25 Essential Washington Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Washington.
AMBAR Restaurant, Capitol Hill
District of Columbia
Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
District of Columbia
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
AMBAR Restaurant, Clarendon
District of Columbia
Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Washington, District of Columbia
Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.
CAVA
Washington, District of Columbia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Andy's Pizza Foggy Bottom
Washington, District of Columbia
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Washington, District of Columbia
Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.
AMBAR Restaurant, Shaw
Washington, District of Columbia
Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
CAVA
Washington, District of Columbia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Olazzo
Washington, District of Columbia
Neighborhood fixture offering Italian fare with modern accents in a rustic, warmly lit room.
Matchbox
Washington, District of Columbia
High-energy New American chain with wood-fired pizzas & bistro fare served in industrial-chic digs.
il Canale
Washington, District of Columbia
Thin-crust pizza from a wood-fired oven plus pasta & antipasti in a cozy exposed-brick dining room.
OLIO E PIÙ
Washington, District of Columbia
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Guapo's Restaurant
Washington, District of Columbia
Lively eatery serving sizable burritos, tacos & other classic Tex-Mex eats, plus margarita pitchers.
The Hamilton
Washington, District of Columbia
Hip American eatery with late hours, plus plenty of room in a live music space downstairs.
Dalia's Falafel
Washington, District of Columbia
Straightforward food stand dispensing falafel & toppings in bowls or pita sandwiches.
Shah's Halal Food - Washington DC
Washington, District of Columbia
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Wiseguy Pizza
Washington, District of Columbia
Airy New York-inspired pizzeria featuring classic thin-crust pies, plus Junior's cheesecake.
&pizza
Washington, District of Columbia
Contemporary chain serving gourmet pies with diverse sauces, plus breakfast pizzas & cocktails.
Duke's Grocery
Washington, District of Columbia
Hip, East London-inspired hangout offering farm-fresh cuisine, British beer & craft cocktails.
Andy's Pizza Bethesda
Washington, District of Columbia
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
CAVA
Washington, District of Columbia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
CAVA
Washington, District of Columbia
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
The Palm - Washington, D.C.
Washington, District of Columbia
Storied chain serving high-end steakhouse fare, seafood & diverse wines in clubby surrounds.
Chicatana
Washington, District of Columbia
Identifies as Latino-owned, Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services.