On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., we made sure to take advantage of the city’s many great restaurants. The culinary scene in the nation’s capitol has really improved over the last few years. Back when i was an undergraduate, D.C. wasn’t necessarily known for it’s cuisine, but new openings and neighborhood revivals have brought in a number of great spots to embrace your inner foodie. Read on for our list of D.C.’s best restaurants, and check out our other post about the ultimate itinerary for a weekend in D.C.
Brunch
ANA at District Winery: First things first, make yourself a brunch reservation at ANA, a vibrant restaurant in Washington, D.C.’s trendy Navy Yard area in Southeast, D.C. This restaurant and winery has indoor and outdoor seating in a beautiful atmosphere. Bonus: it also hosts wine tastings. We went on a recent warm Saturday and sat in the sun while sampling their amazing menu.
We started with a glass of Rosé and Bloody Mary and ordered their cinnamon roll and cheese plate to start. The cinnamon roll was baked perfectly and had an ooey, gooey cream cheese glaze that was killer. We also loved the cheeses and assorted breads and spreads.
For our mains we had the omelette of the day and smoked turkey club and an order of hash browns that were out of this world good. I am still trying to figure out the seasoning on them because it was unlike anything I’d ever had.
We left really full and satisfied and then walked along the rest of the Navy Yard. ANA is such a great start of the day and we highly recommend it.
Sally’s Middle Name: Located on H Street, this charming restaurant is in a homey space and serves up great dishes. I loved the hanging lights and whitewashed walls and stacked cookbooks throughout the restaurant.
We started the meal with a pastry called a Dutch Baby that was sort of a mix between a waffle and funnel cake coated in a sweet strawberry jam. It was SO good. I then had the frittata of the day and my boyfriend had the tuna melt, because you rarely find those on a menu.
The food was great. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations, but there were empty tables while we were there, so it might be not be too problematic to find a spot.
Dinner
Succotash: We had the most flavorful dinner at Succotash in the Penn Quarter. This restaurant is housed in an ornate old bank and is visually stunning. The food is a mix of Southern with a Korean twist given the head chef’s background.
If you go to Succotash for dinner, go hungry because the tasting menu is the way to go. For $44 per person you get to try around 10 of the restaurant’s best dishes, and the portions are just huge. In no particular order, we got to try the following: deviled eggs, collard greens, fried chicken and waffles, friend green tomatoes, spiced chicken wings, catfish, and two desserts: a New Orleans style beignet and truffles with cream and berries.
Everything we ate was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. Make a reservation before you book your trip and maybe skip lunch that day!
Lupo Verde: Located in the U Street area, this Italian restaurant has great wine and Italian fare and appetizers. One of my best friends lives down the block from it, so we’ve had a few dinners and drinks at this rustic spot.
Kapnos: If you’re in the mood for some great Greek food and maybe a lille Ouzo to go with it, then Kapnos is the spot! This restaurant is also in the U Street area and has classics such as tzazitki, dolmades, saganaki and spanakopita. The food is great as is the atmosphere, and it leaves you in a great part of town to have drinks in after dinner.
The decor is fun with chandeliers made out of wine bottles and soft lighting.
Read More of Our Travel Guides:
Travel Guide: Washington, D.C. Itinerary
The Definitive Travel Guide to New York City
Travel Guide:The Best Brunches in New York City
Travel Guide: New York City’s Best Boutique Fitness Classes
Travel Guide: San Francisco
Travel Guide: SF Boutique Fitness Classes
Travel Guide: San Francisco’s Onsen
Travel Guide: Napa Valley Vineyards
Travel Guide:Napa Valley Restaurants