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

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall 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!

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

5.0

5 (1694)

$50 and over

American

Lovettsville

About the restaurant

Voted 2024 #1 Northern VA Magazine - "Michelin inspectors, take note."

Sourcing food and supporting local artisan growers and producers and utilizing our farm as the chefs pantry gives us the opportunity to create an evolving menu that draws its inspiration from the seasons and in harmony with the earth. The venue has a breathtaking view and natural setting overlooking the Potomac River.

We offer a tasting menu Thursday through Sunday evenings. Please visit our website at www.patowmackfarm.com for the menu.

Weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate or special events – we strive to exceed your dreams. Innovative and skillfully executed dishes follow the lead of nature, being mindful of the environment.

Due to the style of menu on special events and holidays and the complexities involved with individual and specific food allergies, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions on those days. We make every effort to provide vegetarian and accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Top review

KenVIP

Dined 5 days ago

A magical place: an organic farm on an idyllic setting, serving the freshest, seasonal, local, organic food imaginable, brilliantly crafted by a master chef. Our server was amazing, clearly describing all of the elaborate dishes as well as answering every question we had about the area, the farm, etc. I chose it for our 25th anniversary and succeeded in impressing my hard-to-impress wife, so big success there!

The Prime Rib

4.9

4.9 (3483)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

D.C's premier steakhouse with tuxedoed waiters and a 1940s Manhattan supper-club setting since 1976. Top five romantic restaurant in America (Food and Wine magazine). Live piano nightly. Valet parking. business casual for gentlemen.

Top review

Colonel WinstonVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Henry provided outstanding service in every way, including serving two individual portions when my guest and I chose to share one dessert. He “went the extra mile” in very respect.

Persimmon

4.9

4.9 (2974)

$31 to $50

American

Bethesda

About the restaurant

Persimmon is a beloved neighborhood bistro offering up unforgettable favorites!

Bring an appetite for great food & wine!

Let's Gather & Eat!

Top review

lindaVIP

Dined on Apr 22, 2025

Fabulous vibe delicious food and great atmosphere form the owners

The Chop House Bistro

4.9

4.9 (223)

$30 and under

American

Luray

About the restaurant

Our menu features fresh, hand-selected, LOCAL and seasonal foods prepared with a progressive flair by Executive Chef Ryan Zale.
Farm to Table is the mainstay of our eating philosophy. That’s why we work with community food producers to support organic, sustainable, LOCAL farms, and put the finest, freshest foods on the table for you. We’re serious about making choices that are environmentally sound, from the food we carefully hand-select to the aprons our kitchen and wait staff wear.

Top review

Robert

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was perfect. The setting of a very quaint older home, the extremely fresh and well prepared food (there’s no salt, pepper or other seasoning in the table and there was absolutely no need for any.) the impeccably clean dining area and the friendly staff made this the perfect special evening.

Ruthie's All-Day

4.8

4.8 (3314)

$30 and under

American

Arlington

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Chad

Dined 7 days ago

RAD is always a big treat for us. A great kitchen no matter what we order!

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4.7

4.7 (1403)

$30 and under

American

Rockville

About the restaurant

Cozy neighborhood restaurant, cocktail and wine bar, serving inspired small plates in Rockville, Maryland.

Top review

Lori

Dined on Mar 1, 2025

We were here to celebrate my birthday and really enjoyed the food, cocktails, service and experience. Botanero is a favorite of mine and it didn’t disappoint. My besties really enjoyed as well.

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4.8

4.8 (6361)

$31 to $50

American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

1789 is a historic fine dining restaurant and bar located in the heart of Georgetown with a charming and elegant atmosphere. Known for its elevated American cuisine, 1789 offers a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. In addition to an exceptional menu, 1789 also boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of domestic and international wines. With its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and warm ambiance, 1789 Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the nation's capital.

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Loved our dinner at 1789. Our waiter was outstanding and overall experience was excellent!

Ada's on the River

4.8

4.8 (3992)

$30 and under

American

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

Built around a custom wood-burning oven and featuring stunning panoramic views of the Potomac River, Ada's on the River draws inspiration from the ingenuity of Ada Lovelace, one of the greatest mathematicians of the 19th century. Ada's menus feature a selection of wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood and vegetarian fare, in addition to an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list.

Top review

Ellen

Dined 2 days ago

A lovely luncheon. Staff, food, ambience. Not inexpensive, but worth every penny!

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The Duck and the Peach

4.7

4.7 (45)

$31 to $50

American

Capitol Hill

About the restaurant

The Duck & The Peach is a New American restaurant in D.C.’s Capitol Hill, inspired by the fresh flavors of California and the warmth of New England. Led by Executive Chef Katarina Petonito and Rammy's Pastry Chef of the Year Rochelle Cooper, our seasonal menu features signature dishes like rotisserie duck with watercress panzanella and elegant, handcrafted desserts.

Enjoy the full menu at our bar, offering craft cocktails and a curated wine list featuring women-made selections. Dinner is a celebration of the seasons, while our casual weekend brunch invites you to gather with friends and family. The space feels like stepping into a dear friend’s home—charming, warm, and welcoming.

Join us at The Duck & The Peach, where every meal is a meaningful celebration of food, connection, and community. Named a James Beard Finalist in 2024 and one of D.C.’s 25 best restaurants by The New York Times, we can’t wait to welcome you.

Top review

Kristina

Dined 5 days ago

The food was excellent but the service was incredibly slow. It took 20 minutes before someone even filled our water cups and took our drink orders. The duck was delicious and we enjoyed all of the sides and other things we had to eat, but overall, the meal took several hours.

Magnolias at the mill

4.8

4.8 (4456)

$31 to $50

American

Purcellville

About the restaurant

Magnolias at the Mill is a contemporary American restaurant within a restored grain mill specializing in locally grown products.

Top review

Brad

Dined on Apr 22, 2025

Very nice staff and the French onion soup and beef tip pasta were wonderful!