The Best Bars for Foodies in Washington D.C.

Few areas in the country are more iconic than Washington, D.C., but America's capital isn't just the hub of politics—it's also home to some of the best restaurants in America. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Whether in the mood for a good old-fashioned, all-American beer, or some sake, this list of best bars in D.C. has you covered.

The OpenTable Team

11 Restaurants

Updated January 29, 2021

Restaurants:	O-Ku - DC, Le Diplomate, The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Japanese, French, American…
Neighborhoods:	Washington, Logan Circle, Penn Quarter…

O-Ku - DC

$$$$

Japanese

Washington

4.8

1331 reviews

O-Ku opened a few years ago and quickly won D.C. over with their commitment to genuine Japanese hospitality. They have a world-class upstairs bar and a full sushi and sashimi bar. O-Ku offers a wide variety of raw offerings, a full sake menu, and private dining for larger parties.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Le Diplomate

$$$$

French

Logan Circle

4.8

13232 reviews

Le Diplomate dedicates itself to genuine French culture. They take extra care to extend this dedication to the drinks, which are steeped in French culture and tradition. The fruits de mer (seafood salad) is renowned throughout D.C., but where Le Diplomate really shines is brunch. It's available every Sunday and features a full selection of breakfast and lunch.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

$$$$

American

Penn Quarter

4.5

3017 reviews

Located around the corner from the International Spy Museum, The Smith in the Penn Quarter is an offshoot of the popular NYC spot that specializes in all-American food and seasonal craft drinks. Draft beer and ciders are also available at a reasonable price here. It’s a popular spot for concert-goers, so it’s usually pretty lively.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dirty Habit | The Glass House

$$$$

Global, International

Penn Quarter

4.1

1668 reviews

The Dirty Habit is another addition to the Penn Quarter district and is steps away from all the major tourist destinations. They pair seasonal drinks with shareable plates, making Dirty Habit a great spot to get together with some friends, family, or colleagues.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Arsenal at Bluejacket

$$$$

Contemporary American

Navy Yard

4.3

1016 reviews

The building that houses The Arsenal at Bluejacket was first built back in 1919 and has since been retrofitted to house this bar and restaurant. The Arsenal specializes in "adventurous American eats" and microbrewed beers sourced from the local D.C. area. It's the beer list, of course, that makes them one of the best bars serving food in D.C.—and when paired with yummy treats like the jumbo everything pretzel or the pan-seared pierogi, you can understand why.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

RPM Italian - DC

$$$$

Italian

Washington DC

4.7

3611 reviews

This division of RPM specializes in Italian-American eats with pasta, seafood, and steaks. They also serve some of the best wines from various Italian regions in the world. At the center of RPM's kitchen is hand-crafted pasta, which is made fresh every day by some of the best Italian chefs in D.C. Using only fresh, natural ingredients like squid ink, truffles, and spicy king crab, RPM's fresh pasta is in a class all its own.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

BlackSalt

$$$$

Seafood

Palisades Northwest

4.8

6302 reviews

BlackSalt serves sustainable seafood that is typically locally sourced as well. The bar is more of an upscale tavern that complements the high-end dishes that are popular here. There's also a take-out market for those who prefer to take their dishes to-go.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Iron Gate

$$$$

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

4.8

2526 reviews

The Iron Gate is a swanky spot that offers Mediterranean fare, specifically Greek and Italian fusion dishes. This is a preferred hangout spot in the nicer weather months because they have a full courtyard for patrons to enjoy their food and drinks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Jaleo DC

$$$$

Spanish

Penn Quarter

4.7

9823 reviews

Celebrity chef Jose Andres brings his Jaleo concept to D.C., and the result is a Mexican fusion menu with a rotating selection of cocktails to complement the dishes. Jaleo has great tapas, but the Lomo Iberio de Bellota is what's really to-die-for, made from a premium cut of free-range, acorn-fed, black-footed iberico pigs of Spain.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Matisse

$$$$

Contemporary French

Tenleytown

4.7

1497 reviews

Named after the French painter Henri Matisse, this restaurant specializes in contemporary French-Mediterranean fare. Matisse has an unrivaled wine list that offers a premier selection of both reds and whites—both popular and obscure—for their patrons.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC

$$$$

Seafood

Downtown

4.7

8582 reviews

With satellite locations in Las Vegas and Chicago, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab has become a D.C. favorite because of their incomparable surf 'n' turf and cocktails. This is also a favorite spot for local politicians and other D.C. celebs.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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