50 Best American Restaurants in Washington

“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 😜“

“Amazing! The staff was welcoming from the moment you walk in the door!! And the..Food was globally inspired with a twist, and beautifully displayed. Truly felt like a gift to stumble upon this establishment!!“

“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.“

“excellent service, good food, worth every penny“

“Incredible experience. Will be returning.“

“Delicious brunch and excellent service!“

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

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

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

“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😊💕“

“Invited by bartender Ana to check out Immigrant Food (Planet Word), I was curious to experience it for the first time.

I’m so glad she did.

From the moment my partner and I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming, friendly, lively, upbeat, and inclusive.

We ordered the Greek Wings, The Cheeseburger, and Huevos Rancheros.

The Greek Wings were hot, crispy, meaty, and savory.

The Cheeseburger was a classic done well, topped with American cheese on a toasted sesame brioche bun and served with crispy Belgian fries.

The Huevos Rancheros featured eggs, Mexican chorizo, tortillas, refried black beans, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh garnishes. He said it was hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor.

Thank you, Ana, for the recommendation and warm welcome.

Between the inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food, my first visit was a memorable one.

I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu.“

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

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

“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 food & friendly / engaging staff“

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

“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.“

“This place was great! I think the cocktails were kind of lackluster. But the food was great, and our server was very kind. The garden patio was very pretty and didn’t get too hot, even in 88 degree weather, thanks to the fans. Would definitely recommend this place.“

“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.“

“The food was delicious, ambiance even better and service the best.
Stopped in here for brunch with a 1PM reservation on a Saturday. Party of three. We opted for bottomless mimosas (pineapple and cranberry). Our waitress(es) were a delight and attentive - Shoutout to DeLo! My two friends opted for the breakfast burrito while I had steak and eggs. The potatoes were seasoned well and the steak was cooked to my preferred doneness. Since it's a bistro they did not have steak sauce - however they offered me other options which included a mushroom gravy type sauce which paired so well with the steak. I would return just for that combination. I didn't see too many reviews for brunch so I wanted to provide some pictures for that. It's a small space with cute esthetic. It reminds me of a nice remote working coffee shop vibe. I cannot wait to return!“

“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.“

“In my 50 yrs of living on this earth, and have traveled abroad and tried many different places…my experience at The Dabney has been by far the best I’ve experienced. Everyone from host to chefs made me feel like a star. The bar staff, servers, the atmosphere, and the chefs!!! Top tier and would highly recommend!!! Not only was the service excellent…talk about hospitality on a 100! But the FOOD!!! I mean I would’ve been a happy camper just on the drinks from the bar (gotta try the FORWARD drink!! Whew!) and the service alone, but the FOOD?! We were treated to a five course, and every single bite, morsel that I tasted sent every bit of my taste buds to heaven!! I consider myself a picky eater but none of that mattered. If you’re a connoisseur of fine dining…you CANNOT miss THE DABNEY! I salute the CHEFS!!“

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

“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!“

“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“

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

“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!“

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

“Top 3 burgers of my life! Get it with the bacon. I never put the burger down after picking it up. Also, their smoked cheddar grits will make your toes curl. Best grits I’ve ever had (and we used to live in the south, I’ve had a ton of grits before). We also had their donut - perfection. Eggs benny: classic and proper. Coffee was great too. I literally can’t wait to go back and try dinner. Literally might go tomorrow. Check this place out - you won’t regret it.“

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

“​The food here genuinely hit the spot, but the surcharge and tipping setup at the end left a bit of a sour taste.
​We ordered a solid spread across the table:
​Steak Frites: Cooked just right, tender, and the herbaceous chimichurri sauce added great flavor. The fries were hot, golden, and crispy.
​Chicken Pasta: Rich, creamy sauce balanced nicely by the capers and fresh lemon squeeze, with generous portions of chicken.
​Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, plenty of parmesan, and crunchy croutons—classic and refreshing.
​Ted's Tart: The nostalgic rainbow sprinkles with whipped cream made for a fun, sweet finish to the meal.
​The real frustration came with the check. Between the added service fee/surcharge and the prompt for standard tipping on top of that, the final bill felt disproportionately high for casual neighborhood dining. Hidden fees stacking up on top of regular menu prices takes away from what would have otherwise been an easy 4- or 5-star meal.
​Great kitchen output, but management really needs to rethink the fee creep.“

“This my first time here and it was probably one of the best experience I’ve ever had at a bar in DC . I’ll definitely be back for my birthday next week. Love the atmosphere“

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

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

“5 stars isn't enough!! From the moment we walked in until the end of our night we were satisfied. The decorations, food, and service was amazing! They even offered me a quiet place to pray :). Give this place a try-trust me (portions may seem small, but it was very filling- we ordered the bowl of fries, which came with a delicious sauce, CROQUETTES, fish burger, beef burger, and gnocchi pomodoro. It felt like we were in nyc enjoy :)“

“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.“

“From the cocktails to the service…our experience was top notch all around! Highly recommend!“

“Not too often do I get to have French toast and French fries at the same time“

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

“Delicious neighborhood haunt.“

“Our Uber driver recommended St. Anselm, after the restaurant we planned on was closed. What a happy misfortune! From the quick phone call, answered by Lily, who cheerily said she could accommodate our party, to our amazing waiter Joe, the delicious food, wonderful atmosphere; this place is a DO NOT miss! I’m sad we live in FL and can’t be regulars!! St. Anselm, whatever you are doing, keep it up!!!“

“Absolutely spectacular! The food, the atmosphere, the event coordinator, the staff, absolutely everything was top notch. We absolutely loved it.“

“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“

“Minibar went above and beyond our expectations. Due to health issues, we cannot drink alcohol and they curated special nonalcoholic drinks that paired perfectly with the exceptionally creative food!“

“We were there for are Christmas meal. Overall the food & drinks were good except the three desserts offered were not good. Our server Randall was not helpful. We noticed he was more attentive to his other tables😖 We will try brunch but not with Randall🤔“

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

“Massive selection of beers on tap including cask ales and the friendliest bar staff! Thanks 😊“

“My daughter and son-in-law treated me for my birthday and what a treat it was! From the birthday champagne treat to the special popcorn to the dessert and all meals in between—nothing disappointed. The food was delicious. Filet mignon prepared to perfection. Lamb chops, braised beef, shrimp—all delicious. The sides; I could go on. My husband also enjoyed his meal. Our particular teenaged granddaughter loved her chicken tenders. Even our 2 year old granddaughter enjoyed her kids meal. Definitely will return. This was our first time but it won’t be our last. And last but not least—our server, Micaiah, was the best. Her recommendations were on point. Top notch and so professional!“