Best Casual Restaurants in Northeast

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBaileys CrossroadsBeltsvilleBethesda

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

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

360 restaurants available nearby

1. Bacio Pizzeria

4.6

Exceptional(3)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 2 times today

WE DON’T JUST MAKE PIZZA. MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY. BACIO PIZZERIA WAS BUILT ON THE BELIEF THAT PIZZA SHOULD BE SPECIAL, AND WE CARRY THAT BELIEF INTO EVERYTHING WE DO.What’s our purpose at Bacio Pizzeria? Moments of Excitement. All made possible by our flavor, innovation and, most importantly, by unlocking potential in our team members.With more than 12 years of experience under our belts, we understand how to best serve our customers through tried and true service principles. Instead of following trends, we set them. We create food we’re proud to serve it fast, with a smile. No matter where you find us, we’re making sure each meal our customers enjoy is delicious and one-of-a-kind.

2. Causa

4.9

Exceptional(88)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Shaw

Booked 10 times today

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking. Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

3. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19641)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 334 times today

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’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, DC.

4. Ambar - Shaw

4.6

Exceptional(475)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Balkan style • Shaw

Booked 85 times today

Welcome to Ambar, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines. Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events.

5. Chaplin

4.8

Exceptional(1608)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Shaw

Booked 36 times today

Chaplin's Restaurant & Bar is a 1930's style Japanese Ramen House and cocktail bar. Chaplin's Executive Chef and Partner, Myo Htun, is originally from Burma, but was cooking ramen in Japan at a young age. Myo received a blessing from his mentor in Japan after nearly 30 years of cooking in Japan, to come to America and continue to showcase his authentic Ramen and traditional Japanese cuisine. Chaplin's Restaurant demonstrates the aesthetic of a bustling ramen house in Japan in the 1930's silent film era. There is also a large outdoor dining area that is dog friendly. Chaplin's is located in the heart of the Historic Shaw neighborhood. And it is open until last call 7 days a week. Chaplin's received a Plate certification in the Michelin Guide in 2020. And it is located steps from the convention center and popular Logan Circle, 14th street and City Market.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

6. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1244)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 54 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant

7. Dirty Habit | The Glass House

4.2

Awesome(2323)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter

Booked 32 times today

Dirty Habit DC is a globally inspired New American restaurant & bar in a hip, edgy hotel space with private courtyard space. Just a perfect location for happy hour cocktails, events and private bookings. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.

8. Bar Chinois

4.6

Exceptional(643)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Shaw

Booked 55 times today

Bar Chinois is recognized for its constantly-evolving Chinese menu and French-inspired cocktail and wine program. Recent accolades include being listed in the Michelin Dining Guide USA, the Washington Post Fall Dining Guide, Modern Luxury DC Best of the City and 2024 RAMMY Award Winner for Best Bar in DC.Located in Mount Vernon Triangle, Bar Chinois is a short walk from the Washington Convention Center, Capital One Arena, National Mall and Union Station. We offer happy hour specials Tuesday-Sunday from 5 pm-7 pm and a bottomless brunch on weekends.If you are looking for an energetic Washington, DC dining experience with great food, drink and service, we would love to host you!

9. Oyamel

4.6

Exceptional(9665)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 134 times today

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

10. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10488)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 152 times today

Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
supermom
Memphis / West Tennessee •11 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was great, ambience was nice but the service was terrible. I had to ask our waiter 2 or 3 times for something we needed (even when we wanted to order dessert). He was too busy talking to people at other tables to pay us any attention.
More info
Ambar - ShawPrice: Moderate• Balkan style• Shaw
•
4.6
L
Lynette
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was excellent and the service was attentive and kind. Everything was wonderful!
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
Absolutely FANTASTIC. Not stuffy at all but the expórtenle and quality were something I have never experienced. An absolutely unforgettable evening filled with food and exceptional service.
More info
CausaPrice: Very Expensive• Peruvian• Shaw
•
4.9
J
JeNard
Northwest Florida •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
Great Experience per usual and Tony was excellent!
More info
ChaplinPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Shaw
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jan 19, 2025
Very nice little restaurant with good food and good service.
More info
Bacio PizzeriaPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.6

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