Washington was once almost exclusively a city of power lunches and steak dinners. It has come a long way from those days and now has a vibrant and varied food scene. Trying the classics as well as many of the new offerings that have cropped up around town has been a real pleasure for us. We are happy to share some of our favorites both in Georgetown near the hotels and also around town. This list only scratches the surface of great places to eat in Washington. If you are looking for something in particular and don't see it represented here, let us know, and we'd love to give you some suggestions. We also recommend making reservations ahead of time where possible, especially for larger groups.
Georgetown Gems
Baked and Wired - Don't be fooled by TV-famous cupcake shops with long lines. Locals know that Baked and Wired has the best cupcakes in DC, hands down. This is a great spot for a coffee or tea, and if cupcakes aren't your thing, a wide variety of other baked goods.
Bourbon Steak - If you don't feel like going far, but still want to enjoy a fabulous meal, this steakhouse is in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel, only a few blocks from The Melrose Georgetown.
Clyde's - This restaurant is a DC institution serving hearty American fare, salads, and sandwiches. Watch for talented servers carrying orders all the way up their arms.
Dean and DeLuca - Looking for a quick sandwich or a salad for lunch before the big celebration? Try this New York import that has quick serve sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, and juice.
Farmers Fishers Bakers - Farm-inspired American fare, plus sushi, tacos, and pizzas are served at this eco-conscious restaurant on Washington Harbour. Start with the Brick Oven Pretzels and don't forget dessert!
Fiola Mare - Known for Italian-inspired pasta and seafood, Fiola Mare is your best bet for spotting DC politicos. Try the amazing lobster ravioli.
Good Stuff Eatery - Enjoy burgers, fries, and milkshakes at this quick and casual joint from local celebrity chef, and top-chef alum Spike Mendelsohn.
Peacock Cafe - Peacock Cafe serves sandwiches, salads, and upscale American dishes in a sleek atmosphere and is a favorite of Georgetown locals.
Sweetgreen - Started by Georgetown alums, this fast-casual restaurant makes salads to-order with local and organic ingredients. Don't skip out on the buckwheat boule that is offered with the salad; it may be even better than the salad itself!
Thunder Burger - Have you ever wanted to try a burger made with elk, boar, or bison? This is your spot. The regular beef burgers are fantastic here and are offered with a variety of toppings to build your own burger.
Worth the trip
Art & Soul - Best fried chicken in DC--check. Best fried chicken anywhere--quite possibly. Former personal chef to Oprah and Top Chef Masters finalist Art Smith serves up traditional southern dishes at this restaurant near the Capitol. Try the fried chicken for two (if you ask nicely, they will also make it for one). You're welcome.
China Chilcano - Local celebrity chef Jose Andres' modern ode to Peruvian cuisine near DC's Chinatown. Check out the neon fixtures on the ceiling shaped like Nazca Lines.
DGS - The only place to find Montreal bagels in DC (direct from St-Viateur)! DGS also serves Jewish classics with a contemporary twist near DuPont Circle.
Ghibellina - This cozy Italian restaurant on 14th Street near U Street serves pizzas, pastas, and other Tuscan dishes.
Izakaya Seki - This is one of the hidden gems in our neighborhood, just off of U Street. Unfortunately, they don't take reservations at this small, family-run, izakaya-style Japanese restaurant, but the food is worth the wait. Seki also serves fresh sashimi selected by the chef.
Kapnos - Top Chef alums Mike Isabella and George Pagonis helm this Greek, small plates restaurant on 14th Street. Try the grilled octopus and the roasted cauliflower!
Le Diplomate - This traditional French brasserie is one of our favorites. Start with the mushroom tart and save room for dessert.
Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe - If you're visiting museums or monuments on the National Mall, try this cafe for lunch. It serves traditional foods from a number of regions across the Americas. Best museum lunch you'll ever have.
Old Ebbitt Grill - Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt is Washington's oldest saloon. It serves American fare and is known for its oyster bar.
Rasika/Rasika West End - These sister restaurants provide a modern take on Indian cuisine. Try the Palak Chaat.
Rose's Luxury - This small plates restaurant was named Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appetit for 2014. Be prepared to wait, though. Rose's does not accept reservations and a line to put down a name for the waiting list forms a little bit before 5:00 p.m. each night. If you're game, put down your name and grab a drink at one of the bars nearby while you wait.
Ted's Bulletin - With locations on 14th Street and Capitol Hill in DC, Ted's is quickly becoming an institution. Ted's opens at 7:00 a.m. and serves breakfast and comfort food, all day. Be sure to have a Ted's Tart--their homemade version of Pop Tarts.
Union Market - This is a food destination. Stalls around the market are run by many different local vendors that sell sandwiches, chocolates, olive oils, breads, coffee drinks, and ice cream.