Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Equinox - DC

4.9

4.9 (3475)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Equinox on 19th has an upscale casual, crisp, atmosphere that firmly establishes a city chic decor. We are excited to offer you a regional, seasonal dining experience by a five-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic, Chef Todd Gray. We specialize in seasonal fine dining, plant-based, and vegetable-forward cuisine. Check out our beautiful brick fireplace room that looks onto 19th Street with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows for a perfect view. Our ample bar seats over 40 and is ideal for a beverage before dinner. Our lime-washed brick walls evoke a classic DC townhouse. Our vibe is friendly & upscale casual; our food is celebrated for all dining styles, from gluten-free and plant-based to locally farmed produce. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when making your reservation and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Located at 900 19th St NW, just a few blocks from our previous location.

Top review

SandyVIP

Dined 7 days ago

The plant-based vegan brunch at Equinox is absolutely my favorite meal anytime, anywhere. Do NOT miss it if you are in DC! The vegan Nutella French Toast was OMG!

The Ashby Inn

4.8

4.8 (1896)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Paris

About the restaurant

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant is fully committed to supporting the farmers and artisans that live and work in this region. Our menus represent the freshest, seasonal products that can be sourced locally from sustainable operations. The offerings will change daily dependent on what our local farmers and nature provide. Our pledge to you is to provide a quality dining experience founded on food and drink from sources we know and trust.

Top review

Julian

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

From the very moment I stepped into that enchanting restaurant, I was captivated by an atmosphere brimming with history and charm. Each corner of the establishment seemed to whisper tales from the past, inviting us to experience not just a meal, but a journey through time. The décor, with its elegant furnishings and soft lighting, created a warm embrace around us, making it feel like we were nestled in a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As for the culinary experience, it was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish we tasted was carefully curated, and the way the food and wine were paired together was simply unparalleled. Every bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, perfectly complemented by the exquisite wines that danced harmoniously on our palates. It’s as if the chef had crafted each element with a deep understanding of how they would coexist, creating a symphony of taste that I will not soon forget. To add to the magic of the evening, the service was impeccable. The staff was not only attentive but also genuinely warm and engaging, making us feel like cherished guests rather than mere patrons. Their passion for hospitality was evident in every detail, from their thoughtful recommendations to their genuine smiles. The ambiance around us was equally breathtaking, blending soft music with the gentle hum of conversation, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in this delightful experience.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon & Eggs

Popular dish

Filet Mignon & Lobster

Popular dish

FILET MIGNON & EGGS

The Island Hideaway

4.8

4.8 (661)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Solomons

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Island Hideaway. A family owned and operated restaurant offering an assortment of fresh New American Cuisine on Solomons Island! We have done our best to create a warm environment that offers a variety of tasty food.

Please note:
-All reservations are based on a 2 hour seating time
-Reservations outside are NOT guaranteed.

Top review

Patty

Dined 5 days ago

The food was excellent and our server was very good.

Claire's at the Depot

4.8

4.8 (3724)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Warrenton

About the restaurant

In a casual yet elegant atmosphere, set in a recently remodelled century old historic train station, Claire's passion is great food and outstanding service. Offering contemporary American cuisine - local, seasonally focused - with a Southern flaire. The renovation honors the historic character of the Warrenton Train Depot, resulting in a warm, comfortable environment for casual meetings with friends, or special occasions and intimate family meals. The warm, elegant Garden Room provides seating for intimate meals, while the Tavern Room features a more casual dining experience in luxurious surroundings. A rotating selection of craft beers is available on tap, and the wine service is regularly expanded. Outdoor dining is available in season, and private events can be hosted in one of several areas in the restaurant. Awarded "Best of Warrenton" every year since 2006.

Top review

TheresaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

One of our favorite restaurants with a great menu.

The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

4.8 (1133)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

Top review

Colonel WinstonVIP

Dined 2 days ago

A perfect location to enjoy a quiet, outstanding meal on an elegant setting where the service is always impeccable.

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Experience

The Wine Cellar at Greenhouse

The Park at 14th

4.8

4.8 (3134)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The Park at 14th is a restaurant, lounge, and event venue on four floors overlooking Franklin Square in Downtown D.C. Offering a sense of timeless elegance, beautiful views, and a warm and welcoming interior, The Park at 14th is the perfect place dining, socializing, and hosting your next event. We invite you to join us. For reservations over 10 people, please TEXT (202) 550-0300

Top review

Jalisa

Dined today

I loved the food, music, and ambiance. I will say the dress code does not seem to be as strict as I’ve heard.

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Standard BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH Reservation

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

4.8

4.8 (3050)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Middleburg

About the restaurant

Our Culinary Team highlights fresh ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont, featuring seasonal game and seafood dishes rooted in classic techniques. Enjoy optional wine pairings in The Dining Room, plus a curated selection of local and global beverages inspired by our setting in Virginia wine country.

Whether savoring an intimate four course dinner in The Dining Room or pub fare and handcrafted cocktails in The Night Fox Pub, each experience offers a distinct atmosphere and attentive service from start to finish.

Top review

Andrew

Dined 1 day ago

My wife and I brought our 7 year old in to give the 4 course a shot. We'd never been to the place. Very good service, knowledgeable and very friendly faces...just a great experience. The flavored butter reminded me of La Bibliotheque in Charlotte, NC [sadly closed] who served 4 types of flavored butter. The flavored butter here was excellent. Food was wonderful. We were both worried we were going to get so much food we'd feel cruddy leaving. I'm telling you, in my humble opinion, the portions were perfect. I had the scallops, and they were sauteed to perfection. It is pretty obvious that whoever prepped the scallops took there time with them and dried and salted them perfectly before the sear. The salad was great, the dessert Peanut butter and chocolate, how can you go wrong? I am not a fan of risotto and I hate cauliflower. I ate all of the risotto and cauliflower. I think it was the best Cauliflower I've ever had in my life, and I'm old. They had a cherry drink, cannot remember the name, but I had two of them and would have had a whole quart if I could. Next time i go in, I'll be trying the lobster.

Monocacy Crossing

4.8

4.8 (3490)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Frederick

About the restaurant

Monocacy Crossing is located off the beaten path five miles south of Frederick. As soon as you walk through our door, you relax, you're comfortable, and at home. Our menu selections and extensive wine list will satisfy everyone in your party. So come, enjoy, be our guests!

Top review

Harell

Dined 5 days ago

We had the deviled eggs and crag and corn hush puppies. They were both great. We both had the bacon wrapped filet and it was perfect. Great experience beginning to end.

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Popular dish

Garlic and Herb topped Beef Medallions

Popular dish

Pork Tenderloin

TRIO Grill

4.8

4.8 (2367)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Falls Church

About the restaurant

TRIO Grill is a modern American restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia, offering the finest steaks and freshest seafood, an extensive cocktail and spirits program and an award winning wine list. TRIO blends urban sophistication with the relaxed ambiance of a neighborhood grill. Perfect for date night, after-work drinks, or your next private dining occasion.

Top review

Karen

Dined 3 days ago

Party of 3, great service (welcoming environment from the moment that you walk in the front door and our table server was responsive and personable). We ordered appetizers(calamari-nicely seasoned, carpaccio-melted on your tongue, and garlic shrimp-tasty). I had the filet which was cooked and flavored perfectly! My guests enjoyed the scallops. Lastly, the drinks were great. I especially enjoyed the old fashion. Can’t wait to get back to Trio Grill!

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4.8

4.8 (2051)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes.
Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.

Top review

RobertVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Excellent service from Ed, excellent food, and sweet acknowledgement of our anniversary with a delicious complimentary dessert. This is our favorite Georgetown restaurant!!

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