Where To Eat In Washington?
A surprising item that we discovered about Washington was the availability of diverse and excellent restaurants ! It was a pleasant surprise.
On further thought given the number of power brokers and foreign embassy’s in the city it makes sense to have great dining options !
Here are our top five dining experiences in Washington.
Top Five Restaurants In Washington:
1. Le Diplomate ( Brunch )
2. Rasika ( Dinner )
3. Kith and Kin ( Dinner )
4. Oyamel Cocina Mexicana ( Lunch )
5. Thip Khao Restaurant ( Dinner)
Honourable Mentions
Most of the restaurants we tried in Washington were excellent. Two honorary mentions that didn’t make the top five but would definitely make my top 10 !
1. Zenebech ( Lunch )
2. Unconventional Diner ( Brunch )
Brunch At Le Diplomate
We went to Le Diplomate on our fourth day in Washington for Brunch . More about our fourth day here .
Le Diplomate had lots of reviews and was on many top restaurant lists in Washington. We had to wait about 20 minutes before we got a table .
The restaurant was crowded and seats close together however the food more than made up for it !
We had French toast with fois gras , two egg based dishes , creme brûlée , mimosas and two type of coffe drinks . All the dishes had fancy names that I can’t recall .
The food was exquisite. Excellent technique and flavours . Will definitely go back and still remember fondly .
Rasika
We had dinner at Rasika on our second day . We were craving spicy food and Rasika was one of the Indian restaurants that was on multiple restaurant rankings .
We made a late reservation and walked to the restaurant. It was decorated like a fancy Indian restaurant .
We ordered a kale chips dish the restaurant is famous for and were thoroughly impressed .
We also had kebabs, briyani , butter chicken and creme Brûlée with an Indian twist . We enjoyed all the dishes and freshness of the ingredients.
Rasika is on the expensive side but worth it if you are craving quality Indian food !
Kith and Kin
We took an Uber to get to Kith and Kin- one of the most recommended restaurants in DC in 2019 . We also picked because the type of food had African / Jamaican and New Orleans influences. We love spicy and southern food !
We had to sit at the bar since we were last minute and that was cool with us . The bar tender was not friendly at all . He just ignored us for most part . Not even a smile . We found it to be strange and a bit off putting. I don’t think I ever had such crappy service anywhere else .
The restaurant was beautifully and expensively decorated . It also looks over the water . Couldn’t beat the views !
The food came and it was well made . The flavours were also unique. We definitely enjoyed the dishes and the cocktails. Just wished the service was warmer .
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
On our third day in Washington DC we were feeling like having Mexican food for lunch so looked up a restaurant near by our hotel and walked to Oyamel . We picked based on reviews .
The place did not disappoint! We were seated quickly and the food was delicious. We had fresh guacamole, tacos, potatoes and dessert . All the dishes were excellent. I am very picky about Mexican food and I was satisfied . Recommend if you are craving Mexican food.
Thip Khao Restaurant
Kesavan picked out Thip Khao – A Laotian restaurant. Found the food to be similar to Thai/Vietnam food . Good place and an enjoyable meal . We had Thai iced tea , a curry , chicken wings , patty of some sort , fried rice and mango based dessert . If you are craving for spicy and fresh food this is it . I was just amazed with diversity in Washington’s dining options.
Zenebech
We had Ethiopian food for lunch on our second day at Zenebech. An Ethiopian restaurant in Adams Morgan .
Zenebech is decorated with authentic pieces and cozy seating . My phone battery was dead and they offered to charge it for me . Friendly and warm service!
We had a sambusa ( it’s very similar to a samosa) for appetizer, curries and injera and Ethiopian coffee . The food was flavourful and delicious. We truly enjoyed our experience.
Unconventional Diner
Our first meal in Washington was at Unconventional Diner . We didn’t have a reservation so was only able to get spots on the counter .
The brunch was very delicious. The dishes well thought out and ingredients fresh . The restaurant was recommended by my husband’s friend . The crowd at the restaurant felt educated and sophisticated. Not sure if my views were biased or if that really was the case .
Conclusion
Till I visited Washington DC I had no idea what an incredible place it was for dining options. The number of diverse and quality restaurants just blew me away ! It is rare a large city like this would have so many restaurants that live up to its reviews .
Worth visiting just for the dining options! Washington DC – truly impressed by your dining options.