Look No Further for the Ultimate D.C. Restaurant List -

By Olivia Wingert

DC has no shortage of dining options and it can be overwhelming to know what ones are affordable, in a safe area, have a nice aesthetic, and are worth the trip. Below is the ultimate DC dining list, organized by location.

Enjoy!

Gallery Place/ Chinatown

Vapiano– Inexpensive pasta that is truly something special. A D.C. staple.
Sweet Green– Good if you need a quick, reliable bite on the go. Yes, it’s a chain, but it was started by two Georgetown guys, which we love.
China Express: Look no further for Chinese takeout. A place beloved by many.
A Baked Joint– Amazing baked goods, cookies, breads, and toasts. Great for a light brunch.
Wize Guy Pizza– Tasty and affordable pizza by the slice. Our recommendation: Chicken Parm Pizza.
Milk Bar (City Center + Logan Circle)- The cool girl’s/guy’s place to go. A recommendation: the confetti cake and the cereal milk ice cream.

Capitol Hill/ Eastern Market/ Union Station

Good Stuff Eatery– The best burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Not into red meat or are vegetarian? Get any of the burgers with a turkey or veggie patty!
We the Pizza– Owned by the same people as Good Stuff, they sell by the slice and it is incredible.
Talay Thai – Cozy Thai.
Eastern Market Farmers Market – For slow Saturday mornings. Beeline for the crepe truck. It is life changing.
Ebenezer’s– Best place to hunker down and study on the weekends.

Foggy Bottom/GW

Founding Farmers (Foggy Bottom) – A DC classic you have to hit. Upscale “American” food. Be prepared with reservations before you go, especially on the weekend.
Flower Child – Great for a light lunch. Most offerings are vegan!

U Street/ Dupont

LeDiplomate – If you go nowhere else in DC, go here for brunch or dinner. So French, so cute, and so good.
Mission (Dupont): – An absolute dining staple with Mexican food and outdoor seating. Get the quesadilla.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords – A cute bookstore and bistro perfect for Sunday brunch or a friend’s night out. Recommendation: Try their French Sodas and waffles.
Tatte Bakery- A Boston-based bakery and cafe that is teeming with pastries, toasts, and coffees, all served in a beautiful space full of white marble and giant windows.

Georgetown

The Tombs– Go for great food and a great atmosphere. It is high end pub food. Such a Georgetown experience.
Sundevich– Yummy, huge sandwiches on French baguettes. Not lying when I say the sandwiches are made on an entire baguette.
Il Canale- Can’t-go-wrong Italian with great thin pizzas.
Georgetown Cupcake – So good and so cute. Little pink boxes make everything better.
Baked and Wired– Best cupcakes in D.C.
Levain Bakery– The trendy NYC bakery has finally made its way to DC. Giant cookies that are absolute perfection.

Old Town Alexandria

Mia’s (Old Town Alexandria)- Worth the trip outside the city. Amazing modern Italian food!

Brookland/CUA

Menomale– Amazing thin pizza and desert.
Brookland Grille -Stellar diner-style breakfast that will cost you pennies.

NOMA/Gaudiette

Union Market – This is a warehouse converted to a food and small business space. So fun to walk around.
South Block for açaí bowls and green smoothies