Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Taste of Old Country

5.0

5 (107)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Manassas

About the restaurant

Taste of Old Country provides a truly unique artisan bistro & market experience combining the world of food service, private events & retail gourmet food shopping, all under one roof. Home of the Mega Platter, a Mediterranean themed charcuterie board as well as a variety of small bites, artisan panini's, salads, pizza and desserts, you will definitely have a Taste of Old Country, where everything starts and ends with good food, wine, hospitality and friends.

Our bistro wine bar is ideal for a date night, lunch meeting, friends/social/family gatherings or to host smaller corporate/private events. While our culinary wonders cater to all pallets we kindly recommend and welcome our dining experience to adults and older family groups, as our space is not suited for infants or young children.

Conveniently located 1 mile off Exit 47 on I-66 in Balls Ford Center, across the street from the Holiday Inn on Balls Ford Rd.

Top review

Fermina

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

The restaurant is super cute and very clean. The staff was welcoming and friendly. The food was very good. The wine was tasty. I really enjoyed seeing the products that were sold there.

Afghan Bistro

4.9

4.9 (1377)

$30 and under

Afghan

Springfield

About the restaurant

Afghan Bistro, located in Springfield, VA provides guests an authentic Afghan cuisine with a modern flair.

Top review

ChristineVIP

Dined 2 days ago

This is one of my favorite places. The specials were very good. I've never had anything I didn't like.

Discover more

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas

4.8

4.8 (1031)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Manassas

About the restaurant

Carmello's Of Old Town Manassas is a family owned and operated restaurant in Historic Manassas, which specializes in Contemporary Cuisine with Italian and Portuguese Fusion. The restaurant features a seasonal menus with locally sourced items from local farms. We are proud to be featured as one of the 50 best restaurants in Northern Virginia By Northern Virginia Magazine.

To accompany your dinner, select from our 2010-2023 Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List. Come try our extensive Portuguese wine list and taste for yourself what everyone will be talking about. We currently carry over 75 Portuguese wines from such regions as Alentejo, Douro, Doa, Estremadura, and Vinho Verde. Our list of Portuguese wines is one of the finest in the DC Metropolitan area and is comparable to many of the top Portuguese wine lists in the America.

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined 6 days ago

This was our first visit to Carmello’s. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. My only criticism is that for first-timers, and in the rain, it was very difficult to find. There needs to be a sign perpendicular to the business like so many others have along the street.

Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez Francois

4.9

4.9 (2455)

$31 to $50

French

Great Falls

About the restaurant

Restaurants in Alsace traditionally have a formal main dining room as well as a casual dining room known locally as a weinstube or brasserie. At the brasserie, diners may enjoy traditional, hearty Alsatian dishes in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. These friendly establishments are immensely popular with Alsatians and visiting them is always the best part of my trips back to Alsace. I opened Jacques' Brasserie at L'Auberge Chez François to bring the tastes and comforts of the Alsatian brasserie to Great Falls.

Top review

Martin

Dined 1 day ago

The food was delicious. The service was great. The prices were very reasonable. We had Lobster Thermidor, Veal Scallopini, and the Chocolate Soufflé. Everything was perfect!

Causa

4.9

4.9 (57)

$50 and over

Peruvian

Shaw

About the restaurant

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.

Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.

If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking.

Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

Top review

Haley

Dined 2 days ago

My fiancé and I had an amazing experience dining here. The food was outstanding, but so was everything else. The attention to detail was impressive. As soon as we stepped through the door, we were given a short tour of the restaurant which made us feel welcome and at home. This is not a pretentious place even though the food is world-class. We hope to come back again sometime!

Smyrna Restaurant Alexandria

5.0

5 (265)

$30 and under

Greek

Newington

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Smyrna, a specialty Aegean Coast (Greece & Turkey) restaurant where homemade food, regional wines, and cocktails take center stage. Whether you're looking for a simple breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a delightful dinner, we invite you to join us at any time. Come alone, with family, friends, or colleagues, and immerse yourself in the cheerful ambiance of our small tavern-style setting.

At The Smyrna, we've created a unique and refined concept inspired by the charm and diversity of a typical Antique Greek House. Our aim is to showcase the rich heritage and cultural divertsity that Virginia embodies.

Indulge in our signature dishes, which include mouthwatering classics like Mousakka, succulent Lamb Chops, flavorful Double Cooked Octopus, and delicate Branzino in Parchment. Each bite is a journey through the Aegean Coast's authentic flavors.

In addition to our cozy indoor seating, we also offer a charming back patio where you can enjoy you

Top review

Dan

Dined 5 days ago

My friend and I had a lovely experience at Smyrna (our first). Our meal included the house specialty - Branzino. Delicious. The menu offers many options. The Moscow Mule was excellent. The staff was warm and welcoming. Highly recommend Smyrna and will be back.

Discover more

Popular dish

MOUSAKKA

Popular dish

BRANZINO IN PARCHMENT

Popular dish

BAKLAVA

The Study

4.9

4.9 (331)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Discover our Modern American menu inspired by Chef Tomas Chavarria’s Mesoamerican heritage and training. Our regionally sourced plates such as Korobuta Pork Belly and Seven Hills Farms Center Cut Steak are complimented by our library of classic cocktails. Grab your favorite sip and savor attentive service, a luxe atmosphere, and live entertainment in a boutique hotel.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Wonderful small restaurant in Old Town Alexandria with great food and good service, but with a huge caveat. Portions are a little small for the price being paid … but my major complaint is the ridiculous noise level, especially for a place called “the Study“. No noise absorbing materials, such as carpets, curtains or ceiling tiles. This has to be one of the noisiest small places I’ve ever dined at. This is my second time and nothing has changed. As a local resident, I will not be back, nor will I recommend this place.

Discover more

Experience

Autobiography of The Study - Tasting Menu

Experience

New Year's Eve - Mesoamerican Style

Afghania

4.9

4.9 (90)

$31 to $50

Afghan

Georgetown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

KatiVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

We have been fans of Bistro Aracosia for years, so we anxious to try the newest from this family. It did not disappoint. Food was superb. Especially happy that they have added spicier fare with entrees from the “frontier.”

Ristorante Bonaroti

4.9

4.9 (2263)

$31 to $50

Italian

Vienna

About the restaurant

A well-kept secret nestled in the heart of Vienna offering elegant dining within a warm and intimate setting. Our classic Italian cuisine has been ranked among the best in the Washington, D.C. area. Bar featuring new appetizer menu.

Top review

IanVIP

Dined 4 days ago

First time there - hosted a work holiday lunch. It was an exceptional experience. Delicious authentic food and attentive service. Great for a special occasion or just a great neighborhood meal. Will be back.

Ingle Korean Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (308)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Tysons

About the restaurant

Upscale Korean Steakhouse offering the finest selection of beef with a bold Korean flavor and seafood centric menu. Paired with delicious cocktails and eclectic wines, the sophisticated settings and refined service set the tone for a great experience.

Our dinner prix-fixe menu presents the full experience of our best offerings while the lunch menu takes a lighter approach.

Top review

Brian

Dined 3 days ago

Great good and service. Surprisingly good ambience despite being in a outdoor shopping mall

Explore Diners' Choice best of Washington, D.C. Area

Explore more Diners' Choice lists