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Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

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OpenTable
Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Elizabeth's restaurant
Elizabeth's
4.9
4.9 (1428)
$50 and over
Vegan
Downtown
About the restaurant
Elizabeth's is Washington, D.C.'s world renowned original vegan fine dining restaurant. Since 2009, Elizabeth's has been redefining plant-based cuisine one seasonal tasting menu at a time. Nestled inside a historic downtown townhouse just steps from the White House, our intimate setting is the backdrop for an evening of genuine culinary discovery.

Our seasonal multi-course menus showcase the finest plant-based ingredients at their peak. Pair your dinner with a curated selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, thoughtfully chosen to complement every course. Open Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Gluten free menus are available upon request. Fully raw menus are not available. Please call the restaurant (202-347-8349) in reference to any allergies prior to making your reservation. We require minimum 48 hours advance notice for any nut, lentil, and oat allergies. Regarding reservations of 5 or more, please call the restaurant directly.
Top review
Henry
Dined on 25 Sept 2026
This came recommended to me by a friend who is a travel journalist. Outstanding dining experience. I didn’t do the tasting menu, but ordered several items from the surprisingly affordable happy hour menu and sat at a high-top table. The staff were extremely attentive and friendly. The food was absolutely delicious. A few hautecomfort dishes that were cozy and satisfying. The blinis were different though. Subtle, complex, and just sublime. Truly incredible. Beautiful, gallery-like, townhouse space, filled with portraits. The food was surprisingly filling, such that I couldn’t even finish half of it and had to take the rest back to my hotel. And I even got to meet Elizabeth herself, who was there greeting guests and pitching in. A wonderful experience I will always remember.
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A photo of Fall Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Fall Tasting Menu
A photo of The Onyx Bar of a restaurant
Experience
The Onyx Bar
A photo of Semi-Private Dining at Elizabeth’s of a restaurant
Experience
Semi-Private Dining at Elizabeth’s
A photo of Jônt restaurant
Jônt
4.9
4.9 (456)
$50 and over
French / Japanese
U Street Corridor
About the restaurant
At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.

We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.

Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.
Top review
Richard
Dined 2 days ago
This is a Michelin 2 star for a reason. Each course was carefully explained to us, and the paired drinks were fantastic. I don't drink alcohol, so even the alcohol free drinks were great. There were a few standout dishes, (not that this is relevant on a menu where dishes change constantly), like the first 3 tastes, the rice dish, and the tilefish with the scales prepared such that they were puffed up and crispy, but everything was delicious. Combine that with the fact that I heard shook ones by Mobb Deep at one point, and it could not have been more modern/less stuffy.
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A photo of Chef's Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Chef's Tasting Menu
A photo of Dinner at Jôntaine Estate: A Halloween Experience of a restaurant
Experience
Dinner at Jôntaine Estate: A Halloween Experience
A photo of Causa restaurant
Causa
4.9
4.9 (260)
$50 and over
Peruvian
Shaw
About the restaurant
Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Our current menu, a Journey Through Peru, highlights dishes and ingredients from various regions and sub regions throughout Peru. We are also now offering a vegetarian experience and happy to accommodate almost all dietary restrictions (gluten and dairy allergies cannot be accommodated) We offer an amazing 6 course wine pairing or non-alcoholic pairing as well.

Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included).

If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, please reach out to concierge@causadc.com.

Gift Card? Please use a credit card for your reservation and we will refund you at the end of your experience. .
Top review
Antonio
Dined 2 days ago
Not just a restaurant but a full experience. Outstanding service and innovative ingredients from Peru. The service is perfect and the food is another level.
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A photo of Causa Six Course Experience - Table Seating of a restaurant
Experience
Causa Six Course Experience - Table Seating
A photo of Causa Six Course Experience - Counter Seating of a restaurant
Experience
Causa Six Course Experience - Counter Seating
A photo of Causa Four Course Experience - Table Seating of a restaurant
Experience
Causa Four Course Experience - Table Seating
A photo of minibar by José Andrés restaurant
minibar by José Andrés
4.8
4.8 (179)
$31 to $50
Home cooking
Penn Quarter
About the restaurant
Minibar by José Andrés, a two Michelin-starred restaurant, is a study in avant-garde cooking where each bite is designed to thrill the senses by pushing the limits of what we have come to expect - and what is possible - from food. The creations combine art and science, as well as tradition and technique, to deliver an imaginative and progressive tasting menu.
Top review
Tim
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding experience! The food was stunning and evoked truly joyful amazement throughout the service. The courses and wines were well explained and presented with the utmost precision. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable and took care of every need. More than a meal -- this was a true adventure! I'm so glad I took many photos to remember the evening!
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A photo of Chef's Counter Tickets of a restaurant
Experience
Chef's Counter Tickets
A photo of Jose's Table Tickets of a restaurant
Experience
Jose's Table Tickets
A photo of Elcielo Washington DC restaurant
Elcielo Washington DC
4.8
4.8 (85)
$50 and over
Colombian
NoMa
About the restaurant
Discover Elcielo Washington DC, a Michelin starred restaurant offering one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the capital. Indulge in a signature tasting menu that awakens all your senses, curated by award-winning Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, showcasing the essence of modern Colombian haute cuisine. Each dish blends innovation with tradition, crafted from seasonal local ingredients and tailored for every guest, including vegetarians and those with allergies. Located at La Cosecha on 4th St NE in the Union Market District.

Are you ready to taste the magic?
Top review
Lisa
Dined 3 days ago
Creative unique and delicious cuisine! Amazing staff and experience!
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Experience
The Experience
A photo of The Journey of a restaurant
Experience
The Journey
A photo of Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien restaurant
Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien
4.8
4.8 (1505)
$50 and over
Vietnamese
Washington
About the restaurant
Moon Rabbit is a highly-regarded Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C., drawing inspiration from the virtuous rabbit depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tale. Led by acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, the restaurant embodies an innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a menu that is both unique and complex. Chef Tien's main objective is to pay tribute to his heritage as a first-generation Asian American, using Moon Rabbit as a platform for expressing his love for Vietnamese culture and food.
Top review
Gayani
Dined 7 days ago
Amazing amazing food and drinks! I was there for dinner with my friend - I was blown away. I will be back!
A photo of Stellina Pizzeria - Union Market restaurant
Stellina Pizzeria - Union Market
4.4
4.4 (42)
$30 and under
Italian
NoMa
About the restaurant
## Stellina Pizzeria: A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Union Market

Step into Stellina Pizzeria and be transported to the bustling streets of southern Italy. The aroma of fresh-baked pizza, the vibrant atmosphere, and the warm hospitality will make you feel like you've stepped into a charming trattoria.

Our menu celebrates the humble yet robust street food culture of Italy. Start your journey with our signature **Cuoppo Misto**. Then, indulge in our **Neo-Neapolitan pizzas**, crafted with a light, crispy crust and topped with the freshest ingredients. From classic Margherita to innovative creations like the Piccante with spicy sausage and 'nduja jam, each bite is a symphony of flavors.

Beyond pizza, our menu boasts an array of delectable dishes. Savor our house-made pastas, like the Paccheri Alla"Avellinese, or indulge in our creative panini served on our signature pizza dough. And don't forget to save room for our dolci, like Tiramisu, a sweet ending to your Italian adventure.


Top review
AndrewGold
Dined on 30 Aug 2026
One of my all time favorite spots in the neighborhood. I'm thankful every day that Stellina is so close by! Pasta, pizza = delicious. Vibes = great.
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Experience
Happy Hour
A photo of Surreal Global Kitchen restaurant
Surreal Global Kitchen
4.4
4.4 (81)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Arlington
About the restaurant
In the tireless search to innovate, we have realized that everything exists. At Surreal, we decided to think outside of the box and re invent, crossing the boundaries of our imagination, what a restaurant should be.

More than just a meal, Surreal is an immersive experience with curated playlists and inviting lighting, perfect for any occasion. As part of the National Landing community, Surreal is dedicated to fostering connections and shared moments. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
Top review
Theresa
Dined on 20 Sept 2026
Amazing spot for brunch with friends! The food was delicious, and many dishes to select from. The price was great $35 for all-you-can-eat brunch, with the selection of one steak or shrimp dish. Our servers were attentive. The restaurant is beautiful and gives an elevated vibe. I will be coming back.
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A photo of All You Can Dream (and Eat)! of a restaurant
Experience
All You Can Dream (and Eat)!
A photo of Altitude restaurant
Altitude
4.4
4.4 (8)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Italian
Arlington
About the restaurant
Inspired by midcentury jet-set travel, Altitude is designed for evenings that linger. Our Italian-inspired menu features handmade pastas and regional specialties made with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients. Our curated wine cellar spans new and old world producers, while cocktails stay rooted in the classics.
Top review
Waldemar
Dined 7 days ago
Second time experience, both times great. Love the vibe, selection, and service.
A photo of MXDC restaurant
MXDC
4.2
4.2 (2521)
$30 and under
Mexican
Downtown
About the restaurant
Created by award-winning Chef Todd English, our menu includes small plates, entrees, and family-style dishes. The menu offers traditional foods from various regions throughout Mexico. Taco options include Pork Belly, beer-battered Mahi Mahi, and Carne Asada. Other favorites include the Seven-Chile Lamb Shank, Tortilla Soup, and our open-faced quesadillas.
Top review
Nancy
Dined 7 days ago
Paella for two was superb and habanero margarita delicious.
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A photo of Happy Hour of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour
A photo of Taco Tuesday of a restaurant
Experience
Taco Tuesday
A photo of Bottomless Brunch of a restaurant
Experience
Bottomless Brunch
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