10 Wildly Famous Restaurants In DC That Are Totally Worth The Hullabaloo
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Maura
Author
Famous Washington DC restaurants bring delightful cuisine to our lips and all of the atmosphere we can handle. But some restaurants make a bigger splash than others. We know that several places end up being hot trends that fade out quickly while others have a longer-lasting legacy and are so worth the hype. These are the 10 best famous restaurants in DC that are worth the hullabaloo.
1. Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers DC, 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
You have definitely heard of Founding Farmers, the original farm-to-table restaurant in DC. One of the classic DC restaurants does a booming business and for good reason! With fantastic food, awesome service and great ambiance, it's no wonder. Check out the menu on the Founding Farmers website.
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2. Pineapple and Pearls
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Pineapple and Pearls, 715 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Pineapple and Pearls offers a four-course, large-portioned menu with delectable choices for each course. The staff makes you feel like you're at a party every night at one of the iconic DC restaurants. Discover more on the Pineapple & Pearls website.
3. Rose’s Luxury
Rose's Luxury is from the same chef who brought us Pineapple and Pearls. Rose's is best known for not taking reservations. There is quite often a line wrapped around the block waiting to dine on delicious family-style meals. Start with the beautiful and exotic pork and lychee salad. Read the menu on the Rose’s Luxury website.
4. minibar by José Andrés
minibar by José Andrés, 855 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
The 12-seat, a two Michelin-starred restaurant is one part kitchen, one part entertainment. The staff serves creative and inventive concoctions from a prix fixe menu. Read all about it on the minibar by José Andrés website.
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5. Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben's Chili Bowl, 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Ben's Chili Bowl, 1001 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
This classic, always-crowded restaurant is a place where everyone should eat. It's one of the best-known restaurants in the entire district! And the half-smokes are fantastic as well as the other assorted menu options. See more photos on the Ben's Chili Bowl Facebook page.
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6. Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Mimosa service and Macaroni Au Gratin; two things that should always go together are just a couple of delicious offerings you'll find inside this lovely historic structure. It's like walking into a Parisian brasserie with an extensive menu featuring a variety of Gallic classics, specialty cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Check out the ambiance on the Le Diplomate Facebook page.
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Rasika, 633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Rasika West End, 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Rasika has one of the best chefs in DC at its helm: Vikram Sunderam who earned the 2013 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic Region. He helms the kitchen at Rasika and its little sister, Rasika West End. It's some of the best Indian food in the city. We recommend Sev Batata Puri, which is crispy biscuits with potatoes, raw mangoes, gram flour vermicelli, and chutney. Learn more on the Rasika website.
8. Capital Grille
The Capital Grille, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
For three decades now, this elegant experience of African mahogany paneling and Art Deco chandeliers has provided a warm dining adventure set out to impress. Who could go wrong with the tenderloin seared to perfection and lobster tails poached in buttery bliss? See more photos on the Capital Grille Facebook Page.
9. The Monocle Restaurant
The Monocle Restaurant, 107 D St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Since 1960 this distinguished restaurant has served diplomats, members of Congress, tourists, and locals with one of the most professional staffs in the area. Try the vegetarian pasta with
wilted spinach and wild mushrooms in a roasted red pepper sauce with cream. Find out more on The Monocle Restaurant website.
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10. Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Old Ebbitt is one of the most famous restaurants in DC. It's the oldest restaurant in the city - founded in 1856 - and one of the very best. Make a reservation and enjoy one of the scrumptious meals in the sleek wood-paneled restaurant. We enjoy the Faroe Island Salmon Salad with crunchy, shaved Brussels sprouts; radicchio; Tuscan kale; Honeycrisp apples; butternut squash; pepita gremolata; and pumpkin goddess dressing.
These famous Washington DC restaurants are worth the splurge. Have you been to any of these iconic DC restaurants? If so, please share your experience in the comments below.
While you’re in the area, arrive early to experience one of these lovely state parks. And if you need a place to stay, book a room on the Expedia website.
7 Amazing State Parks Around Washington DC That Will Blow You Away
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More to Explore
Flea Markets Near D.C.
What are some of the best flea markets near Washington, D.C.?
- Georgetown Flea Market (Georgetown): This market's long reputation of selling goods goes back to 1972, and carries a history of attracting many interesting people. You'll find an interesting assortment of such treasures as antiques, furniture, collectibles, rugs, pottery, books, and photographs. Eateries are situated nearby with some delicious choices if you get hungry while shopping at this exciting place. For more information, visit the Georgetown Flea Market website.
- Flea Market at Eastern Market (Washington, D.C.): Open every Saturday and Sunday year-round, this market brings vendors from all over the world to Capitol Hill. For four decades, folks have been taking home gifts for themselves and others. Treat yourself to this eclectic inventory.
- Arlington Civitan Open Air Market (Arlington, VA): This seasonal market is open the first Saturday of every month, April through November, and is spread out over five levels of a 20,000-square-foot parking garage! Imagine what you'll find from the more than 150 vendors, such as records, books, household items, and gardening equipment. Read all about it on the Arlington Civitan Open Air Market website.