Washington D.C. is probably the last place you'd expect for foodies. It's not Paris, New York City, or Tokyo, cities known for their exceptional culinary scenes. Though it's a famous city, especially since it's the American capital, its restaurants aren't exactly all that famous. With that said, some of them are award-winning hotspots too! You'd be surprised at how many Michelin-starred restaurants are in Washington D.C. Don't miss the luxurious Jônt on 14th St, the exotic Causa Amazonia on Blagden Alley with its sumptuous Peruvian cuisine, and Oyster Oyster on 8th Street with its organic menu.
Albi
You can never go wrong with Middle Eastern cuisine! Albi is a one Michelin-starred restaurant on 4th Street in Washington D.C.'s southeast quadrant. Its inviting and warm ambiance balances out its exotic menu, which includes all sorts of flavorful Middle Eastern staples. Try their Soujek Hummus, for example, which is served with pomegranate molasses and preserved ramps. One of their bestsellers, coal-grilled prawns with black shatta, fava bean dagga, and cucumber yogurt, is the kind of flavorful mix that will put your tastebuds on a tailspin.
Source: Albi
Bresca
On 14th Street right at the heart of
Washington D.C.'s central neighborhoods, Bresca offers a chic French-inspired bistro that will transport you to Paris in just one bite. Its Caviar Tarts and Foie Gras served with Concorde grape and peanut madeleines serve a continental treat worth its Michelin star. Hence, this popular hotspot is an award-winning restaurant that even famous politicians or foreign dignitaries visit too. Their food is worthy enough to indulge the American capital's elites.
Source: Bresca Facebook Page
Causa Amazonia
Causa Amazonia is one of the newer Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington D.C. and its delectable Peruvian cuisine proves that it’s worthy of such recognition. Located on Blagden Alley in the northwest corner of the city, the place is a feast for the senses. Its colorful decor and vibrant energy provide the perfect ambiance for indulging in its authentic Central American menu. Have a taste of their Ceviche Nikkei, for example, to get a true taste of Peru. What more could you ask for?
Source: Causa Amazonia Instagram Page
Fiola
You may think that Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen, especially in a big and diverse city like Washington D.C., but one visit to Fiola on Pennsylvania Avenue will have you coming back for more. Its location near the White House makes it easy for people to stumble upon it, even locals who want to play tourist for a
day in Washington D.C. And if you're lucky to be such a person, you'll want to order either Gnocchi al Burro e Formaggio or Pappa al Pomodoro with tomato & basil. As for dessert? Some hazelnut gelato, of course!
Source: Fiola
Jônt
Warning: this is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. If you're contending with the high
living costs of Washington D.C., you may want to skip it or wait a bit and save enough money for a much-deserved worth. Don't worry! Doing the latter will be worth it! Jônt is a Japanese-inspired Michelin-starred restaurant in Washington D.C. that truly excels in bringing forth the famous flavors of the 'Land of The Rising Sun.' You won't find another place in the city serving wagyu beef that will instantly melt in your mouth!
Source: Jônt D.C. Facebook Page/ UNDER A BUSHEL PHOTOGRAPHY REY LOPEZ
Oyster Oyster
Its name alone may already suggest that seafood reigns supreme here, but Oyster Oyster at 440 8th Street is a lot more than that. Though most of the menu is fashioned to complement its oyster courses, this Michelin-starred restaurant's cuisine is entirely vegan. It even makes use of different kinds of mushrooms and truffles to truly enhance many flavors, proving that going vegan isn't as boring as many would suspect. Here, you'll get a taste of the Chesapeake Bay region's culinary identity.
Source: Oyster Oyster
Pineapple and Pearls
Don't let the quirky “Pineapple and Pearls” name fool you! This two-star Michelin-starred restaurant on 8th Street is among the most upscale hotspots in the American capital. So much so that you'll need to book a table in advance and have to contend with its premium price points. Will all that waiting, effort, and impending spending be worth it? Yes, they will be! From its 150-layer lasagna to its mouthwatering desserts—not to mention its excellent wine list too!—you'll eat like you're the president yourself here!
Source: Pineapple and Pearls Facebook Page/ Kate Warren
Reverie
Does Reverie deserve your reverence? Many, specifically expert connoisseurs & bonafide foodies, would say yes! Award-winning chef Johnny Spero heads this Michelin-starred restaurant and swirls together various flavors and cuisines from around the world. Its Diver Scallops and Tosta del Mar with Creme Gribiche offers a taste of the Mediterranean while its garlic-seasoned clams and smoke-buttered potatoes give it a more local, American appeal. This is the kind of place where you'll want to celebrate a milestone or treat your special someone on a romantic date.
Source: Reverie Instagram Page
Rose’s Luxury
Located on 8th Street near Capitol Hill, Rose’s Luxury truly lives up to its admittedly fancy name. The place serves caviar, lychee-laden salads, spring lamb, and well-marinated beef back ribs, all prepared so expertly by award-winning chef, Aaron Silverman. It's his culinary genius and refined menu that helped the place earn Michelin star and the title of the 'Best New Restaurant in America' by a popular food magazine. So when you go here, don't be surprised if you see a celebrity or politician dining here too.
Source: Rose’s Luxury Facebook Page
Sushi Nakazawa
If you've just
moved to Washington D.C. and your favorite food is sushi, your next favorite restaurant in town will be Sushi Nakazawa on Pennsylvania Avenue. As its name says, this place is all about that famous Japanese delicacy, expertly made with the freshest ingredients and served in small but extremely satisfying proportions. At $190.00 for its Omakase Menu, you'll get an Eastern feast worthy of any samurai or American politician. That's something you won't find anywhere else!
Source: Sushi Nakazawa
Don't overlook the Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington D.C. just because the city isn't considered a food capital. The best ones here will blow your taste buds away and make you want to become a foodie someday!
