Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area
OpenTable
Updated March 05, 2025
Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!
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
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Jill
Dined 3 days ago
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
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Mar 17, 2025
About the restaurant
Brx is a place where you can take your family or meet with your friends for some quality time and good food and drink. We wanted to create an atmosphere where people could gather casually in a sophisticated, yet down to earth locale. Brx's large dining room and outdoor patio offer a casual and comfortable ambiance to enjoy our American cuisine influenced by your favorite comfort foods. Our casual bar area is the perfect place for a glass of wine from our extensive wine list, or a round of beers with friends.
Brx's large dining room and outdoor patio offer a casual and comfortable ambiance to enjoy our American cuisine influenced by your favorite comfort foods. Our casual bar area is the perfect place for a glass of wine from our extensive wine list, or a round of beers with friends.
Top review
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DavidVIP
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
About the restaurant
RT's Alexandria's renowned neighborhood restaurant has been the place for fresh seafood in Northern Virginia for over 34 years. RT's has been a fixture on the Washingtonian Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants" list in the metropolitan area and is one of the highest rated seafood restaurants in the nationally acclaimed "Zagat Survey". Their unique menu features many Creole and Cajun specialties including Jack Daniel's Shrimp, Spicy She-Crab Soup, Crawfish Etouffée , Jambalaya and their popular "Death" by Gumbo . This "Little Gem" is located in the heart of Alexandria only steps away from The Birchmere music hall and not only features a great menu but also has an extensive special list that changes on a weekly basis.Top review
E
Erinn
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Silver Social by Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst offers a creative menu of elevated comfort food and contemporary American sharing plates to complement our craft drink menu. Located on the second floor above Silver Diner, Silver Social’s unique feature is a 50-seat covered outdoor terrace overlooking Nationals Park.
Rules & Restrictions: 16+ accompanied by an adult till 9:00pm. 21 and Up only after 9:00pm
Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties up to 6 people. The entire party must be present to be seated. If you can’t make your reservation, please cancel it 30 minutes in advance.
We accept online reservations for parties of 1 to 6 persons. For parties of 7 to 9 persons, please call the restaurant for availability. For any larger groups please contact our Event Planner Rebecca Morris at rmorris@eatatsilver.com
Top review
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Bianca
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
About the restaurant
La Collina, in the heart of Capitol Hill, celebrates fresh, house-made Pasta Fresca, crafted daily by Executive Chef Kat Petonito and 2024 RAMMY Pastry Chef of the Year Rochelle Cooper. Inspired by Italy’s lively osterias, our “Italian-ish” menu combines tradition with creative twists, offering comforting, shareable dishes and seasonal flavors. Grab a glass of wine and a comforting bowl of pasta, or unwind with friends in our warm, inviting space.Perfect for large parties, group dinners, or spontaneous walk-ins, we always have a table ready. Whether you’re stopping in after a day on the Hill or celebrating with loved ones, La Collina is your home for authentic flavors and meaningful connections.
Benvenuto a La Collina!
Top review
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Paula
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable. At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)
Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”
Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.
Top review
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King
Dined on Mar 8, 2025
About the restaurant
The original restaurant of Lebanese Taverna, this recently renovated location is a local favorite. Lebanese Taverna serves authentic Middle Eastern fare in a casual yet stylish setting. The menu boasts over 25 appetizers and salads as well as a variety of grilled lamb, beef, chicken and fish entrees. There is a large selection of vegetarian dishes, too. To complement your dining experience, choose from our award-winning wine list or specialty cocktails. The restaurant is child-friendly and great for groups of all sizes. Please note, menus listed are samples and prices are subject to change. Top review
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Melissa
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
About the restaurant
Three brothers and a brother-in-law from El Salvador realized their long-held dream of opening a restaurant together in November of last year. Jaime Sorto, his brothers Hugo and Jose Bonilla, and his brother-in-law Jose Zelaya looked for a name that symbolizes their concept of two cultures coming together.They chose La Malinche, the name given to a historical figure who has been at the center of controversy for centuries. The noble Mexican woman was enslaved and given to Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador. She became his interpreter and confidante. Their son was viewed as the first mestizo, a child of mixed blood.
Many Mexicans consider La Malinche or Doña Marina to have been a traitor, but today, she is also honored as the symbolic mother of the country’s mixed-race people.
At La Malinche, all of the starters, vegetables, meats and seafood are served as Spanish tapas, called botanas in Mexico.
Top review
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GloriaVIP
Dined on Mar 8, 2025
About the restaurant
The Nordic Experience - MIKKO is the place to try an array of modern, healthy dishes while experiencing the intimate and comfortable environment Chef Mikko easily creates. And he cooks for others. His versatile cuisine is complemented by his innate ability to develop genuine relationships with whoever enjoys his meals.Local Ingredients and International Flavor.
Rye, seafood, mushrooms, berries, and roots form the fundamentals of Nordic food. Each dish Chef Mikko prepares is an elegant combination of traditional and modern influence. Nordic fare is unique in its simple, yet versatile, presentation. Using traditional cooking techniques such as curing, smoking and pickling, every plate delivers a distinct and refined taste.
Looking forward to seeing you at MIKKO!
Top review
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JackVIP
Dined on Mar 14, 2025
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