The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017
Republic is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

1. Republic

6939 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD
Restaurante americano · Takoma-DC · 35 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: This Takoma Park restaurant from Jeff Black and Danny Wells has lots of oysters, a strong brunch menu and live music in the evenings. It's also a destination for creative vegetarian offerings. Leer más.

Thip Khao is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

2. Thip Khao

9.0
3462 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante asiático · Columbia Heights · 50 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: D.C.'s Lao restaurant has made a splash with its spicy and unusual fare (yes, ant eggs have appeared on the menu). Try the jungle menu for the spiciest dishes the restaurant has to offer. Leer más.

Bad Saint is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

3. Bad Saint

3226 11th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante filipino · Columbia Heights · 37 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Perhaps the most representative restaurant of the growing Filipino food trend in D.C. over the past couple of years, Bad Saint has been drawing lines down the street since opening last September. Leer más.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

4. Jack Rose Dining Saloon

8.5
2007 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Whisky Bar · Adams Morgan · 142 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Jack Rose was already the city's (maybe even the country's) top whiskey bar. Now, there's solid Southern food to match, courtesy of chef Russell Jones. Leer más.

Lapis is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

5. Lapis

9.1
1847 Columbia Rd NW (at Mintwood Pl NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante afgano · Adams Morgan · 40 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Feast on Afghan dumplings, pumpkin preparations, baked eggplant, and standout kebobs in many varieties. A recent recipient of Michelin's Bib Gourmand designation, vegetarians eat well here. Leer más.

Tail Up Goat is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

6. Tail Up Goat

9.4
1827 Adams Mill Rd NW (at Calvert St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante mediterráneo · Adams Morgan · 35 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The restaurant has become known for its pastas, breads, wines, and attentive and easygoing service. Lamb ribs are a sure bet, but don't ignore rotating dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients. Leer más.

Izakaya Seki is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

7. Izakaya Seki

8.7
1117 V St NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante japonés · U-Street · 62 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Under the direction of chef and co-owner Hiroshi Seki, the restaurant features adventurous dishes like beef tongue, classics like kara-age and a number of accompaniments to its fine sake selection. Leer más.

Compass Rose is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

8. Compass Rose

8.3
1346 T St NW (at 14th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · U-Street · 55 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The sheer diversity of this neighborhood restaurant's small menu is impressive, and the kitchen manages to excel at a number of different cuisines, ranging from South American to Georgian. Leer más.

Convivial is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

9. Convivial

8.4
801 O St NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante francés · Logan Circle - Shaw · 32 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Cedric Maupillier has created a buzzing neighborhood spot in Shaw. Standout dishes range from a fried chicken-inspired spin on coq a vin to scallops prepared in the style of boudin blanc. Leer más.

The Dabney is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

10. The Dabney

8.8
122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante americano · Logan Circle - Shaw · 35 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The Dabney, Jeremiah Langhorne's Washington debut, shows some of the most aggressive commitment to local sourcing and Mid-Atlantic cuisine in the region. As a result, the dishes change frequently. Leer más.

Hazel is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

11. Hazel

808 V St NW (btwn 8th & 9th St), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · U-Street · 17 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Here, Rob Rubba makes a name for himself with unique dishes with an Asian flair, and has a particular way with duck. Find a carefully-curated wine list and a festive dim sum brunch here, too. Leer más.

The Royal is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

12. The Royal

8.8
501 Florida Ave NW (at 5th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Café · LeDroit Park · 36 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: This versatile LeDroit Park restaurant has flourished as a neighborhood gathering place at all hours of the day, from breakfast to those between-lunch-and-dinner hours. Leer más.

The Red Hen is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

13. The Red Hen

9.3
1822 1st St NW (at Seaton Pl NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante italiano · LeDroit Park - Bloomingdale · 86 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The Red Hen is the whole package: food, design, service. Bloomingdale residents and destination diners turn here for offal, homemade pastas, and a carefully-curated wine list. Leer más.

Le Diplomate is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

14. Le Diplomate

9.2
1601 14th St NW (at Q St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante francés · Logan Circle - Shaw · 313 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Stephen Starr's first entry into the D.C. market excels at classic dishes like steak frites and skate, as well as some interesting twists like foie gras mousse. The atmosphere is loud and bustling. Leer más.

Estadio is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

15. Estadio

1520 14th St NW (at Church St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante español · Logan Circle - Shaw · 159 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The contemporary small plates menu boasts a strong selection of cheese and charcuterie, as well as pintxos, bocadillos and classic tapas dishes. Leer más.

Little Serow is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

16. Little Serow

1511 17th St NW (at Church St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante tailandés · Northwest Washington · 58 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Getting in can be a challenge — but the payoff is worth the wait. The chef prepares fiery, authentic Thai cuisine in a spare and stylish setting. Leer más.

Iron Gate is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

17. Iron Gate

8.6
1734 N St NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante mediterráneo · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 61 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: One of the most romantic restaurants in the city, Iron Gate features cooking from Vermilion veteran Anthony Chittum. There are both tasting menus and a la carte options at the restaurant. Leer más.

The Bombay Club is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

18. The Bombay Club

8.4
815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante indio · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 66 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The restaurant serves up a stellar brunch buffet, properly made Manhattans and traditional Indian fare such as lamb roganjosh. The thali platters are a good way to sample a variety of dishes. Leer más.

Del Campo is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

19. Del Campo

777 I St NW (at 8th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de América del Sur · Chinatown · 36 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Victor Albisu's South American restaurant serves up a variety of grilled smoky meats, and menu items like arepas. There's even a cocktail list with edible, meaty garnishes available in the lounge. Leer más.

Zaytinya is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

20. Zaytinya

9.0
701 9th St NW (at G St. NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante mediterráneo · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 412 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The buzzy restaurant has delicious brussels sprouts, flatbread and octopus small plates, and a number of fun festivals throughout the year, celebrating events like Greek Easter. Leer más.

Daikaya is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

21. Daikaya

8.6
705 6th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de ramen · Chinatown · 284 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: On the ground floor: Sapporo-style ramen in a bustling setting. Upstairs, an izakaya specializing in Japanese bar food, whiskeys, shochu and Japanese beer. Leer más.

Wiseguy NY Pizza is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

22. Wiseguy NY Pizza

8.7
300 Massachusetts Ave NW (at 4th & H St NW), Washington, D.C.
Pizzería · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 100 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Wiseguy is one of the few places in D.C. to find authentic New York-style pizza. The restaurant also offers some New York standards like garlic knots and chicken rolls. Leer más.

Bantam King is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

23. Bantam King

8.1
501 G St NW (at 5th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de ramen · Chinatown · 37 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: From the team behind Daikaya and Haikan, Bantam King is D.C.'s first restaurant entirely dedicated to chicken ramen. Find fried chicken and killler dumplings here, too, but the soup is the main star. Leer más.

Jaleo is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

24. Jaleo

8.4
480 7th St NW (at E St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de tapas · Penn Quarter · 256 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Complement a glass of sangria with Ibérico ham, patatas bravas, croquetas served in a shoe and, of course, a variety of paellas served in pans that feed six people or more. Leer más.

The Partisan is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

25. The Partisan

709 D St NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · Penn Quarter · 45 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: he wide-ranging wine list (with plenty of sherry and Lambrusco) helps balance the meaty fare. New winter menu additions include must-try seafood options, too, like ahi tuna sliders. Leer más.

Rasika is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

26. Rasika

9.1
633 D St NW (at 7th St NW), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante indio · Penn Quarter · 192 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Chef Vikram Sunderam mans the kitchen at the Penn Quarter restaurant, where he takes a modern look at traditional Indian fare with favorites like the crispy palak chaat, flavorful curries and more. Leer más.

The Source by Wolfgang Puck is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

27. The Source by Wolfgang Puck

575 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante asiático · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 88 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: There is more of a Chinese influence to the menu now, and that shows in its dan dan dumplings, wok-fried noodles, and tableside wonton soup. Leer más.

Masseria is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

28. Masseria

8.7
1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante italiano · Ivy City · 18 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Masseria has one of the more affordable tasting menus in the city. Diners can also go the bar snack route to lounge in one of the city's most transporting restaurant design settings. Leer más.

Maketto is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

29. Maketto

9.1
1351 H St NE (Linden Ct), Washington, D.C.
Restaurante asiático · Capitol Hill · 65 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The unique design, combining indoor/outdoor spaces and restaurant with retail, provides a home for an addictive dim sum brunch and beloved dishes like Taiwanese fried chicken. Leer más.

Hank's Oyster Bar is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

30. Hank's Oyster Bar

633 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C.
Marisquería · Capitol Hill · 43 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: All locations of Hank's Oyster Bar are great neighborhood hangouts, but Hank's on the Hill gets a nod this time around for its festive vibe and the ever-changing cocktails to be found at its Eddy Bar. Leer más.

Rose's Luxury is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

31. Rose's Luxury

9.2
717 8th St SE, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · Capitol Hill · 134 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Aaron Silverman's experimental restaurant plays with dishes like a pork lychee salad, Vietnamese pate and bigger, family-style plates like schnitzel or brisket. Warning: lines here tend to be epic. Leer más.

Osteria Morini is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

32. Osteria Morini

8.7
301 Water St SE Ste 109, Washington, D.C.
Restaurante italiano · Navy Yard · 48 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Pastry chef Alex Levin has established the Navy Yard Italian haunt as the place to go for dessert. Charcuterie dishes and Italian cocktails are also worth exploring here. Leer más.

Bourbon Steak is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

33. Bourbon Steak

8.6
2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Steakhouse · Georgetown · 95 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The newly revamped lounge is the most affordable — and really, the best — way to experience this restaurant. Enjoy superior cocktails, excellent burgers, and a swank feel. Leer más.

Kapnos Taverna is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

34. Kapnos Taverna

4000 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
Restaurante griego · Ballston - Virginia Square · 21 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Mike Isabella's second restaurant in the Kapnos empire puts the emphasis on seafood, with dishes like a lobster salad flatbread. Leer más.

SER is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

35. SER

7.4
1110 N Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA
Restaurante español · Ballston - Virginia Square · 10 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: This homey Ballston restaurant has a flair for dramatic Spanish dishes and drinks. Head here for roast pig, paella, and a variety of seafood dishes (including barnacles). Leer más.

2941 Restaurant is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

36. 2941 Restaurant

8.0
2941 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · 36 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Bertrand Chemel's skills are evident in dishes like paella soup and broccoli raviolini with smoked pioppini mushroom. Diners can have a snack at the bar, an a la carte meal, or a full tasting menu. Leer más.

Requin is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

37. Requin

8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax, VA
Restaurante mediterráneo · 4 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Jennifer Carroll puts her own spin on French classics like moules frites and French onion soup, while still getting creative with additional Mediterranean fare. Leer más.

Hai Duong Restaurant is one of The 38 Essential D.C. Restaurants, Winter 2017.

38. Hai Duong Restaurant

7.5
6795 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA
Restaurante vietnamita · 25 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Hai Duong is a restaurant where diners can find everything from expertly-made banh xeo (savory crepes) to fine rice and noodle dishes (and yes, that pho is pretty terrific, too). Leer más.