50 Best Wine Bars in Washington

“got a reservation last second in december so i could check out the holiday decorations after hearing of the restaurants history from a TikTok!! worth visiting for the vibes, and the free shots of amaretto!“

“What can I even say that's bad about this place? We tried the full tasting+wine menu for our anniversary dinner last week. It was so good that we had to return yesterday for restaurant week (a menu substantially smaller but just as satisfying).

The drinks were delicious and creative (get the lychee bomb), the food was adventurous and rich, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and fun, and the service was top notch.

Major shoutouts to my guys and gal Edwin, Jonas, and Mariana. Edwin was our first server and made us feel like a part of his family, joking with us, sharing stories with us, and giving us a full tour and history of the food and wine we enjoyed. On our second visit, Edwin made sure to check on us often, but our main server Jonas was equally as generous, lively, and gave us the best suggestions for what to order. He even asked the chef to make a custom dessert for us when he realized we'd tried all the ones on the menu from last week.

Favorite drinks were the lychee bomb and I think the hocus pocus. All wine pairings were delicious.

Favorite food was the quail egg with swiss chard and truffle cream, the shrimp momo, and the ghee-poached salmon, though everything was exceptional.

Don't come here if you're looking for something quick, it's a delicious marathon here.“

“All of my experiences at L’Ardente have been phenomenal. The food, the atmosphere, and the service are all top notch!!!“

“You will not get better service anywhere in DC. On a Friday night, we were greeted and seated by the manager Manuel who was more than polite; he was genuinely interested in our experience. I ask….a lot of questions lol, and our server Carlos was super knowledgeable and super patient and kind, and even went out on a limb to share his personal preferences which not all servers will do. It was clear from the amuse bouche(delivered to us by Manuel himself) to the care with which our table was cleaned between courses to our surprise dulce de leche at the end that they truly place a premium on their customers’ experience. The chorizo dumplings were complex and light and delicious, and their cocktails are well-crafted and made with care. We sat at the downstairs bar, it was vibey and private, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend!“

“Ottimo , ci siamo sentiti a casa“

“One of my favorite locations in DC, great wine selection, the food is pretty good overall (desserts could be improved though), the staff is friendly and efficient.

If you're french and feeling homesick, it is a great place.“

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

“Wow, what a TREAT is the best way to describe this place! In a cozy part of DC and serving up such a cool experience.

The concept of getting to pair wines throughout your meal is innovative and so fun! And the availability of wine choices is incredible. The food was also fantastic and we loved the cute “fun pairings” at the end, which we had milky ways paired with a port wine.

Thanks so much to the Little Blackbird team for a great date night!!“

“Great food, wines and service.“

“Last week we enjoyed dinner with Edgar Allen Poe. Okay, so maybe not the man himself- but about as close as I could imagine the experience to be. Dark, decadent, and full of surprise. We got to try their seasonal Poe themed menu, and it’s not just dinner- it nears theatre on a plate.“

“Nice wine pair with mussels. Reasonable pricing.“

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

“Great ambiance, food and vibe“

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

“The service was amazing and the food was good.“

“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.“

“Celebrated our anniversary here, and Oyster Oyster exceeded every expectation. It was my wife’s first Michelin dining experience (she is vegetarian), and it could not have been more perfect.

Food: Delicious, inventive, and deeply rooted in sustainability. The menu evolves with the seasons, making clever, zero-waste use of ingredients across every course. Even as a non-vegetarian, I was blown away—their slow-grilled mushrooms unlocked an incredible depth of umami and made for an unforgettable dish.

Ambiance: An intimate, thoughtfully decorated space featuring a cozy main dining area and counter seating. As can see from pictures attached, we sat kitchen-side, which was nicely decorated and also gave us a front-row view of the culinary team in action.

Service: Impeccable and worthy of their star. Attentive from start to finish, the team went above and beyond with a handwritten anniversary note and complimentary drinks to toast the occasion.

Oyster Oyster made our anniversary truly special. 5/5 stars—we’d give more if we could!“

“#AmazingRestaurant #LeSelRestaurant 🥰“

“We had never tried Afghani food before, and I am so glad we did. The staff was so friendly and helpful with any questions we had. They recommended the Mini Taste of Arocostia for our first time. Everything was FANTASTIC!!! The food was cooked perfectly. The service was great! We never had to ask to have our beverages filled up, because they were already on top of it before we had to ask. They packed all our leftovers into boxes for us for our way home. We will definitely be going back!“

“Great meal recently at Cucina Morini !!! The food, service and drinks were all on point !! See the photos for our recommendations !!! You can order half orders of pasta !! Perfect if you want to try different things.“

“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.“

“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.“

“if you ever have a chance to go to the vines Foggy Bottom then do so! it is a lovely environment it's laid back the staff is very friendly and informative. they have a delicious assortment of wines. the food is also very good too. they don't rush you after you finish eating you can sit there and chit chat with your family and friends and drink different types of wine they have a wonderful menu. So if you ever in town please give the Vines Foggy Bottom a visit.“

“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!“

“Fabulous meal! The food was excellent. We had a show at Constitution Hall and the staff was so accommodating. They made the food was out on time, check resolved quickly and a small cookie plate on the table before we raced out the door. What a fun night!“

“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.“

“Each dish kept getting better! Was not disappointed with anything I ordered and I ordered almost the entire menu! The service was top notch, was running behind but no wait! Our server and food runner were amazing as well and the management! Great ambiance as well!“

“One of the best meals of my life. We got five different dishes, and each was different, unique, and delicious. The half chicken in particular had the whole table talking.
The service was funny, polite, and amazing. They didnt seem to be around, but the second we needed some thing they were there.
We will be back!“

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

“I've been to this place twice now and had amazing meals each time. It really feels like a best kept secret, but I hope more folks catch on as this place is great and I'd love it to stick around.
I really enjoyed the snapper, grilled artichokes and chile relleno, but all the dishes I've tried have been great.
It's a small place with a long bar, a few tables inside and a small patio outside. They have an awesome selection of mezcal, tequila and cocktails. Very easy to walk in and get a table, but the quality of everything was great (it's honestly confusing).
Definitely recommend!“

“I've had the pleasure of walking past Bramble & Rye for the last month of their transformation. The overall vibe is moody and aesthetic. The fooooooooooood is the perfect pairing of seafood and fresh veggies that pack the perfect amount of sweet and spice. My favorite is HANDS DOWN the Creole Shrimp Scampi. As a southern girl, this was home on a plate and a must try all around. My favorite drink was truly a tie between the Chai Mezcalita and French Pear Martini. Both were tasty and refreshing! The chairs were comfy, the music was great, and even with a hot open over and busy dining room- the dining room was cool and comfortable. 20000/10, I cannot wait to go back.“

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

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

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

“(Ate too fast to take pictures)

Superb crust and top-notch attention to detail. Think NY-style pizza meets restaurant-style neapolitan - one of the best, if not the best, pizza shops in DC. Vodka pie and classic cheese are unbeatable

(the garlic confit on the marinara pie was very strong, but still a nice online deal)“

“My wife & I had a wonderful and delicious dinner while catching-up with our son & his girlfriend last evening. Fantastic meal & our server Michael was outstanding.“

“Still a great place after all these years. Lovely atmosphere, great food, attentive service. A wonderful night out.“

“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.“

“ambience and service were great. i should have stuck to french classics. i got the ravioli off the summer prefixed menu and my review on that is 2.5. also escargot was more spinach forward not garlic for my taste. our server was great and actually spoke french“

“Great in every respect: quality and quantity of food, service, and ambience. A real treat!“

“the food 😋is delicious and the service is great“

“Amazing place! We had a baby shower there and could not be more than perfect. The food and service were incredible. Tanya is a great manager and very helpful. We couldn’t be more than happy.“

“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 was introduced to The Capital Grille by dear friends who have been dining here for over 10 years, and after enjoying several dinners with them, I can confidently say that this restaurant never disappoints.

What truly sets this place apart is its remarkable consistency. From the valet and the warm welcome at the entrance to the exceptional food and attentive service, every detail is handled with care and professionalism. The entire experience is seamless from beginning to end.

A special recognition goes to Mustafa, whose outstanding service deserves to be highlighted. He is genuinely kind, welcoming, attentive, and professional. His attention to detail and dedication to making guests feel comfortable and well cared for truly elevate the dining experience. Hospitality at its finest!

The food is consistently outstanding, the atmosphere is inviting, and the level of service remains exceptional visit after visit. Whether you're enjoying dinner with friends, a casual evening out, or a romantic occasion, The Capital Grille is always a wonderful choice.

It's rare to find a restaurant that maintains such high standards so consistently, and that's exactly what makes this place special.

Thank you to Mustafa and the entire team for another wonderful evening. Looking forward to many more!“

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

“We love Cork! My boyfriend and I randomly popped in one day and had the best experience. We sat right at the bar and had the best experience with Karim who was so knowledgeable about their wines and wine in general. We ended up ordering food and were so happy with the steak! They have a ton of wine options, you’re sure to find at least one you like and their tasting flights are a great option to try something different. It may be a little pricier but it’s on par for a wine bar and our service was exceptional so that feels like you’re paying for great quality. We’ve already been back and joined the wine club! Huge fans of Cork!“

“The place is amazing . The food is good“

“As H Street neighbors of Henceforth, there was no doubt in our minds that we wanted to host our Wedding Welcome Party here. Everyone knew the beers were going to be great, but the food easily stole the show. The bartenders were attentive, fun, and quick. Erin was super helpful in planning and executing. The upstairs taproom was the perfect venue and size to host 75-80 guests.If you are looking to host a party on H Street, you would be insane not to have Henceforth be at the top of your list.“

“A very inviting corner restaurant, great for people watching and cocktails. The drinks were nice and the atmosphere was lux. We went on a Saturday and it just felt like they needed a manager around. Felt like they were really understaffed and not ready for the crowds. There were some people who had worked there longer and were directing others, and the food did come out of the kitchen timely. But there wasn't a sense of table service really, you just catch them when you can, know the candle won't get lit even after you asked and teach the server how to swipe the card. I wish they had someone tending to things, but maybe when it's slower it will be better. The pizza was good, and lots of pepperoni. I wished it wasn't quite as soggy in the middle but it tasted good. And the burrata had no flavor, no nice olive oil or pepper, very bland, but it was a hearty portion. Can't complain about the drinks. I can sense when there's no service concept so I hope they get it together.“

“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.“