Best Casual Restaurants in Palisades Northwest

Price

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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBaileys CrossroadsBethesdaBrookland / Brentwood

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

385 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Bistro Aracosia

4.9

Exceptional(2761)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Afghan • Palisades Northwest

Booked 12 times today

Bistro Aracosia is a critically acclaimed authentic Afghan gourmet and Chop House located in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, DC. Aracosia has been acknowledged as 1 of 50 best restaurants in the nation for Vegetarians on Forbes Magazine, written up and reviewed by top food critics from the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and numerous other publications. Bistro Aracosia has been awarded 100 Best restaurants for 2 years in a row in the Washingtonian. Aracosia accommodates any diet and is proud of taking cooking back to its origins. Chef Sofia Masroor diligently ensures top grade quality cuts of meat and the freshest produce in the market. All foods prepared at Aracosia are prepared with love. No artificial ingredients MSG& or preservatives are used, nor do we cook anything with nuclear such as microwaves and pre-made stations. Full Bar , extensive Wine and Beer menu Come and experience authentic and classical Afghan Gourmet and hospitality at its finest.

2. Ruthie's All-Day

4.7

Exceptional(3349)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 106 times today

The menu follows a Southern-fried meat-and-three concept, meaning diners order a meat, plus three sides. Those will include Ruthie’s mac and cheese, of course, but also white-soy-braised greens, stewed chickpeas and smoked cauliflower with a spicy soy glaze. “We’re going to be changing it a lot based on seasonality,” Hill says of the menu. “ Every vegetable has got to be fantastic because it has to stand on its own.” One thing that will help that: Hill is already growing all of the restaurant’s own herbs at his South Arlington community garden plot.

3. Balos Estiatorio

4.6

Exceptional(92)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 82 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.

4. Alara

4.1

Excellent(134)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Georgetown

Booked 47 times today

Alara, modern Mediterranean escape. Our menu is focused, mainly on Turkish and Greek cuisine and inspired by Levant region. Levantine cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and the communal expense of sharing meals. As you enter gates of our restaurant in this historic Georgetown, you will be transported to tavernas along the Aegean coastal towns where the Turkish cost meet the Greek Islands. Our restaurant will great you with a dose of warm, genuine, Mediterranean hospitality as you indulge in the tastes and traditions of the Aegean

A photo of Mon Ami Gabi - Bethesda restaurant

5. Mon Ami Gabi - Bethesda

4.6

Exceptional(7520)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Bethesda

Booked 122 times today

Mon Ami Gabi will reopen on Monday, March 17 offering weekday lunch, weekday happy hour, weekend brunch, and dinner served daily. Enjoy authentic French dishes prepared with a modern twist. From our Steak Frites and famous Roast Chicken a la Grand-Mère to our extensive wine list and artisanal cocktail program, every visit promises a taste of Paris. Welcome to Mon Ami Gabi.

6. Cafe Colline

4.8

Exceptional(918)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Arlington

Booked 22 times today

Lunch is served from 11:30 am Tuesday through Friday. Reservations for lunch are not required.Outside seating is available.From the culinary team that brought you Chez Billy Sud & Parc de Ville, comes a new cafe in the heart of Arlington, VA.Featuring regional French-inspired cuisine by chef Brendan L’Etoile, Cafe Colline is the perfect place for leisurely lunches, first dates, or just a wonderful evening of delicious food and drinks.Now with our curbside takeaway service, you can enjoy Paris without stepping on a plane

7. Fraiche

4.4

Awesome(212)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Columbia Heights

Booked 11 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.

8. Bar Angie

new

4.2

Awesome(31)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Washington

Booked 51 times today

An eclectic menu of hearty, classic bistro dishes crafted with New York flair. Think: A hearty Wagyu French Dip, topped with mozzarella and a creamy horseradish au jus, served on a perfectly crunchy baguette; or the Lobster Frites, made with luxe Maine lobster; the Bolognese Blanc, with freshly made rigatoni in a luscious white wine sauce, topped with wagyu beef ragu and parmigiano reggiano; or the innovative Caesar Salad with Fried Cream Cheese Croutons, which takes a classic Caesar and modernizes it with the flavors of that New York staple – the everything bagel. The star here, however, is the over-the-top Angie Chop Martini, a thinly pounded, breaded pork chop redolent of butter, lemon and red wine vinegar, topped with hot peppers and parmigiano reggiano imported from Italy.

9. Oyamel

4.6

Exceptional(9718)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 118 times today

At Oyamel, José Andrés and his team combine Mexico's rich regional diversity with the vibrant urban atmosphere of Mexico City. The liveliness of the dining room is matched by the creativity of the menu and cocktail list, featuring antojitos--Mexican small plates--ceviches and tacos.

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

10. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC

4.3

Awesome(1942)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern • Downtown

Booked 57 times today

Created to deliver the best in food, drinks and vibes to Washington DC, Kitchen + Kocktails is here to please. A dynamic comfort food restaurant at its core, Kitchen + Kocktails will focus on nicely plated comfort foods, including flavored fried chicken and lobster tails, shrimp and grits, creative waffles and other southern classics made with a twist. To book a party over 9 please call OR email: 312-513-3606/tabb@kitchenkocktailsusa.comFirst/Last Name:Contact#:Email Address:Date of Reservation:City:Time:Number of Guests:Please see our website FAQ section if you have any other questions or concerns.www.kitchenkocktailsusa.com1️⃣ Click About 2️⃣ Scroll down to General Information3️⃣ Click on FAQ

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
ellenVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •196 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time since renovations. Beautiful but would only sit in a booth because it's much quieter than at a table. The baguette, while still good, didn't have a crispy crust.
More info
Mon Ami Gabi - BethesdaPrice: Expensive• French• Bethesda
•
4.6
L
LilianaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great experience. Mia, our server, provided exceptional service and made every dish even more delicious.
More info
AlaraPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Georgetown
•
4.1
M
Marybeth
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent food, service and ambiance. Highly recommend!
More info
Ruthie's All-DayPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
•
4.7
S
shirley
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
food was amazing drinks were even better. brandon was AMAZING
More info
Balos EstiatorioPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.6
K
Karen
Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
Overall I enjoyed the restaurant and my dinner. But the outdoor experience was disappointing, too close to the street and with a bus stop right in front of us! My companions were great sports, but found the noise from the street and too-close passersby off-putting. The indoor dining area, which was fully booked, looked very nice.
More info
Bistro AracosiaPrice: Moderate• Afghan• Palisades Northwest
•
4.9

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