Top restaurants list
10 Best Dinner Restaurants in DC
- 10 restaurants
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Updated March 28, 2026
The top 10 best dinner restaurants in DC include Rose's Luxury, The Capital Grille, RPM Italian, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Old Ebbitt Grill, Founding Farmers, The Smith, Fig & Olive, Le Diplomate, and Barrel & Crow. Evening meals in Washington, D.C., are defined by direct access to fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood and the capital's international diplomatic influences. These premier supper spots are renowned for serving regional specialties like blue crab cakes, dry-aged bone-in ribeyes, and fresh oysters. Le Diplomate prepares classic French brasserie fare in a bustling Parisian-style dining room, Old Ebbitt Grill offers scratch-made American tavern food, and Joe's Seafood provides a premium steakhouse experience.
Many of these romantic dinner destinations occupy spaces central to the capital's identity, from converted Capitol Hill townhouses to bustling downtown avenues near national landmarks. The selection of restaurants listed here consists of upscale steakhouses, traditional American taverns, modern Italian dining rooms, and classic French brasseries. The setting varies from the antique-filled, Victorian interior of Old Ebbitt Grill to the chic, glass-accented dining room at RPM Italian. A meal at a dinner restaurant in Washington, D.C., averages $65 per person.
Rose's Luxury earns top marks for a highly inventive small plates menu, a cozy converted townhouse setting, and an energetic, open-kitchen atmosphere. Founding Farmers provides scratch-made American comfort food for a more relaxed supper. The Capital Grille presents a more formal, upscale evening with its dry-aged steaks and extensive wine list. Fig & Olive caters to vegan diners with its plant-based Mediterranean dishes, while RPM Italian maintains a largely gluten-free menu including seafood entrees and gluten-free pasta.
The top dinner restaurants in Washington, D.C., are listed below.
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1
1. The Capital Grille
5.0 (4 Reviews)
The Capital Grille is a fine-dining restaurant chain specializing in dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. Popular items on the Capital Grille menu include the Porcini Rubbed...- Item Prices
- 37
- Average Item Price
- $21.78
The Capital Grille Bone In Dry Aged NY Strip Price The Capital Grille Maine Lobster Salad Price The Capital Grille Grilled Shrimp with Sweet Corn Polenta Price The Capital Grille's Signature Cheeseburger Price The Capital Grille Seared Salmon with Avocado, Mango, and Tomato Salad Price The Capital Grille Creamed Spinach Price The Capital Grille Filet Mignon Price The Capital Grille Dry Aged Sirloin Steak Frites with Housemade Bearnaise Price The Capital Grille Sushi Grade Sesame Seared Tuna with Gingered Rice Price The Capital Grille Cold Shellfish Platter Price The Capital Grille Wedge with Bleu Cheese and Smoked Bacon Salad Price The Capital Grille Sliced Filet Mignon with Cipollini Onions, Wild Mushrooms, and Fig Essence Price“The Capital Grille’s Creamed Spinach is a classic steakhouse side done right. The spinach is tender and fresh, coated in a rich, velvety sauce that’s...”
“The Capital Grille’s Grilled Shrimp with Sweet Corn Polenta is a beautifully balanced dish that showcases both flavor and texture. The shrimp are expertly grilled,...”
The Capital Grille Menu PricesMore about The Capital Grille
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Steakhouse
Type of Food:
American, Steakhouse
Signature Dishes:
Filet Mignon
Lobster Bisque
Lollipop Lamb Chops
Location:
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers on-site dry aging of steaks, a process that enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
What Makes It Special:
The Capital Grille provides a classic American steakhouse experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients, professional service, and a refined dining environment.
What Sets It Apart:
Expertly prepared dry-aged steaks, a world-class wine selection, and a club-like atmosphere make the location a destination for fine dining in the nation's capital.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–9:00 PMSunday: 5:00–9:00 PM
Price:
$100 per person
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2
ItalianRPM Italian offers a modern Italian dining experience in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood. The restaurant features a chic and contemporary design, with a menu that includes house-made pastas, seafood, and prime steaks, all intended for sharing.- Item Prices
- 332
- Average Item Price
- $24.09
RPM Italian Menu PricesMore about RPM Italian
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Italian
Type of Food:
Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Parmesan
Prime Beef Meatballs
Spaghetti & Meatball
Location:
650 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is a collaboration between celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic and the Melman siblings, known for a successful restaurant group.
What Makes It Special:
RPM Italian presents a contemporary and chef-driven approach to Italian cuisine, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients in a stylish and energetic setting.
What Sets It Apart:
A modern, shared-plate dining concept paired with a celebrity association and sophisticated ambiance creates a distinct and energetic Italian dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 12:00–10:00 PMFriday: 12:00–10:30 PMSaturday: 3:00–10:30 PMSunday: 3:00–9:00 PM
Price:
Over $100 per person
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3
3. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
5.0 (3 Reviews)
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a classic American restaurant that originated in Miami Beach. The Washington, D.C. location brings the same dedication to quality, serving prime steaks, fresh seafood, and famous Florida Stone Crabs in a timeless, upscale setting.- Item Prices
- 594
- Average Item Price
- $27.65
Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab King Crab Louis Price Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab Bone-in Filet Mignon Price Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab Colossal Lump Crab Cake Price“Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab’s King Crab Louis is a seafood lover’s dream! Featuring sweet, tender king crab legs served over crisp, fresh...”
“Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab’s Bone-In Filet Mignon is the perfect balance of tenderness and rich, deep flavor. The bone enhances the steak’s...”
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Menu PricesMore about Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Seafood, Steakhouse
Type of Food:
American, Seafood, Steak
Signature Dishes:
Alaskan Red King Crab Legs
Grilled Seafood Platter
Key Lime Pie
Location:
750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is renowned for signature Florida Stone Crabs, which are served chilled and cracked with a signature mustard sauce.
What Makes It Special:
Joe's offers a classic and refined dining experience, pairing the traditions of a premier steakhouse with the fresh appeal of a quality seafood restaurant.
What Sets It Apart:
A century-long heritage and focus on stone crabs, alongside a menu of prime steaks and classic sides, give the restaurant a unique and established identity in the fine-dining sector.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–10:00 PMSunday: 11:30 AM–9:00 PM
Price:
Over $100 per person
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4
Old Ebbitt Grill is a classic Washington, D.C. institution located near the White House. The restaurant has a classic Victorian-era saloon atmosphere with antique fixtures, wooden bars, and gas lamps, serving American tavern fare.- Item Prices
- 70
- Average Item Price
- $17.25
Old Ebbitt Grill Menu PricesMore about Old Ebbitt Grill
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, American Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
New England Clam Chowder
Duroc Pork Chop
Oysters Rockefeller
Location:
675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Special Feature:
Established in 1856, the location is one of the oldest saloons in Washington, D.C., offering a dining experience steeped in political and local history.
What Makes It Special:
Old Ebbitt Grill provides a quintessential Washington, D.C. dining experience, known for a classic ambiance, American menu, and proximity to national landmarks.
What Sets It Apart:
A long-standing history as a gathering place for political figures, journalists, and celebrities, paired with a grand Victorian interior and oyster bar, makes the restaurant a unique and well-known destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–2:00 AMSaturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–2:00 AM
Price:
$30 to $60 per person
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5
Sandwiches American Burgers Breakfast & Brunch Family Meals Family FriendlyFounding Farmers is a farmer-owned restaurant that offers traditional American food and drink with a focus on sustainability and scratch-made cooking. The restaurant interior is modern and rustic, echoing a connection to American agriculture.- Item Prices
- 626
- Average Item Price
- $16.12
Founding Farmers Menu PricesMore about Founding Farmers
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, American Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Farm-to-Table
Signature Dishes:
Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon
Garlic Black Pepper Wings
Cheeseburger
Location:
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW #3607, Washington, DC 20006, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is majority-owned by the North Dakota Farmers Union, ensuring a direct connection to American farmers and a dedication to sourcing from family farms.
What Makes It Special:
Founding Farmers provides a dining experience centered on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, with all food and beverages made from scratch in-house.
What Sets It Apart:
A unique farmer-owned business model and dedication to from-scratch cooking and sustainable practices separate the spot from other American restaurants.
Operating Hours:Monday–Thursday: 7:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM–11:00 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM–11:00 PMSunday: 8:30 AM–10:00 PMPrice:
$20 to $30 per person
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6
AmericanThe Smith is a bustling American brasserie located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. The restaurant has a lively and energetic atmosphere with a classic bistro design, featuring tiled floors, a long bar, and spacious seating, serving American classics.- Item Prices
- 1,254
- Average Item Price
- $19.20
The Smith Menu PricesMore about The Smith
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, American Brasserie
Type of Food:
American, New American
Signature Dishes:
The Smith Burger
Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Location:
901 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is known for a lively, high-energy atmosphere, making the location a popular spot for social gatherings, pre-theater dinners, and brunch.
What Makes It Special:
The Smith offers a versatile and approachable dining experience with a broad menu of American favorites, served in a lively and classic brasserie setting.
What Sets It Apart:
A consistently lively ambiance paired with a menu of well-executed comfort food classics and a central location makes the restaurant a go-to destination for many dining occasions.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM–11:00 PMSaturday: 9:30 AM–11:00 PMSunday: 9:30 AM–10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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7
7. Fig & Olive
5.0 (1 Reviews)
Fig & Olive is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that emphasizes the flavors and ingredients of the coastal regions of France, Italy, and Spain. The restaurant decor is bright and airy, with natural light, olive trees, and a clean, modern aesthetic.- Item Prices
- 335
- Average Item Price
- $23.36
Fig & Olive Menu PricesMore about Fig & Olive
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Mediterranean
Type of Food:
Mediterranean, French, Italian, Spanish
Signature Dishes:
Truffle Risotto
Fig & Olive Tajine
Branzino a la Plancha
Location:
934 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant centers cuisine around the use of olive oils, which are incorporated into nearly every dish and offered for tasting.
What Makes It Special:
Fig & Olive provides a refined and health-conscious dining experience that celebrates the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.
What Sets It Apart:
A focus on olive oil as a central culinary element, paired with a menu that features the best of coastal Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated setting, creates a unique dining concept.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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8
Le Diplomate is a bustling French brasserie that brings a piece of Parisian cafe culture to the 14th Street corridor. The restaurant meticulously recreates the look and feel of a classic brasserie, with a zinc bar, mosaic-tiled floors, and an extensive outdoor patio.- Item Prices
- 85
- Average Item Price
- $21.09
Le Diplomate Menu PricesMore about Le Diplomate
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, French Brasserie
Type of Food:
French
Signature Dishes:
Jambon Beurre Baguette
Beef Bourguignon
Cheeseburger
Location:
1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is renowned for a classic Parisian brasserie ambiance, from the decor and menu to the style of service.
What Makes It Special:
Le Diplomate offers a classic French dining experience with a menu of well-executed brasserie standards in a lively and transportive setting.
What Sets It Apart:
A detailed recreation of a Parisian brasserie paired with a consistently high-quality menu has established the location as a premier destination for French cuisine in Washington, D.C.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM–11:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM–12:00 AMSaturday: 9:30 AM–12:00 AMSunday: 9:30 AM–11:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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9
9. Rose's Luxury
Rose's Luxury is a critically acclaimed restaurant in Capitol Hill known for eclectic and inventive small plates. The restaurant is housed in a converted townhouse, offering a cozy and convivial atmosphere with an open kitchen.More about Rose's Luxury
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, New American
Type of Food:
New American, Eclectic
Signature Dishes:
Pork Sausage
Cacio e Pepe
Fried Oysters
Location:
717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant earned a Michelin star for creative and high-quality cooking.
What Makes It Special:
Rose's Luxury offers a fun and innovative dining experience with a constantly changing menu of small plates that draw inspiration from international cuisines.
What Sets It Apart:
A relaxed, dinner-party-like atmosphere paired with a menu of highly creative, award-winning dishes has made the spot one of Washington, D.C.'s most sought-after reservations.
Operating Hours:
Sunday–Monday: ClosedTuesday: 6:00–8:00 PMWednesday–Thursday: 6:00–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 5:30–9:30 PM
Price:
Over $100 per person
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10
10. Barrel & Crow
Barrel & Crow is a neighborhood restaurant in Bethesda that focuses on seasonal American cuisine with a rustic touch. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere with reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and a cozy bar area.More about Barrel & Crow
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, American Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Farm-to-Table
Signature Dishes:
Roseda Farm Cheeseburger
Organic Chicken Wings
Braised Short Ribs
Location:
4867 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers, echoing a strong farm-to-table ethos.
What Makes It Special:
Barrel & Crow offers a comfortable and refined neighborhood dining experience with a menu that features the seasonal bounty of the Mid-Atlantic region.
What Sets It Apart:
A dedication to local sourcing paired with a menu of upscale American comfort food and a well-curated bar program makes the restaurant a standout spot in the Bethesda dining sector.
Operating Hours:
Monday: 3:00–8:30 PMTuesday–Thursday: 3:00–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 3:00–10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM–8:30 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Dinner Restaurants in DC Famous?
Dinner restaurants in Washington, D.C. are famous for a high concentration of Michelin-starred dining establishments, a strong international diplomatic influence on the cuisine, and direct access to Chesapeake Bay seafood. The city's reputation is built on serving globally inspired dishes alongside regional specialties. The proximity to the Chesapeake Bay makes fresh blue crab a staple, prepared in dishes like crab cakes, crab boils, and soft-shell crab preparations. D.C. is also known for its half-smoke, a local sausage that is coarser and spicier than a traditional hot dog, often grilled and served with chili. The international presence of embassies and global organizations has fostered a restaurant environment where authentic global cuisines, from Ethiopian to Salvadoran, are widely available and expertly prepared.
What Types of Dinner Restaurants are Commonly Found in DC?
DC restaurants are characterized by a high number of fine dining establishments, French brasseries, and New American restaurants that reflect the city's diverse and international population. The types of dinner restaurants commonly found in DC are listed below.
- Fine Dining: These dining establishments offer upscale dining experiences with meticulous service, sophisticated decor, and chef-driven menus. Restaurants like The Capital Grille and Rose's Luxury exemplify this category, serving multi-course meals with premium ingredients.
- French Brasseries: French brasseries are bustling, Parisian-style restaurants serving classic French fare in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Le Diplomate is a prime example, known for steak frites, seafood plateaus, and an extensive wine list.
- New American: New American restaurants feature menus that blend traditional American cooking with international culinary techniques and ingredients. The Smith and Founding Farmers fit this description, offering creative takes on American comfort food with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced products.
- Seafood Restaurants: Given the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, seafood restaurants are prevalent. Dining establishments like Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab specialize in fresh seafood, particularly local specialties like blue crab and oysters.
- Italian Restaurants: Modern and traditional Italian restaurants are a significant part of the dining landscape. RPM Italian offers contemporary Italian cuisine with house-made pastas and high-end ingredients in a chic, modern space.
Does DC Have an Authentic Dinner Restaurant?
Yes, Washington, D.C. has authentic dinner restaurants, including Old Ebbitt Grill, Le Diplomate, and Filomena Ristorante. Old Ebbitt Grill, established in 1856, is an authentic Victorian-era American saloon, preserving its historic character with gasolier light fixtures and antique decor while serving classic American tavern food. Le Diplomate authentically recreates a Parisian brasserie, from its zinc bar and mosaic floors to its menu of traditional French dishes like onion soup gratinée. Filomena Ristorante in Georgetown offers an authentic Italian dining experience, with pasta-making "Nonna's" in the window and a menu of classic, homestyle Italian recipes.
Do Dinner Restaurants in DC Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, dinner restaurants in Washington, D.C. offer easy online reservations through individual restaurant websites and third-party applications like Resy, OpenTable, and Tock. Fine dining establishments such as The Capital Grille, RPM Italian, and Le Diplomate use platforms like OpenTable for booking. Michelin-starred restaurants like Rose's Luxury manage their sought-after reservations through Resy. Other popular spots, including Founding Farmers and The Smith, also provide reservation options directly on their websites or through integrated booking systems. A few high-demand or smaller restaurants may operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but the majority of dinner establishments provide convenient online booking.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Dinner Restaurants in DC?
The best dinner restaurants in Washington, D.C. serve signature dishes that range from classic French brasserie fare to dry-aged steaks and regional seafood specialties. The following list describes notable food in DC.
- Steak Frites: A classic French dish featuring a pan-seared steak, often a strip or hanger steak, served with a side of french fries. Le Diplomate is well-regarded for this brasserie staple.
- Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye: A premium cut of beef aged in a controlled environment to intensify its flavor and tenderness, then grilled to order. The Capital Grille specializes in this steakhouse classic.
- Florida Stone Crab Claws: A seasonal delicacy sourced from Florida, served chilled and pre-cracked with a signature mustard sauce. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is famous for this item.
- Oysters on the Half Shell: Freshly shucked oysters, often sourced from the Chesapeake Bay and other local estuaries, served raw over ice with accompaniments like mignonette sauce and lemon. Old Ebbitt Grill has a renowned oyster bar.
- Pork Sausage, Habanero, and Lychee Salad: An eclectic and flavorful small plate combining sweet, spicy, and savory elements. This inventive dish is a well-known creation from Rose's Luxury.
Does DC Enjoy Dinner Food?
Yes, Washington, D.C. enjoys dinner food, which is evident from the high density of restaurants and the consistent crowds that fill them nightly. The city's residents and large population of professionals, diplomats, and tourists actively participate in the dinner culture. Neighborhoods like 14th Street, Penn Quarter, and Georgetown are major hubs for evening dining, with restaurants remaining busy throughout the week. The demand for reservations at top restaurants and the sustained success of a large number of fine dining and casual dinner spots confirm the city's strong appetite for evening meals.
What is the Average Meal Price at Dinner Restaurants in DC?
The average meal price at dinner restaurants in Washington, D.C. is $65 per person. A single meal at a casual dinner spot like Founding Farmers or The Smith costs between $30 and $60. A group meal for two to four people at a mid-range restaurant runs from $100 to $250 total. A meal at a budget-friendly restaurant costs $20 to $30 per person. A full dinner with drinks at a high-end restaurant such as The Capital Grille or RPM Italian requires $80 to $150 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Dinner Restaurants in DC?
Yes, dinner restaurants in Washington, D.C. offer vegan options at Founding Farmers, Fig & Olive, NuVegan Cafe, Shouk, Elizabeth's Gone Raw, and Fancy Radish. Founding Farmers provides a dedicated plant-based menu with items like the Impossible meatloaf and vegan crab cakes. Fig & Olive serves Mediterranean cuisine with numerous vegetable-based dishes that can be prepared vegan. NuVegan Cafe is a fully vegan soul food restaurant offering a wide range of plant-based comfort foods. Shouk is a fast-casual spot specializing in modern Israeli street food, with an entirely vegan menu. Elizabeth's Gone Raw offers a high-end, multi-course vegan tasting menu. Fancy Radish is an upscale restaurant dedicated to innovative, plant-based cuisine.
Do Dinner Restaurants in DC Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, dinner restaurants in Washington, D.C. offer gluten-free options at places like The Capital Grille, Founding Farmers, RPM Italian, Joe's Seafood, and Fig & Olive. The Capital Grille provides a gluten-sensitive menu featuring steaks, seafood, and sides prepared without gluten. Founding Farmers offers a gluten-free menu that includes brunch, lunch, and dinner items, with clear labeling for guests. RPM Italian prepares gluten-free pasta upon request and has numerous naturally gluten-free seafood and steak entrees. Joe's Seafood features a menu where most seafood and steak preparations are inherently gluten-free. Fig & Olive's Mediterranean-focused menu includes many grilled fish and vegetable dishes that are suitable for gluten-free diners.
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