50 Best Wine Bars in Washington

“Great place!! The atmosphere was charming and the food was great! The staff was very knowledgeable about the wine and provided great customer service.“

“Great ambiance and great drinks 🍹 totally recommend for a fun night out 🥂“

“Some fantastic and clever vegan options taking influence from a variety of global cooking styles while painstakingly limiting to locally sourced ingredients. Service was incredible, and the atmosphere was surprisingly casual. Some particularly strong mushroom options and one oyster on offer for those wanting it. Maybe bc it was winter, I found the menu very homey and hardy without an over reliance on showmanship or crazy techniques and processes - at least in comparison to a lot of modern fine dining.“

“Great food, wines and service.“

“Came for a tasting as part of Tasting Collective and was glad I did. This was truly a great experience. The 5 course tasting had 2 courses (1st & 4th) that needed to be altered as I'm a pescetarian therefore, don't eat duck. So in place of the duck paté, I was served figs and brie and in place of the duck breast I was served branzino. Each course was nicely paired with wine, again adding to this wonderful experience.

The fig and brie with the croutons was delicious, followed by the roasted pear with gouda, pecans and pomegranate sprinkles which was a delightful tasty plate. Who would think white chocolate and cauliflower purée would be delicious and pair beautifully with seared scallops? Clearly Chef Moore did and how right was he. That purée had folks at our table scraping to get all of it. The next course was a substitute dish and was beyond disappointing, especially compared to the other 3 courses. The branzino was BLAND, but the olives that were on the side were extra salty. I thought I was supposed to eat them together, but that didn't help. I couldn't even eat this course. The final course was a butterscotch pudding, a great way to end the meal/night.

Chef Moore was very welcoming. He answered questions and took pictures with the guests.

I'll definitely add this to my list of restaurants.“

“Rania delivers a slow burn of culinary delight. While the initial courses were good, they steadily improved, culminating in a truly exceptional Hay-Aged Rohan Duck Vindaloo. The Chocolate Tart with Masala Chai ice cream provided a perfect, memorable finish. A strong recommendation for those seeking a nuanced and elevated Indian dining experience.“

“We had a great experience with an outstanding waitress from Paris, unfortunately, I've forgotten her name,. She served the wine perfectly, gave solid recommendations, and didn’t hesitate to let my friend and me film for our YouTube channel. Her professionalism and easygoing nature are something I will remember.“

“This place was wonderful. The food was just the right portion for trying a little bit of everything paired with a couple of glasses of very reasonably priced wines.“

“My wife and I were looking for a bite to eat and saw they had calamari from other google reviews, so I had to check it out. It did not disappoint as it was very tasty and the breaking was very light, which I enjoyed. We both ordered pizzas, which were delicious. Price and portion size were average for the area, so no complaints about that. They had a large drink menu, so if you are into wine, this looks like a good place. Our server was polite but somewhat scarce between visits, but I won'thold it against the restaurant. The owner came around and thanked us for stopping in to eat, which I appreciated.

Vegetarian options: Large portion of the menu can be made without meat

Kid-friendliness: I would say this is a higher end place to enjoy some wine tasting so maybe leave the kids at home.“

“Shoulda had some dessert after the meal I ate.“

“This is probably the best pasta I’ve had in DC. I’ve been here twice for dinner now, and the pastas were all great. We got a few smaller portions - the alla norma, taglioni, rigatoni, and agnolotti - all were good. We also tried the sfincione [we are both Sicilian], which was OK but not really a sfincione. Good wine selection and great espresso martinis too. Will return.“

“Restaurant Review: Le Sel French Bistro Le Sel French Bistro near Logan Circle delivers a delightful mix of classic French cuisine with modern flair in a cozy, chic setting. The Escargots were indulgent, with garlic Pernod butter enhancing their tender richness, while the Onion Soup transported me to Paris with its flavorful broth and golden, cheesy crust. The Steak au Poivre & Frites was a standout, perfectly cooked with bold black pepper jus, creamy Béarnaise, and crispy frites. Each dish balances tradition and creativity, making for a memorable dining experience. For an authentic taste of France in DC, Le Sel is a must-visit. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #LeSelFrenchBistro #FrenchCuisine #LoganCircleEats #DCFoodies #FineDining #FoodieFavorites“

“This place is MOST AWESOMENESS! A definite must come eat!“

“There’s very few times when you walk into somewhere and can tell immediately that the owner loves what they’re doing, Cynthia is most definitely one. Cocktails were unique and delicious and the food was exactly what I hoped it would be.“

“Best hotel! Beautiful place and tremendously gracious staff!“

“OUT OF THIS WORLD! I am Mexican and this food is just as great as it is in my own country, adding a touch of sophistication, fun and spark! Highly recommend it.“

“This spot was incredible. Great artisan pizzas with creative pairings & cooked to perfection. The Harambe loved Big Macs and Macha Roni were both SO good. My favorite between the two was the Harambe- which had an fantastic dressing. It truly was a star.

We'll be back!“

“We are tourist & was searching for a place too eat since our first choice for dinner totally ignored us after we sat there 30 minutes we left. This pizza joint is absolutely delicious. The thin crust was delicious especially on the cheese pizza. The only negative thing I have too say is y’all charging too much for a house salad. I mean if you gonna charge $14 @ least give me something other than basic lettuce.“

“Would recommend for a glass of wine and appetizer! Stopped in for dinner and the food was tasty but felt overpriced for the portions. The shrimp dish was good but shrimp were slightly overcooked and felt like a very expensive starter. The hummus was delish! Wine was great and cocktail was less than amazing.“

“I had the most amazing time at Nero and just had to share! From the moment I walked in, I was instantly hooked by the vibe – the atmosphere is seriously top-notch. I started with the Tandoori Pops, which were packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Then I had the Truffle Mushroom Pizza, and wow… it was incredible. So fresh, so rich, and the truffle just made it next level. As for the drinks, I couldn’t resist the Espresso Martini – I had one, and it was so good I had to go back for another! Everything from the food to the drinks and the vibe was on point. Can’t wait to go back and do it all over again! Highly recommend this spot if you're looking for a great time and even better food.“

“Very good Thai food! The waiters were very patient and considerate. Dining was very smooth experience. The food was well prepared especially the soups and fried rice. I highly recommend anyone around DC area to give this restaurant a worthy try.“

“the staff was friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely be back.“

“The Eastern is just a couple of blocks from my daughter and son-in-law and is our go to place when we visit them in DC. They have a fabulous menu, however, we love the small shareable plates. The pork sliders, glazed carrots and pimento cheese dip are wonderful. The wait staff is knowledgeable and attentive and always ready to suggest a wine to pair with our food. We love the atmosphere and the local vibe and are warmly greeted like old friends. Love this place.“

“Reasonable cost for 2 meals altho we went early on a Friday evening & they were out of gnocchi. Very limited dairy free options. Sat at the wall just across from the main door & noted a very distinct smell of urine alternating with a heavy floral musky scent. Wasn't constant but enough to be bothered by it. If visiting again, will pick another spot to sit.“

“Love the foods and place . All employee are very good .“

“A Culinary Masterpiece at Enigma on U Street

Last night, I had the pleasure of dining at Enigma on U Street in Washington, DC, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the late hour, Chef Dennis Clark crafted a dish that left a lasting impression on my palate.

The standout of the evening was the mussels, which were served in a remarkable spicy sweet sauce that perfectly balanced heat and sweetness. The flavors were bold yet harmonious, with the sauce enhancing the natural brininess of the mussels rather than overpowering it. Every bite was a revelation, showcasing Chef Clark’s exceptional skill and creativity in the kitchen.“

“Wine market, bar, small plates joint in a good location. Stopped in for a flight and light bite on a Saturday night. The downstairs bar/market was packed, lots of energy, and buzzing. We were upstairs because we had a reservation. Decidedly quieter up there only a couple of other folks dining, the back room had a large party (15) cozy with lighting in the right place. We started with a flight and narrowed in on Pomerol by the glass. The Somm was friendly, knowledgeable, and made a good suggestion for our final glass, a Cahors. A licorice-bomb that we really liked. On the food side, we were very basic, fries with homemade ketchup; French onion soup, with cheddar and a nice bread on the side; and roasted/fried cauliflower with yogurt, pine nuts, and pickled raisins, which was a little overdone. We didn't venture much further on the food menu, but we were really here for the wine anyway. On our way out, we perused the markets but weren't able to find that Cahors in a bottle server/somm. sensing our dilemma, procured a bottle for us from the back. Nice experience, I'd explore more by the glass options here and they have some interesting finds in the wine market.“

“The food at Ceibo is creative and delicious. We enjoyed eveything, sharing the hamachi, eggplant, dumplings and sea bass. The dumplings are unusual, served in a delicious broth. The emulsion served with the sea bass was amazing. The wine list is reasonable and includes great choices by the glass. The service is friendly and attentive, but not overbearing. The dining room is attractive, but because of the tile floor, once full it is a little loud, but not to the extent that you'll have difficulty hearing your dinner companion across the table. Dinner at Ceibo is a lovely way to spend an evening.“

“It is finally nice to eat a meal the marries spices from different continents together to create/perfect comfort foods. Phenomenal.... A party in your mouth!!!“

“I cannot recommend Bottles Wine Garden enough! This is a women-owned establishment with some very interesting, exquisite, and reasonably-priced wines. We tried an Australian white and a French Syrah blend that were some of the best that my friends and I (regular wine consumers) have tried in DC. Furthermore, the customer service at this place was incredible. Erika, our sommelier, was extremely knowledgeable and courteous, and Stephanie took such good care of us! The place is small but cozy, with a lovely garden for outdoor seating, the perfect environment for an intimate gathering with friends and loved ones. We tried several small plates and all were tasty - the fig and burrata flatbread and charcuterie were especially delicious. Will return for the customer service alone!“

“Nice little neighborhood wine bar. Nice selections, friendly bartenders / waitstaff.“

“Absolutely the best Italian food I have ever tasted! Exceptional service! Old world Italian charm! Very romantic Valentine's day themed decor and ambiance.“

“For years, I was an absolute fan of Le Diplomate. It reminded me of the charm of old Europe—Paris, Vienna—something I missed after moving to the U.S. The atmosphere was always inviting, the restaurant beautiful, and the food consistently good. As a bread lover, I was particularly fond of their bread basket. I often asked for a second round because I could never get enough of this delicious treat, made in countless ways over thousands of years.
A couple of weeks ago, my friends recommended a new French restaurant, Amélie. We decided to try it one evening, and what a treat it was! While the ambiance isn’t as old-world European as Le Diplomate, the modern vibe was refreshing. The open kitchen, with the crew moving around preparing dishes, added an exciting touch. But what I truly must highlight here is the food. Every single dish was bursting with flavor, expertly prepared, and utterly mouthwatering.
I was genuinely surprised to find that the food at Amélie surpassed even Le Diplomate and Pastis DC, which I had visited just a few weeks earlier. All four of us—who had visited both Le Diplomate and Pastis together—agreed that Amélie was the winner! The two desserts we shared were also fantastic, and the receipt presented to us in an old French book (ours was a classic Diderot) was a charming and thoughtful detail.
Amélie is now absolutely my go-to spot for exceptional French food, fantastic service, and a fun, lively atmosphere.“

“If you’re in DC, Quill cocktail bar is the place to go. Its dim lit atmosphere and ambience provides such an intimate setting whether for friends and family or for business. You have your choice of sitting indoors or outside on their raised patio. Oh, and the service here is phenomenal! When you first sit, they bring you mixed nuts and olives and introduce themselves. Their cocktail menu may have only been just a page but if it’s not on there, they can definitely make it for you. My wife requested an Espresso Martini (non-menu) and it was the best of its kind she’s had yet. She also enjoyed the Ventura Highway, from their menu. My personal favorite of theirs was the “Johnny be Woode.” This became my go-to there. They do have a dinner menu as well. Their burger exceeded my expectations! Their desert menu impressed! The presentation was artwork and the flavors will surely make you long for more. Our server two of the three nights we were there was Andrew. Andrew made sure we had everything we needed and could possibly want. He provided absolutely excellent service, great humor, and pleasant conversation. On our third evening here, Amber greeted and served us. Amber is another gem at Quill, making recommendations on menu items as well as local recommendations around the town based off what my taste preferences are. Both Andrew and Amber had an awesome attitude and helped make our stay at the Jefferson Hotel just that much more memorable! The atmosphere, service, and great attitudes made for such a unique and satisfying experience that we ended each of our evenings, visiting Quill. Next time we’re in town, we will definitely be going back to Quill.“

“It's wonderful to find a little piece of your culture in Washington DC. After walking around the city on Christmas Eve, coming across this restaurant and tasting a delicious meal that transported me to Madrid was the best Christmas gift I have ever received.“

“The food was excellent and we had a great time . Super sweet waiters .“

“Food was very good and the entertainment was terrific. Great atmosphere“

“Dinner at Pastis was good, but I won’t try the duck confit again. This is was my second visit to Pastis. The onion soup and calamari were very good. My friend’s steak frites were excellent. The crème brûlée was great. But I feel sorry for the poor duck that gave up its life for the duck confit I was served. Duck confit if supposed to be rich in flavor with meat that falls off the bone at the slightest touch. This was a tough duck leg that resisted most of my efforts to cut off a few bites of meat. It was not good. Oh, well.“

“So delicious and a wonderful atmosphere.“

“Wonderful food and service!“

“Amazing addition to the neighborhood. We went around happy hour and everything was great. Good vibes, great prices, really nice staff. A small menu, really well curated. We got the valpolicella, real Rickey, Roman sunset, Toto, and a meat and cheese board.

Can’t recommend this place enough. It’s going to be our go to after-work chill spot from now on.“

“Good beer, fantastic service, Nice environment“

“The place is amazing . The food is good“

“Nice spot! Great service, our server was very warm, friendly and checked in frequently. The inside of the restaurant is very cozy and nice!

Order: the pork ribs, the carbonara
Skip: the tuna tartar (they squeezed a ton of mayo from the bottle on it which was not good)“

“The service is warm and pleasantly engaging and the food and beverages are outstanding. What’s not to love about Lupo?“

“Very welcoming and well mannered staff! Hubby and I went to dinner here and it was delicious. We definitely will be back!“

“Good food, perfect portions, and good cocktails!“

“Macarons are what they are known fa!“

“Great location we had a great time“