Best Restaurants for a Quick Bite in Dupont Circle

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianFrenchIndianMexicanJapanese

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillDowntown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant

1. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

4.5

Awesome(4015)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 92 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with a simple mission — make people happy! We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

2. Petite Cerise

4.7

Exceptional(266)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 23 times today

Part neighborhood café, part energetic bistro, Petite Cerise is located in a bright and lively historic corner space in Shaw/Mount Vernon Triangle. Petite Cerise features separate à la carte menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, Petite Cerise has a Coffee Counter open Tuesday - Friday opening at 8am serving classic coffee and espresso preparations, housemade pastries, and other breakfast items to go or sit down.Dinner offers both an à la carte menu along with a Prix Fixe option. The focus in the evening is to craft unique and innovative dishes utilizing the very best ingredients within the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond skillfully prepared through a French lens.If you decide to join us for a morning coffee, quick mid-day bite, stretch out your lunch over a glass of wine, or gather with friends for an indulgent and creative dinner, we invite you here to celebrate and enjoy.

3. China Chilcano

4.7

Exceptional(3853)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Penn Quarter

Booked 46 times today

China Chilcano celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to our Nation's Capital. The restaurant honors Peru's deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name an homage to Peru's renowned fish stew and its popular national drink, the Chilcano. China Chilcano ranks consistently as a top DC dining destination, and was awarded a bib gourmand in the 2017-2020 Michelin guides to Washington, DC.

A photo of Mi Vida, District Wharf restaurant

4. Mi Vida, District Wharf

4.6

Exceptional(2501)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 64 times today

Chef Roberto Santibañez creates a menu inspired by Mexican street food and traditional home cooking of his country, but in a modern, elevated presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as Carne Asada, a variety of Tacos, Seasonal Fish, Ceviches and other Contemporary Mexican creations.

A photo of Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant

5. Mi Vida Penn Quarter

4.5

Awesome(485)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 19 times today

“Mi Vida” translates to “My Life.” However, in Mexico, “Mi Vida” means much more. “Mi Vida” is a term of endearment bestowed on close family and friends to signify love, care and importance. When one says, “Mi Vida,” they are telling someone special how much they mean to them. MI VIDA describes how we feel about our team and our guests. It is our expression of Mexican culture and cuisine as interpreted through the lens of Chef Roberto Santibañez. Our menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.

6. The Sovereign

4.6

Exceptional(705)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Belgian • Georgetown

Booked 10 times today

The Sovereign is a Belgian bar & bistro committed to celebrating the rustic cuisine & fabled brewing culture of Belgium. Located in the vibrant Georgetown neighborhood, the Sovereign's kitchen is led by Executive Chef Andres Zuluaga whose classic, ingredient-driven Belgian dishes draw on French, German & Dutch cooking techniques & traditions. The Sovereign features 50 drafts & more than 350 bottles meticulously curated by Beer Director, Greg Engert.

A photo of Dupont Italian Kitchen restaurant

7. Dupont Italian Kitchen

4.3

Awesome(183)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 9 times today

In the mood for some fresh homemade Italian food? Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving up fresh homemade Italian dishes since 1986. We offer great food, unbeatable prices, and we’re conveniently located in the heart of Dupont Circle. Stop by and visit us.

A photo of District Bites at District E restaurant

8. District Bites at District E

3.3

Good(88)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 1 time today

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.

A photo of Gerrard Street Kitchen restaurant

9. Gerrard Street Kitchen

4.2

Awesome(299)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Global, International • Dupont Circle

Booked 4 times today

Gerrard Street Kitchen now offers breakfast, brunch and dinner. Our menu features global cuisine favorites such as Paratha Tacos, Korean Crispy Chicken Wings and an extensive raw bar menu. Enjoy a signature cocktail and end your meal on a sweet note with our dessert menu.We offer a full wine list, as well as a great selection of craft beers.Enjoy in the comfort of our intimate booths, in our cozy terrace by the firepit, or in our private dining room that accommodates private parties. We look forward to welcoming you!

A photo of Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DC restaurant

10. Hard Rock Cafe - Washington, DC

3.8

Excellent(1194)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
ScottVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •47 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food, drinks and service were excellent as usual. As we have written before the music is way too loud with a really heavy beat to carry on normal conversation. As we have also written regularly, the hallway to the bathrooms is much too dark and dangerous with very limited light and the dip in the floor. The hallway needs more light.
More info
Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
M
MARTIN
Worcestershire •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
A real find. Great food, good service and just the right atmosphere.
More info
The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.CPrice: Expensive• American• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
C
CalebVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food was top tier. We did small plate style and it was fantastic. The soft egg dish and the cool soup were delicious.
More info
Petite CerisePrice: Expensive• French• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
L
LaBrittanyVIP
Las Vegas •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Customer service was great had a reservation and was seated right away! I had the Carne tacos they were delicious!
More info
Mi Vida, District WharfPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.6
KP
KeithP
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 16, 2025
Great experience and wonderful food. Everything was fantastic and our server was exceptional.
More info
China ChilcanoPrice: Moderate• Peruvian• Penn Quarter
•
4.7

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