Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington DC

204 restaurants available nearby

1. La Chaumiere

4.8

Exceptional(4841)

Price: Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 37 times today

La Chaumière is as close as it gets to dining in a French country inn. Celebrating 48 years, La Chaumière features traditional dishes like escargots en coquille, boudin blanc, quenelles of pike, cassoulet and Grand Marnier souffle. Chef Javier's specials reflect a modern approach to seasonal produce, seafood and game with favorites like baked oysters, Dover sole and our speciality, housemate Boudin Blanc. La Chaumière has won the 100 Best Restaurants award 29 times since 1978! We will be serving Al fresco as soon as the weather permits, please reserve, outdoor space is limited. Parking is available at the Four Seasons Hotel for $30 with validation stamp.

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

2. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17196)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 275 times today

Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!

3. Olio e Più - DC

4.4

Awesome(194)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Washington

Booked 95 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.

4. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19416)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 283 times today

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

5. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.4

Awesome(1354)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 233 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.

A photo of El Centro D.F. - Georgetown restaurant

6. El Centro D.F. - Georgetown

4.5

Awesome(1979)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Mexican • Georgetown

Booked 22 times today

Chef Richard Sandoval invites you to gather, dine and raise a glass at El Centro, D.F. Authentic Mexican comfort food and fine Tequilas are served in three vibrant spaces.Reaching back to his roots, internationally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval created El Centro DF to introduce Washington DC to signature authentic Mexican flavors and traditional dishes that he grew up enjoying. The dynamic two-story restaurant in Georgetown, with a back patio, is also home to over 300 tequilas, mezcals alongside craft Mexican-inspired drinks.

7. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(10992)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 124 times today

Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.

8. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(3936)

Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 103 times today

Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.

9. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(2023)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 104 times today

Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington

A photo of Taberna del Alabardero restaurant

10. Taberna del Alabardero

4.7

Exceptional(3867)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional Spanish • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

Taberna del Alabardero is authentic in its Spanish cuisine and atmosphere. Customers rave about the 'authentic quality Spanish food' and 'outstanding, authentic cuisine'. The Spanish Chef, Oscar Ordonez, brings back the authentic Spanish Cuisine. The restaurant also offers a 'vintage' and 'royal' ambiance, as mentioned in the reviews. It's 'a piece of Spain' in the heart of Washington DC.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gustavo
Indiana •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My wife and I loved our visit to Zaytinya in DC! If you’re in downtown, you’ve got to check it out. They specialize in Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish food, and everything is meant to be shared, which makes it even more fun. The flavors were amazing, and the vibe was relaxed but still classy. Definitely try their mezze dishes—they’re so good!
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
A
Abby
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I’d suggest you make a reservation as it was a full house at 2pm on a Thursday. We were greeted promptly by our server and she checked on us regularly. The food came out timely and it was delicious. We each had alcoholic beverages, salads, an entree, cappuccinos and dessert. The bill was about $200 and I felt that was a fair price and worth it.
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Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
•
4.8
R
Roxana
Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great food and excellent service in a beautiful location.
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La ChaumierePrice: Expensive• French• Georgetown
•
4.8
M
MichelleVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
First time, and will not be the last. The food, drinks, service and ambiance were 10/10. Happened to dine on Wednesday. Who knew it was jazz night! Holiday season decor made it extra special. Great attention to details. Oh, and this is a biggie for me… the restrooms were clean!!
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La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
•
4.4
E
Emma
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Incredible service and 10/10 food! Expected standard brunch food, but was pleasantly surprised. Order the foccacia, burrata, and pork pasta!
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Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
•
4.4

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Washington DC

Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington DC

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204 restaurants available nearby

1. La Chaumiere

2. Filomena Ristorante

3. Olio e Più - DC

4. Zaytinya - DC

5. La Grande Boucherie - DC

6. El Centro D.F. - Georgetown

7. Jaleo - DC

8. Succotash PRIME

9. dLeña

10. Taberna del Alabardero

See what locals rave about

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