Best Soul Food Restaurants in Van Ness

Price

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Regions

ChicagoDallas SuburbsDetroitDistrict of ColumbiaDowntownEast London

Neighborhoods

AlexandriaArlingtonBrookland / BrentwoodCapitol HillCedar HillCentral Los Angeles

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

39 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Art and Soul

4.5

Awesome(4056)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Soul food • Capitol Hill

Booked 13 times today

Our kitchen serves simple, honest food that reflects a devotion to quality and responsibility made possible by partnerships with like-minded farmers, artisans and growers who provide products that are sustainably sourced, whenever possible. Art and Soul exudes true warmth and hospitality. Playful regional elements such as hand-painted farm signs and traditional folk art are also used throughout the space in honor of the D.C. restaurants regional influences. In warmer weather, an expansive front patio provides an al fresco dining option with a fire-pit and grill.

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(30207)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Soul food • Downtown

Booked 356 times today

Old Ebbitt Grill, the oldest saloon in Washington, DC, is renowned for its exceptional Bar, Lounge, and Bottle Service. Situated just steps from The White House, it offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. "The cocktails are amazing," as one diner raves, while another highlights the "excellent wine selection by the glass." The restaurant's four bars, each exuding a tavern extraordinaire atmosphere, provide a lively yet cozy setting perfect for any occasion. With attentive service and expertly crafted drinks, Old Ebbitt Grill continues to be a cherished destination for both locals and visitors seeking a quintessential DC experience.

3. Flavorture

4.4

Awesome(553)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Soul food • Woodley Park

Booked 14 times today

Flavorture in Woodley Park, Washington, offers an exquisite Seafood cuisine that is both authentic and of top quality. Diners rave about the "amazing" Chilean Sea Bass and Grilled Branzino, both praised for being cooked and seasoned to perfection. The crab fried rice is another standout dish, described as "delicious" and a must-try. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients is evident in every bite, providing an unforgettable Seafood experience. With exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere, Flavorture ensures a dining experience that leaves patrons eager to return and share the deliciousness with others.

4. The Pembroke

4.6

Exceptional(2059)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Soul food • Dupont Circle

Booked 59 times today

The Pembroke, nestled in the vibrant Dupont Circle of Washington, stands out as a premier destination for Contemporary American cuisine, drawing diners with its sophisticated menu infused with global influences. The restaurant's ambiance, described by patrons as "elegant without being stuffy," perfectly complements its culinary offerings. Dishes, from the perfectly cooked salmon to the delectable lobster roll, are crafted with precision and flair, embodying the essence of modern American dining. The Pembroke's "inventive seasonal menu" and outstanding service ensure a memorable dining experience. With its plush décor and a nod to 1950s cocktail bars, The Pembroke truly makes dining in Dupont Circle a special occasion.

A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC restaurant

5. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC

4.3

Awesome(1919)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Soul food • Downtown

Booked 116 times today

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC is a must-visit destination for authentic American cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC. This vibrant restaurant brilliantly reimagines classic comfort foods with a flavorful twist, offering delights like shrimp and grits, and creative waffles that leave diners raving about the "extraordinary food." Patrons praise the "amazing" atmosphere and the "friendly and attentive staff" who make every visit feel special. As a culinary mecca for southern food, Kitchen + Kocktails ensures a ten out of ten dining experience, capturing the essence of American cuisine with its seasoned-to-perfection dishes and unique kocktails.

6. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4136)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Soul food • Penn Quarter

Booked 70 times today

Succotash PRIME in Penn Quarter, Washington, offers an exceptional Steakhouse experience that beautifully marries Southern charm with Korean flair, thanks to the culinary genius of James Beard Award winner Edward Lee. Diners rave about the "mouthwatering Korean twist" on classic Southern dishes, creating a truly unique and flavorful dining experience. The smoked steak is "out of this world," praised for its exquisite preparation and taste. The restaurant's ambiance is as remarkable as its cuisine, with a "beautiful interior" and "impeccable service" enhancing every visit. For a memorable Steakhouse adventure that is both innovative and authentic, Succotash PRIME is a must-visit destination.

7. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(342)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Soul food • Shaw

Booked 18 times today

The Dabney, nestled in the vibrant Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., is a beacon of authentic Farm-to-table cuisine. Celebrating the rich bounty of the mid-Atlantic, this Michelin-starred gem invites diners into a culinary experience “highlighting seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients” with artistry and passion. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne's dedication to quality shines through an 8-course tasting menu that transforms the freshest local produce into “a beautifully orchestrated showcase of flavors.” The wood-burning hearth, a centerpiece of the open kitchen, imparts a unique touch to dishes, creating “unique flavor combinations and artistic presentations.” With accolades from Washingtonian Magazine, The Dabney crafts an unforgettable dining journey, making it a must-visit for discerning palates.

8. Georgia Brown's

4.5

Awesome(8868)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Soul food • Downtown

Booked 50 times today

Georgia Brown's in Downtown Washington is a beacon of authentic Southern cuisine, offering a delightful interpretation of South Carolina Low-Country fare. The restaurant's ambiance, designed by Adam Tihany, is as captivating as its dishes, with "golden woods and bronze sculptures" creating a sensory feast. Guests rave about the "outstanding" Shrimp and Grits and the flavorful Carolina Gumbo, claiming it "exceeded all expectations." The lively jazz brunch is a must-try, described as a "feast for all the senses." With an atmosphere that celebrates the South and service that is "professional and friendly," Georgia Brown's stands out as a Southern culinary gem.

9. Salt

4.8

Exceptional(615)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Soul food • Arlington

Booked 21 times today

Salt, nestled in the heart of Arlington, is a true gem of authentic American cuisine. Known for its "amazing drinks" and "delicious food," Salt has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers an intimate and sophisticated ambiance, ideal for a perfect date night or a casual catch-up with friends. The menu, celebrated for dishes like the "gnocchi to die for," showcases the best of American flavors with a modern twist. The attentive service and creative craft cocktails further enhance the dining experience, making Salt a standout destination in the vibrant Arlington food scene.

10. Dauphine’s

4.5

Awesome(1463)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Soul food • Downtown

Booked 25 times today

Dauphine’s in downtown Washington DC brings the vibrant essence of New Orleans to life, brilliantly showcasing the rich flavors of Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. This modern culinary haven dazzles diners with its creative menu, seamlessly blending classic New Orleans fare with contemporary twists using Mid-Atlantic ingredients. "Every bite bursts with flavor," raves one satisfied guest, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to both tradition and innovation. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, complemented by an exquisite bar that serves delightfully crafted cocktails. With a fantastic raw bar and live jazz brunches, Dauphine’s promises an authentic, unforgettable dining experience that's "a must-visit" for Creole cuisine lovers.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

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PaulVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Another awesome experience, every time we’ve come to Provost, it is a fantastic time, wonderful food, lovely and amazing people there, we love Provost! We always leave feeling good, they care about people and the food they prepare, no matter what we’ve ordered, is always outstanding, so good tasting, fresh, the whole experience is absolutely fantastic, we will, of course, be back!
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ProvostPrice: Moderate• American• Brookland / Brentwood
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4.5
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ChristopherVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •35 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Anastasia was great! We’d definitely go here again. The food was amazing.
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Milk & Honey - FairfaxPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Fairfax
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4
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Paulette
Caribbean •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 24, 2025
The food was very good. A variety to choose from. Definitely will be back to try more selections.
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ZELLS Kitchen and LoungePrice: Expensive• Southern• Largo
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4

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