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

Ala

Bottomless Turkish brunch

"Ala" is a beloved Turkish restaurant in Washington DC. Recently, they started offering bottomless brunch for great value! Also try the drinks...

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Restaurants

by

Kelley

Smith

Apr 10, 2025

Rooftop at 801

Funky rooftop

"Rooftop at 801" is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants in Washington DC because they always have something going on each season. But I love it in winter.

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Kelley

Smith

Apr 10, 2025

Lulu's Wine Garden

Urban escape on busy U street

"Lulu's Wine Garden" in Washington DC is one my favorites on U Street. It's the perfect spot for both tourists and locals. I love their back patio!

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Kelley

Smith

Apr 9, 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!

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Restaurants

by

Aparna

Krishnamoorthy

Apr 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.

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Restaurants

by

Aparna

Krishnamoorthy

Apr 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...

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Restaurants

by

Aparna

Krishnamoorthy

Apr 6, 2025

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40 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

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