Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Washington DC

Founding Farmers offers fresh food straight from the farm in its elegant ambiance. The menu features typical American favorites of salads, sandwiches, pastas, burgers, steaks, meat and poultry dishes. Try out the signature dishes of Yankee pot roast, farmers meatloaf and rotisserie chicken. Weekday mornings guests can enjoy a nutritious breakfast. On weekends visit for a delectable brunch fare like hearty egg scrambles, thick Belgian waffles, fluffy pancakes and more.

1789 Restaurant, a formal, elegant restaurant in Georgetown, is a Washington favorite. Its Federal-era architecture is nicely accentuated by burning fireplaces and classic linen-and-silver table settings. A wide range of New American entrees are featured on the menu. There are fine vegetarian offerings as well as non-vegetarian delicacies like hanger steak and grill rack of lamb. The desserts here are similarly divine.

Lyon Hall is a quintessential neighborhood brasserie in Arlington. It features an unrivaled beer list with over 20 on tap and over 50 bottled brews on offer. Enjoy a chilled pint with delectable bar fare. German and French classics dominate the menu with the likes of pretzels and steak frites. A packed house and energetic vibes during their weekend brunch reveals its local favorite status.

Capitol Hill's critically-acclaimed Charlie Palmer Steak is a sophisticated restaurant and lounge along the world-famous National Mall. Here you'll find only the finest cuts of artisan meats, game, fish and fowl, prepared in Chef Charlie Palmer's progressive American style. This is the place to see and be seen. If you are a wine connoisseur, scroll through their 10,000 American wines on an eWinebook while three sommeliers are on hand for consultation. The restaurant also has three private dining rooms and a rooftop terrace for events for up to 400 guests, with spectacular views of the Capitol.

Opened in 2007, Brasserie Beck is a contemporary Belgian brasserie by the acclaimed chef Robert Wiedmaier. The elegant space includes stone floors, exposed steel fixtures and vintage decor that give it a charming look. The open kitchen tantalizes your appetite while you wait for your order. Their bar has an impressive beer list of more than 100 varieties which will make an enthusiast thrilled. Whether it is a quick lunch or a late night meal, the flexible hours and the delectable food that includes charcuterie plates, crispy skate wing and mussels will just make you want come back for more.

Assaggi Osteria is for all those who love Italian food and good mozzarella. The menu features a wide array of appealing appetizers, salads, homemade pastas, fresh seafood and veal. You need to keep a careful watch on the road if you are driving as chances are you might miss this hidden gem. Due to the chef-owner's love for seafood, Assaggi specializes in seafood and you can find interesting treasures from the seas all around the world in here all sourced freshly of course. All the other produce is procured from local Amish farms and the desserts are made in the house. The farm to table menu is served as small plates meant to be shared.