Best Restaurants in DC according to Unscripted Guides
- Liam Gideon
- Aug 11
- 8 min read
Washington DC has always been known as a place to visit the US government and explore fantastic museums and monuments. However, it has also developed as a town for foodies with legendary neighborhood haunts and high-end Michelin star experiences. From Ben's Chili Bowl to Old Ebbitt Grill, some of these locations are famous enough that they were already on your list, but some are hidden gems nestled into local neighborhoods. Our tour locations give you easy access to all of these choices whether on Capitol Hill, at the 7th Street office or even in Georgetown, you can fuel up for your tour or reminisce over drinks all over the city.
With so many amazing options, it’s been tough to narrow this guide down to just the best restaurants in DC and organize it for your use. First, we’ve broken out our choices by the nature of the meal you’re looking for, casual all the way to fine dining, and then by neighborhood so you can explore the best the city has to offer. Â
Quick Bite
Even though it’s a fast meal, you can still sample some of the best flavors in DC. Most of these options offer order ahead which makes them even more efficient and great choices for a picnic or meal on the move.
Georgetown
Located in Georgetown, this is home of one of the best shawarma in town. Popular spot for late bites as it is open until 2 a.m. or later to accommodate observing Muslims on Ramadan who need to get that last meal in to hold them over until next sundown. With just a few outdoor tables, you'll probably want to grab and go here. After your Dark History tour of Georgetown, this is a great place to refuel.
NOMA
The OG Birria Taco in the DMV, Little Miner has a ghost kitchen in NOMA in Congress Alley that you can order take out or delivery from. Bonus note: All their meat is Halal as they decided that was a way to ensure better quality. Plus picking up your tacos from their non-descript door way is an impressive local skill.
Capitol Hill
A small takeout spot on Capitol hill with a few seats in the lobby, the best Carne Asada in DC and a great selection of tacos and burritos. This is one of our most frequent suggestions for guests looking for lunch before or after their Capitol Hill tour. Order ahead to skip the busy lunch line and then you can enjoy on the picnic tables around any of the three Library of Congress buildings on Capitol Hill.
Atlas District
A DC institution since 1958, its half-smoke debuted at its U St location. Today there are several locations here in the city. The original store temporarily closed in summer 2026 for renovations, but you can still enjoy Ben’s across the street in a pop-up location or at their location on H St. If you're not sure how to get there, jump on our Metro tour and we'll take you there!
Casual
Shaw/Navy Yard
Amazing pizza shop with locations in Shaw near the Convention Center and Navy Yard across from Nationals Park. They boast a great cocktail menu and the pizza dough is sourdough! Both of these locations are off of the main tourist routes which gives a more local feel to the experience.
Union Market
This place punches way above the price point. If you look at their photos of food online you would swear its an upscale Italian restaurant but its actually a casual diner type spot. If you fall in love with this area and want to try other options, contact us to book a private food tour of Union Market.
Capitol Hill
A food hall with a beer garden and a whiskey bar in it, options include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, sushi, tacos, and more! While this is a bit further afield than Burrito Brothers, it is Metro accessible and a crowd pleaser. You choose a table, order using the QR code and the food and drinks are brought to you. Everyone at the table can order for themselves using as many vendors as they want and the orders will bill to the table or the individual. Perfect for groups and families!
Georgetown
A staple in the center of Georgetown, Martin's most famous features are the brass plaques that identify presidents who have regularly made use of a particular booth. The tight interior space has been supplemented with sidewalk tables in recent years which can be covered and heated making outdoor seating a delight in at least three seasons. This is the perfect dinner spot for before or after your Georgetown Dark History tour.
DuPont Â
Duke’s Grocery
With several locations across the city, this place checks a lot of boxes. Looking for a good weekend brunch spot? Want to try to burger voted best in DC? Need to find a happy hour near you? Duke’s has all of this and more. With four locations around town, you can find one near you, particularly near our Dupont Dark History tour.
Eastern Market
A great new bar at Eastern Market offering Happy Meals that include a double smash burger, crispy chicken sandwich, or nuggets and a glass of champagne. Beautiful spot, fun food, good drinks, open for lunch (huge bonus), and in the heart of Capitol Hill. This is a great place to head for drinks or dinner after your tour of Capitol Hill.
NOMA
If you are unfamiliar with Laotian food we highly recommend giving this place a go. With an amazing menu from street food to full meals, vegan options (including a vegan fish sauce) and original and unique cocktails to complement your meal this is a must for foodies visiting the area. NOMA is a local area that has been developing its own unique vibe and a great way to see how locals live.
Penn Quarter
This Mexican eatery is one of our favorites as it is located directly across the street from our tour Welcome Center. They are probably best known for their signature pomegranate margarita and handmade guacamole. The menu is a collection of small plates which makes a perfect stop for lunch or dinner and so convenient when you're on tour with Unscripted!
Old Ebbitt Grill
An American pub style restaurant featuring an incredible history: it was founded in 1856! The location has moved numerous times over the years, but its collection of historic fixtures has only grown. Given its proximity to the White House and the National Mall, it can be tough to get a table, especially for brunch. No matter, the bar is the most historic part of the current establishment and typically has a stool or two available. It is the perfect place to recover after our Smithsonian Highlights tour.
Fine Dining/Michelin Rated
Georgetown
Your experience starts on the street level where you can see pasta mamas handmaking pasta for the restaurant. Then, down the flight of stairs, you enter a uniquely Georgetown space. Instead of finding yourself in a basement, the dining offers windows to the canal that was once a central feature in the bustling port of Georgetown. Ever popular for dinner, but they also have an amazing lunch that will keep you fueled for tours all afternoon and night.
Capitol Hill
Our favorite Michelin rated restaurant in DC due to a combination of amazing food, casual vibe,
and reasonable pricing compared to some others. The deviled eggs are insane! The location is convenient from the Capitol Hill tour, but nestled among the local residences which makes it easy for visitors to find. Diners will enjoy their meal in the distinctive and beautifully repurposed carriage house for the Old Naval Hospital on the same property. Abraham Lincoln commissioned the hospital in 1864 and the carriage house was built for the horse drawn ambulances and the horses needed to pull them.
Logan Circle
This is a two for one. Bresca is up there with Little Pearl for its fun, casual, somewhat approachable
pricing for Michelin Dining with tasting menus starting at $95, one of the best cocktail programs in town led by Will Patton (just want to try his cocktails? You can come for the bar or visit his new cocktail bar Press Club in Dupont), and the type of food you picture when you think New American Fine Dining. Looking to step it up? Jont, upstairs, is their 2 Michelin rated dining experience rated DC’s most expensive restaurant, but worth it. Many foodies travel to DC just for a dinner at Jont.
Barracks Row
Chef Ricky worked with some of the best sushi chefs in the nation, trained by the beloved Chef
Uchi at Sushi Nagazawa. When he decided to open his own omakase he started by running a pop up in a karaoke bar on the days they were closed, setting up his service station on top of the drink well. He honed his vision and built out Omakase Barracks Row next door with a vision that everyone at the restaurant gets to sit at the Omakase counter. The best sushi anywhere, with an amazing attention to detail, and a fun environment thanks to Ricky’s personality and the sommelier leading the adventure.
City Center
This thriving shopping and dining area near the DC Convention Center is the new home of Seven Reasons, which relocated from 14th St in 2023. While this is a fine dining experience, there is clear intention to bring an element of fun to the meal. Based in Latin American cuisine, there is a variety of flavors and textures in every menu from brunch and lunch to happy hour and dinner.
The Best Tours paired with the Best Restaurants in DC
With so many choices of restaurants and locations it can be overwhelming to make pick which ones you would like to try. Unscripted is here to help. We can assemble an itinerary for your visit that includes great tours and the best restaurants in DC. For trip planning assistance reach us here.