Where DC Natives Actually Eat, 2025
Issue 12: The Best Spots for Every Situation
With the beauty of spring comes the annual avalanche of tourists to Washington, D.C. As a traveler, I identify with every type of visitor: the frazzled mother holding all the hats, the friend marching everyone through the group itinerary, the employee mingling with colleagues during the work offsite, and the spouse charged with the logistics (all of them). This restaurant guide is my gift to you, the visitors to my hometown, who are just as much a part of the social fabric here in DC as we are. Enjoy it, share it, and debate it in the comments.
With Friends
La Shuk’ran. The newest favorite on this list is a Levantine-French mashup in the Union Market neighborhood from Palestinian-American Michael Rafidi. The food is terrific and the atmosphere is intimate and fun, with just 13 seats at the bar and 40 in the adjacent bistro (an outdoor rooftop patio, when open, has additional seating). Walk-ins are welcome at the bar and patio, but try to book a reservation for the bistro, released each Monday for the following Thursday through Monday. Union Market.
Cocktails at La Shuk’ran
Chloe. I’ve been coming to Chloe for dinner with friends for years, and it never disappoints. The menu is designed as a global small plates concept with enough variety to meet any dietary restriction. My favorites are the hamachi crudo and the crispy whole fish. Yes, you should reserve a table, but Chloe is often the place I turn to when I’ve forgotten to do so.
Chloe also has a spot in my heart for treating guests like family. The staff worked with us to develop a special cocktail menu to celebrate a friend’s health milestone, and their warm presence during our joyful dinner is something we’ll never forget. Navy Yard.
Rose’s Luxury. Rose’s is our Capitol Hill fancy-ish favorite. A decade ago, it was nearly impossible to eat at Rose’s luxury, especially after it was named America's best new restaurant. Now, walking in for seats at the bar or even a table is feasible, especially on weeknights. The lychee salad with habanero and peanuts (with spicy pork or a vegan version without) remains a must order. Celebrating a special event on the private rooftop garden patio, with seating for six to eleven guests, still gives me butterflies. Capitol Hill.
With Work
Rasika. This is the first modern Indian restaurant I ever went to, and it’s still fun to visit, especially with out-of-town colleagues. There are a lot of copies of Rasika’s palak chaat, especially in DC, but this is the iconic original. It’s a little easier to reserve tables at the West End location, which has a lovely private dining room for larger groups as well. Penn Quarter, West End.
Zaytinya. Zaytinya is a comforting classic with options for any diet. The mediterranean dishes from Turkey, Greece and Lebanon are best shared as small plates to try as much of the vast menu as possible. The fluffy pita, spreads, and salads are my favorite dishes, and still brings back memories of being on the DC summer associate lunch circuit. Penn Quarter.
Crane’s Spanish Kaiseki: This Japanese-Spanish restaurant is perhaps the most innovative spot on this list. The menu features seasonal tapas in forms that you’ve likely never tried, like gazpacho inspired ramen and nameko mushroom paella. It’s a fun place to bring groups, and the happy hour gets rave reviews. Penn Quarter.
With Kids
The Roost. There’s something for everyone at my neighborhood food hall: sushi, tacos, burgers, pizza (including by the slice). Slide into an open seat and scan the QR code to order, circumventing the stress of navigating other food halls where you may never find the rest of your party again (I’m looking at you Union Market). Capitol Hill East
La Plaza. Several parents unofficially polled in my group chats named this unassuming, family owned Mexican and Salvadorean restaurant as their favorite with kids. One friend said the spot has “solid food and drinks and is great for kids; they can be noisy and no one cares.” Another “loves the people at La Plaza. It’s one of the few places around here that doesn’t charge for endless chips and salsa and they just have a really wonderful neighborhood family vibe that lots of other places no longer have.” A perfect afternoon on the Hill with young kids would start with a coffee at the Eastern Market metro playground, a stop to browse in Labyrinth Games and Puzzles and East City Bookshop, and end with dinner at La Plaza. Capitol Hill
Pastis or Central Michel Richard. You’re in town with your kids, but don’t want to sacrifice a dining experience. Pastis is the DC outpost of the NY classic bistro, easy to get a table, and delicious any time of day. The atmosphere is convivial and the menu extensive enough for adventurous and staid appetites alike.
Gougeres and Shirley Temples at Central Michel Richard
Central’s menu also has a classic and dependable bistro menu, but is closer to DC’s museums and monuments. The celebration cake comes with sparklers and is worth ordering for the spectacle, even if the only celebration is being together.
Wiseguys Pizza. Wiseguys has, in my opinion, the best universally accessible pizza in the district. There are fancier places that are better, but Wiseguys does “gets the job done pizza” best. There are locations throughout DC, but my family tends to visit the Canal Park Wiseguys, in DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood. This Wiseguys sits next to an ice rink in the winter and a splash park in the summer. We usually order a pie, but always add an order of the garlic knots and a couple of specialty slices (buffalo chicken and paneer tikka masala are our standards). Multiple locations.
With Significant Others
The Little Grand. This tiny bar/restaurant just off of H street has the best pizza in DC. The vibe is as good as the pizza, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. You can make a reservation, but I like to put our name in and browse in Solid State Books while we wait, if there aren’t seats at the bar. H Street Corridor.
The Red Hen. This neighborhood Italian restaurant in DC’s Brookland has devoted fans from all over the city. I always try at least one special, and can’t leave without sampling their delicious pastas. The Red Hen remains consistently busy, though an early dinner for two at the bar is usually feasible, especially on weeknights. Brookland.
Albi. Albi is my favorite place for a special date night. The tasting menu is adventurous without being fussy. We’ve had luck with seats at the bar, though with it’s current popularity, I would definitely recommend a reservation. Navy Yard.