DC's oldest restaurant, just steps from the White House, continues to be one of the city’s most sought-after reservations for its historic ambiance and iconic oyster happy hours. Snag a seat in the main dining room decked with antique chandeliers and patriotic murals to feast on massive seafood towers, crab cakes, and premium steaks alongside local powerbrokers.

Come for one of DC’s best fried chicken sandwiches, stay for the innovative cocktails that have landed this drinking den a coveted spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars list multiple years running. Sip on favorites like a tropical-inspired pisco punch and a heirloom carrot margarita in the quirky, wood-paneled space beloved by industry insiders.

Tropical vibes reign supreme at award-winning Causa’s colorful sibling restaurant and lounge. Dig into a Peruvian menu of anticuchos (grilled meat skewers), elegant seafood-forward dishes, and top-notch cocktails in the energetic, plant-strewn dining room or on the shady rooftop patio.

Come to the Moon Rabbit reboot for chef Kevin Tien’s singular approach to Vietnamese fine dining. In a modern, library-like space, his ambitious menu—think Mực Nhồi Thị (squid-stuffed boudin) and Cá Viên (barbecued monkfish with collard greens)—is both rooted in his Asian heritage and Louisiana upbringing while boundary-pushing, for a singular experience every visit.

At the laidback The Dabney, the modern farmhouse vibe, rootsy soundtrack, and roaring hearth make you feel like you’re at an intimate living room dinner party—but hosted by James Beard Award-winning chef Jeremiah Langhorne. Dig into his seasonal, Mid-Atlantic-leaning tasting menu with bold dishes like a mini apple cake and foie gras torchon that have earned the restaurant MICHELIN Star status.

Located just above its sibling spot, this bold restaurant from acclaimed Bresca chef Ryan Ratino has earned two MICHELIN stars for an innovative tasting menu of knockout Japanese dishes like monkfish liver dressed with apple. Plan ahead to snag seats at the intimate, minimalist counter.

Elegant bites, like a black olive tart with grilled squid, are just the beginning of the Spanish delights at Xiquet. Jaleo veteran and Valencian-born chef Danny Lledó serves up showstopping paellas and other seafood-forward fare in an intimate, MICHELIN-Starred tasting experience. Finish the evening with a glass of vintage port in the romantic cocktail lounge.

Nearly a decade into its run, this refined osteria continues to be a sought-after table thanks to its easygoing vibe and chef Amy Brandwein’s housemade pastas that spotlight seasonal, mid-Atlantic ingredients. It's easy to linger over shareable antipasti, refreshing cocktails, and pitch-perfect wines in the lively space.

Maryland native and celebrated chef Johnny Spero’s moody, MICHELIN-starred flagship tasting restaurant is an intimate gem. Snag a seat at the statement, 20-feet granite counter to watch the chef prepare a modernist tasting menu that shows off his sophisticated techniques and culinary influences from Scandinavia, Japan, and the mid-Atlantic, served alongside a stellar low-intervention wine list.

From a living moss wall and purple banquettes to playful dishes layered with truffles and caviar, maximalism reigns supreme at Ryan Ratino’s MICHELIN-Starred hotspot. His Parisian bistro-inspired menu includes whimsical takes on French classics like a strawberry-pistachio foie gras “gateau” paired with colorful cocktails from beverage director Will Patton.