Just as Los Angeles runs on showbiz, there’s no question that D.C. is an industry town. But even politicos need to eat. Luckily for those of us more interested in what’s on our plates than either side of the aisle, a global influence flows from boardrooms and embassies into our restaurants.
Each time we compile this list, it changes with the times. From decidedly formal to café-centered, we always seek to include what’s worth your time and money, whether it’s new or old, fancy or destined to become an everyday haunt. This edition has new inclusions that show the restaurant scene’s breadth by showcasing arguably the city’s most hotly sought-after reservation, alongside a local staple we’ve returned to again and again.
So, where to next? Whether you’re a local or just visiting D.C., these restaurants serve as a road map to deliciousness, but also to the heart of our capital city. Whether you’re looking forward to waking up with some of our storied Ethiopian fare or closing out the night with creative cocktails paired with crispy bites, there’s something for every occasion here.
Updated February 2026: In this latest update, which highlights the best D.C. restaurants this month, we have added Dōgon and Unconventional Diner.
This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Alice Levitt. At Time Out, all our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate and review restaurants, see our editorial guidelines.
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Dining and Cooking