Maybe you've gone to the same restaurant for every special occasion over the last decade. Perhaps your favorite spot shut its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Or maybe you're just on the lookout for a new dining experience to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Whether you're trying to find your way out of a restaurant rut, just moved to your city, or simply want to try somewhere new for your next celebration, finding a new favorite spot can be challenging.
There are lots of components that go into picking the right restaurant for a special occasion. What the ambiance is like, which type of cuisine is served, what dietary restrictions can be accommodated, the price point, and even whether reservations are accepted are important considerations. Whether you're looking for cozy-casual or fine dining, Washington, D.C. has a variety of eateries to choose from for your next celebration.
To aid in your search, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated restaurants in Washington, D.C. using rankings from Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Some restaurants on the list may have recently closed. Bon appetit!
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#30. BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (678 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Seafood
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 4883 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington DC, DC 20007-1578
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Read more on Tripadvisor2 / 30
#29. Taberna Del Alabardero
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (528 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: International, Mediterranean
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1776 I St NW Entrance on 18th St, Between H & I, Washington DC, DC 20006-3700
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Read more on Tripadvisor3 / 30
#28. Jaleo by Jose Andres
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,566 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Latin, Mediterranean
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 480 7th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2207
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#27. Bistro Aracosia
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (174 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Afghan
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 5100 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington DC, DC 20016-3316
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Read more on Tripadvisor5 / 30
#26. Siroc Restaurant
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#25. Kingbird
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (525 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: $$$$
- Price: not available
- Address: 2650 Virginia Ave NW The Watergate Hotel, Washington DC, DC 20037-1906
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Read more on Tripadvisor7 / 30
#24. Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (700 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: French, European
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20037-1730
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Read more on Tripadvisor8 / 30
#23. Rasika West End
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,160 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Indian
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20037-1501
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Read more on Tripadvisor9 / 30
#22. 1789 Restaurant & Bar
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (857 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1226 36th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20007
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Read more on Tripadvisor10 / 30
#21. Tortino Restaurant
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#20. Le Diplomate
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,153 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: French, European
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1601 14th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20009-4306
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Read more on Tripadvisor12 / 30
#19. Blue Duck Tavern
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,202 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1201 24th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20037
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Read more on Tripadvisor13 / 30
#18. Filomena Ristorante - Georgetown
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,701 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20007-3605
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Read more on Tripadvisor14 / 30
#17. Zaytinya by Jose Andres
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (4,561 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Lebanese, Mediterranean
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 701 9th St NW Corner G Streets, Washington DC, DC 20001-4572
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Read more on Tripadvisor15 / 30
#16. Estadio
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (626 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Spanish
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 1520 14th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-3722
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#15. Bistro Cacao
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (379 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: French, European
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 320 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington DC, DC 20002-5702
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Read more on Tripadvisor17 / 30
#14. Floriana
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (361 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Italian, European
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 1602 17th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20009-2404
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Read more on Tripadvisor18 / 30
#13. The Dabney
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (303 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 122 Blagden Alley North West, Washington DC, DC 20001
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Read more on Tripadvisor19 / 30
#12. Ristorante TOSCA
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (655 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Italian
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1112 F St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-1308
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Read more on Tripadvisor20 / 30
#11. Ambar Capitol Hill
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#10. Rose's Luxury
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (510 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Contemporary
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 717 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003
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Read more on Tripadvisor22 / 30
#9. Corduroy
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (461 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1122 9th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-4314
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Read more on Tripadvisor23 / 30
#8. Kinship Restaurant
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (222 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Contemporary
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 1015 7th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-3607
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Read more on Tripadvisor24 / 30
#7. Old Ebbitt Grill
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (13,028 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 675 15th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-5702
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Read more on Tripadvisor26 / 30
#5. Joe's Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,423 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 750 15th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-1018
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Read more on Tripadvisor27 / 30
#4. Barmini
- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (277 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bar
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 501 9th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2155
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Read more on Tripadvisor28 / 30
#3. Rasika
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,867 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Indian
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 633 D St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2904
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Read more on Tripadvisor29 / 30
#2. The Capital Grille
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2,095 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Steakhouse
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20004
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Read more on Tripadvisor30 / 30
#1. Lafayette Restaurant