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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Claire's at the Depot restaurant

Claire's at the Depot

4.9

4.9 (3554)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Warrenton

About the restaurant

In a casual yet elegant atmosphere, set in a recently remodelled century old historic train station, Claire's passion is great food and outstanding service. Offering contemporary American cuisine - local, seasonally focused - with a Southern flaire. The renovation honors the historic character of the Warrenton Train Depot, resulting in a warm, comfortable environment for casual meetings with friends, or special occasions and intimate family meals. The warm, elegant Garden Room provides seating for intimate meals, while the Tavern Room features a more casual dining experience in luxurious surroundings. A rotating selection of craft beers is available on tap, and the wine service is regularly expanded. Outdoor dining is available in season, and private events can be hosted in one of several areas in the restaurant. Awarded "Best of Warrenton" every year since 2006.

Top review

P

PINO

Dined 3 days ago

Great food coupled with excellent friendly service made my wife's birthday celebration extra special.

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A photo of Coconut Shrimp of a restaurant

A photo of Chicken Cobb Salad of a restaurant

Chicken Cobb Salad

A photo of Beet and Goat Cheese Salad of a restaurant

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

A photo of The Study restaurant

4.9

4.9 (309)

$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

H

Hillary

Dined on Aug 23, 2024

Chef Tomas Chavarria is brilliant! The food is delicious and carefully curated. Highly recommend the Costa Rican Ceviche. You will not be disappointed. The sweet plantain empanada is also yummy. For the main courses we had the fresh catch Marifuseca and the chicken satay. The fish was cooked perfectly in a banana leaf. For dessert, highly recommend tres leches and the panela caramel tart. What made this meal even better was our superb waiter, Jorrel! He was attentive and worked with the bartender to carefully craft two mocktails. Get in before this place has a waitlist. The Study is a hidden gem!

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Autobiography of The Study - Tasting Menu

A photo of The Ashby Inn restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1838)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Paris

About the restaurant

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant is fully committed to supporting the farmers and artisans that live and work in this region. Our menus represent the freshest, seasonal products that can be sourced locally from sustainable operations. The offerings will change daily dependent on what our local farmers and nature provide. Our pledge to you is to provide a quality dining experience founded on food and drink from sources we know and trust.

Top review

G

George

Dined 3 days ago

Food and wine menus are outstanding. The carte de vin is well curated and the som will steer you to good selections regardless of budget. Food menu is creative, changes with the seasons and has a couple of mainstays that are always excellent. Go there!!!1

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A photo of FILET MIGNON & EGGS of a restaurant

FILET MIGNON & EGGS

A photo of FILET MIGNON & LOBSTER of a restaurant

FILET MIGNON & LOBSTER

A photo of DOVER SOLE of a restaurant

A photo of TRIO Grill restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2245)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Falls Church

About the restaurant

TRIO Grill is a modern American restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia, offering the finest steaks and freshest seafood, an extensive cocktail and spirits program and an award winning wine list. TRIO blends urban sophistication with the relaxed ambiance of a neighborhood grill. Perfect for date night, after-work drinks, or your next private dining occasion.

Top review

MH

MarcusH

Dined on Aug 23, 2024

Amazing experience and the food was incredible! Definitely will be back.

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A photo of Boneless Ribeye of a restaurant

Boneless Ribeye

A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant

A photo of Reverie restaurant

4.9

4.9 (12)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience without pretension or fuss. Hidden in a Georgetown alleyway, Spero has redefined luxury in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, showcasing masterful culinary creativity alongside upbeat music and minimalist decor. The tasting menu skews heavily coastal with offerings from the garden and the sea, along with a sense of humor and novelty that balances the sheer beauty of Spero’s cooking. Simultaneously indulgent and charmingly casual, the restaurant invites guests to bring a sense of curiosity, while leaving their troubles at the door.

Our current menu is offered at $255 per guest with optional beverage pairings available as well.

We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com.

Top review

G

Gyu

Dined on Aug 22, 2024

My wife and I recently celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary at Reverie, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make our special evening memorable. They were incredibly accommodating, particularly with regard to my wife's dietary restrictions due to her pregnancy. This thoughtful attention to her needs truly enhanced our dining experience. The ambiance of Reverie set the perfect tone for our anniversary celebration. The dinner itself was delightful, with a menu that reflected both creativity and skill. The staff and chefs were not only knowledgeable but also warm and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of our meal was perfectly suited to our preferences. Overall, Reverie offered a wonderful combination of excellent food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for special occasions. We left with full hearts and satisfied palates, and we look forward to returning in the future.

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A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

4.8 (1047)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

Top review

M

Mathew

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

The meal and service was what I expected from a restaurant located in the Jefferson. Yes, the cost may be more expensive than other locations, but, you definitely get what you pay for in this situation.

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A photo of The Wine Cellar at Greenhouse of a restaurant

The Wine Cellar at Greenhouse

A photo of Rosemary Bistro Cafe restaurant

Rosemary Bistro Cafe

4.8

4.8 (497)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Friendship Heights

About the restaurant

Rosemary Bistro Cafe is a restaurant based in Washington, D.C. that serves classic French-based cuisine. All our menu offerings prepared using the freshest ingredients. If you’re looking for a cozy dining experience in the D.C. area, come by our restaurant today.

Top review

J

Josephvip

Dined on Aug 28, 2024

Great food.. superb service.. my wife and I had halibut.. perfectly cooked, our son had steak.. again perfect. A great neighborhood gem!!!

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A photo of Beet Salad of a restaurant

A photo of The Conche restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1117)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Leesburg

About the restaurant

The Conche Is an exclusive chocolate theme boutique restaurant in Village at Leesburg, featuring an array of artisan handmade chocolate confections, desserts and chocolate infused savory cuisine, hand crafted cocktails, using the finest ingredients
We are here to deliver exceptional experience, It’s with pleasure to share with you our passion for making life’s every moment, and every occasion memorable by indulging in chocolate.
By Chef Santosh Tiptur

Top review

K

Katherinevip

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing food, beautifully plated! Excellent service! Highly recommend dining at the Conche, you will be in for a wonderful dining experience!

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A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Conche Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Chicken and Biscuit of a restaurant

Chicken and Biscuit

A photo of Cork Wine Bar & Market restaurant

Cork Wine Bar & Market

4.8

4.8 (520)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Logan Circle

About the restaurant

Logan's favorite neighborhood wine bar - now with a beautiful expanded garden patio! Locally owned Cork is an affordable, casually elegant place that demystifies the world of wine by giving you real descriptions of what you are drinking, flights of wine so you can explore different regions and varietals, and suggestions for pairing our wines with our offerings. Cork Wine Bar is the creation of Logan Circle residents Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts.

Dine Upstairs, in our Tasting Bar or in our Expanded Secret Garden. Tables are reserved for dining only. The reservation is for a 2 hour dining experience.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 12, 2024

Our server, Staci F was fabulous! We out of her way to celebrate our anniversary!

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A photo of Weekend Brunch with Make Your Own Mimosas! of a restaurant

Weekend Brunch with Make Your Own Mimosas!

A photo of Wine Tasting Experience of a restaurant

Wine Tasting Experience

A photo of Peacock Café restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1932)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes.
Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.

Top review

A

Annevip

Dined 5 days ago

Peacock Cafe is such a gem! If you have never been there, you owe yourself a visit!

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A photo of Tomato Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Peacock Salad of a restaurant

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