Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Washington DC

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.

At Komi, located a few twists and turns from the hustle and bustle of Dupont Circle, simplicity is key. The staff, the space, the cuisine and the wines are all elegant, but none are flashy in the least. Komi is most famous for its fixed-price tasting menus with optional sommelier-managed wine pairings, each one a new five-course symphony of tasty wonder. Whichever route you choose, you'll surely be faced with some luscious salads, top-notch pastas and some of the finest meats and fishes you'll ever lay eyes on.

Tucked away in a culinary downtown area of DC, Le Desales is a charming restaurant that serves some delicious French food with a twist. A great place to celebrate a party, private event, occasion, dates or formal business meet. This beautiful restaurant has an imaginative menu that ranges from sweetbreads to Duck dishes to French cut steaks and a variety of appetizers. The rustic interiors and warm lighting provides a perfect dining ambiance. Their Duck Egg And Paprika Potatoes, Bavette Dry Aged Beef and Petite Suisse are worth having.

Lincoln is more than just an American restaurant, it celebrates the very spirit of the United States. It was the restaurant of choice for both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama during their presidential campaigns. It has also received numerous awards for its happy hours. Its flooring is constructed from antique wood dotted by a mosaic of a million pennies. Its walls exhibit pop art and a painting of the American flag. Their Presidential Tasting Menu offers the preferred dishes of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Savor items like Winter Turkey Salad, Maryland Smoked Quail and Chicken Pot Pie. Do not miss their cocktails such as the 1944 Mai Tai and Gettysburg Address.

As a result of its location, in Washington's office-laden midtown district, the Daily Grill restaurant/bar attracts business people. The food is served in enormous portions - just the ticket for those who have worked up an appetite. The best entrees on the menu are the basic ones, such as meatloaf and chicken pot pie. Food can also be ordered at the bar, for those who like to mingle while they munch.

If you wish to unwind after a long day in the city then The Manor is the spot to be. The place has a vivacious ambiance throughout their working hours; it has a sumptuous decor that boasts of near-perfect acoustics, impressive seating spaces and vibrant light accents that cast a dream-like glow. Their bar is rich with eclectic spirits and the bartenders are known to work magic with each of them. The pulsating music keeps patrons grooving till wee hours of the night at The Manor, while their delectable American menu satiates your well-worked appetite. The place is quite popular for their happy hours and hence is bustling with a large crowd from 5p to 8p from Tuesdays through Fridays. Reservations come highly recommended.