Award-winning Restaurants in Washington D.C.

Roll out the red carpet - these restaurants are racking up critically-acclaimed awards and rave reviews. Book the best of the best in Washington D.C. to see what all the buzz is about.

OpenTable

33 Restaurants

Updated December 07, 2022

Restaurants:	1789 Restaurant, ala, Ambar Capitol Hill…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	American, Mediterranean, Balkan style…
Neighborhoods:	Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill…

1789 Restaurant

$$$$

American

Georgetown

4.7

6012 reviews

All the dishes we had were delicious and beautifully presented. The servers were very professional, friendly, and there when you needed them. We'll be going back to 1789 soon!

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

ala

$$$$

Mediterranean

Dupont Circle

4.6

1100 reviews

Great food artfully presented. Service is attentive and friendly and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and downtown location.

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Experiences available

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Ambar Capitol Hill

$$$$

Balkan style

Capitol Hill

4.8

4305 reviews

Melina was very caring hostess!

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Takeout available

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Bar Chinois

$$$$

Chinese

Shaw

4.7

367 reviews

Celebrating my wife’s birthday! Great place. Fantastic service!

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This is gonna be a lot to read!! This was my first time there. Everything was going great. Food, ambiance, great service.. until. the bill came. We booked for 5 but ended up being 4. that was fine... they adjusted. We got a table by the door. The cold was too much for 3 of them. Im a big guy so it was ok for me.. they moved us.. Awesome.. thank you. We got a better table.. (we chose the second table as well. it was still by a door.. we didnt know. still a better table) So we ate and it was sooo delicious) the waitress was so sweet and kind.. We ordered 3 endless mimosas. i ordered 1 mimosa for me, because i was the driver.. and.. ive worked in a restaurant.. i knew not to take from the carafe of endless mimosas. then we get the bill.. There was a bill with my $9.00 mimosa and then $25.00 endless mimosa and then $75.00 mimosa. i found our kind waitress and told her that this receipt is wrong. She let us know that someone said the drinks were flowing and that i was charged too. I told her kindly, I def did not drink more than my little one glass and ROLL the tape. i drank from that one glass with no refills, because as a server before.. I know they would try to get me. i asked them to roll the tape.. after about 5-10 mins.. the charge was removed. but. it wasn't the best experience. I totally know that people try to get over.. but I didn't .. If you need to watch us carefully, be right about it.

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BlackSalt

$$$$

Seafood

Palisades Northwest

4.8

6303 reviews

Prices have increased considerably.

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Chaplin

$$$$

Japanese

Shaw

4.7

1346 reviews

This was our second time here, and we ate here on our last trip to DC over a year ago. The food was great both times. Excellent service and a fun atmosphere both times, too. The gyoza and the Stamina Spicy ramen were especially good. We will definitely return on our next trip to DC.

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China Chilcano

$$$$

Peruvian

Penn Quarter

4.7

3138 reviews

We went to enjoy some Peruvian and chifa inspired food and weren’t disappointed. We arrived a bit earlier than our booking slot so we went for some pisco sours and chilcanos at the bar, which were amazingly good. Food was right on point: some dumplings for starters with a very fresh and delicious Peruvian ceviche, and the sauces were superb, specially the peanuts and tamarinds paste; we enjoyed the lomo saltado , a true star dish on flavors and textures, the papas a la huancaina was our less favorite, underwhelming and perhaps -for our taste- undercooked potatoes. The service was courteous, prompt and constant… well deserved tips for the crew! We will certainly return !

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Das Ethiopian - Georgetown

$$$$

Ethiopian

Georgetown

4.7

1266 reviews

Incredible food and thoughtful service. The sambusas were out of this world snd we loved the vegetarian sampler. Injera was provided and refilled when needed. Fantastic meal.

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Dauphine’s

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

4.5

1170 reviews

Such a lovely experience! Jazz music was perfect for a New Year’s Day brunch!

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dLeña

$$$$

Latin American

Mount Vernon Square

4.7

1100 reviews

Troy was absolutely amazing!!! He literally ready my mind by sending suggested brunch plates before I even ordered them and everything we got from the menu was delicious! I cannot wait to return!

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El Secreto de Rosita

$$$$

Latin American

Downtown

4.5

426 reviews

Truly a gem…welcoming front desk, attentive service, excellent menu…special in every way. Highly recommend! Have celebrated birthdays, friendship and more several times…and that’s no secret!

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Estuary at the Conrad DC

$$$$

Unspecified

Penn Quarter

4.5

494 reviews

It was a wonderful time. We are high maintenance people and picky eaters…and we were pleased with everything. From the cinnamon bun, to the avocado toast, to the crab Benedict and the omelette, everything was delicious. Service was outstanding, shoutout to the hostess, waiters, manager, and especially the chef. Thanks for making our day so special.

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Georgia Brown's

$$$$

Low Country

Downtown

4.4

7879 reviews

It's always a good time at Georgia Brown. I went for Sunday Jazz brunch and it was top tier. There was a bit of wait because people did not want leave their tables. We sat at the bar and enjoyed biscuits and Mimosas. Everything was delicious. The service was impeccable. The music was amazing. One warning: There is a homeless tent city in McPherson Square park that popped up over the pandemic. It's not a great sight, so I would not recommend sitting outdoors.

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

Gravitas

$$$$

American

Capitol Hill

4.5

131 reviews

Everything was delicious!

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Experiences available

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Jaleo DC

$$$$

Spanish

Penn Quarter

4.7

9823 reviews

Everything was fantastic - recommend trying the cava sangria and as many food choices as you can!!!

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Joselito Casa de Comidas

$$$$

Spanish

Capitol Hill

4.7

1219 reviews

Amazing! the food was perfect and the service was stellar! we cant wait to go back!!

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Takeout available

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Kaliwa

$$$$

Asian

Southwest Waterfront

3.8

337 reviews

Mia was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. The food options were amazing and the wine selection was fantastic.

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La Bise

$$$$

French

Downtown

4.8

606 reviews

Great experience A to Z. Solidifying its place among top DC restaurant choices while offering unusually good value.

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Takeout available

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Lupo Verde - 14th St

$$$$

Italian

Logan Circle

4.4

1752 reviews

The sever and good was amazing! Will be going back soon!

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Maiz64

$$$$

Mexican

Logan Circle

4.6

209 reviews

Food was excellent, lots of interesting flavors that don't make it into other cuisines. The Broccolini/Bok Choy and the carne asado tacos were real standouts. The dishes were very flavorful without being heavy, which is a rare combo.

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Experiences available

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Michele’s

$$$$

Contemporary French / American

West Loop

4.2

154 reviews

The food was excellent and the customer service was phenomenal. Both our waiter and the manager made sure we had an amazing dining experience. We had the shrimp cocktail which is prepared sue vie style so it was extremely tender. We also ordered the mushroom tart that's on a flat puff pastry. It was delicious. We ordered the double burger and whole fried fish and shared them. Again delicious! They even have a cocktail that I believe is only available at their restaurant. It think its called honey I'm sorry I'm late. It's a must try because it's smooth and unique.

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

Ottoman Taverna

$$$$

Turkish

Mount Vernon Square

4.7

1367 reviews

Amazing brunch! The server was fantastic. Highly suggested for brunch.

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Oyamel

$$$$

Mexican

Penn Quarter

4.7

9010 reviews

I haven't been to Oyamel in many years. The physical layout was different back then. My cousin and I dined there before a Wednesday evening Caps game and it was great! Oyamel has a nice full bar that was very busy. We were seated "downstairs" (just a short level down from the main level). Chips and salsa were served. The salsa had some nice heat and was very flavorful. Chips are made in house, of course. Oyamel has an extensive tequila and mezcal list, which we took full advantage of. Service was very attentive; they work in teams, which is ideal for a very busy restaurant. The food was outstanding! My cousin started with a salad he enjoyed. I had the best ceviche I've ever had! Striped bass with sectioned pink grapefruit, onions, and a delicious citrus "broth" that I ate with a spoon once I finished the food. Wow! We then had chapulines tacos, a Oaxacan specialty of dried grasshoppers. These critters were huge. (When my wife saw the picture, she said it looked scary.) Nice flavor and excellent texture. Next, he had a carne asada taco and I had a cochinita pibil taco, a Yucatan specialty (pork shoulder marinated in achiote paste, citrus juices, and lots of herbs/spices). Delicious. I couldn't stop so had a third taco, also very good: Hongos en molito (wild mushrooms, poblano peppers, etc.). I told my wife that she and I are going back to Oyamel this summer. Jose Andres (a true mensch) hits a home run here.

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

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

$$$$

Seafood

Logan Circle

4.9

1244 reviews

My partner and I had brunch and it was great. Good food bu I do think a couple of more signature items could be added to the menu. Overall great experience!

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Rumi's Kitchen - DC

$$$$

Persian

Mount Vernon Square

4.8

1480 reviews

All I can say is WOW!!! Saw this restaurant on Tic Tock and gave it a try…. Amazing experience the food was delicious, the drinks were on point. The sever was knowledgeable and provided recommendations. I can’t wait to go back.

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San Lorenzo

$$$$

Italian

Shaw

4.8

91 reviews

Great place that suffers from a so-so location compared to other downtown dining options. When I checked in for my 12:30 pm reservation, I was literally the only person in the restaurant. A few more customers showed up later, but not that many. With that said, the food and service were both top-notch, and I would recommend this place to others. I will definitely visit again.

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Shilling Canning Company

$$$$

American

Navy Yard

4.8

14 reviews

We did the Chef's Counter experience and it was so great ! The interaction with the chef's, their attention to us, and the amazing 7 course meal they created was all spectacular and made for a wonderful evening. Highly recommend !

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Experiences available

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Swahili Village The Consulate

$$$$

African

Dupont Circle

4.7

291 reviews

Great food, great drinks, great service, and great music!

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Bombay Club

$$$$

Indian

Downtown

4.8

4821 reviews

It was our 14th wedding anniversary celebration. Bombay Club was absolutely the right choice! The food and service were both excellent, there was a very pleasant buzz of other diners enjoying themselves, and the staff paid us special attention because of our anniversary. I will definitely recommend Bombay Club to friends and family!

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Takeout available

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The Pembroke

$$$$

Global, International

Dupont Circle

4.6

1391 reviews

The brunch was delicious, the music playlist really set the mood, the decor was bright and vibrant. It was perfect for a girls brunch.

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Experiences available

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Tonari

$$$$

Italian

Penn Quarter

4.6

141 reviews

great aesthetic, the corn pizza is *chef’s kiss*, the servers and host were so kind, the drinks were unique, and the menu was beautifully curated. playful element and delivered on its reputation

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Experiences available

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Zaytinya

$$$$

Mediterranean

Penn Quarter

4.7

17425 reviews

Fantastic Middle Eastern-fusion (for lack of a better term) restaurant. Everything here is good and it's a great location in downtown DC. Highly recommend.

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