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Top 10 Restaurants in Washington, DC

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When you’re in the DC area, you have to eat! Food is at the forefront of this melting pot of cultures, backgrounds and history and there are so many great restaurants to enjoy! For any city, I personally use the app YELP to help me find types of food and popular bites. I love that you can see dollar signs, photos of their dishes, and reviews from real people.. Luckily, for all who visit the District, there are tons of options when it comes to choosing a restaurant you love. Here are some of our favorite picks (from a local) …

1.) Old Ebbitt Grill: Established in 1856, the first thing that comes to mind when you visit Old Ebbitt Grill is that this restaurant is practically in the backyard side yard of the White House. Take a look on their website not only for a menu but also take a look at some of their very own recipes. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and have a variety of foods on their menu. The food is traditional, as far as American food goes, and it is delicious. We have brought many of friends for the feel of true city DC. Expect to see many working individuals as it is in the heart of government. You’ll want to make reservations at this restaurant or be prepared to wait. That’s okay, their bar is pretty fun too!

2.) Founding Farmers: Another great pick in the DC area of restaurants, Founding Farmers is also located between the White House and Georgetown (there is also a location in Virginia at Tyson’s Corner). It opened in 2008 and offers customers a farm-type vibe. You’ll find they offer everything from brunch, dessert, and more. The food is made from scratch every day and you will find a variety of foods available! This restaurant is one of my favorites!

3.) Cava Mezze: You’ll love Cava Mezze for the simple fact that they offer a traditional Greek menu. I would call it a Greek Fusion as the food is creative, fun and tasty. The setting of the restaurant is warm and cozy. It’s a comfortable, casual ambiance but everyone will be dressed nicer – jeans and a nice top to dresses that sparkle .  It’s a great place to grab a glass of wine, some cheese and sample the items on their menu. They have four locations, but this particular one is in DC. Some of their menu staples include Grape Leaves and Spanakopita, tableside flambéed Saganaki (you must get this!) and braised Elysian Farm lamb shank. This is also one of my favorite restaurants. I love that they have a “fast food” option with a sister restaurant called  Cava Grill. You can find this in malls or shopping areas. There are over a dozen locations.

4.) Fiola & Fiola Mare: One thing you will love about Fiola is that they are focused on Italian food all of the way. Although they are two separate restaurants, they owners are the same. Fiola DC is focused on offering sophisticated food for many of DC’s finest. Fiola Mare is focused on flavor and texture with the various types of seafood they offer. It is also located on the edge of the Potomac River making it a beautiful view at night.

5.) Le Diplomate: This restaurant in the DC area offers French food. They offer simple, but delicious items like cappuccinos and croissant rolls. They also offer items like Onion Soup Gratinée, Steak Frites and Escargots, and items like Bouillabaisse and Entrecôte de Boeuf. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy their extraordinary menu. This is a very nice restaurant. You can expect to pay top dollar for this top quality French food in DC.

6.) Carmines: This restaurant is focused on Southern Italian Cuisine and they do a mighty fine job of it. You might recognize the name from their famous NYC locations. Carmines is more focused on value and offering their customers a great experience and large family-style dishes. On their website, they show a general menu, where you can find that they offer items like Porterhouse Steak and Veal Cutlet. They also of course, have more simple items like Chicken Marsala and Cold Antipasto. Take a look at the review I did HERE.

7.) The Red Hen: Another restaurant with  Italian influenced food. They offer dinner, wine, cocktails, and desserts. The prices on their dinner menu are reasonable. They offer pasta, appetizers, and other traditional Italian foods. Their website is very detailed and gives you a good idea of what you’ll experience if you decide to visit. I personally love the atmosphere an ambiance with their open kitchen feel.

8.) Blacksalt Fish Market & Restaurant: When you are this close to Maryland and the coast, seafood is fresh and great. Visit Blacksalt Fish Market & Restaurant for lunch, dinner, and brunch. Their menu is pretty pricey, so you’ll want to keep this in mind before you visit. If you are looking to save, lunch is probably your best time to visit.  They do have great reviews, so it may be worth every pretty penny you spend. You can eat light later in the day.

9.) Rose Luxury: Located on Capitol Hill, this is a place that reflect the heart of DC. They are open Monday through Saturday only from 5-10 PM, and they serve dinner and drinks nightly. Good to know in case you are thinking of visiting earlier in the day. They offer a small menu with items like Beef Ribeye, Hand Cut Chitarra, and Confit Goat. Yeah, you’ll definitely want to check out the menu before you head out, however, the prices are reasonable. I love the description on their website “- Order yourself a nice cocktail or glass of wine, Choose a couple of Small/Family Style dishes to share, Eat, go home, come back tomorrow!”

10.) Rasika: Finally, a restaurant in DC that offers modern Indian cuisine. My husband lived in India for a year, so his standards are pretty high. This is an award winning restaurant in which the owner started in 1989. They have won many RAMMYs and the owner has a long list of other awards. They even have been named in the top 20 restaurants in America by Zagat 2014. Need suggestions on what to order, consider Naan and Tandoori Chicken (my favorites) or their tasting menu to get a sample of it all!

If you’re looking for a restaurant in DC to try out, these top 10 are sure to NOT disappoint. If you have ever eaten at any of these, fill me in, did you love/hate any of them?

Take a look at the list of Washington, DC Travel Tips – What To Do OUTSIDE the District. Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget the List of 10 Free Things to Do in Washington DC. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out the 10 Things to Do in Washington DC with the Kids – Pin to Pinterest.

Looking to take it outside? This list of Outdoor Activities in DC is perfect for adventures. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.