The best restaurants in Washington

Make a quick run to DCity Smokehouse this week for serious barbecue from a proudly Black-owned crew serving brisket and ribs smoked for 8…

1301 Marion Barry Ave SE

Uchi DC brings a nontraditional, chef-driven take on Japanese dining with signature tastings, seasonal omakase, innovative sushi, and…

1700 M St NW

When you need a fast, joyful reset this week, the original Big Buns in Ballston delivers made-to-order signature stacks, rotating burger…

4401 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Casual restaurant specializing in traditional Italian dishes like lasagna, penne and ravioli.

1990 M St NW

Pasta, seafood dishes (including squid ink varieties) in a casual setting with a bar for drinks.

901 4th St NW

Modern street food spanning the globe is served in a bustling art studio & gallery atmosphere.

4053 Campbell Ave (Arlington)

Industrial-chic bistro and bar for upscale comfort fare, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.

1207 9th St NW

Convivial, Western-inspired joint serving up burgers & other pub grub with a kick plus drinks.

4792 Langston Blvd. (Arlington)

Basic restaurant specializing in Korean chicken wings, plus burgers & cheesesteaks.

400 Florida Ave NW

Spanish small plates, sangria & wine are served in rustic yet elegant digs with a sidewalk patio.

3310 Wisconsin Ave NW

Televised sports, beers & wings, plus chances to score points playing games like foosball.

4213 Fairfax Dr (Arlington)

Halal barbecue joint located in a food court, known for its brisket and brisket chili, plus ribs and chicken sandwiches.

Quarter Market on Level C of Ballston Quarter Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 104 (Arlington)

Chic brasserie with a patio, a bar & a cafe serving modern French fare & international wines.

606 N Fayette St (Alexandria)

Serves an extensive menu of rolls, nigiris, soups, plus desserts on a conveyor belt.

614 H St NW Ste 100

Long-running local chain serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting.

5441 Wisconsin Ave (Chevy Chase)

Quaint, casual restaurant turning out pizza, pasta dishes & other traditional Italian entrees.

558 23rd St S (Arlington)

Casual counter-serve chain offering wings with an array of signature sauces & other fast fare.

4110 Mt Vernon Ave (Alexandria)

This hip spot boasts an industrial feel & a menu of elevated American dishes, plus craft cocktails.

728 N Henry St (Alexandria)

Casual eatery for pho and bánh mì sandwiches as well as noodle dishes and vegan options.

1506 U St NW

Clubby smokehouse pairing upmarket, globally accented meat & seafood with craft cocktails & wine.

1330 S Fern St (Arlington)

Airy restaurant with a modern vibe & patio seating offering appetizers, mains, cocktails & desserts.

300 7th St SE

Handcrafted burgers, fries & shakes dished up in trendy industrial surroundings.

2110 Crystal Dr (Arlington)

Craft drafts, boozy shakes & customized burgers in a mod counter serve setting with a bar & tables.

4251 Campbell Ave (Arlington)

No-nonsense eatery fixing up Vietnamese soups with a variety of meat & veggie toppings. Cash only.

1721 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Eatery serving sushi and wagyu dishes alongside cocktails and sake.

200 Massachusetts Ave NW Ste 150

Classic brasserie offering familiar French fare such as steaks, escargot and profiteroles amid Art Nouveau-inspired decor.

699 14th St NW

Cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.

461 Swann Ave (Alexandria)

Relaxed chain outlet offering farm-fresh Southern dishes, a weekend brunch menu & a take-out option.

901 New York Ave NW

Japanese sushi and Ethiopian coffee share the menu at this laid-back eatery with a festive vibe.

703 Kennedy St NW

National BBQ champs run this counter-service joint famed for oak- & hickory-smoked barbecue.

2312 Mt Vernon Ave (Alexandria)

Popular counter-service eatery offering gourmet, customizable burgers, fries & milkshakes.

2312 Mt Vernon Ave (Alexandria)

Tuscan-style trattoria offering pasta, meat & seafood dishes, plus a happy-hour menu.

1228 11th St NW

Farm-to-table French-American cuisine served from morning to night in a quaint, converted house.

205 E Howell Ave (Alexandria)

Chef Jeremiah Langhorne serves Mid-Atlantic cuisine at this rustic spot set in a former row house.

122 Blagden Alley NW

Contemporary eatery dishing up grilled cheese sandwiches plus fried fare & charcuterie.

1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Traditional pastas, pizza, Italian entrees & a full bar offered in a casual, rustic atmosphere.

519 23rd St S (Arlington)

Pasta, steaks & seafood served in a sleek, group-friendly eatery backed by Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

650 K St NW

Farm-inspired American fare, plus sushi & cocktails served in sleek, eco-chic digs with river views.

The Washington, Harbour at The Georgetown Waterfront, 3000 K St NW

Casual, clean-cut eatery turning out a range of Vietnamese staples such as pho noodle soup and Pad Thai.

1197 20th St NW

Contemporary Irish and American dishes plus cocktails are offered in a modern space with Wi-Fi.

5471 Wisconsin Ave Ste a (Chevy Chase)

Scot Harlan's nose-to-tail ethos turns out American-French dishes in a modern, kitschy spot.

2900 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Hip BBQ spot serving sandwiches & combo platters plus veggie sides, beer, wine & bourbon drinks.

203 Florida Ave NW

Pasta made in-house plus hearty Italian classics in an upscale restaurant with over-the-top decor.

1063 Wisconsin Ave NW

Casual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.

2201 N Pershing Dr Ste E (Arlington)

Hip eatery with a patio serving brunch staples & Southern comfort food, plus cocktails & draft beer.

415 New Jersey Ave NW

Cool venue with a variety of vendors doling out local & global bites, plus coffee, cocktails & beer.

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Casual, late-night spot for freshly made wings and a variety of other comfort food offerings.

1001 U St NW

Casual, family-run eatery for American-style barbecue fare, including brisket, chicken and burgers.

5731 Langston Blvd. (Arlington)

Low-key, basement-level Downtown spot offers signature wings with "mumbo" sauce & strong drinks.

1029 Vermont Ave NW

Warm Spanish restaurant & takeaway with a terrace serving steak, paella & flatbread, plus cocktails.

4724 14th St NW

Multilevel bistro serving New American fare, beer & cocktails in a chic converted-warehouse space.

1116 H St NE

Casual restaurant and bar for brunch and Southern comfort food, plus cocktails and beer.

1300 I St NW

Casual burger spot offering beef, veggie and turkey patties plus fried dishes like onion rings.

501 H St NW Apt 202

Unassuming eatery whipping up burgers, wings & sandwiches in a cool dining space with unique murals.

1250 9th St NW Unit 2

Historic chain eatery that's famous for its spicy hot dogs, chili-cheese fries & milkshakes.

1213 U St NW

Japanese restaurant serving ramen and other comfort food in a laid-back, social setting.

4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 150 (Arlington)

Casual restaurant serving pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese staples, plus coffee and tea.

634 Florida Ave NW

Buzzy Spanish spot from chef José Andrés serving tapas, paella & sangria in a striking, artsy space.

480 7th St NW

Pho and bahn mi joint inside Union Market for oxtail-filled takes on Philly style cheesesteaks, tacos and tacos.

1309 5th St NE

Trendy outpost for Angus beef hamburgers, cage-free chicken sandwiches & milkshakes.

1101 S Joyce St (Arlington)

Breakfasts, savory dishes, cocktails and tea service in the elegant Ritz-Carlton hotel establishment dining room.

1250 S Hayes St (Arlington)

Cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.

1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW #3607

Spanish wines & small plates blend with bullfight decor at a romantic dark-lit wine bar & eatery.

3116 M St NW

Comfortable eatery serving Vietnamese dishes such as pho noodle soup and banh mi.

1376 Park Rd NW

Grilled dishes, ramen, sushi & bento lunch specials round at the menu at this contemporary option.

1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW #0001

Housemade pasta & gelato draw locals to this rustic Italian that also offers antipasti, wine & beer.

1790 Columbia Rd NW

Modern pizzeria chain serving gourmet pies with diverse sauces, plus dessert pizzas & house sodas.

3924 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Popular restaurant with an upscale feel offering an array of Italian specialties plus beer, wine, and cocktails.

1100 15th St NW

Relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.

4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 1110 (Arlington)

Sourdough-pizza joint with a hip vibe for handcrafted pies, beer and cocktails, plus games and a photo booth.

507 7th St NW

Old-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating, serving familiar French fare, brunch staples, and drinks.

1601 14th St NW

Small, no-frills joint serving wood-only barbecue & American comfort-food sides, plus beer & wine.

2418 Wisconsin Ave NW

Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.

675 15th St NW

Fast-food eatery known for its huge selection of milkshakes, plus burgers, hot dogs & cheesesteaks.

3325 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Casual restaurant and bar providing Asian small plates and quick bites, plus beer and cocktails.

4201 Wilson Blvd #0170 (Arlington)

New American preparations of locally sourced ingredients served amid handcrafted furnishings.

1201 24th St NW

Laid-back restaurant for premium meat cuts such as Wagyu beef grilled at the table, plus sushi.

4300 Wilson Blvd Ste 150 (Arlington)

Casual breakfast eatery featuring diner classics, a bar and an outdoor patio.

730 N St Asaph St (Alexandria)

Burgers & chicken sandwiches get exotic toppings at this casual eatery, with a well curated bar.

2000 18th St NW

Cozy, non-traditional sushi restaurant serving Japanese small plates, sake, beer, and wine.

3315 Cady's Alley NW Ste B

Sophisticated restaurant with a rooftop offering New American cuisine in an elegant setting.

900 F St NW

Chef Edward Lee's classy eatery melds Dixie & Asian flavors in an inventive menu.

915 F St NW

Pizzeria chain serving up Neapolitan pies with a variety of toppings in 90 seconds.

708 7th St NW

Tacos, margaritas & more are served cafeteria-style in a casual, colorful destination.

4200 Wisconsin Ave NW

Energetic eatery and bar for American fare such as all-day breakfast, classic brunch dishes and cocktails.

1501 Mt Vernon Ave (Alexandria)

Laid-back pizzeria serving Roman-style pies, focaccia and craft cocktails with a beer and wine list.

106 Hume Ave (Alexandria)

Seasonal Spanish fare served in a cozy space, plus a large selection of wine.

919 19th St NW

Casual restaurant spotlighting healthy offerings, such as toasts, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.

1899 N St NW

Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.

1823 L St NW

Casual eatery whipping up sandwiches, smoked meats & seafood, plus weekend brunch & craft cocktails.

1051 N Highland St (Arlington)

Marc Vidal's light, wood-paneled Spanish tapas destination, with lots of wines for pairing.

1837 M St NW

Cozy eatery with an outdoor patio featuring spaghetti and meatballs, crab ravioli and espresso martinis.

3865 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Buzzy watering hole for smoked fish, seafood, local spirits & entertainment with rooftop & patio.

1356 Okie St NE

American restaurant serving comfort food and drinks with a pet-friendly patio.

1450 S Eads St Ste 65 (Arlington)

Casual fast-food restaurant serving grass-fed beef burgers, plant-based burgers & housemade fries.

1259 1st St SE

Casual, counter-service spot offering burgers, buffalo chicken sandwiches and fries.

2024 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.

1616 N Troy St (Arlington)

French and New-American favorite with an elegant vibe serving brunch, cocktails, and wine along with beer.

2900 Wilson Blvd Unit 104 Located on North Fillmore Street, between Clarendon BLVD and, Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Buzzing restaurant/bar offering burgers, pizzas & cocktails, plus happy-hour specials.

900 N Glebe Rd (Arlington)

Airy New York-inspired pizzeria featuring classic thin-crust pies, plus Junior's cheesecake.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW

Pitmaster Rob Sonderman serves wood-smoked BBQ in sandwiches & platters at his laid-back shack.

1654 Columbia Rd NW

Menu offering pho, vermicelli dishes, and other Vietnamese staples.

1732 Connecticut Ave NW

Large rustic-modern hangout with woodsy feel serving Lone Star–style 'cue & unique sides.

2761 Washington Blvd (Arlington)

International dishes, brunch & cocktails served in a laid-back, eclectic spot with a rooftop patio.

1825 14th St NW

Tavern with upstairs space serving changing New American fare & lively downstairs bar with pub grub.

3195 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Elegant Italian restaurant with chandeliers and a gold-plated pizza oven firing signature pies.

200 Massachusetts Ave NW

Casual American eatery with a modern tavern feel is known for pre-theater dining & Sunday brunch.

1421 P St NW

Family-friendly pizzeria with open kitchen, thin-crust & wood-fired pies & other Italian standards.

2503 N Harrison St (Arlington)

Sushi, ramen & more in a modern Japanese eatery with exposed beams, brick accents & Asian touches.

693 N Washington St (Alexandria)

Bustling pizzeria serving thin-crust pies, sangria & craft beer that's popular with happy-hour set.

610 9th St NW

Bustling eatery for breakfast any time & American fare, plus a large menu of boozy milkshakes.

4238 Wilson Blvd #1130 (Arlington)

Casual, trendy, eatery offering a menu of Spanish and Latin American tapas, along with cocktails and wine.

2401 Columbia Pike (Arlington)

Refined Spanish cuisine & extensive wine list served in an opulent space with an outdoor patio.

1776 I St NW #255

Hip, East London-inspired hangout offering farm-fresh cuisine, British beer & craft cocktails.

1513 17th St NW

Spacious, elegant eatery serving classic Americana fare for brunch and beyond, along with a bar menu of cocktails, wine and beer.

44 Canal Center Plaza 4th Floor (Alexandria)

Neighborhood eatery serving classic Vietnamese fare on the ground floor of a brownstone.

3513 14th St NW

BBQ spot, serving ribs, brisket and other staples.

1208 H St NE

Hearty down-home soul food such as fried chicken & collard greens presented in a no-frills setting.

1005 U St NW

Clean and lively restaurant dishing up Texan-style barbecue dishes such as brisket, ribs and sausage alongside sides like mac and cheese,…

414 K St NW

High-end bistro serving seasonal upscale New American fare in a modern, sophisticated space.

2275 L St NW