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The dining options in D.C.’s Logan Circle are seemingly endless, with a variety of food that’s matched only by its quality. Whether you’re in the mood for French or Italian, tapas or some classic American comfort food, you’ll be sure to find it here. Let’s take a look at some of the top joints to eat at in this historic neighborhood.

Le Diplomate

Le Diplomate

Bar, Bistro, Cafe, Restaurant, American, French, Tea , Seafood

Signature dish
© David Reamer/Courtesy of Le Pigeon
Le Diplomate spares no expense in its effort to recreate the French café atmosphere on the other side of the Atlantic. A meal starts off with a delicious and crusty baguette, made in-house, followed by an extensive menu that features many French favorites, such as steak frites, onion soup gratinée, and a variety of seafood, including oysters, clams, and lobster. For dessert, enjoy the classic vanilla bean crème brulèe.

Birch & Barley

Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

With a collection of 555 artisanal brews at the ready, Birch & Barley is well equipped to deliver a food and beer pairing experience like no other. Chef Kyle Bailey creates simple dishes that draw inspiration from the flavors of the restaurant’s many beers. If you are feeling adventurous, opt for the tasting menu – a six course journey of hops and food that rarely fails to impress. Alternatively, the dinner menu offers a variety of options, from pastas and flatbreads, to pork loin and duck breast.

The Pig

Charcuterie, Restaurant, American, Gluten-free

Belgian waffle
© Ralph Daily/Flickr
No surprises here, there is plenty of pork on the menu at The Pig. In fact, more than half the menu is comprised of pork products, sourced from many producers in the mid-Atlantic region. This is a fantastic place to share a meal, as The Pig features charcuterie and sausage boards, as well as smaller plates such as cornbread and smoked pork loin. Entrees include barbecue pork shoulder, pork chop, and swordfish (that comes with crispy pork, of course), while the wood panel décor gives the joint a rustic, barn-like charm.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, American, Gluten-free

Looking for some of the best southern comfort food in DC? Dive head first into the fresh, high-quality seafood at Pearl Dive Oyster Palace. The selection of oysters at Pearl Dive – from both the East and West Coast – is quite impressive, while other southern favorites include gumbo po’ boy sandwiches straight out of New Orleans, fried chicken, and a variety of fish entrees. Order one of the inventive cocktails at the bar, and if you have room left, there is old-fashioned American pie for dessert.

Table

Restaurant

Table has been selected by Bon Appetitas one of the top 50 best new restaurants in the United States. The menu changes frequently according to the season, in order to take advantage of the freshest available ingredients. The restaurant is also one of the first in the US to become REAL certified (Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership). The warm wooden accents inside create an inviting atmosphere and the expansive exhibition kitchen provides diners with the opportunity to watch their food being prepared.

Estadio

Much of the space inside Estadio is adorned with 19th century Spanish tile and marble, while the walls are decorated with bull fighters and flamenco dancers, contributing to the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere. Estadio serves small bites called pintxos and traditional tapas that emphasize the cuisine found in northern Spain, specifically the Basque and Catalan regions. The menu also has an extensive selection of Spanish cheeses and cured meats. As for the drinks, the wine list has more than 250 labels and is dominated by Spanish reds and whites, with a few South American, Portuguese and local wines as well.

Ghibellina

Restaurant, European, American, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Vegan

Childhood friends and owners Ari Gejdenson and Ralph Lee decided to name their restaurant after the via Ghibellina, the street where they shared an apartment while living and working together in Florence. Ghibellina is known for its fantastic pizza but aside from the pizza, the menu includes a variety of pastas, salads, meats and cheeses that recall the Tuscan diet. Bartenders serve up several cocktails too, as well as European and American beers. Outside of RICE | courtesy RICE

RICE

Restaurant, Thai, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, Asian

At RICE you’ll find all the usual Thai staples: pad Thai, red and green curry dishes, papaya salad, and chicken satay. The restaurant’s specialities are what make it unique and probably comprise of things you wouldn’t typically see at other Thai restaurants, such as crispy brussel sprout salad, sautéed chicken with asian pumpkin and spicy duck. The sleek, minimalist décor at RICE adds to the restaurant’s modern ambiance, while its name is an ode to owner Sak Pollert’s memories of growing up on a rice farm in northern Thailand.

B Too

Bar, Market, Restaurant, Belgian, European, Vegetarian

B Too chef Bart Vandaele has become known as the guy responsible for putting Belgian food on the map in DC. This is his second restaurant venture in the capital, the other being the popular Belga Café in the Eastern Market neighborhood. At B Too, everything is meant to celebrate Belgian culture – all the way down to the handmade porcelain dishes specially commissioned just for the restaurant. Drop in to savor mussels and frites while sipping one of the many delicious Belgian beers from behind the bar.

Tortino Restaurant

Restaurant, American, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Vegan

After experiences cooking in Italy and in the kitchens of many Italian restaurants in DC, Chef Noé Canales has opened his own place, Tortino Restaurant. Canales aims to create a Tuscan-style trattoria with a simple menu and an intimate, comfortable ambiance. A number of house made pastas are available to choose from, including fettuccine with bolognese sauce, gnocchi with goats’ cheese and lamb ragù, and black-ink crab ravioli. Enjoy one of Tortino’s Italian wines to go along with the pasta, and you may just feel like you’ve been transported to The Boot itself.

About the author

A native of Washington, DC, Jonathan has lived in Capitol Hill going on eight years. After studying psychology and Italian as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, he spent several years working at an ophthalmology practice in DC. An interest in all things Italian led him to return to school to pursue an MA in Italian Studies at Georgetown University. Jonathan has had the opportunity to study in the beautiful towns of Perugia and Ferrara and travel extensively throughout Italy, from the Dolomites to Sicily. He hopes to return again very soon.

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