50 Best American Restaurants in Washington

“The environment is great, the menu is very diverse, and seemingly commonplace dishes manage to be innovative in flavor“

“Brunch is amazing. Bottomless margaritas and the churros are excellent!“

“Fun night for two out of towners! Food was amazing and the staff were incredibly friendly, even though we’re two or three times their ages and not cool at all! ;)“

“A thoughtful shared plates experience. We followed the wise recommendations of our server and were rewarded. Nice spot. Excellent yet not pretentious.“

“I think Old Ebbitt Grill are one of the best grill joints around Washington and they got the most warmed atmosphere and I also enjoyed their service a lot. Their waitress and waiters are well trained with great sense of humor and they always smile to their customers/buyers.. You all can give it a try and thank me later hehe 😜“

“Incredible experience. Will be returning.“

“I enjoyed the most decorative meals full of nutrients and I would love to visit them ones again when I get less busy one day😊💕“

“A friend recommended this restaurant and the waiter was very helpful in choosing our appetizers and meals, and also provided excellent wine pairings. We even had a little chat with the other guests“

“excellent service, good food, worth every penny“

“The Tacos and clam chowder was really good. The frozen Rose’ was good as well. Great service“

“The best experience I have ever had at a restaurant! food was amazing and the staff made us feel like we were regulars! would recommend 1000 times over!“

“We love coming to Opal for the amazing food, libations and attentive staff. Recently I booked a company dinner with them and the food selections and service were impeccable, as always! Everyone enjoyed having the upstairs for our event and are looking forward to hosting another event with you soon!“

“Exceptional throughout from the rooms to dining to sophisticated and attentive staff - thank you for having us.“

“If you are on a gluten free diet, this restaurant is a real treat. This is the ONLY restaurant I know of in the entire DC area that offers gluten free French toast!!! It is really yummy. It is gluten free cinnamon raison bread that they make into French toast. It is served with maple syrup that has few slices of bananas in it. It is always served warm. (Be sure to look for the bananas. If the French toast is served with sliced strawberries, that is the wheat based French toast.) This restaurant also has gluten free bread so most of their sandwiches can be made gluten free upon request. And they can make their eggs benedict gluten free by using their gluten free toast. It is a very pleasant experience dining here. I usually dine outside. They are located on a small street in Georgetown. Georgetown can be crowded but on this small street, it is never very busy. On a nice weather day, it is a pleasant experience to eat the gluten free French toast while enjoying the weather. The service is always good too. I enthusiastically recommend this restaurant.“

“I had the Persian bowl ( or something
Like it) and the mushroom soup. Sorry I can’t provide pics cause I wanted to enjoy the full experience. Both plates excelled in presentation and flavors. They blew my mind; specially the mushroom soup. It was amazing! I also like that the Persian bowl was a feature by an Iranian chef recently arrived to the country. The ambience and service were outstanding as well. And I loved that I could, for once, speak Spanish without feeling intimidated.“

“Had a great experience. I would definitely come back next time we are in DC.“

“Great food and excellent service. John was fantastic. 100% recommend“

“Excellent experience, excellent food, and excellent service! Thanks Lenny!“

“Great with food allergies/dietary restrictions and super accommodating. Highly suggest!“

“My wife and I recently had an amazing experience at Jônt. The whole thing, from the counter seating and loud music, to the phenomenal staff I 10/10 recommend. The food was unique and so fun to try. Every bite may not be a hit for everyone, but like i said it’s fun to try.“

“Nice place and Sol Roots Trio performance was excellent!“

“Some friends rented out the bistro for their wedding party and it was the perfect space. The party was so intimate and perfect for the celebration. The food and drinks were fantastic, I’m still dreaming about the sliders that were served. I can’t wait to come back to town and try the restaurant on a regular night. The owner was fantastic as well. Highly recommend Cynthia’s!!“

“Delicious neighborhood haunt.“

“Our experience at the Occidental last night was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, every detail was executed with perfection. The menu showcased incredible range and creativity — the twin lobster tails were tender and sweet, the steak tartare was beautifully balanced, and the smoked pheasant under glass was a showstopper both in flavor and presentation. Each dish felt carefully crafted and elevated, yet approachable. The wine list was equally impressive — clearly curated with thought and depth, offering the perfect pairings to complement the meal without ever feeling overwhelming. Service was another highlight. Warm, attentive, and genuinely inviting, the staff struck that rare balance of professionalism without a hint of stuffiness, making us feel truly welcome. Though we couldn’t save room for dessert, it simply gives us the perfect excuse to return soon. The Occidental delivers a dining experience that lingers in memory — refined, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Highly recommended!“

“I have chicken wings ring ring Chris Rock they would really really good I had a good time there“

“Returning to Washington from a France worn down by its own melancholy — a nation led by a presidential couple seemingly disconnected from l'esprit de grandeur — was a relief. The Monocle, nestled just a short pas de géant from Capitol Hill, felt like an antidote. Walking through its doors, I immediately felt transported, like one of the CIA operatives from Lioness Psy-Ops, covertly meeting allies in a safe haven of quiet luxury. Opened in October 1960 by Connie and Helen Valanos, The Monocle has seen more political deals sealed over its crab cakes than perhaps in the chambers of Congress themselves. As the Washingtonian noted, “The Monocle is a better restaurant than it’s given credit for,” serving dishes like “pan-fried Chesapeake Bay oysters baked in a light curry sauce” that feel like culinary diplomacy at its finest. What strikes one immediately is the duality of the space: half public house, half refined eatery. In the restaurant's more elegant quarters, I chose a glass of Sancerre, its mineral brightness pairing effortlessly with the signature crab cakes — plump, golden, and loaded with chair de crabe so sweet it could make a New Englander weep. A red wine-braised New York strip followed, its sauce reminiscent of the old-world simplicity one finds in France’s brasseries, yet undeniably American in its confident presentation. The maître d’, Nick Selimos — a fixture here for nearly three decades — greeted every guest with the kind of warmth that makes even the most hardened lobbyist feel comme chez soi. “There’s nothing more satisfying,” said John Valanos, the owner, “than having someone say, ‘We’ll come back ourselves.’” And come back they do — senators, staffers, and curious tourists alike. Sipping a digestif, I glanced at the black-and-white photos adorning the walls — Kennedy, Nixon, and other Washington titans. It’s said JFK dined here regularly during his Senate days. As The Washington Post humorously observed, "Intentions are spoken here, alliances formed, and deals sealed," all over dishes that balance simplicity and sophistication. Leaving The Monocle, I felt reconnected to the vibrancy of Washington, its pulse steadied by the legacy of places like this — where history, gastronomy, and a touch of joie de vivre blend into something unforgettable.“

“Loved our visit and such a dining experience! You have to try it!! Cheers y’all“

“Great atmosphere and good food.“

“Carlos was our waiter. He was exceptional. Food and drinks exceptional. Hope to come and dine again in the future. It's a 5“

“It was a tasty dinner, lime cheesecake FANTASTIC!!!“

“My wife and I had brunch on the patio at the White House location today and it was fantastic! We had a mezze platter appetizer, Havana sandwich and shakshuka & arepas entrees, and tres leches for dessert. All were spectacular, as was the service! Highly recommended!“

“Nice atmosphere . Troy was a great host/server.“

“The manager went above and beyond! I requested almond milk for my latte and they didn’t have any so she walked down the street and bought some 😊. The service was awesome and the food was phenomenal.“

“Lovely ambiance! We sat at the bar and had the three course menu. I was gluten free and the staff was so great about accommodating me! The food was very tasty with great flavors and texture. I really enjoyed all the courses. The beef was so tender and flavorful. I thoroughly enjoyed the dessert as well. The only downside was that we had been walking all day through the city and my phone had died. I was hoping they might be able to let me charge my phone briefly so we could get home but they were unable to do allow that.“

“Food is good and menu has something for everyone. The best part is the staff. Anna is an awesome server. She has taken care of our family a few times and she always remembers us and our preferences. She is great with kids. The last time my daughter and I were there she had another table with a couple that had a baby. She took care of them seamlessly while juggling everyone else.“

“Finding a Filipino restaurant isn’t easy. So learning about Purple Patch thru Jo Koy—has ended this search! Literally, Filipino cuisine heaven! The restaurant is uniquely decorated, the staff were friendly, & the food hit that major comfort button for us! Thank you Zahara for being so sweet & a wonderful waitress. We can’t wait to come back for more!“

“I truly enjoyed my visit to the restaurant. It had a great vibe and music. My server was Manny. He was very nice and friendly. He made great food suggestion. I must say the food was delicious. It was so good that I went back the next night. 1st night I got the shrimp & crab pasta, brownie a la mode & strawberry lemonade. 2nd night I got the baby back ribs, another brownie a la mode, & strawberry lemonade. Overall 5 stars. The next time I visit DC I will definitely be back.“

“Super Essen lecker und liebe Leute 🫶🏼😊“

“Penne Pasta with Pork Bolognese Crispy Lemongrass Chicken Caramelized Cauliflower It tastes good. The environment is nice“

“Wonderful atmosphere and exceptional service from Will. Food was tasty and very good portions. Memorable and will recommend to friends.“

“Please come out October the 29th for the Halloween Sip&Paint party the cost is $50.00 per adult“

“Compliments to the Chef. The Michelin star is so deserved. The setting in pics seems strange but please trust the staff and the kitchen, EAT HERE. We Loved it. Try the Marrow starter and if you are from IRL or the UK the beans and pork belly is next level. BRAVO“

“Our son lives in the area and we have been here 4-5 since January ( every time we visit) The owners are wonderful and the staff very attentive The fish taco appetizer is wonderful ( can be enough for an entree if not wanted a big meal) I’ve had many of the entrees and never a bad meal . The chocolate dessert is my go to“

“super friendly and accommodating. we really enjoyed our visit and the food.“

“yummy“

“This is where it’s at pregame DC defenders“

“Thanks Bussboys for your hospitality during our group’s visit last Thursday . I traveled with my church choir (Tulane MB Church from Yazoo City, Ms). We dined in for breakfast and the food was AMAZING“

“My son and I visited the Washington DC HRC last week. I just want to say that Angela and Christian reminded me of why I started going to HRC in the first place. They were great and we had a great time. For reasons I don't understand, the service at HRCs has been in decline for the past decade or so. But Angela and Christian were just like the HRC employees I would interact with pre-2012 or so. They made us feel like people instead of a check. And if anyone from HRC corporate actually bothers to read this...you should ask Angela and Christian in Washington DC how HRC should train its employees and interact with its customers. So, to Angela and Christian...thank you again.

Christian Anderson“

““We had a very good and affordable lunch. I ordered the steak and cheese, and my lunch companion had a chicken breast sandwich. The waiter was attentive, the food was hot and tasty, and the ambiance was relaxed and calm. Overall, a very pleasant dining experience.”“

“food highly recommended 💯💯“