Delicious and whimsical cocktails. Bar in the back, very hip and chic workout being pretentious. Wagyu beef skewers from the bar was one of the best things I’ve ever had. All the skewers were amazing and the fried chicken and other bar snacks are classic bar foods, but way elevated- can not wait for the rest of the space to open!”
“Great food and excellent service. John was fantastic. 100% recommend”
“Amazing dishes. Chive cakes, marigold, Laos wine, the butterfly and hummingbird were delicious. The presentation on the pla tong ma was almost as good as the flavor. Aim helped us choose our dishes and provided excellent service.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“The food is wonderful. We always eat here when we come up from Richmond, VA. The staff is great as well.”
“I think Old Ebbitt Grill are one of the best grill joints around Washington and they got the most warmed atmosphere and I also enjoyed their service a lot. Their waitress and waiters are well trained with great sense of humor and they always smile to their customers/buyers.. You all can give it a try and thank me later hehe 😜”
Recommended Restaurants
“Tyvell or twin he said is a outstanding worker his is a real lil funny guy who means a lot when it come to his business, he has good skills and I really appreciate his hospitality.”
“Love how sassy the owner is in reviews😭 food was good and I was given more than enough!! Salsa was a bit spicy but it’s okay:) I enjoyed my experience here!”
“Walking past and dropped in for dinner. Great tasting food in a good serving size. Staff extremely friendly and quick. So good we came back the next night for more. Ww tried different dishes and again simply superb meals.”
“I am visiting DC from the midwest, but I was unexpectedly welcomed home to Egypt for lunch in Dupont Circle. You will find legitimate Egyptian street/comfort food and the staff display true Middle Eastern hospitality & service very rare in America. The music (classic Arabic songs of love and heartbreak lol) and hearing the Egyptian dialect specifically completed the experience.”
“All their breads are amazing, but have a small quibble: the breads do not age well at all (insert joke about things aging well here). They taste so tough even on the next day, sadly. I have tried freezing and even that doesn't do it. But, nevertheless, breads are amazing, so there is that.”
“I came to this restaurant for their taco Tuesday event. The tacos were really really good . The price was amazing and my bartender whose name is Nique made he experience 10 times better!!!! Her drinks were amazing and she was so pleasant! If you go to this location ask for Nique!!!!!”
“Such a fun experience during our trip to DC. All the items we choose were outstanding and different . It was the highlight of our rainy day .”
“Great evening at Anju with work colleagues. The food was exceptional , full of flavor and beautifully done. As chefs ourselves, we were all impressed. Service was warm and smooth throughout. Thanks to Chef for coming by and explaining his dishes ., A great personal touch. Highly recommend.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“I stopped in with friends before a event Sunday evening. The staff was warm and welcoming. I had the lentil sambusas and a peanut-infused coffee at the staff’s recommendation. The food was fast and delicious- the sambusas were warm and spicy, and the peanut coffee was delicious! In a kind gesture, the chef sent over a sampling of sushi to our table. Fresh and refreshing, the sushi was a nice complement to my sambusas and hot beverage. I’m not on this side of town often, but now I have a reason to come back.”
“Amazing! The sushi tasting menu was exceptional and filling! Delicious and whimsical cocktails. Bar in the back, very hip and chic workout being pretentious. Wagyu beef skewers from the bar was one of the best things I’ve ever had. All the skewers were amazing and the fried chicken and other bar snacks are classic bar foods, but way elevated- can not wait for the rest of the space to open!”
“I enjoyed the green zone, it had me flying high. Flying high when I tried their coffee drink. There was so much in it I don’t even know what to call it, but look at the picture, it looks delicious. I payed a pretty penny for it too, but pennies I got. This place cost a lot of green so bring your wallet, credit card too. Have fun, it’s good (at least their coffee drink is).”
“Great evening at Anju with work colleagues. The food was exceptional , full of flavor and beautifully done. As chefs ourselves, we were all impressed. Service was warm and smooth throughout. Thanks to Chef for coming by and explaining his dishes ., A great personal touch. Highly recommend.”
“I was very impressed by the service. I tried the green beans based on other reviews and it did not disappoint. The Orange rabbit was not bad but did not have much flavor in my opinion. Much less than I expected. Our server recommended the Daikon Fritters and those were very good and very filling as well. Overall I would come here again. definitely a nice intimate spot for a date.”
“Agora DC made my husband’s surprise birthday dinner party one to remember! From the superior customer service and professionalism of their special events management team, including Tsednia Abay, to the Michelin Star-worthy food and service, no detail was left untouched. Thank you to your entire team!😍”
“Brunch is amazing. Bottomless margaritas and the churros are excellent!”
Online Reservation Available
“Absolutely phenomenal experience through and through. The cocktails were the star of the show! All were fantastic, but Little Hats and Fast Trains was the crowd favorite among greats. The food was genuinely excellent. We shared the entire menu and found everything to be delicious and creative. The service was outstanding as well. The space is intimate and has an informal vibe for how elevated the cocktails are which we enjoyed. Prices are beyond reasonable for the quality. Can’t wait to go back, take an Uber cause you’re gonna want an extra cocktail!”
“There's a reason this is THE restaurant that visiting Japanese dignitaries go to. Genuinely one of the top Japanese restaurants in the *world* outside of Japan. (And with the accolades to prove it.)
Come for happy hour, or a fancy dinner, or try the outstanding omakase... you can't go wrong, and you can eat well at every price point from $20-200.”
“This place was probably one of my favorite dining experiences in DC. One of the reviews I read mentioned you’ll probably end up ordering 40-50% of the menu, and they were definitely right. For two people, we ordered 1 snack, 2 appetizers, 1 item from the “with bread” section, and 1 large share. We also got the rum cake (which was so good!) for dessert and we each had a drink. We left very full and with some leftovers from the large share.
All that aside, this place absolutely lived up to the hype! Each food item was packed with flavor and had beautiful presentation. The servers were kind and quick to help. Food comes out quickly which was nice! The music was on the louder side, but the playlist was great. We could still hear each other.
One thing to note is the menu changes slightly, so what you see in other reviews will more or less be what is available (with slight changes). For instance, we saw reviews about the chargrilled oysters but when we saw the menu it was (raw) oysters escovitch.
This place is definitely on my list to go back to!”
“Finding a Filipino restaurant isn’t easy. So learning about Purple Patch thru Jo Koy—has ended this search! Literally, Filipino cuisine heaven! The restaurant is uniquely decorated, the staff were friendly, & the food hit that major comfort button for us! Thank you Zahara for being so sweet & a wonderful waitress. We can’t wait to come back for more!”
“One of the best sushi experiences we’ve had on the East Coast. The Omakase was exceptional and absolutely worth every penny. A must‑try is The Heaven sake — incredibly smooth, crisp, and perfectly paired with the meal.
We celebrated my brother’s birthday here, and the entire family is still talking about how amazing everything was. Highly recommend!”
“Finding a Filipino restaurant isn’t easy. So learning about Purple Patch thru Jo Koy—has ended this search! Literally, Filipino cuisine heaven! The restaurant is uniquely decorated, the staff were friendly, & the food hit that major comfort button for us! Thank you Zahara for being so sweet & a wonderful waitress. We can’t wait to come back for more!”
“Went to Kitchen +Kocktails for the first time last night. The decor was very nice, and the music was good and not obnoxious. Our server Ally was terrific! I’m not a drinker, so when I asked her if there were any cocktails that didn’t taste like alcohol, I thought she would look at me like I was crazy, but she didn’t! She seemed to know exactly what I was talking about and immediately had a couple of suggestions. I went with the mixed berry lemon drop and it was perfect for me. The crab cake appetizers and shrimp and grits with lobster tail entree were amazing. We had a great time and we’ll be back!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“RUN, DON'T WALK to Just AJs Veenies. They're at pretty much all the DC farmers markets, and they're absolutely delicious. They are DC's best kept secret, and these shouldn't be a secret. Their food is honestly the best in town, next to Fancy Radish. Vegan or nonvegan, AJs Veenies are a must eat.”
“The Taco Bell was so amazing a tear ran down my leg, I hadn’t eaten all day and I made the best decision of ordering a crunch wrap and this amazing cashier named Jennifer took my order while being the only one there and made it in no time and it was delicious. I can’t wait to come back and hope the service is as good as the service I received from her.”
“I'm not even a huge burger person but the Oklahoma burger is so good to me for some reason! The fried chicken is also pretty good! We've come back within the same week due to me feeling for another burger. I had tried a piece of a friend's burger and had to come back for my own! I try not to eat too much red meat so this isnt usual for me. We basically got the same thing but swapped who got what. Lol.”
“Absolutely amazing experience at this Subway! The staff is always friendly, the restaurant is clean, and their attention to detail really stands out. Customer service is top tier — they even know me and my child by name, which makes every visit feel welcoming and personal. Truly appreciate the kindness and consistency every time we come in! Alam and all the staff are the best!”
“This particular store has been in the neighborhood for a long time so this store will need to upgrade the heating system the cooling system maybe it just like I said it needs to be gutted out and remodeled and maybe bigger and better parking lot for them as well because I see cars getting scraped up and everything like that when I'm and I'm coming out the parking lot”
“This is a wonderful store, they have a great flower selection I picked some out for my anniversary. Tutu (forgive me if I misspelled) and Latrice were extremely helpful. Latrice helped me carry everything out to the car and was very friendly and nice. She definitely went up and above beyond the call of customer service. She helped me fit everything in a way where the flowers wouldn’t fall over in the car too. I will definitely be back!”
“There's a lot of bad reviews so I'm gonna offer my 2 cents: y'all it's Taco Bell. When it's late, they're on of the (if not only) place open. This is a terrible place to door dash. Just use the app and walk down. It has a street pick up window.
The employees can be rude bc it's fast food and customers are utterly ferrel. That's how this works.
To reiterate: it's just Taco Bell. If you are local and just want to pick up food, it works. If your expectations are higher, don't go to Taco Bell.”
“Lamb chops steak is delicious! The fried potatoes were delicious! Brusselsprouts with fruit jam sweet and appetizing! His family's Pitabread can continue indefinitely”
“A thoughtful shared plates experience. We followed the wise recommendations of our server and were rewarded. Nice spot. Excellent yet not pretentious.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Agora DC made my husband’s surprise birthday dinner party one to remember! From the superior customer service and professionalism of their special events management team, including Tsednia Abay, to the Michelin Star-worthy food and service, no detail was left untouched. Thank you to your entire team!😍”
“I think Old Ebbitt Grill are one of the best grill joints around Washington and they got the most warmed atmosphere and I also enjoyed their service a lot. Their waitress and waiters are well trained with great sense of humor and they always smile to their customers/buyers.. You all can give it a try and thank me later hehe 😜”
“Celebrated our anniversary here, and Oyster Oyster exceeded every expectation. It was my wife’s first Michelin dining experience (she is vegetarian), and it could not have been more perfect.
Food: Delicious, inventive, and deeply rooted in sustainability. The menu evolves with the seasons, making clever, zero-waste use of ingredients across every course. Even as a non-vegetarian, I was blown away—their slow-grilled mushrooms unlocked an incredible depth of umami and made for an unforgettable dish.
Ambiance: An intimate, thoughtfully decorated space featuring a cozy main dining area and counter seating. As can see from pictures attached, we sat kitchen-side, which was nicely decorated and also gave us a front-row view of the culinary team in action.
Service: Impeccable and worthy of their star. Attentive from start to finish, the team went above and beyond with a handwritten anniversary note and complimentary drinks to toast the occasion.
Oyster Oyster made our anniversary truly special. 5/5 stars—we’d give more if we could!”
“The food tastes as great as it is creative. We got the Filipino fried chicken, Greek chicken wings, Belgian fries, charred Brussel sprouts, and shrimp ceviche. All portions more than met the price point, and the flavors were amazing. Complex but finely woven in a way that didn't interfere with enjoying the other foods ordered. The vibe is fun yet relaxing and the service was timely and professional.”
“Elegant setting. Beautiful decor. Stellar service. Innovative and delectable cuisine. Bonus points for mocktail options.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Easily one of the best spots in DC, with some of the best food. The corn tamal, grilled leeks w/ mole, and lamb neck barbacoa were some particular favorites, but everything was delicious, fresh, and carefully crafted. The cocktails were excellent, the patio was extremely pleasant, with attentive service — everyone was so kind. A true 10/10.”
“Superlative tasting menu, top notch wine parings, outstanding service, from a staff that outnumbers the clientele, what’s not to like? Yes it’s small, so leave the soccer team meetup for the pizza place. For Lutece, bring your favorite couple or 1 or 2 very special friends”
“The food was delicious, ambiance even better and service the best.
Stopped in here for brunch with a 1PM reservation on a Saturday. Party of three. We opted for bottomless mimosas (pineapple and cranberry). Our waitress(es) were a delight and attentive - Shoutout to DeLo! My two friends opted for the breakfast burrito while I had steak and eggs. The potatoes were seasoned well and the steak was cooked to my preferred doneness. Since it's a bistro they did not have steak sauce - however they offered me other options which included a mushroom gravy type sauce which paired so well with the steak. I would return just for that combination. I didn't see too many reviews for brunch so I wanted to provide some pictures for that. It's a small space with cute esthetic. It reminds me of a nice remote working coffee shop vibe. I cannot wait to return!”
“5 stars isn't enough!! From the moment we walked in until the end of our night we were satisfied. The decorations, food, and service was amazing! They even offered me a quiet place to pray :). Give this place a try-trust me (portions may seem small, but it was very filling- we ordered the bowl of fries, which came with a delicious sauce, CROQUETTES, fish burger, beef burger, and gnocchi pomodoro. It felt like we were in nyc enjoy :)”
“I love this place! The food is phenomenal! I can’t get over the tempeh burger!!!”
“The best lobster roll I've had in a long time! Now I understand why people say the roll is as important as the lobster. 10/10 I also had a crab cake which was good. Surprisingly, the coated fries were great! As a French fry purist, I have never said that before. Cannot go wrong with the hush puppies. Finished my meal with coffee and cheesecake. The friendly staff made this a memorable visit. I can't wait to come back.”
Fine Dining
“Went to Kitchen +Kocktails for the first time last night. The decor was very nice, and the music was good and not obnoxious. Our server Ally was terrific! I’m not a drinker, so when I asked her if there were any cocktails that didn’t taste like alcohol, I thought she would look at me like I was crazy, but she didn’t! She seemed to know exactly what I was talking about and immediately had a couple of suggestions. I went with the mixed berry lemon drop and it was perfect for me. The crab cake appetizers and shrimp and grits with lobster tail entree were amazing. We had a great time and we’ll be back!”
“In my 50 yrs of living on this earth, and have traveled abroad and tried many different places…my experience at The Dabney has been by far the best I’ve experienced. Everyone from host to chefs made me feel like a star. The bar staff, servers, the atmosphere, and the chefs!!! Top tier and would highly recommend!!! Not only was the service excellent…talk about hospitality on a 100! But the FOOD!!! I mean I would’ve been a happy camper just on the drinks from the bar (gotta try the FORWARD drink!! Whew!) and the service alone, but the FOOD?! We were treated to a five course, and every single bite, morsel that I tasted sent every bit of my taste buds to heaven!! I consider myself a picky eater but none of that mattered. If you’re a connoisseur of fine dining…you CANNOT miss THE DABNEY! I salute the CHEFS!!”
“Compliments to the Chef. The Michelin star is so deserved. The setting in pics seems strange but please trust the staff and the kitchen, EAT HERE. We Loved it. Try the Marrow starter and if you are from IRL or the UK the beans and pork belly is next level. BRAVO”
“What can I even say that's bad about this place? We tried the full tasting+wine menu for our anniversary dinner last week. It was so good that we had to return yesterday for restaurant week (a menu substantially smaller but just as satisfying).
The drinks were delicious and creative (get the lychee bomb), the food was adventurous and rich, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and fun, and the service was top notch.
Major shoutouts to my guys and gal Edwin, Jonas, and Mariana. Edwin was our first server and made us feel like a part of his family, joking with us, sharing stories with us, and giving us a full tour and history of the food and wine we enjoyed. On our second visit, Edwin made sure to check on us often, but our main server Jonas was equally as generous, lively, and gave us the best suggestions for what to order. He even asked the chef to make a custom dessert for us when he realized we'd tried all the ones on the menu from last week.
Favorite drinks were the lychee bomb and I think the hocus pocus. All wine pairings were delicious.
Favorite food was the quail egg with swiss chard and truffle cream, the shrimp momo, and the ghee-poached salmon, though everything was exceptional.
Don't come here if you're looking for something quick, it's a delicious marathon here.”
“he food was very good, and overall we had an enjoyable experience. The service was mostly excellent, although there was one issue during our visit—they accidentally missed one of our courses. I didn’t realize it until later, so I called the restaurant to let them know. To their credit, they handled it incredibly well. They apologized, prepared the missing course, and actually sent a driver to deliver it directly to our hotel.
I really appreciated how they took responsibility and went above and beyond to make it right. That level of customer service left a great impression. Of all the courses, the one that really stood out to me was the lemon cake dessert. It was an unexpected highlight and easily one of the most memorable dishes of the meal.”
“My wife and I were in DC for the weekend and decided to stop by Shoto because it was close to our hotel, and I'm so glad we did. We chose the Omakase signature selection so we could get a sense of every course they had to offer, and everything was great. This was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. I plan to return the next time I'm in DC.”
“We had an early dinner before attending a performance at the Ford’s Theater. We made reservations through Open Table and were immediately seated upon arrival. The service was great. Our server recommended several dishes that we loved. There were abundant vegan and vegetarian options. Chilorio de Res tacos were mouthwatering as were the Hongos en Milto ones. In fact, every dish we ordered was delicious. One dish (chilaquiles) never arrived from the kitchen but we were pressed for time so we opted to have it taken off our bill instead of waiting for them to prepare it separately. Dessert, Cafe de Olla, was phenomenal. Pics are only some of the items we tried. Great atmosphere for date night and a milestone birthday celebration. Highly recommend.”
Cheap Eats
“Go. Now. If it’s closed, just wait outside til it opens and thank me later. I CANNOT recommend them higher. The food was absolutely phenomenal. Portion sizes that can feed 2-3 people. Ridiculously delicious food. Great prices… and most outstanding THE SERVICE! The lady running the place was quite simply one of the kindest sweetest souls you’ll ever meet, took care of us like we were part of the family and honestly was just incredible.”
“Incredible vibes!
Bartender was an absolute chief throughout the night, and the karaoke hostess (kj) kept the energy up!
We absolutely loved the concept of costumed karaoke, it adds another layer of slumber party chaos to the night. People were very friendly and participated actively in the spectacle.
We will be back on Thursdays and Saturdays!!”
“No other bakery like Seylou. We travel in to the city every weekend to eat here. The staff is so kind and feels like an extension of our family. They’ve taken my child behind the scenes and shown him how grains are killed and bread is baked. I could not ask for a better community and diet staple.”
“(Ate too fast to take pictures)
Superb crust and top-notch attention to detail. Think NY-style pizza meets restaurant-style neapolitan - one of the best, if not the best, pizza shops in DC. Vodka pie and classic cheese are unbeatable
(the garlic confit on the marinara pie was very strong, but still a nice online deal)”
“Fun night for two out of towners! Food was amazing and the staff were incredibly friendly, even though we’re two or three times their ages and not cool at all! ;)”
“Great waiter- delicious food, unique and cooked perfect! Music and vibes were very very fun!!!”
“Had a great experience. I would definitely come back next time we are in DC.”
“I enjoyed the green zone, it had me flying high. Flying high when I tried their coffee drink. There was so much in it I don’t even know what to call it, but look at the picture, it looks delicious. I payed a pretty penny for it too, but pennies I got. This place cost a lot of green so bring your wallet, credit card too. Have fun, it’s good (at least their coffee drink is).”
“Minibar went above and beyond our expectations. Due to health issues, we cannot drink alcohol and they curated special nonalcoholic drinks that paired perfectly with the exceptionally creative food!”
“got a reservation last second in december so i could check out the holiday decorations after hearing of the restaurants history from a TikTok!! worth visiting for the vibes, and the free shots of amaretto!”
“Best sushi restaurant me and my family have ever been to. Our server, Jay made our experience even better with his service that went above expectations. They also gave complimentary matcha ice cream for our birthdays that was insanely good.”
“We value the seamless service and understated elegance. A trusted venue for business and celebration alike.”
“I had an amazing experience hosting a large party at El Techo. The owner and team were great! As were the food, drinks, ambiance and service. 10/10, I would recommend this place to anyone”
“The food tastes as great as it is creative. We got the Filipino fried chicken, Greek chicken wings, Belgian fries, charred Brussel sprouts, and shrimp ceviche. All portions more than met the price point, and the flavors were amazing. Complex but finely woven in a way that didn't interfere with enjoying the other foods ordered. The vibe is fun yet relaxing and the service was timely and professional.”
“Our Uber driver recommended St. Anselm, after the restaurant we planned on was closed. What a happy misfortune! From the quick phone call, answered by Lily, who cheerily said she could accommodate our party, to our amazing waiter Joe, the delicious food, wonderful atmosphere; this place is a DO NOT miss! I’m sad we live in FL and can’t be regulars!! St. Anselm, whatever you are doing, keep it up!!!”
“great spaghetti drunken noodles. I got them thai spicy and yes there were actually spicy! Was very happy with it.
Service was great and they were even willing to wait an extra twenty minutes for my friend to arrive.”
“We walked in 45 minutes before our reservation and they accommodated us. Their Martini's and Old Fashioned's were impeccably prepared. We had Steak Tartare, Chorizo Dumplings, and Blackened Cod. They each had unique and unexpected flavorings that challenged any preconceived ideas we had, they were each unique and the flavor profiles worked across them. I would go back and try separate offerings.”
“Did the cocktail mixing class. Great food and awesome experience!”
“It was fabulous! I loved how much thought went into the meal and the whole place showed the care and love behind the creations. The food and service were spectacular!”
“Exceptional throughout from the rooms to dining to sophisticated and attentive staff - thank you for having us.”
“One of the best sushi experiences we’ve had on the East Coast. The Omakase was exceptional and absolutely worth every penny. A must‑try is The Heaven sake — incredibly smooth, crisp, and perfectly paired with the meal.
We celebrated my brother’s birthday here, and the entire family is still talking about how amazing everything was. Highly recommend!”
“The Tacos and clam chowder was really good. The frozen Rose’ was good as well. Great service”
“I had the privilege of dining here during restaurant week and the experience was absolutely amazing. I’d come here for drinks before but never had the pleasure of the dining experience until now. We received a four course meal for $65 that included three small plates, an appetizer, a main + three sides, and two dessert samples. It was the perfect sampling of some of the best the menu has to offer.
My favorite by far was the peixe cru (chilled hamachi fish with charred mango). The sauce was to die for! I literally scraped every last drop off of the plate! My second favorite was the flan (pudim on the menu) the other reviews don’t lie. It was incredible!
The vibe of the dinner dining experience was wonderful — great wait staff, chill patrons, lovely Brazilian music and vibe. We went on a Saturday night and stayed through the beginning of the DJ set. It was great music, but then they started letting the young in’s in and the vibe turned college bar a bit. We couldn’t hang with their late-night energy anyway after all of that food, so we fled. 😆
I would recommend this spot for drinks (the melon caipirinha was actually my favorite, and the Brazilian coffee) and an upscale — but not snooty — dining experience. I’ll definitely be back if I can get a reservation again!”
“I was very impressed by the service. I tried the green beans based on other reviews and it did not disappoint. The Orange rabbit was not bad but did not have much flavor in my opinion. Much less than I expected. Our server recommended the Daikon Fritters and those were very good and very filling as well. Overall I would come here again. definitely a nice intimate spot for a date.”
“Returning to Washington from a France worn down by its own melancholy — a nation led by a presidential couple seemingly disconnected from l'esprit de grandeur — was a relief. The Monocle, nestled just a short pas de géant from Capitol Hill, felt like an antidote. Walking through its doors, I immediately felt transported, like one of the CIA operatives from Lioness Psy-Ops, covertly meeting allies in a safe haven of quiet luxury. Opened in October 1960 by Connie and Helen Valanos, The Monocle has seen more political deals sealed over its crab cakes than perhaps in the chambers of Congress themselves. As the Washingtonian noted, “The Monocle is a better restaurant than it’s given credit for,” serving dishes like “pan-fried Chesapeake Bay oysters baked in a light curry sauce” that feel like culinary diplomacy at its finest. What strikes one immediately is the duality of the space: half public house, half refined eatery. In the restaurant's more elegant quarters, I chose a glass of Sancerre, its mineral brightness pairing effortlessly with the signature crab cakes — plump, golden, and loaded with chair de crabe so sweet it could make a New Englander weep. A red wine-braised New York strip followed, its sauce reminiscent of the old-world simplicity one finds in France’s brasseries, yet undeniably American in its confident presentation. The maître d’, Nick Selimos — a fixture here for nearly three decades — greeted every guest with the kind of warmth that makes even the most hardened lobbyist feel comme chez soi. “There’s nothing more satisfying,” said John Valanos, the owner, “than having someone say, ‘We’ll come back ourselves.’” And come back they do — senators, staffers, and curious tourists alike. Sipping a digestif, I glanced at the black-and-white photos adorning the walls — Kennedy, Nixon, and other Washington titans. It’s said JFK dined here regularly during his Senate days. As The Washington Post humorously observed, "Intentions are spoken here, alliances formed, and deals sealed," all over dishes that balance simplicity and sophistication. Leaving The Monocle, I felt reconnected to the vibrancy of Washington, its pulse steadied by the legacy of places like this — where history, gastronomy, and a touch of joie de vivre blend into something unforgettable.”
“This dinner was 10/10! They were able to accommodate to a food allergy easily, service was fast and reliable, and the food was delicious. In addition it’s beautiful inside. Would recommend!”
“Celebrated our anniversary here, and Oyster Oyster exceeded every expectation. It was my wife’s first Michelin dining experience (she is vegetarian), and it could not have been more perfect.
Food: Delicious, inventive, and deeply rooted in sustainability. The menu evolves with the seasons, making clever, zero-waste use of ingredients across every course. Even as a non-vegetarian, I was blown away—their slow-grilled mushrooms unlocked an incredible depth of umami and made for an unforgettable dish.
Ambiance: An intimate, thoughtfully decorated space featuring a cozy main dining area and counter seating. As can see from pictures attached, we sat kitchen-side, which was nicely decorated and also gave us a front-row view of the culinary team in action.
Service: Impeccable and worthy of their star. Attentive from start to finish, the team went above and beyond with a handwritten anniversary note and complimentary drinks to toast the occasion.
Oyster Oyster made our anniversary truly special. 5/5 stars—we’d give more if we could!”
“Amazing food, really good meat, the galbi fried rice was delicious and my favorite. The served Daniel was such a great help, very detailed and careful with the meat. And overall an amazing experience for sure coming back here.”
“I've never had a better meal in my life. This is THE only restaurant to completely blow my mind in any genre, start to finish. Impeccable service, ambiance, and quality.”
“Meti made this experience so much better with her amazing smile and service. She went abov and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our drinks and food. She made an amazing espresso martini and had a very bright and welcoming smile that would have me and my friends coming back very soon!!! Thanks Meti for such a great experience!”
“First I would like to say that I wish there were more than 5 stars. My son and I are visiting the DC area for the Cherry Blossom festivities. My son has a love for Indian food ever since his trip to India. I have never tried Indian food ever. So this was my very first experience. From the moment we walked in the door our amazing experience began. The atmosphere is beautiful and so is the staff. Our server, April was super helpful and very knowledgeable. She has an amazing spirit and is wonderful with her job! The food... was very fresh, aromatic and DELICIOUS!! My son said the food was the closest to the food in India that he has had here in the states. For my first time... OMG!!! I am HOOKED! The only bad part is that I have to go back to Florida and wait impatiently for my next visit.”
“Massive selection of beers on tap including cask ales and the friendliest bar staff! Thanks 😊”
“This place was probably one of my favorite dining experiences in DC. One of the reviews I read mentioned you’ll probably end up ordering 40-50% of the menu, and they were definitely right. For two people, we ordered 1 snack, 2 appetizers, 1 item from the “with bread” section, and 1 large share. We also got the rum cake (which was so good!) for dessert and we each had a drink. We left very full and with some leftovers from the large share.
All that aside, this place absolutely lived up to the hype! Each food item was packed with flavor and had beautiful presentation. The servers were kind and quick to help. Food comes out quickly which was nice! The music was on the louder side, but the playlist was great. We could still hear each other.
One thing to note is the menu changes slightly, so what you see in other reviews will more or less be what is available (with slight changes). For instance, we saw reviews about the chargrilled oysters but when we saw the menu it was (raw) oysters escovitch.
This place is definitely on my list to go back to!”
“This resturaunt was amazing! The service was absolutely the best, the food was sooooo delicious and flavorful and the ambiance was great. Definitely will be going there again.”
“We went for the Restaurant Week menu, but everyone had to participate and that didn't work for us. We managed though and enjoyed the meal. Service was slow and random, but the food and price was good. Although we ordered off the regular menu i hoped to order a serving of their Restaurant Week ice cream dessert. Apparently this wasn't an option. It was a single serving of ice cream... seemed odd to me i couldn't order it individually.”
“Had a great time during happy hour. The music was great and the setting was very memorable and Sarah ensured we had a great time. Has been remodeled and looks much better since I last visited. Will definitely come back!!!”
“Delicious fresh food, beautiful presentation. Wonderful attentive staff, highly recommend. We will definitely return to enjoy an evening with music of Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Thank you very much.”
“On vacation from RI, my husband and I and very good friends had lunch at Lily’s just this past week and we fully enjoyed experience! It was a beautiful sunny day, and we were greeted with sunny faces and a friendly, highly professional staff. We sat in the outdoor area and everything from being there to fill our water glasses and explaining the menu was covered. I highly recommend Lily’s if not just for the fact that we felt like we were at home but to top it off, the food was delicious. Try the Tropical salad and the meatball appetizer!!”
“Great meal recently at Cucina Morini !!! The food, service and drinks were all on point !! See the photos for our recommendations !!! You can order half orders of pasta !! Perfect if you want to try different things.”
“Our son lives in the area and we have been here 4-5 since January ( every time we visit) The owners are wonderful and the staff very attentive The fish taco appetizer is wonderful ( can be enough for an entree if not wanted a big meal) I’ve had many of the entrees and never a bad meal . The chocolate dessert is my go to”
“We had never tried Afghani food before, and I am so glad we did. The staff was so friendly and helpful with any questions we had. They recommended the Mini Taste of Arocostia for our first time. Everything was FANTASTIC!!! The food was cooked perfectly. The service was great! We never had to ask to have our beverages filled up, because they were already on top of it before we had to ask. They packed all our leftovers into boxes for us for our way home. We will definitely be going back!”
“We had the best time at KooKoo DC last night. They accommodated a table of 14 for my spouse's birthday and never let us feel like an imposition. The food was so fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced - I did a double take when we got the bill. I even felt like we went all-out with apps, drinks, and desserts! The owner was also so kind - we just felt so cared for the whole time and can't wait to visit again.”
“Service is amazing. Friendly and efficient staff. Hotel is charming .”
“Superlative tasting menu, top notch wine parings, outstanding service, from a staff that outnumbers the clientele, what’s not to like? Yes it’s small, so leave the soccer team meetup for the pizza place. For Lutece, bring your favorite couple or 1 or 2 very special friends”
“The service was amazing and Diana was my waitress she was so nice”
“I went with a friend to The Capital Burger on Newbury last week. The space was clean and comfortable, our server was really friendly, and the food came out fast. Great experience—I’d come back without a second thought.”
“We went to hear the band and try the cuisine. The band (Ambience) and the food were excellent!”
“The restaurant experience my son and I had here was definitely five star! Very knowledgeable and friendly staff the food was stellar, the atmosphere was friendly, and the location in DC was ideal. I highly recommend this restaurant!”
“Cannot say enough about how good they do EVERYTHING. Always fresh and made with care, love, perfection, out of the best ingredients. Whenever we are in town, we go to breakfast, and sometimes lunch or dinner. Fantastic place to grab a delicious bite.”
“Thank you so much for having my friends Kristina, Alex and I for dinner today. I just want to say that everything we had was great, my favorite being the la calabrese! Meiling took such good care of us, she is a wonderful host and we had some great conversations with her. We’ll def be back in the future to try some of the other pizzas. Your decor and ambience is fantastic as well, I really felt like I was at restaurant in Italy! Keep up the good work and thanks again for a wonderful evening!”
“What can I even say that's bad about this place? We tried the full tasting+wine menu for our anniversary dinner last week. It was so good that we had to return yesterday for restaurant week (a menu substantially smaller but just as satisfying).
The drinks were delicious and creative (get the lychee bomb), the food was adventurous and rich, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and fun, and the service was top notch.
Major shoutouts to my guys and gal Edwin, Jonas, and Mariana. Edwin was our first server and made us feel like a part of his family, joking with us, sharing stories with us, and giving us a full tour and history of the food and wine we enjoyed. On our second visit, Edwin made sure to check on us often, but our main server Jonas was equally as generous, lively, and gave us the best suggestions for what to order. He even asked the chef to make a custom dessert for us when he realized we'd tried all the ones on the menu from last week.
Favorite drinks were the lychee bomb and I think the hocus pocus. All wine pairings were delicious.
Favorite food was the quail egg with swiss chard and truffle cream, the shrimp momo, and the ghee-poached salmon, though everything was exceptional.
Don't come here if you're looking for something quick, it's a delicious marathon here.”
“The food was delicious, ambiance even better and service the best.
Stopped in here for brunch with a 1PM reservation on a Saturday. Party of three. We opted for bottomless mimosas (pineapple and cranberry). Our waitress(es) were a delight and attentive - Shoutout to DeLo! My two friends opted for the breakfast burrito while I had steak and eggs. The potatoes were seasoned well and the steak was cooked to my preferred doneness. Since it's a bistro they did not have steak sauce - however they offered me other options which included a mushroom gravy type sauce which paired so well with the steak. I would return just for that combination. I didn't see too many reviews for brunch so I wanted to provide some pictures for that. It's a small space with cute esthetic. It reminds me of a nice remote working coffee shop vibe. I cannot wait to return!”
Latest Reviews
“Never thought to stop in until now--after five years in Woodley Park, we've found our spot for weekend brunch/buffet!”
“Our experience at the Occidental last night was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, every detail was executed with perfection. The menu showcased incredible range and creativity — the twin lobster tails were tender and sweet, the steak tartare was beautifully balanced, and the smoked pheasant under glass was a showstopper both in flavor and presentation. Each dish felt carefully crafted and elevated, yet approachable. The wine list was equally impressive — clearly curated with thought and depth, offering the perfect pairings to complement the meal without ever feeling overwhelming. Service was another highlight. Warm, attentive, and genuinely inviting, the staff struck that rare balance of professionalism without a hint of stuffiness, making us feel truly welcome. Though we couldn’t save room for dessert, it simply gives us the perfect excuse to return soon. The Occidental delivers a dining experience that lingers in memory — refined, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Highly recommended!”
“Great evening at Anju with work colleagues. The food was exceptional , full of flavor and beautifully done. As chefs ourselves, we were all impressed. Service was warm and smooth throughout. Thanks to Chef for coming by and explaining his dishes ., A great personal touch. Highly recommend.”
“A very inviting corner restaurant, great for people watching and cocktails. The drinks were nice and the atmosphere was lux. We went on a Saturday and it just felt like they needed a manager around. Felt like they were really understaffed and not ready for the crowds. There were some people who had worked there longer and were directing others, and the food did come out of the kitchen timely. But there wasn't a sense of table service really, you just catch them when you can, know the candle won't get lit even after you asked and teach the server how to swipe the card. I wish they had someone tending to things, but maybe when it's slower it will be better. The pizza was good, and lots of pepperoni. I wished it wasn't quite as soggy in the middle but it tasted good. And the burrata had no flavor, no nice olive oil or pepper, very bland, but it was a hearty portion. Can't complain about the drinks. I can sense when there's no service concept so I hope they get it together.”
“I came to this restaurant for their taco Tuesday event. The tacos were really really good . The price was amazing and my bartender whose name is Nique made he experience 10 times better!!!! Her drinks were amazing and she was so pleasant! If you go to this location ask for Nique!!!!!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“After a recent stay at the Hotel Hive, I must say it was one of the many highlights of my trip to DC. If you're looking for just the right spot, this is it... For starters, the location in the Foggy Bottom area of DC is hard to beat. It's an incredibly safe and completely walkable neighborhood that makes getting around the DC area perfect. The 5-minute walk to the metro station was perfect for starting and ending our long days running around, taking in this amazing city. Since it was our first ever stay in a "Micro Hotel" our room felt anything but cramped. Our Loft room was cozy, comfortable, and perfectly designed to maximize the space given. What made the space stand out was the huge windows, which let in a ton of natural light, making the room feel bright and spacious, thus perfect for waking up and planning our day's adventures. Lastly, there was the phenomenal staff... Every staff member we encountered was super friendly and always willing to go that extra mile to help answer any questions that we had. One front desk staff member who stood out was Sana, who, at every interaction, was always the first to ask how we were and how our stay was going. She even mentioned several helpful insights that made our stay that much better. Simply put, I can not recommend the Hotel Hive enough.... It truly is a gem in the Foggy Bottom District of DC...”
“Haley was absolutely fabulous. Her personality was so pleasant and she was extremely professional. She checked on us just the right amount of times and was very knowledgeable about the restaurant, even though she was relatively new. She's a true keeper. Oh yes, the food was out of this world. I know we'll be back and I've recommended it to my friends that either live in K of P or who I know visit there. it was just a lovely experience Laurie Edson”
“This establishment is absolutely phenomenal . The manager personally came out to speak with me and my friends and the waiter Omar was phenomenal. The atmosphere is very classy , the food is delicious and the ambiance is out of this world . An experience worth having .”
New Restaurants
“I had the privilege of dining here during restaurant week and the experience was absolutely amazing. I’d come here for drinks before but never had the pleasure of the dining experience until now. We received a four course meal for $65 that included three small plates, an appetizer, a main + three sides, and two dessert samples. It was the perfect sampling of some of the best the menu has to offer.
My favorite by far was the peixe cru (chilled hamachi fish with charred mango). The sauce was to die for! I literally scraped every last drop off of the plate! My second favorite was the flan (pudim on the menu) the other reviews don’t lie. It was incredible!
The vibe of the dinner dining experience was wonderful — great wait staff, chill patrons, lovely Brazilian music and vibe. We went on a Saturday night and stayed through the beginning of the DJ set. It was great music, but then they started letting the young in’s in and the vibe turned college bar a bit. We couldn’t hang with their late-night energy anyway after all of that food, so we fled. 😆
I would recommend this spot for drinks (the melon caipirinha was actually my favorite, and the Brazilian coffee) and an upscale — but not snooty — dining experience. I’ll definitely be back if I can get a reservation again!”
“Food was good! The hummus texture was great but wished the bread was warm for the price. The chicken liver mouse was a little on the sweet side as well because of the beignet. They ran out of something to make the espresso martini and holy moly it tasted like straight liquor. Wish I could’ve liked it more!”
“My boyfriend and I were visiting from Texas. Found Alfreda’s online and came for dinner. It was absolutely amazing and our favorite meal of our trip. I had the blueberry St. Germain spritz and the passion fruit spritz— both great. And we shared the Caesar salad and the Alfreda pizza add basil. It was definitely up there, if not was, our favorite pizza we’ve ever had. Highly recommend the Alfreda sauce on the side, like a dilly ranch with a bit of sweetness. I highly recommend and so glad we found it!”
“Hottest new seafood restaurant near DuPont Circle. Best Lobster Risotto I’ve had in my life! The Lobster Bisque was very creamy with large chunks of fresh meat. Topped it off with Key Lime Pie in a cup. The owners are very friendly and the service was excellent. Definitely a 5-star place!”
“Meti made this experience so much better with her amazing smile and service. She went abov and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our drinks and food. She made an amazing espresso martini and had a very bright and welcoming smile that would have me and my friends coming back very soon!!! Thanks Meti for such a great experience!”
“Absolutely incredible food with each course being better than the last. All flavours work well together to give the dishes something to be remembered. Service was fast and friendly and described what they dishes were when placed on table. Highly recommend this place and will be back often.”
Recommended



“Have eaten here 4 of 5 days visiting DC. Fantastic food and great service. Highly recommend!”