dc essential eats

For my city guides, I try to have a mix of everything - new restaurants, iconic venues, and tourist spots worth a visit. These will range from casual cafes for breakfast to suit jacket fine dining. As with all guides, it is not exhaustive but hopefully full of wonderful recommendations that will help you make the most of your visit! Here's what I love in DC:

&Pizza  

Create your own Neapolitan pizza plus beer & wine, in a hip space.

2221 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

Hip grab-&-go serving a rotating roster of donuts & creative renditions of fried chicken.

1308 G Northwest, Washington, DC 20004

Red Apron Butcher

Sandwich shop, gourmet market & butchery with locally sourced meats plus breakfast & lunch fare.

709 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Wiseguy NY Pizza 

New York-inspired pizzeria featuring classic thin-crust pies, plus Junior's cheesecake.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW #1, Washington, DC 20001

Old Ebbit Grill 

Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.

675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Fiola Mare 

Sophisticated Italian seafood in a luxe, modern setting with river views.

3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

toki underground

Popular but snug Asian-fusion eatery known for ramen noodle soups, dumplings, sake & cocktails.

1234 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

District Donuts

Cute bakery specializing in classic & unique flavors of gourmet donuts

749 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Kapnos

Modern Greek restaurant features open rotisserie grills & shareable plates.

2201 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Rose's Luxury

Eclectic New American tapas menu crafted in a cozy, converted townhouse 

717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Bub & Pops

Warmly decorated nook serving up handcrafted hoagies 

1815 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Greek Deli  

Tiny, longtime take-out spot, serving classic Greek fare.

1120 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Bad Saint

A cozy, transporting enclave specializing in Filipino dishes

3226 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

union market

Warehouse-like food market with a host of artisans offering charcuterie, empanadas, gelato & more.

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Daikaya Izakaya

Japanese noodle soups ladled out in casual, funky digs 

705 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Le Diplomat

Bustling brasserie serves classic French fare 

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Thip Khao

This sleek & modern eatery showcases spicy Laotian dishes with an exotic twist.

3462 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Ray's Hellburger  

Low-key spot for hamburgers with gourmet add-ons, sandwiches, boozy shakes 

449 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Zaytinya  

Chef José Andrés' light, airy mainstay offers Eastern Mediterranean small plates 

701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Little Serow

Intimate & dark, serving an innovative set menu of Northern-Thailand specialties.

1511 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Ethiopic Restaurant 

Upscale restaurant serving Ethiopian cuisine in a sleek, elegant setting.

401 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002