DC is no longer the stuffy political town it once was; a new Washington has emerged– one that not only keeps up with trends but sets them. This change from stodgy to adventurous is apparent most obviously in Washington’s burgeoning foodie scene. Here are my favorite places to eat when I’m in the city!
Scarlet Oak
Neighborhood: Navy Yard
Why you should go: brunch on the weekends
Don’t miss: the French toast
Bad Saint
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights/ 11th Street Corridor
Why you should go: authentic Filipino and a cozy atmosphere
Don’t miss: the Panset
Sticky Fingers
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights
Why you should go: delicious vegan sweets that even non-vegans will like
Don’t miss: the donuts and cookies
Room 11
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights/ 11th Street Corridor
Why you should go: amazing cocktail and wine bar
Don’t miss: Warre’s White Port
El Chucho
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights
Why you should go: delicious no-frills Mexican food
Don’t miss: the Elote and strawberry habanero margaritas
Barcelona
Neighborhood: 14th Street & Cathedral Heights
Why you should go: amazing service and bomb tapas
Don’t miss: Paella Mariscos
Acqua al 2
Neighborhood: Eastern Market
Why you should go: rub shoulders with politicians at this authentic Italian restaurant
Don’t miss: the Tiramisu
Thomas Sweet in Georgetown
Neighorhood: Georgetown
Why you should go: over-the-top ice cream loved by none other than Obama
Don’t miss: the coffee cookies ‘n’ cream flavor
Pitango
Neighborhood: Eastern Market, Penn Quarter
Why you should go: uniquely delicious sorbet and gelato
Don’t miss: the mojito sorbet
Momofuku Milk Bar
Neighborhood: City Center
Why you should go: very instagrammable dessert bar
Don’t miss: the addictive cake bites (better than the super-popular cereal milk soft serve)
Union Market
Neighborhood: NoMa
Why you should go: tons of delicious food stalls that carry literally everything
Don’t miss: everything at DC Empanadas
Zaytinya
Neighorhood: Chinatown
Why you should go: tapas style Meditteranean in a fancy atmosphere
Don’t miss: the olive oil icecream
Jrink
Neighborhood: Eastern Market, Foggy Bottom, 14th Street
Why you should go: delicious fresh pressed juices and healthly drinks
Don’t miss: Black Magic (lemonade with activated charcoal)
Tio Javier
Neighborhood: Barracks Row
Why you should go: great rooftop for happy hour
Don’t miss: the shrimp quesadillas and frozen margaritas
El Centro
Neighborhood: 14th Street, Georgetown
Why you should go: very tasty Mexican eats
Don’t miss: the queso fundido
Ambar
Neighborhood: Barracks Row, Clarendon
Why you should go: tapas style Balkan food that’s to die for
Don’t miss: Brussel sprouts
Supra
Neighborhood: Mount Vernon
Why you should go: authentic Georgian food
Don’t miss: the khachapuri (cheesy bread boat with an egg in the center)
Tonic
Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom
Why you should go: brunch here cures a hangover like nothing else. Also the president of France has eaten here.
Don’t miss: the tots
Ted’s Bulletin
Neighborhood: Barracks Row, 14th Street
Why you should go: family-friendly diner with delicious food
Don’t miss: s’mores milkshake and the grilled cheese & tomato soup combo
Rose’s Luxury
Neighborhood: Barracks Row
Why you should go: amazing dinner that’s totally worth the hype
Don’t miss: Pork lychee salad
A few places I haven’t been to but am dying to try: Thip Khao, The Salt Line, The Dabney, and Call Your Mother.
