Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Washington DC

Iron Gate has a history dating back to 1923 and has got a new lease of life due to the Neighborhood Restaurant Group. Led by executive chef Anthony Chittum, it is set in the historic carriageway while the lovely courtyard with grapevines and wisteria provide an alluring backdrop for alfresco dining. Their menu is influenced by Greek and Italian styles of cooking. Savor their dishes like Oak Roasted Foraged Mushrooms, Farm Goat Ribs and Iron Gate Mixed Grill. This romantic restaurant also has a fine list of wines and cocktails. It is a great spot for a date or special occasions.

The Tabard Inn Restaurant, which is unsurprisingly located inside the historical Tabard Inn, offers an ever changing seasonal menu that will make foodies feel like they've found paradise. The menu changes daily based on the local ingredients that the chefs get their hands on, which means one day might feature grilled octopus with pickled fennel, and another may feature marscapone-stuffed dates. Pair these sorts of incredible dishes with a stellar wine list and a gorgeous historical dining room and you will have the charming Tabard Inn Restaurant.

Nazca Mochica is a Peruvian restaurant located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington DC offering modern interpretations of classic Peruvian delights in a warm and comfortable setting. The restaurant is spread over two floors featuring a pisco bar with tapas, and an upstair dining area. The lower floor lounge serves a variety of handcrafted Pisco-based cocktails, carefully curated spirits and a notable list of Cebiches. The Cebiche Nazca, Cebiche de Pato and Lomo Saltado are some of their signature dishes on the menu. If you're looking forward to a mouthwatering Latin-American meal, Nazca Mochica is the place to be.

Situated adjacent to the Mason and Rook Hotel, Radiator is a friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar that pays homage to the rich automotive history of 14th street. The dining area features vintage parts of automobiles and checkerboard floors, exuding a nostalgic vibe. The menu includes a wide range of International cocktail-friendly small plates meant for sharing and innovative drinks and an eclectic selection of specialty cocktails and spirits.

This traditional-style Japanese restaurant and bar in Dupont Circle offers much more than sushi. It has a broad menu and a decor imported directly from Japan. Gleaming wood sets the tone and blends well with the authentic Japanese screens and tatami flooring. There is a tremendous selection here, ranging from Sushi and Sashimi to dainty grilled skewers of Yakitori. The restaurant also serves up some high-end sake, which is a Japanese rice wine that can be served hot or cold, and Sho-chu, a Japanese alcohol that has a base of rice, soba, barley, and sweet potato. Other drinks include Japanese beer and wine.

Sweetgreen is a haven for salad fanatics. Known for their healthy delectable food and excellent core values, Sweetgreen sources local and organic ingredients from farmers to create simple and pure authentic flavors. You have the option of either creating your own salad, or choosing from one of their many specialty bowls. The Strawberries + Local Feta is a definite favorite among customers, with its fat juicy strawberries and fresh arugula leaves, as well as the Blueberry + Basil Fresca, which mixes savory and sweet with plump blueberries and a touch of ginger. This particular location at Logan Circle boasts a charming patio area and a sleek wooden interior that serves as the perfect backdrop for a quaint lunch with friends.