Best Casual Restaurants in Penn Quarter

Price

$$
$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillChevy ChaseCleveland Park

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for craft beer

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

75 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Umaya

4.0

Excellent(807)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Penn Quarter

Booked 12 times today

Umaya, where East meets West in a plethora of Japanese inspired small & large dishes. We focus on drawing from the simplicity of flavor in fresh ingredients, while giving it a Western flair. Specializing on the popular Japanese ‘street food’ - think small 'tapas' style dishes that are easy to share amongst friends & family. Our Izakaya grill features a one of a kind charcoal brick that is imported from Japan & allows for the natural flavors of the proteins & vegetables to radiate.Umaya elevates the typical 'beer garden' concept with hard-to-find Asian dishes. Our menu promotes friends, coworkers, family to enjoy their time together. We carry a wide array of Asian beer, sake & Japanese Whiskey, complimenting the tranquility of the restaurant. The menu will feature seasonal highlights; however, the time-honored staples will always be available. ‘Umaya’ directly translates to a ‘place that tastes good’ in Japanese; it is a place where you can go

A photo of DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYA restaurant

2. DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYA

4.4

Awesome(2150)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Penn Quarter

Booked 26 times today

Please be advised that the reservation is for the Izakaya on the second floor and not the ramen shop on the first floor. The ramen menu is not available at the Izakaya. The Izakaya, located on the second floor of Daikaya, is a casual restaurant that serves Japanese comfort food to accompany a diverse selection of bar offerings. The izakaya experience is perfect for after work, before a big night out, as a full supper, or for late-night bites with friends. The cuisine is freestyle and adaptive in nature. Each izakaya in Japan puts its own touch on its menu items. The plates are typically small so that one can sample many different items.

A photo of Ella's Wood Fired Kitchen restaurant

3. Ella's Wood Fired Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(1071)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Penn Quarter

Booked 13 times today

The wood-fired pizza oven at the heart of the restaurant is what makes our handcrafted pizzas come alive with flavor, bringing inspiration to the rest of our menu. Our philosophy is to use the freshest, best quality ingredients, prepare it well and to serve it with joy. We invite you to share in the experience of what makes Ella's so special. Enjoy!

A photo of District Bites at District E restaurant

4. District Bites at District E

3.3

Good(88)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

District Bites is a full service bar and restaurant, featuring a scratch made menu made from local ingredients, on premise restaurant for District E Powered by Ticketmaster. Centrally located in the historic Chinatown neighborhood of downtown Washington, D.C., District E Powered by Ticketmaster, is located adjacent to Capital One Arena, the home arena for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals. District E Powered by Ticketmaster is the flagship venue for esports and entertainment on the east coast, and offers a unique and immersive experience for esports as well as fans of events at Capital One Arena.

5. Bulldog Spots Bar

4.0

Excellent(55)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Penn Quarter

For OpenTable customers: 15% Discount Food & Drinks Daily 6pm-10PM. GOOD TIMES, GOOD DRINKS, AND GOOD PIZZA.With 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, our chef is excited to present their vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff make sure you have a fantastic experience with us.Dine In & Take OutWe have worked to package our meals in a way that lets you bring the quality of our meals into your home. We always love to see you in person, but always ensure that your dining experience is top notch!Seasonal and LocalWe refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets. No matter what time of year, you can be sure you're eating the best of the season.Large Parties:We do accept buyouts and bookings for Larger Parties. If you'd like to host your event at Bulldog, for parties of 21+, please reach out directly to the private events coordinator at 202-500-2228.

A photo of Officina at The Wharf restaurant

6. Officina at The Wharf

4.1

Excellent(374)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 31 times today

Officina [oh · fee · she · nah], or “workshop,” is an Italian-inspired culinary collective from Chef Nicholas Stefanelli of Michelin-star Masseria, Philotimo, and the newly opened Le Clou. Officina seeks to bring the very best of Italian gastronomy to Washington, D.C., and is an ode to Stefanelli’s travels, training, and distinctly Italian-American upbringing. We look forward to welcoming you for unique experiences that capture the essence of Italy. From sunset cocktails atop our Terrazza or a weekday lunch in our Cafe.

A photo of Ted's Bulletin - Noma restaurant

7. Ted's Bulletin - Noma

4.7

Exceptional(164)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • NoMa

Booked 38 times today

In addition to street parking, we offer valet, validate parking for the Marriot Hotel Retail Lot adjacent to our restaurant for up to 90 minutes. There is also a paid, private lot across the street.Welcome to Ted’s. Your go-to place to savor The Every Day. We are your neighborhood eatery, taking a creative and contemporary approach to classic American dishes and cocktails in NoMa. Open daily for all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Voted “Best Hangover Breakfast” and “Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by readers of Washington City Paper (in the same year), Ted’s Bulletin is truly a restaurant for all seasons.We limited reservations for weekend brunch service. If they are all booked, WE DO ACCEPT WALK INS.

A photo of Milk & Honey - The Wharf restaurant

8. Milk & Honey - The Wharf

4.2

Awesome(238)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 108 times today

Milk and Honey is a New Orleans themed Southern Brunch that features Award Winning Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, RumChata French Toast and specializes in other slow cooked mouth-watering favorites. No matter the type of experience you are looking for, we have the dish for you. Join us for brunch with friends, lovers, family and everyone in between. Carryout available at all locations. Milk and Honey Wharf is located along the beautiful Southeast Waterfront in Washington DC. A Southern Brunch Restaurant and one of our “Full Service” locations, we are excited to share a delectable menu featuring Butter Glazed Biscuits, Old Bay Wings, and award-winning Shrimp & Grits.

A photo of Makers Union Wharf restaurant

9. Makers Union Wharf

4.2

Awesome(364)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 41 times today

Coming Soon!

A photo of Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street restaurant

10. Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street

4.5

Awesome(1035)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Logan Circle

Booked 24 times today

Welcome to Ted’s. Your go-to place to savor The Every Day. We are a neighborhood eatery, taking a creative and contemporary approach to classic American dishes and cocktails. Open daily for all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Voted “Best Hangover Breakfast” and “Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by readers of Washington City Paper (in the same year), Ted’s Bulletin is truly a restaurant for all seasons.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Catie
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Everyone in our party enjoyed their food. There are a lot of different options for a variety of peoples tastes. The server was attentive and it didn’t take long for our food to be made and delivered to our table.
More info
Ella's Wood Fired KitchenPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Penn Quarter
•
4.8
C
Chao
2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 9, 2025
This is a fantastic place to try if you’re in the area. The service is friendly and prompt. The food is flavorful, and the presentation is impressive. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it an ideal spot to visit after work.
More info
UmayaPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Penn Quarter
•
4
M
Meredith
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
The food and wait staff were excellent. I had a great time catching up with friends with great food and tall glasses of wine.
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DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYAPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Penn Quarter
•
4.4
K
Kathy/JackVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 30, 2025
Our go to before caps game. Great food, and lots of activities always going on. Definitely try the crab dip and the loaded nachos.
More info
District Bites at District EPrice: Moderate• American• Penn Quarter
•
3.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 24, 2024
Amazing sports bar .. a lot of t.vs , welcoming staff . The pizzas are wow!!!
More info
Bulldog Spots BarPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Penn Quarter
•
4

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