Washington is the capital of the United States, a planned city of 68 square miles on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It holds the three branches of the federal government, the Smithsonian museums (free to enter), the National Mall monuments and a wide range of neighborhoods, and receives more than 20 million visitors a year.
Washington, D.C. cooking is shaped by its international residents and its power-lunch history. The city has one of North America's largest Ethiopian communities, Mid-Atlantic seafood and blue crab, the local half-smoke sausage, and a deep tasting-menu bench. The 2025 Michelin Guide for Washington awarded two stars to Jont, minibar and The Inn at Little Washington and one star to restaurants including Bresca, The Dabney, Rose's Luxury and Pineapple and Pearls. A wave of closures hit the city in 2025 and 2026, so confirm any restaurant is open before traveling.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Washington.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Balkan
Cambodian
Ethiopian
Italian
Japanese
Mexican
Seafood
Food tours & tastings in Washington
Eat your way through Washington with a guide.
Browse food experiences in WashingtonWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Book tasting-menu restaurants (Pineapple and Pearls, The Dabney, Bresca, Fiola Mare) weeks ahead on Resy, OpenTable or by phone.
Rose's Luxury handles reservations through its own site; check rosesluxury.com/locations or call +1-202-742-3570.
D.C. adds a 10% sales tax to restaurant meals; tip 18-20% on top.
Hours for the same restaurant often differ across listing sites; call the number shown on each item to confirm before traveling.
Restaurant closures spiked in 2025 and 2026; check Google Maps or the restaurant's website the day of the visit.
- Vegetarian
- Widely available; Ethiopian restaurants serve large vegetarian injera platters, and Busboys and Poets lists vegetarian dishes.
- Vegan
- Available across the city; most menus mark vegan dishes.
- Gluten free
- Most full-service restaurants accommodate gluten-free orders; tell the server when ordering.
- Halal
- Halal carry-outs and restaurants are found in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights and Petworth; confirm certification with the restaurant.
- Kosher
- A small number of kosher restaurants operate in Northwest D.C.; confirm certification by phone before visiting.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Counter service, food trucks and ramen shops: $8-$20 USD per meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |