“Where should we eat tonight?” has been my favorite question to answer since launching Chow & Company. Although I established my culinary brand in 2021, I’ve lived in DC for a decade and have turned my personal dining adventures across the nation’s capital into guidance for food lovers like myself.
As a worldwide destination for diplomatic missions, global organizations and multicultural communities, restaurants in DC have shaped the city’s food scene by adding their varied flavors to a spectrum ranging from upscale tasting menus to casual neighborhood fare.
“If you want diversity in your food, then DC is the city to be,” says Dr. Brittany Shakir, founder of the food and travel brand Let’s Get Stamps. “As much as I have traveled the world, my favorite thing about DC is that I can access cuisines that are reminiscent of the different countries I’ve visited.”
Chefs from around the world migrate to DC because locals are known to eagerly try creative food concepts. Dining out is an everyday habit in the capital, not something saved for special occasions.
This consistent business across all economic backgrounds gives restaurants in DC the confidence to try bold ideas that might not gain traction in cities where culinary exploration is less common.
“DC specifically is home to several Michelin-starred chefs, amazing rooftops and ambiance-focused restaurants,” adds Sakia Konin, co-founder of DMV Eats, to the conversation.
Having eaten hundreds of meals across the city, I’ve narrowed down some of my top restaurants in DC for you to explore and enjoy!
7 Restaurants in DC Shaping Its Food Scene
Rania
Rania, meaning “queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit, lives up to its royal name with consecutive Michelin stars in 2023 and 2024. Walking into Rania feels like entering a modernized Maharaja’s Palace.
The luxurious interior is adorned with intricate hand-finished fretwork framing mother-of-pearl accents, while Indian sandstone provides earthy warmth against cool marble inlays. Custom brass lighting casts shadows across abstract mythological murals and plush jewel-toned velvet seating.
While basking in this majestic setting, I suggest Rania’s three or four-course prix-fixe menu to sample their signature dishes. If you prefer à la carte, try the shiso leaf chaat and the ghee-roasted lamb folded inside a delicate lentil chilla with buttermilk mousse. The strained yogurt mousse with hints of pistachio and cardamom ends the meal on a high note.
For drinks, try the Golden Mantra featuring Toki Whiskey embedded with 24-karat gold leaf or the Jewel of Sahara with bacon-washed bourbon and puréed medjool dates.
Balos Estiatorio
Craving a Greek getaway without the long-haul flight and expensive airfare? Balos Estiatorio offers a Mediterranean escape in DC’s Dupont Circle neighborhood.
Start with their spread sampler — zatziki and hummus with warm pita. For main courses, I recommend the lamb youvetsi, which is tender braised lamb shank served over orzo with graviera cheese.
Seafood lovers should try the lobster pasta with whole Maine lobster and bucatini in bisque sauce. Enhance your meal with a selection from the restaurant’s sizeable wine list. The servers can offer pairing suggestions tailored to your preferences and meal choice.
By Marcus Christon
