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

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OpenTable
Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!


A photo of The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm restaurant
The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
4.9
4.9 (1684)
$50 and over
American
Lovettsville
About the restaurant
Voted 2024 #1 Northern VA Magazine - "Michelin inspectors, take note."

Sourcing food and supporting local artisan growers and producers and utilizing our farm as the chefs pantry gives us the opportunity to create an evolving menu that draws its inspiration from the seasons and in harmony with the earth. The venue has a breathtaking view and natural setting overlooking the Potomac River.

We offer a tasting menu Thursday through Sunday evenings. Please visit our website at www.patowmackfarm.com for the menu.

Weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate or special events – we strive to exceed your dreams. Innovative and skillfully executed dishes follow the lead of nature, being mindful of the environment.

Due to the style of menu on special events and holidays and the complexities involved with individual and specific food allergies, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions on those days. We make every effort to provide vegetarian and accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Top review
NinaVIP
Dined on Jan 1, 2025
Excellent food in a fantastic location. Get the wagyu!
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A photo of FROM TABLE TO CHEFS CYCLE of a restaurant
Experience
FROM TABLE TO CHEFS CYCLE
A photo of Decadent Dessert Dinner of a restaurant
Experience
Decadent Dessert Dinner
A photo of LOST CREEK WINE DINNER of a restaurant
Experience
LOST CREEK WINE DINNER
A photo of Jônt restaurant
Jônt
4.9
4.9 (115)
$50 and over
French / Japanese
U Street Corridor
About the restaurant
At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.

We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.

Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.
Top review
AliaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
I recently celebrated my daughter’s 21st birthday at JONT, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The team went above and beyond to make the evening incredibly special, ensuring every detail was perfect. The 30+ dishes were an absolute culinary masterpiece—each bite bursting with flavor and showcasing incredible attention to detail. The personalized touches and the staff’s warmth made the entire evening feel intimate and unique. We also appreciated the thoughtful gestures, like taking great pictures for us at the end of the night, which added a wonderful keepsake to the memories. Every step of the experience was carefully crafted to be exceptional, and JONT delivered in every way. This was more than just a dinner—it was a journey of flavors and hospitality that my family will cherish forever. Highly recommended for any special occasion!
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A photo of Chef's Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Chef's Tasting Menu
A photo of $295 Chef's Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
$295 Chef's Tasting Menu
A photo of Valentine's Week : Love & Luxury of a restaurant
Experience
Valentine's Week : Love & Luxury
A photo of Mita restaurant
Mita
4.9
4.9 (74)
$50 and over
Latin American
Washington
About the restaurant
MITA is a Michelin-Starred Vegetable-forward restaurant, offering a vibrant menu inspired by the rich flavors and ingredients of Latin America. Founded by Chefs Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora, MITA emphasizes the beauty and versatility of vegetables, crafting innovative dishes that delight the senses.

We can be reached at info@mitadc.com.
Top review
Pathik
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent food with varying depths of flavors and textures! Enjoyed the fact that each food had an origin and story to be told by the waiters. Objectively the food is representative of the region and highlights the creativity of the talented chefs. For an anniversary dinner, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. So happy DC is elevating vegan food to new heights, Kudos to the MITA team!
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A photo of Restaurant Week At the Bar of a restaurant
Experience
Restaurant Week At the Bar
A photo of Valentine's Day Experience of a restaurant
Experience
Valentine's Day Experience
A photo of Tasting Experience of a restaurant
Experience
Tasting Experience
A photo of Causa restaurant
Causa
4.9
4.9 (72)
$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
sindy
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was phenomenal! The service was attentive, the food was incredible!
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A photo of Valentine's Day at Causa - Table Experience of a restaurant
Experience
Valentine's Day at Causa - Table Experience
A photo of Valentine's Day at Causa. - Counter Experience of a restaurant
Experience
Valentine's Day at Causa. - Counter Experience
A photo of SHIA Restaurant restaurant
SHIA Restaurant
4.9
4.9 (48)
$50 and over
Korean
Washington
About the restaurant
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.**
Top review
Leslie
Dined 6 days ago
The food was impeccable, creative, and elegant. Familiar flavours that came together in a completely unique way, with a wonderful balance of textures and flavours. The staff and service were also very attentive, personable, and hospitable. Every detail of care and service was attended to. And it was a good amount of food, which is not always the case in fine dining — I was struggling to fit in my jeans at the end!
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A photo of 5 Course Pre-Fixe (Lounge Only) of a restaurant
Experience
5 Course Pre-Fixe (Lounge Only)
A photo of 7 Course Pre-Fixe (Dining Room) of a restaurant
Experience
7 Course Pre-Fixe (Dining Room)
A photo of The Alchemist restaurant
The Alchemist
4.8
4.8 (66)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
McPherson Square
About the restaurant
Step into the clandestine world of The Alchemist, an elusive speakeasy where craftsmanship and libation unite. Immerse yourself in a realm of handcrafted cocktails featuring smoke and fire, where we infuse spirits seasonally and boast over 150 carefully selected bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches. Uncover the art of mixology and savor the allure of rare spirits at The Alchemist DC


Top review
Terri
Dined on Dec 27, 2024
I gave 3 stars for food but we had cocktails, not food. The cocktails were 5/5!
A photo of Gyu San Japanese BBQ restaurant
Gyu San Japanese BBQ
4.6
4.6 (88)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Arlington
About the restaurant
At Gyusan Japanese BBQ, offer high-quality cuts of meat, that are known for their tenderness, flavor, and overall premium quality, which include cuts such as Wagyu beef, dry-aged beef, prime rib, and other premium cuts of beef, as well as premium cuts of pork, lamb, and other meats.Wagyu beef, for example, is known for its high level of marbling, which gives it a rich, buttery flavor and a tender texture. Dry-aged beef is beef that has been hung in a cool, dry place for several weeks, which helps to intensify its flavor and tenderize the meat.Our focus is often on using the highest quality and freshest ingredients, including premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and organic vegetables.From salad to sashimi and yakiniku to noodles, your friends and family are bound to find something to enjoy together.
Top review
Camellia
Dined on Jan 9, 2025
On a delightful outing, I ventured in for a quick meal with a family member who had just flown in from out of state. Eager to sample a bit of everything, we opted for the all-you-can-eat option, and it certainly lived up to its promise. Our experience was a feast for the senses, from the enticing display of dishes on the table to the engaging cooking experience right before our eyes. The restaurant buzzed with a constant flow of delicious food, making it feel like a celebration at every turn. Our attentive waitress ensured we were well taken care of, adding to the warmth of our dining experience. Overall, this was a charming and memorable outing we highly recommend to anyone looking to indulge in a culinary adventure. Dr. Cam
A photo of Cuba Libre - DC restaurant
Cuba Libre - DC
4.5
4.5 (3143)
$31 to $50
Cuban
Mount Vernon Square
About the restaurant
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, Latin music and two-time James Beard Award winning founding Chef Guillermo Pernot's menu of classic and contemporary Cuban cuisine make the restaurant a must-see, must-experience dining destination. Enjoy a signature mojito with your dinner, weekend brunch or late night dancing (Fridays and Saturdays after 11 PM). Planning a private event? Visit Cuba Libre’s website to learn about the various event spaces, party enhancements, and customizable menus.
Top review
Kerstin
Dined 3 days ago
We had an amazing waitress with Lily. She made the entire meal and experience special for our whole family
A photo of Dovetail restaurant
Dovetail
4.5
4.5 (94)
$31 to $50
American
Logan Circle
About the restaurant
Exploring the crossroads of southern hospitality and Mid-Atlantic cuisine, Dovetail draws from regional ingredients to innovate with the dynamic flavors of the Northeast. Situated on the District's 14th Street corridor within Viceroy Washington DC, the indoor-outdoor restaurant offers rotating seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from East Coast farmers, fishermen and purveyors. Relax on our all-weather outdoor patio for brunch or dinner while enjoying a destination raw bar with chilled Maine lobster and Chesapeake oysters, tantalizing appetizers like deviled eggs with kimchi or pork rinds with homemade ranch, exquisitely prepared dry aged steaks paired with fresh local vegetables, and sweet seasonal treats. Don't miss our happy hour where Dovetail's formidable beverage program is the star - highlighting local spirits, a selection of new and old world wines, craft brews, and inventive cocktails. At Dovetail, we're always up for sharing a good meal.
Top review
NaomiVIP
Dined on Dec 27, 2024
Enjoyed our time, great happy hour menu! Drinks were very unique too.
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A photo of Winter Restaurant Week 3-course Dinner $40 of a restaurant
Experience
Winter Restaurant Week 3-course Dinner $40
A photo of Winter Restaurant Week 4-course Dinner $55 of a restaurant
Experience
Winter Restaurant Week 4-course Dinner $55
A photo of Winter Restaurant Week 3-course Brunch $35 of a restaurant
Experience
Winter Restaurant Week 3-course Brunch $35
A photo of Barley Mac restaurant
Barley Mac
3.7
3.7 (840)
$30 and under
American
Rosslyn
About the restaurant
Barley Mac is an American tavern fare restaurant using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and with an extensive bourbon selection and fresh handcrafted cocktails. We're also known for our Saturday and Sunday brunch. Best of Arlington voted Barley Mac as a top vote getter for best brunch in Arlington. You'll be sure to find our 3 egg omelets, 4 different styles of eggs benedict's and our homemade mimosa flavors!

Don't forget about our Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 4-7pm! Call and ask us for our daily specials. All happy hour and event inquiries can contact Events@barleymac.com
Top review
Alex
Dined on Oct 13, 2024
Food was fantastic—service on the other hand was not
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A photo of Buffalo Roasted Chicken Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
Buffalo Roasted Chicken Pizza
A photo of Brunch of a restaurant
Experience
Brunch
A photo of Our Famed Happy Hour of a restaurant
Experience
Our Famed Happy Hour
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