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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown

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70 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Lincoln - DC restaurant
1. Lincoln - DC
4.0
Excellent(3431)
Price: Moderate
• American • McPherson Square
Booked 12 times today
Founded in 2011 our seasonal menu features comfort food with a twist. LINCOLN pays tribute to one of the greatest US Presidents, with nods to many of his favorite foods including our signature chicken pot pie & another star on the menu, our kale salad. The menu is focused but varietal. Our cocktails are truly one-of-a-kind. Our barkeeps have created one of the city’s thoughtful bar programs highlighted by infused bourbons and DC's first moonshine-list served in antique-style copper cups. Our patio is open all year-round, offering a relaxed, urban landscape. Don't miss our butcher cut NY Strip or the city's best Mac & Cheese. LINCOLN is the right place for your next private event with many options for private dining from 10 to 200. Original paintings & distinctive interior design by homegrown artist, Maggie O’Neill. LINCOLN is your destination for Lunch, happy hour, dinner or brunch. We are open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter & Mother's Day for your special celebration.
A photo of Wild Days restaurant
2. Wild Days
4.1
Excellent(123)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon
Booked 3 times today
OUR ROOFTOP BAR IS AN INDOOR/OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE THAT FEATURES DJ SESSIONS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES IN ADDITION TO TASTY COCKTAILS AND SNACKS.COME JOIN US FOR SOME SMORES BY OUR FIRE PIT OR ENJOY A SPECIALTY COCKTAIL OVERLOOKING ALL OF K STREET.
A photo of Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DC restaurant
3. Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DC
4.7
Exceptional(97)
Price: Expensive
• American • Washington
Booked 13 times today
A signature in Waldorf Astoria hotels across the globe, Peacock Alley remains the place “to see and be seen” just as it was all those years ago for Manhattan’s high society. Set in the soaring grand atrium, Peacock Alley offers an eclectic menu of refined cuisine, innovative cocktails, and an impeccable wine selection.
A photo of Fraiche restaurant
4. Fraiche
4.4
Awesome(243)
Price: Expensive
• Fusion / Eclectic • Columbia Heights
Booked 29 times today
Fraiche (French for Fresh) is a fresh take on culinary fusion with inspiration from multiple cultures (including French, Cajun/Southern American, and Caribbean). This is also a fresh take on the historic architecture of the venue, which was once a theater. Fraiche is designed to be a non-pretentious culinary destination with a nod to upscale dining without the stuffiness. The menu is constructed in a way that takes approachable and recognizable food and elevates it, with no flavor left behind! Since the beginning of time, food has brought people together and that is our ultimate goal with this concept.
A photo of Yardbird Table & Bar - Washington D.C. restaurant
5. Yardbird Table & Bar - Washington D.C.
4.5
Awesome(2649)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Southern • McPherson Square
Booked 48 times today
At Yardbird, our famous fried chicken is the heart of our Southern hospitality, celebrated by culinary giants like James Beard and Bon Appétit. Our menu reflects cherished family recipes and genuine warmth, capturing the essence of Southern charm. From our vibrant Miami Beach origins to our global expansion, we've remained committed to culinary excellence, honoring timeless American classics while embracing innovation.
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
6. Olio e Più - DC
4.2
Awesome(370)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 48 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.
A photo of Reverie restaurant
7. Reverie
4.8
Exceptional(55)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vegetarian • Georgetown
Booked 4 times today
Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience. In July and August, summer's vegetables will take center stage on our fully vegetarian tasting menu.Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience. Corkage is offered at $75 per 750ml. Our cake cutting fee is $50 per cake.We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. For the summer vegetable season, we are unable to provide a dairy-free or nut-free version of our experience.
A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - DC restaurant
8. Mastro's Steakhouse - DC
4.6
Exceptional(5157)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Penn Quarter
Booked 49 times today
Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.
A photo of Bar Japonais restaurant
9. Bar Japonais
4.5
Awesome(138)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Logan Circle
Booked 23 times today
Led by Chef Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino, Bar Japonais offers a dynamic dining experience that blends Japanese cuisine with French influences. We offer a limited number of Omakase experiences nightly so please reserve yours through the Experience link below.The signature Omakase experience features a meticulously crafted, 9-course (16 selections) rotating selection of exceptional seasonal ingredients. The menu also showcases vibrant Japanese-French dishes, complemented by an eclectic selection of wines, sake, and cocktails, embodying the spirit of both cultures.
A photo of San Lorenzo restaurant
10. San Lorenzo
4.8
Exceptional(354)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Shaw
Booked 10 times today
Come to San Lorenzo and feel transported to the streets of Italy. Enjoy light, wholesome dishes & only the finest Italian wines while surrounded by beautiful stucco walls and black & white photos of the chef/owner's hometown.Chef Massimo believes in creating dishes that honor the heritage & flavors of his native Tuscany. The magic of this cuisine is the exceptional preparation — fresh, simple ingredients paired with unique herbs & seasonings for a taste that’s anything but simple. With over 30 years of culinary training - he delivers homemade pastas, sauces, Florentine steak, veal, fresh fish & exceptional risotto. For the real experience, try a 4 or 6 course tasting menu -something this chef is best known for in DC.So, whether dining alone at the cozy bar, attending a ticketed wine dinner or Saturday wine lunch, with 20 friends in the private room, a 100 for a wedding, or just enjoying a bottle of wine - you will feel the charm & care San Lorenzo offers to each guest who visits.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown

Discover a selection of restaurants in the Downtown, District of Columbia area that are genuinely "worth the drive." Each establishment in this carefully curated list stands out for its exceptional dining experiences, combining superb cuisine, attentive service, and inviting atmospheres. Whether you're seeking a spot for a special occasion or simply a memorable meal, these restaurants offer a top-notch dining scene that caters to both locals and visitors. The dining scene in Downtown D.C. is vibrant and diverse, featuring everything from upscale eateries to unique culinary gems, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Emphasizing quality and satisfaction, these restaurants not only meet but exceed expectations, making each meal worth the journey. Experience the best of Washington, D.C.’s culinary offerings where each restaurant promises a blend of delightful flavors and impeccable service that's definitely worth the drive.

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