40 x The Best Local Restaurants in Washington DC

Explore the best local restaurants in Washington DC. From local cuisine to international flavors, our Spotters have discovered the best places for every food lover. Enjoy delicious barbecue at Smoke and Barrel, have authentic Italian dishes at Dupont Italian Kitchen or taste the best tacos at Taco City D.C. Discover these and many more local favorites for a delicious dining experience in Washington DC.

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants

City guides by those who know their city best!

Why not just trust our Locals?

40 Hidden Gems

Sticky Rice

The best sushi

"Sticky Rice" is honestly one of my top five favorite places to eat in DC. My go-to dish is the Drawn and Buttered sushi roll... Impossible not to like!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

JR

Denson

Oct 16, 2025

Izakaya Seki

Big taste & small plates

"Izakaya Seki" in Washington DC is the restaurant I go to when I want authentic but unfamiliar Japanese food, a place for somewhat adventurous diners!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Aparna

Krishnamoorthy

Oct 6, 2025

LeTena

Modern, fast, casual Ethiopian

"LeTena" Washington DC takes a slightly different approach with Ethiopian food, somewhere between being a restaurant & a casual place. I love the prices.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Aparna

Krishnamoorthy

Oct 6, 2025

Donburi

Japanese restaurant

"Donburi" in Washington DC is a Japanese restaurant that makes my mouth water before I've even had a taste of the food! It's my comfort food in DC...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Aparna

Krishnamoorthy

Oct 6, 2025

Municipal Fish Market

America's original

"Municipal Fish Market" is the oldest continuously operating fish market offering an iconic, local experience that's rare in the city...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Lydia

Strohl

Oct 6, 2025

Jardenea

Farm-focused modern American dining

"Jardenea" in Washington DC is one of those unassuming hotel bars that actually turn out really good food. It's high quality, seasonal, intimate dining...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Aparna

Krishnamoorthy

Oct 6, 2025

Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist. Use our app!

Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.

Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease

Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map

Washington DC app Home
Washington DC app Home
Washington DC app Map

Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist.

Full access to local favorites.
Zero tourist highlights.

✓ Get to know our Spotters and
♥ their recommendations.

Save your favorites spots

✓ Easy navigation!

Washington DC app Map

Heading to Restaurants?

40 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Washington DC app Home
Washington DC app Map
Washington DC app Home

Going to Restaurants?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Made with the 💚 of 500 Spotters.
Filters
Price
Price