Condé Nast Traveler: 20 Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

The National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, the monuments—there’s a lot to see in Washington, D.C. But for decades, the restaurants didn’t hold up in the same way. No longer. 

In recent years, the nation’s capital has transformed into a bona fide dining destination, moving beyond its beloved steakhouses and power lunch spots (though there are still great versions of those) with a new wave of terrific restaurants popping up in neighborhoods all over the city. And while D.C. has attracted some marquee names known for their restaurants elsewhere (José Andrés, Michael Mina), most often it’s home-grown talent overseeing Washington’s hottest tables. 

From the iconic classics to the mod brasseries, locally inspired menus to the far-flung—when it comes to where to eat in D.C., we’ve got you covered.