Although Washington, DC’s fast-paced lifestyle may be more conducive to power lunches or happy hours, there’s nothing better than lingering over a top-notch meal when you book at a best MICHELIN Star restaurant in DC. Let the city’s top chefs take you on a culinary journey at these must-book restaurants in the District.
Discover fresh, Mid-Atlantic ingredients at a farm-to-table restaurant in Shaw. Savor 14 courses at DC’s first plant-based Latin American restaurant. Savor bold, Valencian flavors at an acclaimed spot in Georgetown, or dine on refined Indian dishes in Penn Quarter.
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Read on to discover the best MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in DC.
For an intimate dining experience with Japanese and French influences — try Jônt (U-Street Corridor)
Come to Two-MICHELIN-Starred Jônt for one of the city’s best fine-dining experiences. Snag a seat at the intimate, 14-seat counter for a seasonal, multi-course tasting menu from acclaimed chef Ryan Ratino. Ideal for special occasions, the restaurant features an innovative, artful menu starring luxe, seasonal Japanese- and French-forward ingredients like caviar, fois gras, and wagyu beef.
For a culinary journey across Peru in one of the best MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in Washington DC — book a table at Causa (Shaw)
MICHELIN-Starred Causa explores the diversity of Peruvian cuisine and culture from the coast to the towering Andes. Chef Carlos Delgado’s six-course tasting menu showcases pristine seafood, including tangy ceviche and the tasting room’s namesake dish—causa. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from the global list. Or choose from an impressive selection of over 90 different piscos, Peru’s national spirit.
For artfully plated dishes at a MICHELIN Star restaurant in Washington, DC — visit Bresca (U-Street Corridor)
At Bresca, sophisticated gastronomy meets comfort in a contemporary American- and French-inspired bistro. Operated by acclaimed chef Ryan Ratino, the restaurant showcases the very best seasonal, Mid-Atlantic ingredients—think juicy dry-aged duck and a roasted beet salad. Blue velvet upholstery and hanging terrariums provide an eye-catching setting for an elegant tasting menu or a la carte dishes like Hokkaido scallop with gigante beans and bok choy.
For farm-to-table cuisine at a fire-driven MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in DC — try The Dabney (Shaw)
At The Dabney, a massive, wood-burning hearth anchors the dining room, where James Beard Award-winning chef Jeremiah Langhorne whips up elegant, seasonally-driven tasting menus. The New American menu goes all in on the highest quality, Mid-Atlantic ingredients. Enjoy dishes like smoked oyster pie or grilled rockfish in the rustic-refined space with exposed brick and candlelight that create an intimate setting for date nights and special occasions.
For plant-based Latin American dishes at a best MICHELIN Star restaurant in DC — try Mita (Washington)
With an epic 14-course tasting menu ((plus four- and six-course prix fixe options), it’s no wonder Mita is one of the most talked about plant-based dining experiences in DC. Chefs Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora bring the punchy flavors of Latin America to this stylish Shaw spot. Sample yuba in a rich black bean mole or causas prepared with hearts of palm.
For a MICHELIN-Starred seafood extravaganza — find a table at Reverie (Georgetown)
Reverie is a showcase for acclaimed chef Johnny Spero’s knockout seafood-forward tasting menus. Expect refined dishes like razor clams with salsa macha, avocado, and eucalyptus and octopus with lobster roe and epazote paired with stellar low-intervention wines. Dark blue accents, torched wood walls, and soft lighting create a sophisticated atmosphere for a romantic date night.
For a taste of vibrant Spanish gastronomy — reserve a table at Xiquet by Danny Lledó (Georgetown)
Located in the heart of Georgetown, MICHELIN-Starred Xiquet by Danny Lledó will transport you to Valencia’s sun-drenched shores. With over 16 courses, the elegant menu leans into Mediterranean-forward flavors with dishes like Spanish seabass with orange-saffron butter and showstopping paellas like lump crab and caviar. Enjoy it in an intimate space with massive windows. Cap the evening with a glass of vintage port in the restaurant’s romantic cocktail lounge.
For decadent Indian dining in an opulent setting — try Rania (Penn Quarter)
Chandeliers, gilded walls, and warm lighting set the mood at Rania DC in Washington, DC. Chef Chetan Shetty whips up elegant multi-course menus with modern takes on Indian classics like nargisi kofta with pickled mushrooms and buttery truffle cream and lamb rogan josh with almonds and black cardamon. Pair your meal with one of the creative cocktails, including stellar zero-proof options.
From beautifully-plated French bistro-inspired fare to the East Coast’s finest seafood offerings, you can enjoy innovative dishes and impeccable service when you book at a best MICHELIN star restaurant in DC. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a fancy night out, these Washington DC MICHELIN-Starred restaurants are among the city’s best.
