Washington, D.C. is home to many tourist attractions where you can immerse yourself in American history and politics. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy delicious meals in Washington, D.C. In this article, we will introduce 11 recommended restaurants in Washington, D.C., ranging from nationally renowned establishments to hidden gems.
A Lineup Unique to an International City
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. attracts people and goods from around the world. What kind of restaurants can you find in this international city? Here, we will introduce restaurants that are unique to Washington, D.C. as an international city.
The Capital Grille
Located in downtown Washington, D.C., The Capital Grille is a restaurant renowned for its excellent steaks. They offer a selection of beef, as well as lamb and venison, allowing you to savor carefully chosen cuts of meat.
The Hamilton
The Hamilton, located on 14th Street in Washington, D.C., is a restaurant that emphasizes organic ingredients. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, with their brunch being particularly popular.
Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers is a representative farm-to-table restaurant in the United States. They offer brunch and lunch featuring homemade bread, jams, and scrambled eggs made with local ingredients.
Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of the iconic symbols of Washington, D.C., has been serving locals with its unchanged flavors since its opening in 1958. Their chili dogs and chili cheese fries are popular menu items.
Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate is a restaurant where you can enjoy French cuisine in a setting reminiscent of a brasserie in Paris. Their seafood platter and French onion soup are particularly recommended.
Old Ebbitt Grill
One of the oldest restaurants in Washington, D.C., Old Ebbitt Grill is beloved by both locals and tourists. They have an oyster bar where you can enjoy fresh oysters.
Rasika
Rasika is a renowned Indian restaurant that has been featured in the Michelin Guide. They offer authentic Indian curries and tandoori chicken that are highly recommended.
Daikaya
Daikaya is a must-visit restaurant for ramen fans in Washington, D.C. They emphasize imported noodles and soup directly from Japan. In addition to ramen, they offer a variety of side dishes and fried foods.
Ted’s Bulletin
Ted’s Bulletin is a popular breakfast restaurant in Washington, D.C. They have a wide selection of American breakfast items, such as pancakes, bacon, and French toast. There are plenty of menu options to enjoy from morning till night.
Rose’s Luxury
Rose’s Luxury, also featured in the Michelin Guide, is a restaurant known for its small plates. In addition to their classic menu, they also offer seasonal dishes, making it a restaurant you’ll want to visit again and again.
Thip Khao
Thip Khao is a popular restaurant in Washington, D.C. where you can enjoy Laotian cuisine. You can savor authentic Laotian noodle dish called “Khao Poon,” which is perfect for those who enjoy spicy food.
Not Only Restaurants: Unique Dining Experiences in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is an international city that attracts people from all over the world, resulting in a diverse culinary scene. In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, there are many other charming restaurants in various genres.
For example, Bún-ker offers Vietnamese cuisine, Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant serves Ethiopian cuisine, and Honey Pig specializes in Korean cuisine. These restaurants are also highly recommended.
In addition to restaurants, food trucks are popular in Washington, D.C. Many food trucks roam the streets and are beloved by food enthusiasts and tourists alike. They offer a variety of cuisines, from Asian to vegetarian dishes. Enjoying a meal while exploring the city or sightseeing is a unique experience in Washington, D.C.
Finally, when visiting restaurants in Washington, D.C., it is recommended to make reservations in advance. Popular and upscale restaurants may fill up weeks in advance, so it’s best to make your reservation early. Enjoy delicious meals and have a fantastic journey in Washington, D.C.