The Top 10 Dishes to Savor in DC

Washington, DC is a cultural hub, where the North meets the South and a rich tapestry of international communities flourishes due to its role as a key immigration gateway. 

This beautiful blend of cultures shines through in the city’s vibrant dining scene. Recent Yelp statistics show that DC boasts the highest number of new restaurants per capita. Throughout the city, you’ll discover traditional dishes from around the globe alongside inventive flavor combinations drawing inspiration from diverse cuisines.

To truly enjoy the culinary landscape of the district, explore this list of delectable dishes that showcase the cream of DC’s award-winning food scene. 

Don’t miss the potato pierogies at Bresca

Bresca is a modern French bistro with a Michelin star, nestled in the vibrant U St Corridor of DC. While the menu showcases playful takes on European classics, the potato pierogi shines above the rest—crafted from a cherished family dough recipe. Unlike other city pierogies, these are fluffy, soft, and buttery, offering a heavenly bite.  

How to enjoy it: Bresca is a favorite in the area and tends to fill up quickly. Be sure to secure a reservation several weeks ahead of your visit. 

Combine steak with fire-roasted eggplant at CUT DC

While DC boasts many restaurants by celebrity chefs, Wolfgang Puck’s CUT DC stands out as a must-visit. Tucked away on a narrow side street in the vibrant Georgetown area, within the historic Rosewood hotel, this steakhouse is a hidden gem for the city's elite food enthusiasts. Among the impressive selection of steak and duck, it’s the small fire-roasted eggplant that truly steals the spotlight. This charred, tender delight is infused with a smoky flavor and complemented by a green curry peanut sauce.

How to enjoy it: Given the intimate setting of the dining room, securing a dinner reservation is essential. Georgetown can be tricky for parking, so consider using a rideshare service or wear comfy shoes for the trek from the nearest Metro station.

Savor lamb shank tacos at dLeña

DLeña is an enticing restaurant that draws its culinary inspiration from across Latin America, with a distinctly Mexican flair at its core. Every dish is a treat, but the Australian-imported lamb shank steals the show—marinated for 24 hours and braised for five with a blend of Mexican spices, dried chili adobo, herbs, and achiote pepper. The result? Meat that effortlessly falls off the bone and shreds with the slightest touch. This generous serving comes with blue corn tortillas and a selection of sauces—perfect for sharing, though you might find it hard to do so. 

How to enjoy it: DLeña is a popular choice for celebrations, so securing a reservation is advisable. It’s a quick stroll of less than fifteen minutes from the nearest Metro station. 

Treat yourself to Perry's shrimp katsu burger

Perry’s is a beloved fixture in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, serving up modern Japanese comfort food for 40 years. Despite its long-standing presence, the menu remains fresh and exciting. Recent updates led by Chef Masako Morishita, who won the James Beard Prize for Emerging Chef, have garnered significant praise. The shrimp katsu burger alone is a worthy contender for that accolade—it’s a towering, crispy, yet juicy sandwich reminiscent of a similar creation from Japanese McDonald’s. After just one bite, I was set on ordering a second one.

How to enjoy it: Reservations are recommended for dinner at Perry’s. The Adams Morgan area isn’t very car-friendly and isn’t close to a DC metro stop, so ridesharing is your best option. 

Savor the coastal flavors with capesante alla capri at Cucina Morini 

Cucina Morini is a fresh addition to the dining scene, showcasing Southern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on the seafood dishes typical of the coastal regions. A highlight on the menu is the capesante alla capri—rich, buttery scallops paired with creamy herbed risotto and sweet, juicy tomatoes.

To enjoy Cucina Morini’s daily martini happy hour for just seven dollars, arrive right at 5pm to beat the rush. 

How to get it: This lively restaurant has ample space, so if you're not too focused on snagging happy hour deals, walk-ins should have no trouble getting a table. 

Experience Senegal's signature dish at Moi Moi 

Moi Moi is a fusion restaurant that blends West African and Southern American flavors, conveniently located just blocks from the White House. It features ingredients like garri, a cassava-based grain, used to batter and fry catfish in a Southern style. A must-try is their thieboudienne, the national dish of Senegal, renowned throughout West Africa. This one-pot meal is served with rice simmered in a rich tomato stew, an array of vegetables such as yams, carrots, and eggplant, alongside a large piece of fried whole red snapper, creating a vibrant feast of flavors.  

How to get it: Seating fills up quickly at Moi Moi, so it's best to make reservations a few weeks ahead. Parking can be unpredictable in this area, so consider using public transport or rideshare; if you decide to drive, be prepared to spend a little extra time searching for a spot.

Delight in Dauphine’s duck jambalaya

Dauphine’s draws culinary inspiration from across America, yet remains deeply rooted in New Orleans fare. Their duck jambalaya stands out as a prime example of this theme, served in a large, steaming pot alongside a side of sauerkraut and duck sausage, making for a hearty rice dish. 

How to get it: Centrally located, Dauphine’s is easily accessible via public transportation. While they often accommodate walk-in guests, making a reservation is a wise idea.

Indulge in beef short rib with saffron at Rania 

Rania has recently earned a Michelin star, and despite its acclaim, it offers an impressively accessible four-course modern Indian menu for $90. While much is said about the enticing snacks served as amuse bouche, the highlight is undoubtedly the beef short rib immersed in saffron nihari, a beloved stew in South Asian cuisine.

How to get it: To ensure a seat at Rania, make a reservation several weeks in advance. Located downtown, the restaurant is easy to reach, although parking can be limited on weekday evenings.  

Head to Wingo's for a taste of the local mambo sauce

Wingo's is the go-to spot in DC for wings, offering a wide array of dry and wet seasonings to mix and match. Be sure to try the six-piece mambo sauce wings. Mambo sauce is a DC classic—a delightful blend of ketchup, sweet and sour sauce, and vinegar barbecue sauce. While it's typically found at local carryouts, you might also spot it at some neighborhood bars. The wings at Wingo’s are generously coated but never soggy, making them a fantastic introduction to this iconic sauce. 

How to get it: Wingo’s has two locations. The Georgetown spot operates as a walk-up carryout, so plan where to enjoy your meal. The Glover Park location, on the other hand, is a neighborhood bar with better parking options.

Savor delectable churros at Cranes

Cranes offers stunning Spanish-Japanese fusion cuisine, but don't miss out on their exquisite churros. Chef Pepe Moncayo crafts these treats using brown butter instead of traditional choux pastry, giving them a nutty, aromatic flavor that's incredibly indulgent. Coated generously in sugar, the churros are long and thin yet perfectly structured, served alongside a sweet and savory miso caramel sauce and a rich black sesame chocolate sauce. For a fun twist, try mixing the sauces together! This dessert is bound to become a repeat favorite.

How to get it: While Cranes is a fine dining establishment, you can also enjoy their churros during lunch, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is conveniently situated near several Metro stations.