14 Best Restaurants in NW Washington, DC

When it comes to finding the perfect spot to indulge in exquisite cuisine, the NW quadrant of Washington, DC stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. An array of restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience, tantalize the taste buds and delight the senses! As longtime residents and seasoned real estate agents, we are privileged to enjoy the area's offerings, and to guide you through our curated selection of the best restaurants that Washington, DC has to offer.

While restaurants constantly change in the nation’s capital, these nine restaurants currently find themselves at the forefront of the city’s culinary scene.

Located along bustling 14th Street, Bresca stands out from the crowd with its unique blend of neighborhood charm and refined dining experience. The ambience is one of contemporary elegance, featuring splashes of gold, a living wall crafted from moss, and design elements from whimsical and surreal. Service is attentive and professional, with a genuine warmth that complements the dining experience. You can choose between a three-, four-, and six-course menu while sharing dishes like Bresca’s famous carrot cappelletti. 

In the heart of Shaw, the Dabney is renowned for its farm-to-table concept and innovative approach to American cuisine. Led by Chef Jeremiah Langhorne, this Michelin-starred restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience with every visit. The main draw is the eight-course tasting menu, which is filled with surprises and should be on anyone’s list in DC. The cozy interior and brick fireplace are perfect for snowy winter nights.

Chef Ryan Ratino's ambitious restaurant above Bresca offers an unparalleled dining experience in D.C. Expect beauty and boldness, from exquisite cutlery to top-rated seafood and meat sourced from Japan. Delight in delicate tarts with wagyu tartare, grilled sawara with beet and pomegranate sauce, and a striking king crab rice cooked in a donabe. Dessert is equally exceptional, presented at its own counter with a treasure box of mignardises. Throughout the experience, enjoy a high-energy playlist alongside a dedicated team committed to ensuring guests have an enjoyable time.

Kinship, led by Chef Kwame Onwuachi, is a vibrant celebration of global flavors with an African twist. Their ever-changing menu is an exciting adventure, where dishes might feature braised pork belly vindaloo or crispy Jerusalem artichokes with yuzu kosho broth. Chef Onwuachi's heritage shines through in innovative creations, offering a unique and delicious perspective on modern American cuisine. Expect a stylish yet comfortable setting, perfect for an unforgettable meal bursting with bold and unexpected flavors.

It’s easy to miss Maydan from the street, but once you’ve found the place, you’ll discover a culinary oasis in DC’s bustling U-Street corridor. The immersive interior centers around a fiery hearth, and the menu draws inspiration from ancient traditions of open-fire cooking. From the tender Lamb Shoulder to the aromatic Grilled Eggplant, each dish at Maydan is a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition.

After being closed for over a year, minibar reopened in October 2021 and has regained its status as D.C.’s best. Less a restaurant than an exclusive tasting room, minibar comprises a few seats at a bar facing an open kitchen. The food is Japanese-inspired and incorporates premium ingredients like truffle and A4 wagyu. The servers are highly considerate and encourage interactions between the dining party and the chefs. That’s not even mentioning the lighting or the wine pairings — make reservations and taste for yourself.

Hindi and Sanskrit for “queen,” Rania offers a suitably royal dining experience. The menu fuses modern techniques with unexpected twists, blurring stereotypes of what an Indian restaurant is and can be. The four-course prix-fixe menu, available Tuesday through Saturday, is a fan-favorite — it includes savory vegetable dishes, lamb, curry, and beef options. Remember to make reservations. You can dine in the main dining room, the Passage to India room, the Sundowner Bar, or the Sheesh Mahal room. 

Situated in Adams Morgan, Tail Up Goat showcases Mediterranean flavors that unfold at a relaxed pace as part of the head chef’s four-course prix fixe. The warmly lit dining room is perfect for enjoying dishes like the succulent Lamb Ribs or the delicate Ricotta Cavatelli. Wines are listed according to their color, season, and concept — ask your server which wine or cocktail pairs best with your meal. You won’t be disappointed.

Step into the elegant dining space adorned with contemporary décor and warm lighting, evoking the vibrant spirit of Spanish culture. Xiquet offers an authentic taste of Valencia, Spain, with a modern twist. While the menu varies, you can expect traditional Valencian flavors with innovative interpretations. Pair your meal with a selection from the extensive Spanish wine list, curated to complement the bold flavors of each dish. 

Washington has a unique collection of international restaurants — here are five favorites.

Embracing the charm of a French bistro, Le Diplomate exudes elegance and sophistication. Located on 14th Street NW, this acclaimed restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring classic French dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. From their delectable Steak Frites to the mouthwatering Escargots, every bite at Le Diplomate is a culinary journey through the streets of Paris. The menu is consistent, and the faux-Parisian dining room is versatile enough to accommodate almost any occasion.

Located on the Georgetown waterfront, Fiola Mare offers a luxurious dining experience that celebrates the bounty of the sea. From the exquisite Crudo Bar to the sumptuous Lobster Ravioli, every dish at Fiola Mare showcases the freshest seafood sourced from coast to coast. Order the fabulous seafood tower for the table or go for more modestly proportioned dishes like ricotta ravioli or the soup of the day. With panoramic views of the Potomac River, this elegant restaurant sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure. 

Rasika is an award-winning Indian restaurant with two locations in NW Washington DC. The West End address has a roomy patio and a lively dining room, whereas the Penn Quarter restaurant’s interior sets a romantic vibe with dim lighting and reflective glass and metal accents. Rasika captivates diners with its bold flavors and artistic presentations. Whether savoring the iconic Palak Chaat or indulging in the fragrant Chicken Tikka Masala, each dish at Rasika is a masterpiece that celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian flavors.

Situated in the charming Bloomingdale neighborhood, The Red Hen is a cozy Italian trattoria known for its warm hospitality and delectable fare. On a list of vaunted dining destinations, this restaurant humbly answers all your culinary questions. You can sit at the bar one day and return with guests to the brick-walled dining room. From their house-made pasta to their wood-fired pizzas, every dish is prepared with love and attention to detail, making it a beloved neighborhood staple. Remember to leave room for dessert.

Elevate your sushi experience at Sushi Taro, a refined Japanese restaurant hidden in a private room. Make reservations — the intimate counter seats only two parties per night, each with a dedicated sushi master. The menu showcases rare ingredients not to be found at your average sushi restaurant. With its serene ambiance and impeccable service, Sushi Taro promises an unforgettable dining experience that transports diners to the bustling streets of Tokyo.

NW Washington, DC boasts a diverse and dynamic culinary scene that caters to every palate and preference. Whether you're craving the bold flavors of Indian cuisine or the refined elegance of French fare, the restaurants in NW Washington DC offer an unparalleled dining experience certain to satisfy the most discerning of tastes. As you explore the vibrant neighborhoods of NW Washington, DC, allow Fleisher Arrowood to assist you in finding the perfect place to call home.

Contact Fleisher Arrowood to discover your dream home in NW Washington, DC today!