Restaurants in Washington DC

DC has restaurants for every style and budget, reflecting the affluent and multi-national make-up of the city. Seafood, crab, oysters and rock fish are big on many restaurant menus, although crabs are the most popular food stuff by some margin. Expats will likely develop a taste for crabcakes, blue crabs, crab legs, crab soup and even Crab Chips, a brand of potato chip unique to Washington DC.

A lot of seafood is seasoned with Old Bay spice, a locally made taste enhancer applied to everything from popcorn to steaks to ice-cream. Most restaurants are found in the Midtown area, as well as downtown and Penn Quarter. Fine dining is found closer to Capitol Hill. Dupont Circle and the West End are also great areas for restaurants drawing from international cuisines. Gratuity of 15% is expected in restaurants; reservations are generally essential.
 

Here is out pick of DC eateries for local expats:
 

701 Restaurant
Trendy eatery right on the doorstep of Capitol Hill. Try the caramelized Bay Scallops with mustard, celery, roasted tomato and kataifi and don’t miss the Roasted Lamb Saddle Medallions.
contact@701restaurant.com
Telephone: 202 393 0701
 

1789 Restaurant
An intimate setting across five themed dining rooms with fireplaces and period furniture, 1789 offers a premiere dining experience with a price to match although there are good-value pre- and post-theatre menus as well.
Telephone: (202) 965 1789
 

Vidalia
Southern cuisine served below street level; delicious homemade corn bread served with every meal. info@vidaliadc.com
Telephone: (202) 659 1990
 

Kinkead’s
Great food with live jazz every evening. The menu is all about seafood, reliably fresh and perfectly prepared.
Telephone: (202) 296 7700
 

Sushi-Ko
Possibly the best sushi in town. Innovative daily specials like the sea trout Napoleon or grilled baby octopus with mango make this a regular expat stopover.
Telephone: (202) 333 4187
 

Belga Café
Belgian cuisine is not an oxymoron as this stylish eatery provides. Great selection of Belgian beers and wines to compliment your meal. Don’t miss the Lotte mit Jenever, bacon-wrapped monkfish fillet with Jenever beurre blanc, yellow potatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli on a bed of red onion confit.
Telephone: 202 544 0100
 

Bombay Club
Excellent Indian restaurant in an evocative setting reminiscent of the British colonial era. The Sunday champagne brunch is not to be missed.
Telephone: (202) 659 3727
 

Michel Richard Citronelle
Delectable French-California cuisine served in exquisite surroundings. The Chef's Table in the kitchen is an intimate look at the top chefs in action, but needs to be reserved months in advance.
Telephone:  (202) 625 2150
 

Café Renaissance
Top fine dining in this elegant restaurant serving perfect Filet Mignon and an incredible Veal Scallopini Oscar with fresh asparagus, crabmeat and hollandaise.
info@caferenaissance.com
Telephone: 703 938 3311