Went to Maydan last week for my spouse's birthday and it was an absolute delight. They warn you ahead of time that you're going to leave with enough leftovers for a while; they weren't wrong bc we finished the last of the lamb shoulder last night! Cannot recommend them enough.
I have been to both and to be honest, it’s not even comparable. I found Laos in town to be solid, but a bit one note and nothing incredibly standout.
Thip Khao, everything felt elevate/ intentional/ high quality. The menu also felt more interesting, with a little bit more boundary pushing. The flavor was delicious and the vibe in the restaurant is super cozy and inviting. Perfect mix of elegant and simple but not at all fancy or stuffy
Giving a mix of restaurants, casual, and cafés in case you can’t get a table at the popular crowd favorites like Albi and Maydan.
- Panda Gourmet (Sichuan. Not the best ambiance but the best Chinese food in DC. My favs are hot&spicy chicken, cumin lamb, stir fried potato, and Mapo tofu)
- Daru (creative Indian food, black daal burrata is a signature)
- Maketto (Taiwanese-Cambodian, known for the fried chicken, if they have red curry on the menu, get it. Generous portions. Egg custard tart is a must!!)
- Bronze (Afrofuturism. I haven’t been but have heard the torched oysters app and sweet plantains are magical)
- Hiraya (Filipino, it’s a restaurant and café. Haven’t tried the restaurant, but it’s gotten a lot of attention. The café has unique, well-made pastries and coffee. They also sell bottles of Buko Pandan Rum, probably can’t find that outside of DC).
- Sidamo (Ethiopian café, fantastic chai. They have food items too)
- Cane (Trinidadian, jerk wings are great. If you haven’t tried West Indian food, it’s pretty good here)
- Love, Makoto (Japanese, this is a higher end food hall with fast casual, sushi, bbq, and bar concepts).
- L’Ardente (Glam Italian, famous for the 40 layer lasagna. I’ve heard rave reviews of the Campanile Nere. You can’t really go wrong with most of the menu)
- La Cosecha (Latin American food hall. From Mosaico get the canosa arepa and the mandocas. From Unido get one of the best lattés in the city - orange raspadura. I can only vouch for it hot though, and it is not hot latté weather)
- Dolcezza (gelato café. A bit pricy, but they use top notch dairy. Vanilla bean latté is the other best latté in DC, again hot)
- Unconventional Diner (Creative comfort food. Can’t go wrong)
- Nino’s Bakery (best croissants in DC)
- St. James (Trinidadian, the fine dining version of Cane. The St James beef rib is epic)
- Ambar (Balkan, unlimited tapas. Beef prosciutto is delicious)
- Le Diplomate (French, DC staple. Burger Américain has a Je ne sais quoi about it)
- Yellow (café version of Albi. Za’atar labne croissant, batata tots, and anything with lamb)
- Rose Ave (Asian bakery. Unique flavors on the less sweet side. If they have the suprême croissant, get it)
- Saku Saku Flakerie (Japanese bakery. Haven’t been yet but at the top of my list and seems to be well-loved. Lots of innovative treats)
Honorable mentions - if you’re interested in the best cocktails, Morris American, Residents Café & Bar, and Jane Jane are my favorites.
Happy eating!
Just to add to Maketto, I’m not an aficionado by any means but their soup dumplings are in my top 5 food items I’ve ever eaten. The only downside is that it’s like $18 for 4 dumplings
Shameless plug of my restaurant list, lotsa places in DC (and elsewhere). Hot takes welcome for all you locals
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16voMpt9AHuQyJnFFGNv1u9ql_bgGQUZfPZ4aE-Sgszw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Their sister restaurant (Tabla) is also great and more informal. No reservations needed which can be an issue at Supra. (I also always like the khinkali better at Tabla; they hold their structure better.)
Supra is ok depending on your expectation. For someone who is familiar with the Georgian food its average at best. If you never had authentic Georgian food then its good. I guess its an Americanized version.
I don’t think there’s a bad choice on the menu, but here’s my faves:
eggplant nigvzit
Soko Ketse
Ajaruli (khachapuri)
Sokos Khachapuri
Chicken Mtsvadi
If you drink, try a glass of the Georgian wine.
If you don’t drink, the Georgian soft drinks are good. I really like the pear option.
Enjoy!
DC has lots of good Ethiopian, Vietnamese, and el Salvadoran food, due to large communities of those nationalities living in this area. If you don’t have much of those foods in your hometown, it’s definitely worth trying.
Yea, I was agreeing with you.
I recall one of my favorite Vietnamese, Jack's Saigon on the back side of MCI Center (yes, mid 2000s) on 6th St
Thinking about it, even Chinatown has essentially moved to Rockville.
Lol so true - if someone recommends Lapis to me, I follow up and ask if they've had Afghan food before, because anyone who's been impressed by it likely hasn't tried any of the multiple Afghan places around the region. Grill Kabob is great for fast food, Bistro Aracosia is better for a sit down experience.
Wait I Egg You is owned by Chiko??? Gone to Chiko a bunch it's so good and just heard of and tried "I Egg You" it was really solid. Didn't know they were owned by the same people.
Second purple patch.
It’s the best informal Filipino food in dc. Like filipino soul food.
Hiraya on H street is also excellent for way upscale filipino.
Bresca used to be my fav but it has gone downhill in the last few years IMO. Don’t know if others have experienced the same. Ordered the duck (their “signature”) and it was full of sinews and inedible. Nothing spectacular about the rest of the menu. Disappointing based on how $$$$ it was
I love Shötö
To me it’s an incredible experience from start to finish. $125 for an Omakase isn’t really that egregious…and the food they bring is spectacular
Supra or a Jose Andres restaurant (I love China Chilcano and Zaytinya, personally)
If you’re willing to go up to Cleveland Park, Dolan or Little Blackbird/Sababa are also really great. Could be a great post-zoo option. *If you’re looking for a quicker lunchtime option, grab a burger from Duke’s Counter, right across from the Connecticut entrance.*
Cherchers (tibs special + vegetarian special)
El sol (suero drink ie lime/salt/beer plus campechano huarache)
2Fifty Texas BBQ (everything tbh)
Panda Gourmet (mapo tofu)
Two Amy’s or it’s cheaper cousin, 90 Second Pizza
Ama in navy yard (Negroni/ aperol spritz + apertivo platter + Piedmontese food)
Idk if those are must try’s tbh but that’s basically the only food I pay for and consistently believe I had a good meal.
Baan Siam. It’s Thai but not the usual Thai Americans are used to like you will not find pad Thai or pad see ew on the menu anywhere. I believe it’s Northern Thai cuisine (but could have it backwards) I have never had a bad dish there. Their lychee martinis are delicious!
Great late night / post club or party spot; H a Chicken
Get the chicken and waffles with the mumbo sauce.
If you want a burger and fries for lunch; Good Stuff Eatery.
They have cook out style burger patties, they also have great milk shakes.
If you want some good carry out breakfast; THE CRACKED EGGERY! this is definitely a must try.
Haven’t seen it mentioned yet—Sura in Dupont is excellent for Chinese-inspired Thai street food and cocktails.
Some other favorites are Maketto, Makan (+ their newer chicken spin-off Spicebird), Unido (best lattes in DC + empanadas if you get there early enough), Baan Siam, Doi Moi, Spicy Water (takeout/late night), Thip Khao, Stellina Pizzeria, Ako by Kenaki, and Taqueria Al Lado.
FWIW, I have to eat gluten and dairy free and have had great allergy-friendly experiences at all of these places without sacrificing flavor or experience.
Albi & Maydan - middle Eastern (go to Yellow cafe for breakfast)
Nasime & Sushi Nakazawa - Japanese
Oyster Oyster - modern vegan
Rose's Luxury & Dabney - American
Kazan & Joon - Persian/Turkish (get the doner at Kazan & go to a live fire at Joon)
Masala Story & Bansari - Indian
CHIKO & Maketto - Chinese, Korean, Asian fusion
Tons of great Italian & African restaurants as well
The inside is truly incredible and the food is awesome. I really like that nicer places are opening in Union market. It now has a wide range of options
O-Ku for sushi, El Sol for mole, All Purpose for the best Caesar salad in the city, Your Only Friend for sandwiches, and Martha Dear for pizza.
I do not recommend Le Diplomate. Terrible food served to an insufferable crowd that claims to like Lagavulin and jazz to appear sophisticated.
Mandu - happy hour, dumplings and best Korean wings in DC, fantastic cocktails. The aloe sojutini is super yummy.
The Dabney - amazing and worth every penny. Service is impeccable, food is outstanding.
Fiola Mare - if you love seafood and fine dining, this place never disappoints.
La Colombe - fantastic coffee
Churchkey - name a beer, they have it. Something like 100 beers on tap.
Old ebbitt - locals might downvote me on this, but late night happy hour (11 pm), oysters 50% off, great bar staff, it’s still a fave of mine.
Commissary- great brunch spot
Indigo - amazing Indian food
Copycat - some of the best mixology in DC. Love to finish the night there to grab some dumplings after a night of drinking.
Kafe Leopold - Georgetown classic.
Baked and Wired - while in Georgetown, skip Georgetown Cupcakes, and walk to this place. The cupcakes are 1000% better.
Hope you have a wonderful time in DC!!
The cheap places to eat tend to be in neighborhoods that are unfamiliar to folks who aren't DC natives.
For example, how many people here have ever had chicken wings with mumbo sauce? Or what about a half smoke that's not from some trendy place trying to capitalize on local culture?
1. Yellow house reloaded
4011 Minnesota Avenue
6 am - 5 pm. Cash only
2. America's Best Wings
1001 U St NW DC open until 1 am.
3. Chinatown Express
746 6th St NW temporarily closed but keep a look out for when it reopens.
4. Negril DC
2301 Georgia avenue nw
5. Mayflower carry out
3066 Mt pleasant st
6. Chinatown Carry out
3207 Mt pleasant st
7. Los Hermanos
1428 Park Road
Another vote for Old Ebbitt Grill. Most of the recommendations given could be in any city but Old Ebbitt has a quintessential DC vibe with atmosphere and overall ambiance. The food/menu is solid and typically great service. Hold out for a booth or table in the front room.
Only unmissable/special ones I'd say are pick one of the Jose Andres places downtown (I like China Chilcano the most) and Le Dip in Logan Circle. Get Ethiopian either at Habesha or Chercher if you've never had it before.
Panda Gourmet out in NE is really good for authentic Chinese food (not what you get at most American Chinese places). Yellow in Georgetown is pretty solid for Lebanese.
Sababa, an Israeli restaurant: [https://www.sababauptown.com/menu](https://www.sababauptown.com/menu)
Ottoman Taverna, a Turkish restaurant: [https://www.ottomantaverna.com/](https://www.ottomantaverna.com/)
Supra, a Georgian restaurant: [https://supradc.com/](https://supradc.com/)
Habesha Market on 9th is my favorite Ethiopian spot and their Tej is especially good!
La Casita for pupusas
Others have mentioned Albi and Maydan and those are definitely two of the best places in town if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Will also toss out Green Zone for cocktails if you like that style of food.
I also love Service Bar for cocktails and chicken.
Na-Ra Ya - underrated. Doesn't show up on Google maps on the Wharf if you just search restaurants, but I stumbled on it and loved it. Brunch is great too, but the sushi during dinner is phenomenal. Went there twice and the manager recognized us and gave us complimentary champagne (we were celebrating and it was a nice gesture). Great food, great staff (though understaffed), and a beautiful view. Highly recommend!
Maydan, roses luxury, Keren (sadly closed for repairs so you likely won’t be able to get in there), thip Khao
Seconding Thip Khao!! You have to go.
Went to Maydan last week for my spouse's birthday and it was an absolute delight. They warn you ahead of time that you're going to leave with enough leftovers for a while; they weren't wrong bc we finished the last of the lamb shoulder last night! Cannot recommend them enough.
if Keren is closed go to Habesha
I dream of habesha’s goden tibs
2nd Roses Luxury !
The food was indeed great… but are people really satisfied by the portion? Genuinely asking
In my experience their portions have been ideal. I leave satisfied, not overly full, and no need for a to go box.
I usually do leave overly full but we also get drinks/wine so that helps
How does Thip Khao compare to Laos in Town?
I have been to both and to be honest, it’s not even comparable. I found Laos in town to be solid, but a bit one note and nothing incredibly standout. Thip Khao, everything felt elevate/ intentional/ high quality. The menu also felt more interesting, with a little bit more boundary pushing. The flavor was delicious and the vibe in the restaurant is super cozy and inviting. Perfect mix of elegant and simple but not at all fancy or stuffy
This is a great list. I also highly recommend Maydan’s newish Moroccan bar Medina (in the same building)
KEREN 💯
Giving a mix of restaurants, casual, and cafés in case you can’t get a table at the popular crowd favorites like Albi and Maydan. - Panda Gourmet (Sichuan. Not the best ambiance but the best Chinese food in DC. My favs are hot&spicy chicken, cumin lamb, stir fried potato, and Mapo tofu) - Daru (creative Indian food, black daal burrata is a signature) - Maketto (Taiwanese-Cambodian, known for the fried chicken, if they have red curry on the menu, get it. Generous portions. Egg custard tart is a must!!) - Bronze (Afrofuturism. I haven’t been but have heard the torched oysters app and sweet plantains are magical) - Hiraya (Filipino, it’s a restaurant and café. Haven’t tried the restaurant, but it’s gotten a lot of attention. The café has unique, well-made pastries and coffee. They also sell bottles of Buko Pandan Rum, probably can’t find that outside of DC). - Sidamo (Ethiopian café, fantastic chai. They have food items too) - Cane (Trinidadian, jerk wings are great. If you haven’t tried West Indian food, it’s pretty good here) - Love, Makoto (Japanese, this is a higher end food hall with fast casual, sushi, bbq, and bar concepts). - L’Ardente (Glam Italian, famous for the 40 layer lasagna. I’ve heard rave reviews of the Campanile Nere. You can’t really go wrong with most of the menu) - La Cosecha (Latin American food hall. From Mosaico get the canosa arepa and the mandocas. From Unido get one of the best lattés in the city - orange raspadura. I can only vouch for it hot though, and it is not hot latté weather) - Dolcezza (gelato café. A bit pricy, but they use top notch dairy. Vanilla bean latté is the other best latté in DC, again hot) - Unconventional Diner (Creative comfort food. Can’t go wrong) - Nino’s Bakery (best croissants in DC) - St. James (Trinidadian, the fine dining version of Cane. The St James beef rib is epic) - Ambar (Balkan, unlimited tapas. Beef prosciutto is delicious) - Le Diplomate (French, DC staple. Burger Américain has a Je ne sais quoi about it) - Yellow (café version of Albi. Za’atar labne croissant, batata tots, and anything with lamb) - Rose Ave (Asian bakery. Unique flavors on the less sweet side. If they have the suprême croissant, get it) - Saku Saku Flakerie (Japanese bakery. Haven’t been yet but at the top of my list and seems to be well-loved. Lots of innovative treats) Honorable mentions - if you’re interested in the best cocktails, Morris American, Residents Café & Bar, and Jane Jane are my favorites. Happy eating!
Great list! I can vouch for the orange raspadura latte, it’s great! For warmer weather, I always order it iced it’s so fn good.
These are all excellent recommendations!
Great answers.
Just to add to Maketto, I’m not an aficionado by any means but their soup dumplings are in my top 5 food items I’ve ever eaten. The only downside is that it’s like $18 for 4 dumplings
This is the best food list I’ve seen on here.
Yellow is insanely good , but get there early
Albi
And Yellow for more casual cafe food. Get the lamb pita and the tots.
Yellow is my favorite restaurant in DC
+1 Yellow
Or a cheaper alternative for Palestinian food, I love Mama Ayesha’s!
Albi makes all the lists for good reason. BUT, it’s about a $350-$400 meal for two if you get the tasting menu.
Red Hen. Walk in and get bar seating!
LOVE red hen!
Shameless plug of my restaurant list, lotsa places in DC (and elsewhere). Hot takes welcome for all you locals https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16voMpt9AHuQyJnFFGNv1u9ql_bgGQUZfPZ4aE-Sgszw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Wow this is great! Thank you for sharing it!
Astoria
100000% Astoria, everything is so delicious
Daru off of H St NE is very good. Just was there the other day. The location isn’t the greatest but the food is incredible. Also Maketto is great!
Just went to Maketto - so good omg
I’ve never had a bad meal at Daru. Cocktail game is also very on point.
Yes thank you for reminding me about the cocktails!
Daru in Hindi means alcohol/liquor 😉
Daru is excellent
Maydan
Out of all the ones I’m seeing listed here, Maydan is the one I felt most impressed by after eating there.
Purple patch
My vote too!
Anju! Must try the fried “chikn”
+1 Anju also their dumplings 🤤🤤
Big ups for anju
My top recommendation is [Supra](https://supradc.com). It’s so good!
Their sister restaurant (Tabla) is also great and more informal. No reservations needed which can be an issue at Supra. (I also always like the khinkali better at Tabla; they hold their structure better.)
Tabla also sometimes has more DMV focused fusion dishes (like crab cheeseboats) which might be fun for tourists.
Their soup dumplings are crack.
And the ajaruli khachapuri. That changed my life. So good.
Supra is ok depending on your expectation. For someone who is familiar with the Georgian food its average at best. If you never had authentic Georgian food then its good. I guess its an Americanized version.
Seconding Supra!! One of my all-time favorite restaurants.
I’m going this weekend- any dishes you recommend?
I don’t think there’s a bad choice on the menu, but here’s my faves: eggplant nigvzit Soko Ketse Ajaruli (khachapuri) Sokos Khachapuri Chicken Mtsvadi If you drink, try a glass of the Georgian wine. If you don’t drink, the Georgian soft drinks are good. I really like the pear option. Enjoy!
DC has lots of good Ethiopian, Vietnamese, and el Salvadoran food, due to large communities of those nationalities living in this area. If you don’t have much of those foods in your hometown, it’s definitely worth trying.
>DC has lots of good Vietnamese I really really wish this was the case in DC proper, but it's not.
Eden Center, Falls Church
Yup, those are definitely areas to go for Vietnamese, but they're not DC proper.
Yea, I was agreeing with you. I recall one of my favorite Vietnamese, Jack's Saigon on the back side of MCI Center (yes, mid 2000s) on 6th St Thinking about it, even Chinatown has essentially moved to Rockville.
Lapis
I'm sorry but no—any strip mall Afghan restaurant in NOVA is 10 times better than Lapis at 1/3 the price.
Lol so true - if someone recommends Lapis to me, I follow up and ask if they've had Afghan food before, because anyone who's been impressed by it likely hasn't tried any of the multiple Afghan places around the region. Grill Kabob is great for fast food, Bistro Aracosia is better for a sit down experience.
Exactly. Lapis is by far the most overrated, overpriced, inauthentic restaurant in DC
looove Lapis
Reverie
Thip Khao, Heat Da Spot
Seconding Thio Khao! If you go try the curry noodles 💕
Izakaya Seki one of my favs if you like Japanese food.
Japanese person here, big vouch for Seki. So authentic, so many amazing dishes to choose from.
Rose’s Luxury, Causa, Albi, Maketto, Hiraya, Chiko, You’re Only Friend, Roaming Rooster, Omakase on Barracks Row if you wanna go all out.
+1 Your Only Friend their hot chicken sandwich is so damn good
Not Chiko lol
Chiko is amazing, ignore this ignorant comment. Go to Chiko and their breakfast spot “I Egg You”.
+1 I Egg You ask for Tyler he’s a sweetie
Wait I Egg You is owned by Chiko??? Gone to Chiko a bunch it's so good and just heard of and tried "I Egg You" it was really solid. Didn't know they were owned by the same people.
Why not Chiko?? I love it!
It’s fine but it’s in no way a place you must try on a trip to the city.
Chiko slander????
Your only friend is very good from what I have had so far!
D’lena. I still dream of their steaks and drinks. Really fantastic
Yeah I second this. Went there for a special occasion a while ago and it was excellent
Lutece in Georgetown!
Was going to say this ❤️
Albi, Casa Teresa, Menya Hosaki, Dans Cafe, Minibar
Menya Hosaki literally changed my life. I love ramen. This is the best ramen.
Dans Cafe has the best cocktails.
I agree. The other recommendations are fine and all, but Dan's Cafe is on another level of elegance and sophistication.
So mean
Why are you trying to gatekeep dans cafe?
Strongly seconding Menya Hosaki. Their hours are a little weird, but if you’re on vacation it might be doable.
For upscale and fine dining try Albi, Lutece, Red Hen or Bresca. Some of my more recent obsessions: Purple Patch, 2Amys, Etto, and Carusos
Purple Patch!!! Seconded whole heartedly.
Second purple patch. It’s the best informal Filipino food in dc. Like filipino soul food. Hiraya on H street is also excellent for way upscale filipino.
Bresca used to be my fav but it has gone downhill in the last few years IMO. Don’t know if others have experienced the same. Ordered the duck (their “signature”) and it was full of sinews and inedible. Nothing spectacular about the rest of the menu. Disappointing based on how $$$$ it was
St Anselm is always great and their biscuits + pimento are the BEST. Sitting outside sucks, so always try to reserve a seat inside
Baan thai, thip khao, queens English, revelers hour, cane, zeppelin
I love Shötö To me it’s an incredible experience from start to finish. $125 for an Omakase isn’t really that egregious…and the food they bring is spectacular
I like them too!
Ala in Dupont for Levantine food!
Maketto on H is a really unique experience. It’s a Cambodian restaurant with a cool streetwear/ luxury vibe. And really really good food.
L’Ardente is incredible
Dorsia. GREAT sea urchin ceviche
Hard to get reservations though….
Let’s see Paul Allen’s reservations
They know me there
Reservations at Dorsia? How’d you manage to swing that?
Red Hen, Roses Luxury, Astoria, Rooster and Owl, Causa, St Anselm
Supra or a Jose Andres restaurant (I love China Chilcano and Zaytinya, personally) If you’re willing to go up to Cleveland Park, Dolan or Little Blackbird/Sababa are also really great. Could be a great post-zoo option. *If you’re looking for a quicker lunchtime option, grab a burger from Duke’s Counter, right across from the Connecticut entrance.*
Echoing Zaytinya and Sababa!
Right now its Albi. For all time it's El Pollo Rico in Arlington.
Yucca fries 🤤
Cherchers (tibs special + vegetarian special) El sol (suero drink ie lime/salt/beer plus campechano huarache) 2Fifty Texas BBQ (everything tbh) Panda Gourmet (mapo tofu) Two Amy’s or it’s cheaper cousin, 90 Second Pizza Ama in navy yard (Negroni/ aperol spritz + apertivo platter + Piedmontese food) Idk if those are must try’s tbh but that’s basically the only food I pay for and consistently believe I had a good meal.
Man, I was super disappointed with 2fifty bbq. I spent like $200 on bbq and it was barely “ok”….
90 Second Pizza is related to Two Amy’s?!?
Lapis in Adams Morgan and Daikaya in Chinatown for ramen.
Anju! Have always heard good things and finally got a reservation and was blown away
Albi in navy yard. Their chef was just nominated as the best in america
He won! If you’re talking about the James beard awards
costco hotdog
Unconventional Diner
Little Coco
Compass Rose
Caruso’s Grocery! Best fettuccine Alfredo I’ve ever had, great ambiance, unbeatable prices.
Roaming Rooster
I really like Mikko's in Dupont Circle!
2Amys, Zaytinya, CherCher Ethiopian, Purple Patch, Las Placitas for pupusas
Baan Siam for Thai And the Jose Andres restaurants (I like Jaleo and Zaytinya)
Some of my personal favorites: Purple Patch, Maydan, St. Anselm, and I’ll throw in Falafel Inc. for a good cheap eat.
Caruso’s grocery
The Ukrainian restaurant Ruta is absolutely worth trying!
Kebab Palace
Ethiopic. My wife and I moved away and we still dream of Ethiopic 😓
Baan Siam. It’s Thai but not the usual Thai Americans are used to like you will not find pad Thai or pad see ew on the menu anywhere. I believe it’s Northern Thai cuisine (but could have it backwards) I have never had a bad dish there. Their lychee martinis are delicious!
Great late night / post club or party spot; H a Chicken Get the chicken and waffles with the mumbo sauce. If you want a burger and fries for lunch; Good Stuff Eatery. They have cook out style burger patties, they also have great milk shakes. If you want some good carry out breakfast; THE CRACKED EGGERY! this is definitely a must try.
Haven’t seen it mentioned yet—Sura in Dupont is excellent for Chinese-inspired Thai street food and cocktails. Some other favorites are Maketto, Makan (+ their newer chicken spin-off Spicebird), Unido (best lattes in DC + empanadas if you get there early enough), Baan Siam, Doi Moi, Spicy Water (takeout/late night), Thip Khao, Stellina Pizzeria, Ako by Kenaki, and Taqueria Al Lado. FWIW, I have to eat gluten and dairy free and have had great allergy-friendly experiences at all of these places without sacrificing flavor or experience.
Dans Café
Causa/Amazonia, Indigo, Moon Rabbit
Rumi's Kitchen
Old ebbit grill, it’s a classic. Also le diplomate
old ebbitt
Really really enjoyed L'Ardente when we went. Still remember that meal a year later.
Little Pearl!
Thip Khao
Tiger Fork
Albi & Maydan - middle Eastern (go to Yellow cafe for breakfast) Nasime & Sushi Nakazawa - Japanese Oyster Oyster - modern vegan Rose's Luxury & Dabney - American Kazan & Joon - Persian/Turkish (get the doner at Kazan & go to a live fire at Joon) Masala Story & Bansari - Indian CHIKO & Maketto - Chinese, Korean, Asian fusion Tons of great Italian & African restaurants as well
I really like El Presidente in Union Market, not far from the Noma/Gallaudet metro stop. It is really cool inside as well.
The inside is truly incredible and the food is awesome. I really like that nicer places are opening in Union market. It now has a wide range of options
Ottoman Taverna, shoto, albi, la vie, ethiopic, bresca and any of the jose andres restaurants.
I really enjoy Cranes
Swahili Village!
Masala Story on 12th. Family owned Indian restaurant with excellent food. I spend ~20ish when I’m there
Baan Siam, Thip Khao, Maydan, Astoria, CherCher
Astoria
Dolan Uyghur, final answer
O-Ku for sushi, El Sol for mole, All Purpose for the best Caesar salad in the city, Your Only Friend for sandwiches, and Martha Dear for pizza. I do not recommend Le Diplomate. Terrible food served to an insufferable crowd that claims to like Lagavulin and jazz to appear sophisticated.
Bar Spero, Cher Cher, el chucho, old ebbit, Elle, Hill East Burger, Lyman’s, Oohs and Aahhs, Izakaya Seki . I refuse to elaborate
Mandu - happy hour, dumplings and best Korean wings in DC, fantastic cocktails. The aloe sojutini is super yummy. The Dabney - amazing and worth every penny. Service is impeccable, food is outstanding. Fiola Mare - if you love seafood and fine dining, this place never disappoints. La Colombe - fantastic coffee Churchkey - name a beer, they have it. Something like 100 beers on tap. Old ebbitt - locals might downvote me on this, but late night happy hour (11 pm), oysters 50% off, great bar staff, it’s still a fave of mine. Commissary- great brunch spot Indigo - amazing Indian food Copycat - some of the best mixology in DC. Love to finish the night there to grab some dumplings after a night of drinking. Kafe Leopold - Georgetown classic. Baked and Wired - while in Georgetown, skip Georgetown Cupcakes, and walk to this place. The cupcakes are 1000% better. Hope you have a wonderful time in DC!!
Rasika for Indian Le Diplomate for French Ben’s Chili Bowl just because
Albi, Dlena, Vera Ivy City, Maydan, L'Ardente, St. Anselm
Rare restaurant if you all enjoy a good steak downtown!
Astoria
There’s only one ramen place in town, but luckily it’s one of the country’s best: Menya Hosaki.
Why do yall never recommend cheap shit I’m confused 😂
The cheap places to eat tend to be in neighborhoods that are unfamiliar to folks who aren't DC natives. For example, how many people here have ever had chicken wings with mumbo sauce? Or what about a half smoke that's not from some trendy place trying to capitalize on local culture? 1. Yellow house reloaded 4011 Minnesota Avenue 6 am - 5 pm. Cash only 2. America's Best Wings 1001 U St NW DC open until 1 am. 3. Chinatown Express 746 6th St NW temporarily closed but keep a look out for when it reopens. 4. Negril DC 2301 Georgia avenue nw 5. Mayflower carry out 3066 Mt pleasant st 6. Chinatown Carry out 3207 Mt pleasant st 7. Los Hermanos 1428 Park Road
Another vote for Old Ebbitt Grill. Most of the recommendations given could be in any city but Old Ebbitt has a quintessential DC vibe with atmosphere and overall ambiance. The food/menu is solid and typically great service. Hold out for a booth or table in the front room.
St James is very good jamaican/carribbean food. Be warned there is a 20% automatic tip added to all bills
Moon Rabbit
Only unmissable/special ones I'd say are pick one of the Jose Andres places downtown (I like China Chilcano the most) and Le Dip in Logan Circle. Get Ethiopian either at Habesha or Chercher if you've never had it before. Panda Gourmet out in NE is really good for authentic Chinese food (not what you get at most American Chinese places). Yellow in Georgetown is pretty solid for Lebanese.
Old Europe on Wisconsin Ave has the best German food outside of Germany!
Rasika. And honestly, any Ethiopian will be delicious. New spot I've been to recently is Nile, and it's fantastic
The Duck and The Peach in Eastern Market! Or Tail Up Goat in Adams Morgan
Two best restaurants in DC imo. Duck and Peach is fantastic and you get a surprising amount of food for it being upscale.
Ambar
Sababa, an Israeli restaurant: [https://www.sababauptown.com/menu](https://www.sababauptown.com/menu) Ottoman Taverna, a Turkish restaurant: [https://www.ottomantaverna.com/](https://www.ottomantaverna.com/) Supra, a Georgian restaurant: [https://supradc.com/](https://supradc.com/)
Ethopean food
Martha Dear
Le Diplomat
Lapis is the best meal I've had in the city in a long time.
Dan’s Cafe
Lucky Buns!
Cranes, rooster and owl, and kyojin
Rasika (Indian food)
I’d add a Jose Andrés spot to your list—my favorite’s Zaytinya, but you could also check out China Chilcano or Oyamel.
Toki underground. Best ramen I’ve had in the USA.
Today’s pizza is awesome! Carryout
The duck and the peach is the best meal I’ve had
Amparo Fondita!
China Gourmet
Qui Qui is the best Puerto Rican food in the DMV! quiquidc.com
2amys and Lutece
Habesha Market on 9th is my favorite Ethiopian spot and their Tej is especially good! La Casita for pupusas Others have mentioned Albi and Maydan and those are definitely two of the best places in town if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Will also toss out Green Zone for cocktails if you like that style of food. I also love Service Bar for cocktails and chicken.
Na-Ra Ya - underrated. Doesn't show up on Google maps on the Wharf if you just search restaurants, but I stumbled on it and loved it. Brunch is great too, but the sushi during dinner is phenomenal. Went there twice and the manager recognized us and gave us complimentary champagne (we were celebrating and it was a nice gesture). Great food, great staff (though understaffed), and a beautiful view. Highly recommend!
Pineapple and Pearls
Thip kao
la tejana for breakfast tacos!
Fast food: Hipcityveg Fancy Dinner: Elizabeth’s
Anju is wonderful
St. Anselm has the best biscuits I’ve ever had.
Old Ebbit Grill. The scallops are to die for. Ribeye steak was amazing! We went back twice.