Dining In Washington DC: 10 Swanky Spots And DC Institutions We Love

If you’re traveling to the District of Columbia for business or sightseeing, chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time around the National Mall, Penn Quarter, and the Northwest in general – and you’re going to work up an appetite. Looking for a great dinner spot with a lively atmosphere and tasty cuisine? After living in the nation’s capital for more than a decade, here are 10 fun spots we visit over and over.

Our Top Three For Flavor and Flare

Zaytinya is the place we find ourselves visiting the most. This gem by José Andrés blends Mediterranean flavors with an elegant vibe. We love the grilled halloumi, octopus, lamb, hummus, and other dishes inspired by Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese cuisine.

Jaleo is also a favorite by José Andrés. This Spanish tapas hotspot offers all the highlights: jamón ibérico, gambas al ajillo, and sangria. It’s a lively spot perfect for happy hour or a Friday night out on the town.

Rasika combines classic Indian flavors with a modern and refined twist. While there’s a West End location, the Penn Quarter restaurant is our go-to spot when we have guests in town. No trip to Rasika is complete without trying the signature palak chaat (crispy spinach with yogurt and tamarind).

Fun And Full Of Vibes

Todd English’s MXDC offers upscale tacos and regional Mexican cuisine without being uptight. Try the duck confit tacos and the guac trio paired with a mezcal cocktail.

Ambar features Balkan small plates with everything from slow-cooked meats to creamy kajmak, beet tzatziki, drunken mussels, house baked flatbreads, goulash, and more. The coolest part is the unlimited menus, which are available for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Dirty Habit comes with moody lighting, fun cocktails, and a globally inspired menu. Try the scallop tostada, short ribs, or crispy confit octopus. We really love this place for brunch – especially the eggs benny.

Pisco y Nazca is a lively Peruvian gastrobar that offers dishes we fell in love with in our travels to South America. Try the lomo saltado, fresh ceviche, Japanese-Peruvian fusion (Nikkei) dishes, or anticuchos (the beef heart skewers are our favorite, but you can choose chicken or other options). And don’t forget to order a pisco sour to wash it down.

VUE Rooftop at the Hotel Washington isn’t a place we necessarily seek out for the food. It’s all about the views. You can gaze at the White House property, check out the Washington Monument, and enjoy the city skyline with a (very pricey) cocktail.

DC Institutions That Hit The Mark

Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic spot in Washington, DC, located super close to the White House. Of course, it’s touristy, but it’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. You gotta love that old school vibe. We highly recommend the raw bar.

The Hamilton is another DC classic with an extensive menu offering everything from sushi to Southern comfort food. We recommend going bougie with the jumbo lump crab cake and filet mignon. You can also check out live music here.

What are your favorite dinner spots in Northwest DC? Let us know in the comments.