CAVA offers a Mediterranean mix customized just for your taste buds - and at an affordable price, too. made putting a delicious bowl together easy: you begin with a base, throw in a few delicious dips and spreads, stack it with a protein like braised beef or lamb, then top it off with crumbled feta, pita crisps, cucumber salad, etc.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop has locations all over the District, and its flavorful sandwiches, milkshakes, soups and salads make it the perfect fast-casual pit stop as you explore the nation's capital. The shop also caters, in case you need lunch for a large group.
Put together a colorful bowl full of tasty veggies that will fill you up, too. You can also throw in grains, greens, fresh sauces and slices of meat or protein. As with Andres' many other restaurants, Beefsteak features outstanding seasonal ingredients and a comfortable dine-in experience.
Le Pain Quotidien
Clyde's
Old Ebbitt Grill
Le Pain Quotidien literally translates to "the daily bread," so expect fresh open-faced sandwiches, healthy helpings of organic bread and pastries prepared with flair (you can order a salad, too). The restaraunt's communal table concept makes sitting down and devouring with friends a must. Numerous locations in DC makes finding a place to do so easy.
The first Clyde's location opened in Georgetown in 1963 (and is still buzzing today), and since then, the restaurant group has expanded its reach well into Virginia and Maryland. You can always expect delicious cheeseburgers, wings and crabcakes to be on the menu. Each location's decor has its own theme as well, with the two-floor Gallery Place space showing off sports (fittingly, since it's right next to Capital One Arena).
Washington, DC's oldest bar, established in 1856. The perfect place for early morning breakfast or post-theater supper. Best Raw Bar in the city with oysters from both coasts, clams, shrimp and Maine lobster. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining daily, and weekend brunch. Around the corner from the White House, and across the street from the Treasury.
Good Stuff Eatery
Sweetgreen
District Taco
DC-based chef Spike Mendelsohn rose to prominence on Top Chef and operates this burger-heavy eatery along with his family. Using only fresh and seasonal components, as well as farm-raised beef, Good Stuff Eatery builds delicious burgers and shakes that will have you coming back for more. Visit Capitol Hill or Georgetown for the good stuff.
Yes, these current salad masters hail from DC. sweetgreen led the locavore revolution, sourcing all ingredients from nearby farmers for a fresh, unforgettable taste (you'll get it super-fast, too). You can build your own salad or try one of their signature creations. You'll have no problem finding one: the salad specialists have locations all over the District.
Another homegrown gem is District Taco, where taste buds are dazzled on a daily basis. What began as a food truck is now a DC sensation, with multiple locations serving up its high-quality, Yucatan-style Mexican food. Scoop three tacos for $8, and don't forget chips and salsa! Brave spice lovers beware: you have to ask for the habanero salsa for a reason.
Lucky Buns
&pizza
Rasa
In the market for bold flavors and toasty buns? Look no further than chef Alex McCoy's globally inspired, late-night burger joint Lucky Buns, which doles out a delicious culinary trip around the world until the wee hours of the morning. The hot spot's tantalizing creations include a runny-egg burger topped with gouda, pickled beetroot and grilled onions and pineapple, grilled tandoori chicken sandwiches and even a British breakfast burger comprised of sausage and bacon.
Founded in the District, &pizza is a pizza lover's dream. You can pick your sauce, cheese types and an array of toppings (Over-easy egg! Beef meatball! Garlic sauce!) that go on the shop's organic dough, leading to a personal pie that comes out fresh for a maximum "wow" factor. Of course, you can also opt for one of The Hits, also sure to satisfy your craving.
The vibrant colors and flavors of India are on full display at Rasa, the fast-casual restaurant in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Diners can choose to build their own bowl from an array of tantalizing, locally sourced ingredients, or pick from Rasa's cleverly named creations, all for under $15.
On and Around the National Mall
Shake Shack
The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Occidental Grill & Seafood
Burgers, fries, frozen custard and secret agents?! On June 25, 2013, Shake Shack opened in downtown Washington, DC, at 800 F Street NW in the historic Penn Quarter neighborhood. DC's third Shack is located next to the Spy Museum and in close proximity to the National Mall, FBI Headquarters, Verizon Center, and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The menu features all the beloved Shake Shack classics and a selection of exclusive concretes.
The Source by Wolfgang Puck offers two distinct dining experiences-casual, all-day dining with a menu designed for an informal meal or a quick-bite and a fine dining room offering a menu of modern takes on Asian dishes. Private dining available
For the quintessential DC dining experience, the Occidental is an iconic landmark serving classic American cuisine with a focus on regional ingredients. Enjoy portraits of famous past patrons including political powerhouses, sports figures, authors and celebrities on display throughout the main dining room. Located downtown just steps from the White House and local theaters, the Occidental is the premiere setting for Washington's business and social dining.
Art And Soul
Oyamel
China Chilcano
Helmed by Executive Chef Douglas Alexander, Art and Soul restaurant is devoted to the quality of its diverse cuisine. The restaurant partners with like-minded artisans and growers to source ingredients for its seasonal menu, as well as custom-tailored menus for private dining and events.
Accessibility is key, and so is an exciting locale. Situated just steps from Union Station and the Capitol Building, this restaurant is in the perfect spot; guests will be surrounded by the energy of historic DC, celebrating in the very heart of the nation's capital.
From world-renowned chef Jose Andres, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico's rich regional diversity with the modern urban atmosphere of Mexico City: antojitosa - traditional snacks or small plates - authentic and creative tacos, ceviches, and impressive desserts. Along with specialty lunch and brunch dishes, there's flavor and variety to suit every guest. And don't forget the guacamole, made fresh to your taste at your table. Drinks at Oyamel are an experience unto themselves, with several novel takes on the margarita, an impressive wine list based on the Pacific Coast of North America, and an amazing selection of tequilas and mezcals.
Jose Andres' China Chilcano celebrates the modern culinary landscape of Peru, defined by three distinct cuisines that have combined to create a style of cooking unlike any other in the world. At China Chilcano, the union of Peruvian Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei is an exciting journey into a world of exciting culinary juxtapositions. We offer vivid event spaces, suitable for groups of varying sizes looking for a truly unique experience.
Capitol Hill
Ambar
Belga Cafe
Chiko
Ambar has bragging rights as the only Balkan restaurant in Washington, DC. The authentic small plates hub (it has a sister restaurant in Belgrade, Serbia) serves up Serbia-inspired dishes like a selection of kajmak (cheeses) and a sampling of rakias (fruit-infused brandies).
Capitol Hill's original award-winning Belgian restaurant. Delight in fabulous Belgian cuisine served in a warm cozy setting with sidewalk cafe on historic Barrack's Row in the heart of Capitol Hill. Have a pot of mussels or start your own tradition from our extensive menu and complete beer and wine list. Belga Cafe is open daily for lunch and dinner, brunch on weekends.
Barracks Row is also home to CHIKO, a new breed of fast casual Chinese-Korean fusion and the brainchild of three seasoned vets of the District's food scene. CHIKO, short for Chinese Korean, is where traditional eastern flavors meld with contemporary techniques at an accessible price point - diners rave about the orange-ish chicken and chopped brisket sourced from local market Wagshal's.
Downtown
Momofuku CCDC
DBGB KITCHEN & BAR
Centrolina
The DC outpost of James Beard Award-winning chef David Chang, Momofuku CCDC is the first Momofuku restaurant in Washington, D.C. It serves a roster of dishes that change with the seasons. Momofuku has a bar, noodle bar, main dining room, and private dining room.
A limited number of reservations are available on OpenTable, reservations.momofuku.com, and by phone, while a majority of the tables are reserved for walk-ins.
DBGB Kitchen & Bar is Chef Daniel Boulud's casual French-American restaurant located within City Center DC at 9th and H Streets NW. Chef Daniel describes the restaurant as his "tribute to casual american dishes I've come to love since moving to the states, all done with a french flair. Best described as "a little brasserie, a little bit bistro, half-french, half-american". Indulge in a refined seasonal menu yet approachable, served alongside a wide selection of craft beer and sommelier selected wine at DC's coolest industrial bistro.
Centrolina is a dual-concept Italian osteria and mercato from James Beard-nominated chef Amy Brandwein. Regional Italian cooking and seasonality are the inspiration for the menu, which changes regularly to reflect the freshest ingredients available. In addition to fantastic local produce, Centrolina's market offers specialty Italian pantry goods, meats, cheeses & seafood, qine and a quick-stop counter and coffee bar stocked with fresh grab-and-go sandwiches, house-made pastries and other treats.
Capitol Riverfront
Ben's Chili Bowl
Osteria Morini
Due South
Celebrities, locals and tourists alike have flocked to Ben's Chili Bowl for over 58 years for its flavorful and authentic food, family friendly atmosphere and rich history. Family owned and operated, you'll probably see the family behind the counter at Ben's original location on U Street. Got Groups? All Ben's Chili Bowl locations can take your large groups and we have special all-in priced group menus to make your visit easy for all.
Osteria Morini D.C. at the Yards introduces Washington, D.C. to the soulful cuisine and convivial spirit of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Morini's menus offers a wide array of smaller plates and larger composed platters by Executive Chef, Matt Adler. White's signature pasta offerings are served with a variety of traditional ragus and delicately stuffed pastas from Emilia-Romagna.
Chef Rusty Holman and his team honor the distinctive and hallowed traditions of the region, preparing his cherished family recipes that have been handed down for generations. Between his signature house-smoked barbecue and regional classics like shrimp and grits, Due South's menu is sure to impress even the most discerning Southern guest. And our award-winning cocktails and wide array of bourbon keep our Sunday Suppers buzzing late into the night.
All information and pictures are from their respective websites and washington.org.
