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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

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187 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(29760)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 374 times today
Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.
A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17217)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 266 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!
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(273)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 17 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.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19444)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 300 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 Bresca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(884)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor
Booked 85 times today
Bresca offers A La Carte and Tasting Menu options! Parties of 5 or more will be required to do our Chef's Tasting Menu. We are a Contemporary French restaurant and cocktail bar located in the bustling 14th Street neighborhood. Our team explores the finest in seasonal ingredients paired with genuine hospitality.
A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant
4.5
Awesome(34478)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foggy Bottom
Booked 225 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 The Hamilton restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(11866)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 198 times today
The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.
A photo of The Park at 14th restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2927)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 81 times today
The Park at 14th is a restaurant, lounge, and event venue on four floors overlooking Franklin Square in Downtown D.C. Offering a sense of timeless elegance, beautiful views, and a warm and welcoming interior, The Park at 14th is the perfect place dining, socializing, and hosting your next event. We invite you to join us. For reservations over 10 people, please TEXT (202) 550-0300
A photo of The Pembroke restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1957)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Dupont Circle
Booked 71 times today
The Pembroke is a neighborhood gem, situated in the heart of Dupont Circle. With its stunning design, featuring plush velvet banquettes and cream-paneled walls, it provides panoramic views of the neighborhood. The restaurant has received rave reviews for its outstanding cuisine, with many customers praising its great ambiance and exceptional service. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'wonderful venue, well appointed with leather banquettes, comfortable seating, and a fantastic chic vibe.'
A photo of Tabard Inn restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3801)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 74 times today
Tabard Inn is a neighborhood gem in Dupont Circle, known for its eclectic menu created daily from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'hidden gem' with a 'wonderful menu and impeccable service.' The ambiance is described as 'cozy', 'quaint', and 'historic', with 'excellent food' and a 'great value'. Many reviewers also appreciate the 'attentive and discreet service' which adds to the overall positive experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rachel
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    An absolutely incredible and unforgettable Michelin Star experience.
    More info
    The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
    4.7
  • Anne
    Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Service was wonderful, all were very attentive! Suggested great pastas that I would love and paired with the best wine! Lovely especially with the Christmas decor still up. Everyone was having a good time.
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    4.8
  • Mick
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great time and good food as usual. Disappointing in that it was my 37th anniversary and I had mentioned it in my reservation. Nothing from the restaurant. Maybe I expected too much.
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Hunter
    Houston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was probably the best experience I’ve had at Old Ebbitt Grill. We got seated in the bar area, which was warm and comforting on a cold, snowy night. Our waiter was awesome…incredible competent with just the right amount of sass. The food was amazing…everything we ate was delicious. And the company was wonderful. I can’t wait for others to come into town to take them here.
    More info
    Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    4.8
  • LauraVIP
    Atlanta Metro •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 1, 2025
    Our recent visit to Founding Farmers was exceptional, offering a delightful culinary journey that pleased the entire family. We began by sharing the Buttermilk Biscuits and a medley of autumn vegetables. The biscuits were impressively large, featuring a crunchy exterior that gave way to a soft, fluffy center—truly a perfect start to our meal. For the main courses: •Youngest Son: Opted for the Sirloin Chili, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The chili boasted a balanced spiciness, making it both flavorful and approachable. •Mom: Chose the Goat Cheese Ravioli & Chicken Cutlet, a dish accompanied by butternut squash purée and pecan praline butter. The combination was exquisite, earning a solid 9.7/10 for its harmonious flavors and presentation.  •Dad: Selected the Farmhouse Platter, which included fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, baby cheeseburgers, street corn, and coleslaw. He cleared his plate, a testament to the meal’s excellence.  •Teenager: Enjoyed the Meatloaf & Gravy, served with mashed potatoes and green beans. He expressed high praise for the dish, noting its rich flavor and satisfying portion.  Even the house-made sodas were delightful, adding a refreshing touch to our dining experience. Our waiter, Anthony, provided outstanding service, enhancing our meal with his attentive and friendly demeanor. The food was so impressive that we decided to purchase the restaurant’s cookbook to recreate some of the dishes at home. Founding Farmers offers a warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a dining experience we highly recommend and look forward to repeating.
    More info
    Founding Farmers DC: Foggy BottomPrice: Moderate• American• Foggy Bottom
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Discover the hidden culinary treasures in Columbia Heights / Brightwood, a vibrant neighborhood in the Washington, D.C. area renowned for its unique dining scene. Here, neighborhood gems offer an array of dining options that reflect the diverse culture and history of the area. Each restaurant featured on this page stands out for its commitment to quality, atmosphere, and exceptional service, making them must-visit spots for both locals and tourists alike. These establishments pride themselves on offering distinctive menus that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, often highlighting local ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The dining scene in Columbia Heights / Brightwood is characterized by its warm, welcoming ambiance, making it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a memorable meal in a less explored part of the city. Whether you're in the mood for an intimate dinner, a casual eatery, or a sophisticated dining experience, this neighborhood promises to deliver with charm and excellence.

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