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

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Muoi Tieu

4.9

4.9 (28)

$30 and under

Vietnamese

Silver Spring

About the restaurant

Open Mon/Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun, closed Tues/Wed. Muoi Tieu is a cozy family-run Vietnamese restaurant and market in the heart of Takoma Park, Maryland, with a small but carefully curated menu that offers a combination of popular Vietnamese dishes (e.g., pho, spring rolls) and less common home-style dishes (e.g., braised pork belly, pan-fried fish with ginger nuoc cham) with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Our small market also offers a variety of common Vietnamese condiments, pantry items, and Asian snacks. Like our name, which means "salt and pepper" in Vietnamese, our concept is simple: we want to bring classic, savory Vietnamese food to our community.

Top review

Barbara

Dined on Apr 17, 2025

Began with raw fish (2) and vegan salads to share. Mains were the duck, steak and one of the fish. Favorite is the beef pho but that will need to wait for the next visit.

Eatopia Eatery

4.9

4.9 (25)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

MarniVIP

Dined on Apr 4, 2025

The food was delicious and authentic. (Although I do not like eating without utensils). Give it a try!

Vaso's Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (190)

$30 and under

Greek

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Vaso's Kitchen serves Greek, Italian Cuisine, located in a quaint Alexandria neighborhood.

Top review

brian

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

Too many wonderful options to choose from but Vaso’s Greek shrimp is a delicious choice.

Pinstripes - Bethesda

4.8

4.8 (228)

$30 and under

American

North Bethesda

About the restaurant

Pinstripes: Where Sophisticated Fun Meets Exquisite Dining. With over 30,000 square feet of entertainment space, indulge in scratch-made Italian-American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a robust wine list. Enjoy our weekday happy hour from 3-6pm, or don't miss our famous bottomless brunch buffet on weekends. Experience modern bowling and bocce with full-service dining and entertainment options. Perfect for corporate gatherings, celebrations, or family events, our versatile spaces accommodate parties of 20 to 1000 guests. Book your unforgettable experience today!

Top review

Diana

Dined on Mar 29, 2025

The weekend buffet is like none other. Fresh and attractively arranged foods, with eager-to-please servers and staff. My husband and I partake often, and love to invite others with us so they can also enjoy this wonderful culinary experience.

Fitzgerald's

4.8

4.8 (92)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Fitzgerald's is a cocktail-centric restaurant and bar located in Georgetown with an inviting club chair lounge, intimate tables perfect for date night, and a beautifully welcoming bar well stocked with your favorite spirits. The restaurant's menu features a fusion of American and international cuisine, with dishes that are both innovative and uniquely flavorful. Fitzgerald's also boasts an extensive beverage menu, with expertly crafted cocktails and a long wine list that is sure to impress.

Top review

Greg

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Intimate upscale bar with a small bites menu and access to the menu from 1789 next door. Great cocktail selection served by an excellent staff. Definitely recommended.

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Experience

Wednesday - Saturday | 5 - 6:30 pm

Emmy Squared Pizza – Old Town

4.8

4.8 (370)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Serving Detroit-style pizzas and an award-winning burger. Full service bar, local drafts & wine selection.

Top review

bhavisha

Dined 5 days ago

Loved the pizza, it was so so good. Would go there again.

Mele Bistro

4.7

4.7 (1671)

$31 to $50

Italian

Arlington

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mele Bistro/Restaurant

The place where creativity starts in the kitchen.

Now, Mele Bistro is offering you

the World Class Butcher Menu with

Fantastic Digestion & Flavor with Variety of All-Natural Wagyu Steaks with 50% Wagu Crossed with Black Angus, and Variety of All-Natural North American Steaks with 12 months of Grass-Fed, 8 Months of Grains, and 3 Weeks of Corn Diet. This is "Mele Bistro" Where Veal Flown Directly from France Just for You with Overnight Hawaiian Fish & Our Homemade Pastas with No Eggs (Except Ravioli), 100% Grass Fed Lamb Farm-To-Table, Chicken & Duck with 100% Vegetarian Diet.

We Do It Because You Deserve the Best & We Are Different from Others.

1723 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209

Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 4:30 pm -10:00 pm

Happy New Year

&

Many More to Come

***Tables will be kept for 15 minutes after the reservation time***

Top review

Sidney

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

Exceptional! The service was by far the best part of our experience, and I would highly recommend Mele to anyone. The pasta dishes were flavorful but not too rich. Awesome wine selection, and very fairly priced

Murphy's Grand Irish Pub

4.7

4.7 (379)

$30 and under

European

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

---- IF FOR SOME REASON, ALL RESERVATIONS SLOTS ARE GONE, PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ONLY ALLOW FOR 30% OF OUR ENTIRE RESTAURANT TO BE RESERVED AT ANY ONE TIME TO ALLOW ROOM FOR WALK-INS ----
Opened in 1978 and located in the heart of historic Old Town, Alexandria, Murphy's Grand Irish Pub is one of Alexandria's best-loved and most inviting restaurants. Murphy's offers an extensive menu and top-class traditional cuisine in the welcoming ambiance of its cozy settings.

A short 10-15-minute drive from the nation's capital, this landmark establishment is located at the main intersection in Old Town, King & Washington.

Today, the tradition of great food and drink remains as steadfast as when the doors first opened back in 1978

Murphy's has Live Irish Music seven nights a week and on weekends, on both floors.

Top review

WilliamVIP

Dined on Apr 27, 2025

Brunch at Murphy's is always a treat--very consistently good food at a great price in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Rosemary Bistro Cafe

4.7

4.7 (545)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Friendship Heights

About the restaurant

Rosemary Bistro Cafe is a restaurant based in Washington, D.C. that serves classic French-based cuisine. All our menu offerings prepared using the freshest ingredients. If you’re looking for a cozy dining experience in the D.C. area, come by our restaurant today.

Top review

ChristineVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The endive salad was delicious. Service was prompt and pleasant. I'll go back!

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Popular dish

French Onion Soup

Sapodilla's Caribbean Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (9)

$31 to $50

Caribbean

Washington

About the restaurant

Come and experience a higher level of authentic Caribbean cuisine. Indulge in the vibrant flavors traditions of the Caribbean. Our menu offers a wide range of dishes, from our famous succulent curries, to our aromatic jerk chicken marinated in tantalizing spices. All born and curated from tradition. Family owned and operated, once you’ve visited Sapodilla’s, you become part of the family. Sapodilla’s is not just a restaurant; it’s a welcoming home where every customer becomes part of the family. Their story reflects the power of determination, passion, and family values in achieving success and building a lasting legacy. Marva, Wilken Kitt and their family’s journey from Guyana to the United States is a testament to their courage and entrepreneurial spirit. Samantha’s passion for food and her dedication to preserving her family’s legacy recipes led to the creation of Sapodilla’s Caribbean Restaurant.

Top review

Christian Michael

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

Excellent food, excellent vibes, excellent service! Looking forward to going back soon!

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