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- Washington, D.C. Food & Travel Guide: restaurants and city highlights
Washington, D.C. Food & Travel Guide: restaurants and city highlights
Discover Washington, D.C. through its food and culture: restaurants, cozy cafés, rooftop views, Smithsonian museums, and iconic landmarks
When most people think of Washington, D.C., they imagine the White House, grand monuments, and museums. Part of this cultural heritage belongs to the Smithsonian museums - 17 museums and galleries in the city, all free to visit, representing one of the world’s most significant legacies of art, history, and science.
I spent four days in the city and quickly learned that each neighborhood has its own character and architecture: Georgetown with its cobblestone streets and Federal-style houses, Dupont Circle with stylish restaurants, lively cafés, and Victorian charm, Downtown with a mix of Neoclassical structures, modern buildings, and buzzing restaurants, and Capitol Hill, where history feels alive around every corner.
White House | World War I Memorial | Federal Triangle
While I was walking around the city, I didn’t expect to see so many parks, fountains, and leafy squares between these landmarks, giving the capital a softer, almost European charm.
What surprised me even more was not just the culture, but the food. Washington, D.C. has quietly become one of the most exciting culinary capitals in the U.S. Thanks to its international character, embassies, and creative chefs, the city is full of contrasts and many cuisines.
Exploring the city through its restaurants turned out to be just as memorable as visiting its monuments — and maybe even more delicious.
Here are some of the restaurants I discovered and loved during my stay.
Old Ebbitt Grill
My first dinner in the city was at Old Ebbitt Grill, the city's oldest saloon, founded in 1856. Just a short walk from the White House, it feels like you're stepping into a piece of history, where men in suits are eating and drinking cocktails.
History & Legacy: Over the decades, Old Ebbitt has welcomed presidents and political figures, from Theodore Roosevelt to Ulysses S. Grant, as well as countless journalists and diplomats.
Today, the restaurant is part of the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, which also includes other notable names like 1789, The Hamilton, The Tombs, Fitzgerald’s, Rye Street Tavern, and Cordelia Fishbar.
The interior is filled with decorative statues of ducks and dogs, vintage hunting rifles, and wood-paneled walls with large windows, creating an atmosphere that blends tradition with the charm of an old hunting lodge. Soft lighting and comfortable tables make the space feel surprisingly cozy.
The menu highlights the best of East Coast American cuisine, and it’s famous for fresh oysters, house-made pastas and steaks.
I started with baked oysters and a creamy crab and artichoke dip (an unexpected and interesting combination), tried their famous crab cake, clam chowder, and had a pasta dish with pesto and corn. The food was served very quickly, and it was delicious.
Please don’t forget to make a reservation for a dinner! This spot is busy. In the evening, without a reservation, the wait can stretch to 50 minutes or more.
Shōtō
If Old Ebbitt felt like history, Shōtō was pure modern enchantment.
When I was searching for places to eat in D.C., this was at the top of my list because the interior immediately caught my eye. In reality, it’s even better.
At the entrance, you step into a small room lined with Japanese whisky bottles, almost like a secret library of spirits. Beyond that, the space opens into a large, airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a wooden bar, and a lush green wall that adds a calming, natural touch.
Wooden shelves and a dramatic volcanic-stone installation cascading from the ceiling make the whole place feel both stylish and warm.
Listed in the Michelin Guide as one of the top spots for high-quality Japanese cuisine, Shōtō lives up to its reputation. The food is as beautiful as it is delicious: delicate fish tartares served with caviar on the side, prawn & black cod gyoza, grilled skewers, and of course, sushi. If you want something heartier, there are also Japanese steaks, wagyu, and tempura dishes.
I came here for an early lunch, and it felt more like an experience than just a meal - attentive service, striking atmosphere, and food that’s worth every moment. If you’re looking for something chic with sushi and cocktails, this is the perfect place to go.
Reservation via Sevenrooms 🍽 Restaurant Instagram
Occidental Grill & Seafood
For my second dinner in D.C., I chose Occidental, a restaurant just steps away from the White House with a history dating back to 1906.
History & Legacy: Over the decades, Occidental welcomed presidents, diplomats, and cultural icons, making it a spot where D.C.’s political and social stories intertwine with fine dining.
Today, Occidental is part of Starr Restaurants Group, known for its collection of stylish, high-profile dining concepts across the U.S., which only adds to its reputation as both a historic landmark and a modern dining destination.
Since the weather was warm, I sat on the terrace and didn’t regret it for a second. White tablecloths, charming umbrellas, glowing street lamps, and greenery all around made it feel like an old movie scene: elegant, relaxed, with the hum of the city in the background.
The menu here is full of surprises. Beef tartare, for example, arrived topped with a glossy layer of black caviar and egg. I also tried pheasant for the very first time in my life (one of their specials), and it was so tender and beautifully presented.
The selection mixes international classics with playful touches of comfort food, from pig in a blanket and herring under a fur coat (no mayo) to timeless favorites like tomato with mozzarella.
And the desserts? Round cheesecake, baked Alaska, pink champagne cake, fluffy coconut cake, and more...
The Greenhouse
One of the most beautiful brunches of the trip was at The Greenhouse, the elegant restaurant inside The Jefferson Hotel - one of Washington’s most awarded and luxurious hotels.
The space feels like a Parisian dining room: candlelit wall sconces, hand-painted murals, and a glass atrium ceiling that floods the room with soft natural light. The kind of setting where you want to stay a little longer with a cup of tea or coffee.
The brunch menu is extensive, offering something for every taste. From a salmon bagel to lobster eggs Benedict, or even matcha waffles with fresh berries (so delicious), each dish is beautifully presented and full of flavor.
It’s the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for the entire day.
The Cut Above (Rooftop Drinks)
In Georgetown, I made a stop at The Cut Above by Wolfgang Puck, a rooftop cocktail bar located at Rosewood Washington, D.C.
It boasts a stunning view that stretches across Georgetown and the Potomac River. The place feels perfect for a pause after a long walk through the neighborhood. It's cozy, with a great cocktail menu, wines, and non-alcoholic options.
Sitting there with a drink in hand, watching the city from above, was the perfect way to balance the energy of my days exploring restaurants and landmarks. Next time, I'll definitely go to other rooftops in the city.
La Bise
La Bise is a modern French restaurant, also just steps from the White House.
There are several dining rooms and even a small patio area (which sadly was closed that night because of the rain). The interior is vibrant and chic, with colorful walls, gold accents, and playful artwork.
Listed in the Michelin Guide, La Bise may have a compact menu, but the execution and creativity are on the level of Michelin-starred dining: inventive presentation and flavors that surprise in the best way.
I started with gougères: fluffy buns filled with chicken liver mousse and vanilla–onion marmalade topped with a sunny-side quail egg. Then came scallop crudo with green apple, tartare with yuzu–truffle aioli, and a rich duck cassoulet with green beans and edamame.
For a final touch, I ordered a chocolate mousse with raspberry–yuzu gelée and sesame seeds.
The Pembroke
Another great place for a brunch is The Pembroke, a stylish restaurant located right on Dupont Circle, one of D.C.’s most dynamic neighborhoods, known for its lively energy, beautiful architecture, and mix of embassies, bookshops, and cafés.
The Pembroke is modern and bright, with elegant lighting, lush greenery, and a spacious outdoor terrace.
It’s also one of those places where you absolutely need a reservation, especially on weekends, because the brunch crowd fills the space quickly.
The portions are generous, and the menu offers a wide range of choices (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free), as well as a diverse drink selection, including fresh juices, creative cocktails, elegant wines, and coffee drinks. I got the crab Benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes with stewed blueberries.
Bourbon Steak
For my last dinner in D.C., I chose Bourbon Steak, Michael Mina’s signature steakhouse, located in the heart of Georgetown area at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
The setting is elegant, with an atmosphere reminiscent of a good steakhouse: comfortable chairs, dark colors, and pleasant lighting.
The experience started with a signature touch from the chef: three kinds of fries served with different sauces. Such a playful and delicious prelude to the meal. Who loves fries? Me!
For appetizers, I tried a mini lobster roll and perfectly tender octopus. As a main course, I had grilled ahi tuna steak with spinach.
And dessert was the highlight: airy beignets that came with three sauces, each like a small dessert of its own - rich chocolate mousse, silky crème brûlée, and a bourbon caramel that was flavorful and vibrant.
Seven Reasons
Just before my flight, I had lunch at Seven Reasons, a Latin American restaurant that feels like a secret garden inside.
The space is filled with lush greenery and plenty of natural light from the windows, and it has two floors. The second level opens onto a terrace overlooking a small square lined with boutiques, which gives the place an almost hidden-gem charm.
Recognized in the Michelin Guide, this spot is part of the Seven Reasons restaurant group, celebrated for bringing bold Latin flavors to the city. The menu is creative and vibrant, inspired by Venezuelan and Caribbean roots, and there's even a prix fixe option with three courses, a great way to sample different flavors.
Since this is Latin American cuisine, many dishes come with a spicy touch, so it's worth asking your server about the level of heat. My carpaccio starter came with spicy potatoes, while my chicken main course was with spicy rice and a milder curry, but it was still delicious.
It's a great spot to make a stop after shopping and try something different and flavourful.
Where to go in Washington D.C.
Of course, my trip wasn’t only about food. I also visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, explored the Spy Museum, admired the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, World War I Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the White House.
Strolled through leafy parks and squares, wandered a farmers’ market at Dupont Circle, sat on the steps of the Capitol (it’s gorgeous, btw.), and saw the FBI building.
Also, I explored some of the city’s most famous streets: Connecticut Avenue NW, Massachusetts Avenue (also known as Embassy Row), and Pennsylvania Avenue NW - all these streets are great for walking around.
I spent some time in the Georgetown district, and Georgetown University. I also passed under the colorful Chinatown Friendship Archway, and had a time in CityCenterDC with its boutiques.
I would suggest you to visit some landmarks in the evening - it’s less crowded and the monuments glow beautifully under the lights. And if you don’t like walking, the city makes it easy to move around: with dedicated bike and scooter lanes, or by simply hopping on the metro.
4 days are never enough to see everything. So, until next time, Washington, D.C.
If you have more time…
Add the Library of Congress (one of the most beautiful libraries in the world), the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (where U.S. money is made), Tidal Basin (especially in cherry blossom season), Union Market (a vibrant food and lifestyle hub), and the Kennedy Center (for concerts and performances). These places show even more sides of the city — cultural, historic, and modern.
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