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Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington

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212 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
1. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.3
Awesome(1967)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 78 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.*Please note that kitchen hours may differ.
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
2. Olio e Più - DC
4.2
Awesome(371)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 40 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.*Please note that kitchen hours may differ.
A photo of Willard Tea Room restaurant
3. Willard Tea Room
4.6
Exceptional(69)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Washington
Booked 8 times today
Experience the iconic Willard Afternoon Tea in a new setting. Located off the renowned Peacock Alley, Willard Tea Room stands as the newest gem within this historic hotel. Boasting an elegant ambiance and an extensive selection of teas, pastries, and savories, it serves as the perfect setting to elevate any occasion, whether it's a relaxing afternoon tea or a special gathering with friends and family.
A photo of Tosca restaurant
4. Tosca
4.9
Exceptional(4579)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 26 times today
Currently open for lunch and dinner. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Tosca serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy. Tosca combines modern style and elegance to create an intimate and comfortable setting. Tosca implements a dress code and proper attire is required. We do not allow athletic wear, shorts, beach attire, tank tops, flip flops, or torn or excessively revealing clothing. We reserve the right to determine if a guest needs to adjust their attire before being seated.We no longer offer valet parking, we do validate at dinner in our parking garage located on 11th St, NW
A photo of Elephant & Castle - DC Pennsylvania Ave. restaurant
5. Elephant & Castle - DC Pennsylvania Ave.
4.1
Excellent(789)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 22 times today
Elephant & Castle in DC is a beloved spot for Brit-themed goodness. With the warm and inviting ambiance, it's a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. Reviews rave about the excellent food and service, with many customers highly recommending the place. One reviewer noted the ambiance reminded them of a British pub, while others appreciated the variety of beers, wines, and cocktails available. It's a perfect place for a casual dinner or a special night out.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
6. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19940)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 335 times today
Under the direction of celebrated Chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup team, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on José's deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington.
A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant
7. Filomena Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(17684)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 195 times today
Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!
A photo of Balos Estiatorio restaurant
8. Balos Estiatorio
4.6
Exceptional(124)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 93 times today
At the heart of legendary hospitality and Mediterranean flavors, Balos offers an elevated dining experience led by Executive Chef Alex Oradei.Inspired by the lush Cretan lagoon it’s named after, Balos creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere—blending old-world charm with modern elegance. Founded by industry veterans and lifelong friends Stefanos Vouvoudakis, Tom Tsiplakos, and Joe Ragonese, it embodies the Hellenic tradition of shared meals and lively conversation.Our menu showcases Greek seafood and seasonal ingredients with a contemporary twist. Whether you join us for our famed Espresso Martini Cart brunch, a lively dinner, or a business casual lunch, our airy dining room transports you to the Greek islands.
A photo of dLeña restaurant
9. dLeña
4.7
Exceptional(2305)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 55 times today
dLeña is a vibrant restaurant in Washington D.C. that invites you to explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Step into a warm space illuminated by wood-fired ovens and adorned with Latin American art. Savor a culinary journey with fresh, local ingredients, starting with their signature guacamole, a blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Continue your adventure with ceviches, aguachiles, and wood-fired specialties like Tomahawk steak and Wagyu Steak a la Piedra. dLeña's menu caters to all tastes, featuring pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian options. Pair your meal with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're after a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a late-night gathering, dLeña's trendy ambiance and attentive service promise an unforgettable experience. Join them for a taste of Mexico's vibrant culture and culinary artistry.
A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant
10. Rumi's Kitchen - DC
4.9
Exceptional(2674)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 105 times today
Rumi's Kitchen is a beloved Persian restaurant in Washington DC. Its authenticity is confirmed by reviews like 'Great authentic Persian food with excellent customer service' and 'Absolutely delicious authentic Persian food'. The restaurant's dedication to traditional Persian dishes is noted in reviews like 'The menu, a symphony of flavors, offered a tantalizing selection of traditional Persian dishes'. It's not just about the food though, the overall dining experience is praised with comments like 'Rumi Kitchen proved to be more than a restaurant; it was a journey through Persian culture and gastronomy'.
‘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.

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