Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Washington DC

244 restaurants available nearby

1. Afghania

4.9

Exceptional(97)

Price: Expensive

• Afghan • Georgetown

Booked 11 times today

Our newest restaurant, Afghania is the sister restaurant to Bistro Aracosia in the Palisades neighborhood of DC, Aracosia in McLean Va and Afghan Bistro in Springfield VA. Afghania accommodates any diet and is proud of taking cooking back to its origins. Welcome to Afghania, where the Steppe of Central Asia meets the Hindu Kush and Suleiman Mountain Range, bordering South Asia. Come and enjoy the warm hospitality, exquisite flavors, and the mystery of the Afghan frontier that so many have been intrigued by.At Afghania you will enjoy some classical dishes of the warriors from the frontier. Smoked meats, vegetables full of flavor, exotic spices, exquisite flavors and aromas and unmatched hospitality are promised at Afghania.Come and enjoy dishes that date back to the early 1800’s from the Afghan Empire - Afghania.

2. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(48)

Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 28 times today

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

3. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19471)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 243 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 Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant

4. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(13871)

Price: Moderate

• American • Georgetown

Booked 69 times today

Located at Georgetown’s Washington Harbor on the Potomac River with a lively dining room, full-service bar, and a covered & heated patio, this farmer-owned restaurant is open 365 days a year serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and a decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch. Everything is made from scratch with simple, high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they know and trust. Expansive menus include an array of seafood dishes, sushi, pizzas, tacos, decadent desserts, Founding Farmers Chocolates, classic and tiki cocktails featuring spirits from their DC-based distillery, Founding Spirits. You can also swing by for a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from their First Bake Cafe. Mission driven and operating Through The Eyes Of The Farmer,™ they actively care about their guests, communities, and the planet. This all comes together in their friendly neighborhood restaurant.

A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.5

Awesome(34495)

Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 222 times today

Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday neighborhood restaurant.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

6. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1198)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 47 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant

7. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4.5

Awesome(618)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Georgetown

Booked 27 times today

A contemporary culinary destination where innovative design meets impeccable service. Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, CUT by Wolfgang Puck presents a fine-dining experience featuring the finest selections of beef, complemented by fresh, locally inspired dishes that embody the vibrant spirit of Washington, D.C.The restaurant boasts two iconic bars: one at the entrance, providing a stylish and inviting setting for pre-dinner drinks, and a second atop the hotel, offering breathtaking city views alongside a menu of bespoke cocktails, curated wines, and craft beers. For private gatherings, our exclusive 14-seat dining room provides an intimate space for celebrations, meetings, or special occasions.To ensure an exceptional experience for all guests, we request 24 hours' notice for cancellations, as late changes may result in a $25/person fee. Guests are welcome to bring their own wines (not featured on our extensive list), with a corkage fee of $45 per bottle or $90 per magnum.

A photo of Bourbon Steak - Four Seasons Washington DC restaurant

8. Bourbon Steak - Four Seasons Washington DC

4.7

Exceptional(3882)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Georgetown

Booked 68 times today

Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC invites you to discover a distinctive fine dining steakhouse in the heart of Georgetown featuring lunch and dinner menus.

9. Kyojin Sushi

4.6

Exceptional(437)

Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Washington

Booked 59 times today

Join us for RAMW Winter Restaurant Week! Experience our four-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Menu available January 27th - February 2nd.Welcome to KYOJIN, an extraordinary culinary experience curated by Chef Saran Kannasute. Located in Cady's Alley of Georgetown, Washington, D.C., KYOJIN is the flagship restaurant and joining sibling to the acclaimed YUME Sushi.Blending non-traditional Japanese expertise with Thai roots and refined French techniques, KYOJIN offers an unforgettable sensory journey. Our imaginative Asian-inspired cocktail menu is thoughtfully designed to enhance this dining experience, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Asia.With its inviting ambiance, intimate sushi bar, and elegant private dining areas, KYOJIN delivers sophistication, and takes guests on a memorable journey through extraordinary flavors.

10. Ruthie's All-Day

4.8

Exceptional(3219)

Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 102 times today

The menu follows a Southern-fried meat-and-three concept, meaning diners order a meat, plus three sides. Those will include Ruthie’s mac and cheese, of course, but also white-soy-braised greens, stewed chickpeas and smoked cauliflower with a spicy soy glaze. “We’re going to be changing it a lot based on seasonality,” Hill says of the menu. “ Every vegetable has got to be fantastic because it has to stand on its own.” One thing that will help that: Hill is already growing all of the restaurant’s own herbs at his South Arlington community garden plot.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Charles
Las Vegas •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent service. Allowed additional food items to be added to nachos! Nachos were phenomenal! Tacos were fire! Some of the food is pretty spicy and I like spicy food but asking for sour cream helped. Great service. Didn’t wait long for food. Would definitely go back.
More info
Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
R
Robbin
Central Kentucky •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wonderful food and service was great. Always a favorite and fun place to eat at
More info
The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4
Z
Zoë
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 12, 2025
Amazing amazing food and experience. Staff was very patient with us considering we came close to closing time, and we really appreciated it because the food was life-changing!!
More info
EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.7
H
HETAL
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on Jan 11, 2025
Substitutions were not welcome , but they did have a ton of choices
More info
Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
•
4.4
H
Holly
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
There is a lot of great choices on the menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet (mostly because we dined on a holiday, but I am certain if we dined on a normal day it would’ve been lively and energetic). Our server was wonderful, and the food was great. The pizzas are great to share among 2 people as they are individual pizzas with 6 sizeable slices. The pastas a generous portion and fit the price. They do add gratuity (tip) to the bill & leave you the option to add more. Overall the experience was wonderful and I would recommend and go again.
More info
Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Washington DC

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Washington DC

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

244 restaurants available nearby

1. Afghania

2. SHIA Restaurant

3. Zaytinya - DC

4. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

6. Caruso's Grocery - DC

7. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

8. Bourbon Steak - Four Seasons Washington DC

9. Kyojin Sushi

10. Ruthie's All-Day

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable