In the Where to Eat: 25 Best series, the focus is on highlighting the best restaurants in cities across the United States. These lists are regularly updated to reflect new openings and closures. The reviews are based on personal experiences, with the writers paying for all their meals and not accepting complimentary dishes.
In Riverdale Park, 2Fifty Barbecue offers tangy, South American-inflected Texas barbecue that often sells out quickly. The tender prime brisket, smoky ribs, and chicken quarters paired with macaroni and cheese make for a perfect picnic in nearby Riverdale Park. Albi in Navy Yard serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes inspired by chef Michael Rafidi’s Palestinian American heritage. The coal-fire hearth in the kitchen adds a fragrant smokiness to dishes like crab-topped hummus and duck kebabs.
Almeda in Petworth offers a unique menu inspired by African diaspora cuisine, with dishes like tostone doubles, shrimp aguachile, and smoked, roasted, and fried whole chicken. In Mount Vernon Square, Baan Siam serves authentic Northern Thai dishes like khao soi and green mango salad. Bostan in Falls Church specializes in Uyghur cuisine, with juicy kebabs and flavorful dishes like saozi and rangpiza.
Bresca in the 14th Street Corridor offers avant-garde dishes in a Parisian neo-bistro setting, with creative cocktails and a choice of à la carte or tasting menu options. Casa Teresa in the West End is a Spanish restaurant with traditional dishes elevated by technical proficiency and whimsy. Crisfield in Silver Spring has been serving classic Mid-Atlantic dishes like seafood bisque and crab cakes since 1945.
Ellie Bird in Falls Church showcases imaginative cuisine like Vietnamese French onion soup and cacio e pepe elotes. Ethiopic on H Street offers modern Ethiopian cuisine in a sleek dining room. Kuya Ja in Rockville is known for its lechon and Filipino-style pork dishes. Lapis in Adams Morgan serves Afghan comfort food in a cozy setting.
Maketto in the H Street Corridor offers a unique blend of Cambodian and Taiwanese cuisine, with dishes like Gruyère dumplings and wok-charred lo mein. Mama Chang in Fairfax specializes in dishes inspired by Hubei province, like fish ball and lamb soup. In Capitol Hill, Mita serves modern Latin American, vegetable-based cuisine with bold flavors. Oyster Oyster in Shaw focuses on hyperlocal, plant-based dishes highlighting fungi and bivalves.
Pineapple & Pearls on Capitol Hill offers a luxurious dining experience with a tasting menu featuring global influences. Mama Emilia in Rockville serves traditional Salvadoran dishes alongside modern interpretations like shrimp and kale pupusas. Rasika in Penn Quarter and the West End is a classic Indian restaurant known for its palak chaat and buttery black cod. Reveler’s Hour in Adams Morgan offers contemporary Italian American cuisine in a relaxed setting.
St. James in the U Street Corridor serves modern Caribbean dishes like cassava dumplings and callaloo soup. The Dabney in Shaw offers Mid-Atlantic cuisine with playful creative twists. The Duck and the Peach in Capitol Hill focuses on seasonal, local produce with simple, California-influenced dishes. Thip Khao in Columbia Heights is a popular spot for Laotian cuisine, known for dishes like nam khao and sin.
Z&Z in Rockville specializes in Levantine flatbreads like the classic manoushe topped with olive oil and za’atar. These restaurants showcase the diverse culinary landscape of the Washington, D.C., area, offering everything from traditional ethnic dishes to modern, creative interpretations of regional cuisine. Each establishment has its own unique charm and flavors, making it a great destination for food lovers.
