Save up to $995 on all Oct-Dec guaranteed trips.
Trip destinations

Top 10 Restaurants In Downtown, Washington DC

Veronika J Spencer

From exotic cuisines to cozy coffee houses, bustling downtown Washington DC has something for everyone searching for a bite to eat. Enjoy our guide to 10 of the best spots to eat in downtown Washington, DC.
Aerial View of Downtown Washington DC © Wikicommons

Loved by over 40s

View All Trips

Zaytiniya

Zaytiniya is the place to go in Washington, DC for delightful mix of Lebanese, Turkish and Greek cuisine. Chef José Andrés uses his intrinsic knowledge of Mediterranean-style cooking to develop a modern and authentic menu. Traditional techniques and ingredients are combined with the chef’s creativity to take Eastern Mediterranean cuisine to new heights. The food is served ‘mezze’ style on small sharing plates and Zaytinya offers the only exclusively Eastern Mediterranean wine list in the United States.
Zaytinya, 701 9th Street NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 638 0800

Bar Pilar

Restaurant, American

Bar Pilar in Downton Washington DC offers a neighborhood friendly atmosphere that is sure to delight anyone who visits. The menus offer an eclectic variety of New American cuisine inspired by the local and seasonal produce available. Due to its reliance on available local produce, the menu is ever-changing, which makes it easy to try something new each visit. The best approach to dining here is to order several dishes to share and try them all.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

Restaurant, American

13908911389_2aac35972d_k
© T.Tseng / Flickr
Ben’s Chili Bowl is housed in a historic building dating back to 1910 that used to be a silent movie theater and a pool hall. In 1958, it was converted into a restaurant. The homemade chili is made fresh from a secret recipe and the original counter, booths and stools remain intact, creating an authentic 1950s feel. While the cuisine is mainly meat-centric, vegetarians should not shy away because there are several non-meat options available.

Rasika

Bar, Restaurant, Indian, Vegetarian, Vegan

The word ‘Rasika’ means ‘flavors’. Rasika is the place to go for modern Indian cuisine in Washington DC. Visitors to this restaurant are offered a variety of dining venues. These include a relaxing lounge and bar area, the main dining room, a private dining room, a community dining table and a showcase open kitchen where guests can watch their delicious meal being prepared. The walls are decorated with stunning pieces or art from well-known Indian artists. The only thing better than the ambiance is the food. Chicken Tandoori © Michael J. Colella

Komi

Restaurant, Greek, American, Mediterranean

Komi offers an exceptional dining experience for anyone willing to splurge a little for an excellent meal. There are no printed menus at this restaurant. Instead, there is a set multi-course dinner including light dishes, pasta, a family-style entrée and desserts. Though the menu is set, accommodations can be made to suit most dietary restrictions. A wine pairing can be added for an additional cost to complement the meal. The restaurant is a small, intimate setting that would be the perfect spot for a date with someone special.

Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets was created with the intention of being a community gathering place were culture, art and politics can come together to inspire social change. The name is a direct reference to Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy before becoming a famous poet. In addition to fostering creative minds and promoting cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is environmentally friendly and serves organic, cage-free eggs and grass-fed, free-range local beef . There are many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes available at all times of the day.
Busboys and Poets, 1025 5th Street NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 789 2227

Commissary

Restaurant, American, Beer, Vegetarian

When looking for a casual and affordable restaurant in downtown Washington, DC, Commissary is the place. In order to keep food prices down and provide the best produce available, Commissary is part of a group of restaurants that own their own farm and grow the fruits and vegetables served in the restaurants themselves. Here you can have breakfast all day, as well as choose from a selection of delicious pizza, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Commissary also offers great happy hour specials on both food and drinks.

Clyde’s

Restaurant, American

Clyde’s Gallery Place location pays homage to American sports in a museum-like setting. Sports-themed prints, sculptures and original works of art line the walls of this establishment and create a special atmosphere. Located in a two-storey Grand Victorian saloon, Clyde’s provides guests with the option of visiting four bars, a raw bar, five dining rooms and a private dining room. A classic American menu comprising dishes made from hormone-free beef and locally grown produce is served until 1am. Clyde’s also serves up homemade desserts, which are the perfect way to end any meal.

Tryst

Bar, Cafe, Nightclub

Tryst

Tryst prides itself on having ‘no corporate coffee, no matching silverware’. It aims to be something different from traditional cafes and coffee chains. Tryst offers a place where people can come together to enjoy delicious specialty coffee. In addition to serving freshly brewed coffee, Tryst also offers visitors an array of pastries, breakfast options, comfort foods, sandwiches, salads and alcoholic beverages. Tryst has a full calendar of events happening every night including Classic Movie Tuesdays, Throwback Thursdays and Sunday Study Hall. It is both a great place to work and study, as well as a cozy spot to enjoy a night out with friends.
Tryst, 2459 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 232 5500

TrystOutside Tryst © Tryst

Rice

Restaurant, Thai, Contemporary, Vegetarian, Healthy

Rice is the place to go for fine Thai cuisine in downtown Washington, DC. Inspired by the owner’s childhood in Thailand, Rice offers a mix of contemporary and traditional Thai cuisine. The restaurant itself is designed in a minimalist urban chic style and the food is delectable. The menu is divided into three sections. One is rice specialty which features newly invented dishes or original dishes that are served at Rice alone. The second is the authentic menu that offers traditional Thai cuisine. Finally, there’s the healthy green menu which offers a selection of healthier fare and is entirely vegetarian.
culture trip left arrow
culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow

See Our Culture Trips
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.