Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Kensington

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodIndianMexicanComfort Food

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArlingtonBethesdaDupont CircleKensingtonLogan CircleMount Vernon Square

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine winesGreat for outdoor dining

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

1. District Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(63)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Kensington

Booked 5 times today

District Bistro,Located at 11230 Grandview Ave, offers classic American Cuisine utilizing simple, high quality ingredients from local farm Co-ops and Creameries in Pennsylvania. Founded and headed by Chef Pedro Matamoros who has been crafting spectacular American cuisine for the past 30 years in locations such as the Tabard Inn, Nicaro, 8407 Kitchen Bar, Bluebird Cocktail Room in Baltimore and more. After Embarking on the journey to create Franks Burger Place in Wheaton with his two sons, Marlon and Derek Matamoros. Chef Pedro, Inspired by his love of cooking and community, Fell upon the opportunity to Bring to Wheaton what he believed was missing, a casual Eatery to enjoy great food, and classic hand crafted cocktails.

A photo of Passage to India - Bethesda restaurant

2. Passage to India - Bethesda

4.6

Exceptional(818)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Indian • Bethesda

Booked 3 times today

Passage to India serves a great selection of Indian food in an elegant decor, reminiscent of the dining rooms of the Maharajahs. Chef Sudhir Seth introduced the concept of Regional Cuisines of the Indian subcontinent and showcases food from all over India with local ingredients and home blended spices. The restaurant is located on Cordell Ave, just 3 blocks from the Bethesda metro (Red Line).

A photo of City Perch Kitchen + Bar – North Bethesda restaurant

3. City Perch Kitchen + Bar – North Bethesda

4.3

Awesome(1184)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Dining Bar • North Bethesda

Booked 19 times today

City Perch Kitchen + Bar offers seasonal American dining served up with the freshest local ingredients. Explore our sophisticated beverage program with inspired, handcrafted mixology.

4. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(2148)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 78 times today

dLeña is a vibrant restaurant in Washington D.C. that invites you to explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Step into a warm space illuminated by wood-fired ovens and adorned with Latin American art. Savor a culinary journey with fresh, local ingredients, starting with their signature guacamole, a blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Continue your adventure with ceviches, aguachiles, and wood-fired specialties like Tomahawk steak and Wagyu Steak a la Piedra. dLeña's menu caters to all tastes, featuring pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian options. Pair your meal with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're after a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a late-night gathering, dLeña's trendy ambiance and attentive service promise an unforgettable experience. Join them for a taste of Mexico's vibrant culture and culinary artistry.

5. The Dabney

4.8

Exceptional(314)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 21 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

6. Mallard

4.8

Exceptional(148)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Logan Circle

Booked 25 times today

At Mallard, Chef Johnson will apply classic and global techniques to the culinary traditions of the south while incorporating the best local and regional ingredients available. Undergirding it all will be a sense of hospitality rooted in Johnson’s memories of the family table. Mallard’s menu will range from Chef Johnson’s take on classics like Shrimp and Grits with Smoked Pork, Piquillo Peppers, and Tabasco-Shellfish Nage and Wild-Caught Blue Catfish with Poached Oysters, Summer Corn, and Smoked Trout Roe to new creations like Seared Sea Scallops with Cracklin’ Cornbread, Charred Peaches and Dandelion Greens and Crisp Berkshire Pork Trotters with Ramp Chow Chow, Sunny-Side-Up Egg, and Edisto Island Grits. Dessert options include Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Rhubarb and Almond Shortbread and Banana Puddin’ with Cracker Jacks and Nilla Wafers.

7. Floriana

4.7

Exceptional(3881)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 33 times today

Floriana offers authentic Italian recipes with handmade pastas in the most comfortable of environments. Located in DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, in a historic brick stone row house that has been converted into a cozy restaurant, but hasn't given up the feel of coming over to someones home for dinner. Offering a seasonal menu of fresh and local ingredients Floriana has developed a reputation for consistent, high quality, authentic, feel good dishes at a great value. Our pledge of superior service is matched only by our ability to make every guest feel welcome and comfortable when joining us for a DC dining experience.We pay special attention to every guest that chooses Floriana.

A photo of Mikko Nordic Fine Food restaurant

8. Mikko Nordic Fine Food

4.8

Exceptional(126)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Nordic • Dupont Circle

Booked 17 times today

The Nordic Experience - MIKKO is the place to try an array of modern, healthy dishes while experiencing the intimate and comfortable environment Chef Mikko easily creates. And he cooks for others. His versatile cuisine is complemented by his innate ability to develop genuine relationships with whoever enjoys his meals.Local Ingredients and International Flavor. Rye, seafood, mushrooms, berries, and roots form the fundamentals of Nordic food. Each dish Chef Mikko prepares is an elegant combination of traditional and modern influence. Nordic fare is unique in its simple, yet versatile, presentation. Using traditional cooking techniques such as curing, smoking and pickling, every plate delivers a distinct and refined taste.Looking forward to seeing you at MIKKO!

9. New Heights

4.6

Exceptional(1496)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Woodley Park

Booked 8 times today

New Heights Restaurant, led by Michelin-nominated Chef Jose Molina, offers an unparalleled dining experience where contemporary elegance meets classic flavors. Nestled in the heart of the city, our menu showcases the finest local ingredients, artfully crafted under Chef Molina’s celebrated culinary expertise. From farm-fresh produce to sustainably sourced seafood, each dish is a testament to his dedication to innovation and flavor, perfectly complemented by an extensive selection of wines and craft cocktails. Whether you're joining us for a sophisticated dinner, or a private event, New Heights is where Chef Molina's award-worthy creations elevate every occasion. Experience the art of dining above the ordinary—where each meal truly reaches new heights.** Please note that our historic building does not have an elevator and that our Dining Room is only accessible by staircase **

A photo of District Bites at District E restaurant

10. District Bites at District E

3.7

Very Good(83)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 2 times today

District Bites is a full service bar and restaurant, featuring a scratch made menu made from local ingredients, on premise restaurant for District E Powered by Ticketmaster. Centrally located in the historic Chinatown neighborhood of downtown Washington, D.C., District E Powered by Ticketmaster, is located adjacent to Capital One Arena, the home arena for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals. District E Powered by Ticketmaster is the flagship venue for esports and entertainment on the east coast, and offers a unique and immersive experience for esports as well as fans of events at Capital One Arena.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MichaelVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •42 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Perfect, beginning to end. A small thing among the many things: best papadam ever.
More info
Passage to India - BethesdaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Bethesda
•
4.6
KW
KristieWVIP
Las Vegas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing food! Amazing ambiance! Attractive crowd! Would def recommend
More info
dLeñaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
L
Lois
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was our second visit to The Dabney and it was just as good as the first time. The food is amazing, beautiful and delicious beyond belief. The staff is so attentive in a good way and explains each course (we did the tasting menu). We sat by the kitchen and it was great to watch the fire, the cooking, the careful prep of each plate and the camaraderie between kitchen and serving staff. It’s expensive and we can’t do this often, but it was worth the splurge.
More info
The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Overall, it was great. My only slight criticism is that I had to ask for condiments, such as sugar, for my coffee and ketchup for my fries, and that was the worst. You are doing great. The server was excellent as well.
More info
City Perch Kitchen + Bar – North BethesdaPrice: Moderate• Dining Bar• North Bethesda
•
4.3
M
Monica
Washington, D.C. Area •66 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
Delicious food, great service, and relaxed ambience
More info
District BistroPrice: Moderate• Bistro• Kensington
•
4.6

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