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Restaurant list

Discover the Best New Restaurants in Washington D.C.

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated October 23, 2019

Best known as the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. forms the hotbed of political action in the United States. This historical city has grown into one of the country’s cultural meccas. D.C. thrives when it comes to museums, arts organizations and sports. With so many attractions, residents and visitors can find no shortage of food options from around the globe, ranging from mom-and-pop shops and authentic ethnic eateries to haute cuisine establishments with Michelin stars. A new restaurant opens up every week in D.C., so how do diners choose? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve looked at thousands of restaurants and bars across D.C. to find the favorite places among OpenTable’s expert, seasoned diners. Diners who want a delicious, unforgettable meal should try the best new restaurants in D.C. today. Good luck choosing just one!

Estuary
4.5 (733)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Penn Quarter
The Conrad is one of the nicest hotels in D.C. It is also home to one of the best new restaurants in D.C.: Estuary. This stylish, bright eatery features floor to ceiling windows and white and bright red interior touches, so the space feels airy and energized. The menu focuses on seafood, so anyone who loves a coastal meal will enjoy dining here. Diners can eat dishes like tuna tartare, cedar planked scallops, or grilled flounder. For more adventurous eaters looking for an experience, come for the chef’s menu, and let the head of the kitchen prepare his favorite delights.
Top review
JoanneVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Superior service and food. Thoughtful recommendations and attention to allergens. Seafood tower was best in the area. Perfect evening out.
The Conrad is one of the nicest hotels in D.C. It is also home to one of the best new restaurants in D.C.: Estuary. This stylish, bright eatery features floor to ceiling windows and white and bright red interior touches, so the space feels airy and energized. The menu focuses on seafood, so anyone who loves a coastal meal will enjoy dining here. Diners can eat dishes like tuna tartare, cedar planked scallops, or grilled flounder. For more adventurous eaters looking for an experience, come for the chef’s menu, and let the head of the kitchen prepare his favorite delights.
Top review
JoanneVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Superior service and food. Thoughtful recommendations and attention to allergens. Seafood tower was best in the area. Perfect evening out.
Zeppelin
4.8 (756)
$31 to $50
Sushi
Shaw
Zeppelin is one of the best new restaurants in D.C. and also one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area. This particular take on Japanese food features Yakitori, as well as sushi. Zeppelin has a dark lounge-y atmosphere, and it is a fun place to go for a cocktail at night. Zeppelin also has karaoke after dinner service, so come to show off any singing skills. The restaurant is in the heart of Logan Circle.
Top review
ManuelVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent food, excellent service as always. We have been here MANY times and have never been dissapointed!
Zeppelin is one of the best new restaurants in D.C. and also one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area. This particular take on Japanese food features Yakitori, as well as sushi. Zeppelin has a dark lounge-y atmosphere, and it is a fun place to go for a cocktail at night. Zeppelin also has karaoke after dinner service, so come to show off any singing skills. The restaurant is in the heart of Logan Circle.
Top review
ManuelVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent food, excellent service as always. We have been here MANY times and have never been dissapointed!
CUT by Wolfgang Puck
4.5 (640)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Georgetown
CUT is a chain of restaurants by Wolfgang Puck. This new D.C. outpost of the celebrated restaurant does not disappoint when it comes to steak and many consider it to be one of the best new restaurants in D.C. Located in the heart of the town’s trendy neighborhood, Georgetown, CUT features a menu of items like Wild Mediterranean Trout, Grilled Maine Diver Scallops, Japanese Pure Breed Wagyu Beef, and Grilled Sonoma Lamb Chops. The restaurant has dark wood, handsome décor with beautiful parquet floors and comfortable plush banquet seating. Diners should consider it for a business meal, a date night, or a celebratory evening on the town.
Top review
鉞享
Dined 2 days ago
A very great restaurant and food is very delicious
CUT is a chain of restaurants by Wolfgang Puck. This new D.C. outpost of the celebrated restaurant does not disappoint when it comes to steak and many consider it to be one of the best new restaurants in D.C. Located in the heart of the town’s trendy neighborhood, Georgetown, CUT features a menu of items like Wild Mediterranean Trout, Grilled Maine Diver Scallops, Japanese Pure Breed Wagyu Beef, and Grilled Sonoma Lamb Chops. The restaurant has dark wood, handsome décor with beautiful parquet floors and comfortable plush banquet seating. Diners should consider it for a business meal, a date night, or a celebratory evening on the town.
Top review
鉞享
Dined 2 days ago
A very great restaurant and food is very delicious
Boqueria - Penn Quarter
4.6 (563)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Penn Quarter
There are two locations of Boqueria in D.C.: one in Dupont and one in Penn Quarter. Both feature Spanish tapas and are excellent spots to go out for a festive evening with friends. The tapas menu is wide and varied. Find a selection of vegetables, cheese, charcuterie, seafood, meat, and more. Visitors who come to Boqueria rave about the cocktails and the dimly lit and sleek with minimalist interior.
Top review
ValerieVIP
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Food & cocktails were excellent. Lively crowd at Happy Hour and great vibe! Service was outstanding too!
There are two locations of Boqueria in D.C.: one in Dupont and one in Penn Quarter. Both feature Spanish tapas and are excellent spots to go out for a festive evening with friends. The tapas menu is wide and varied. Find a selection of vegetables, cheese, charcuterie, seafood, meat, and more. Visitors who come to Boqueria rave about the cocktails and the dimly lit and sleek with minimalist interior.
Top review
ValerieVIP
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Food & cocktails were excellent. Lively crowd at Happy Hour and great vibe! Service was outstanding too!
Sushi Hachi
4.5 (227)
$30 and under
Sushi
Capitol Hill
For one of the best new restaurants in D.C. and arguably the best sushi in town, head to Sushi Hachi. The concept behind Sushi Hachi is to blend the modern styling of D.C. area restaurants with the quality of fish in classic Asian eateries. The sushi here is incredibly fresh and the menu is large. Visitors can choose from a selection of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. There are other Japanese bites on the menu, including snapper miso ceviche, chicken kara-age with onion and zucchini, and grilled octopus poke tuna. Sushi Hachi is between Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard in Central D.C.
Top review
Tanner
Dined on Feb 19, 2025
Sushi Hachi is my favorite restaurant for sushi in the city based on its value. There are other far more expensive and luxurious spots, but Sushi Hachi really finds the perfect medium by providing ingredients with a noticeably fresh taste without going overboard on complex fancy dishes and drinks. The simplicity of the menu, the comforting ambiance, and the attention to detail — specifically regarding the beautiful ceramics, like the sake cups you get to pick from — make this one of my favorite places (I even went for my birthday this year).
For one of the best new restaurants in D.C. and arguably the best sushi in town, head to Sushi Hachi. The concept behind Sushi Hachi is to blend the modern styling of D.C. area restaurants with the quality of fish in classic Asian eateries. The sushi here is incredibly fresh and the menu is large. Visitors can choose from a selection of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. There are other Japanese bites on the menu, including snapper miso ceviche, chicken kara-age with onion and zucchini, and grilled octopus poke tuna. Sushi Hachi is between Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard in Central D.C.
Top review
Tanner
Dined on Feb 19, 2025
Sushi Hachi is my favorite restaurant for sushi in the city based on its value. There are other far more expensive and luxurious spots, but Sushi Hachi really finds the perfect medium by providing ingredients with a noticeably fresh taste without going overboard on complex fancy dishes and drinks. The simplicity of the menu, the comforting ambiance, and the attention to detail — specifically regarding the beautiful ceramics, like the sake cups you get to pick from — make this one of my favorite places (I even went for my birthday this year).
North Italia - Washington DC
4.5 (1732)
$30 and under
Italian
West End
One of the most exciting new spots for Italian food in D.C. is North Italia. This small chain of Italian restaurants offers fresh Italian dishes made from scratch, including pasta, pizza, protein entrees, and more. The chefs hand-make the pastas here daily, and there is a daily chef-special pizza, in addition to an Italian-focused brunch menu. Diners will find the meals here to be hearty and rustic, so it is a good place to come when comfort is the craving. North Italia is on Penn Ave, in the heart of downtown.
Top review
BarbaraVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Pretheater dinner was very good. Quick service and pleasant server.
One of the most exciting new spots for Italian food in D.C. is North Italia. This small chain of Italian restaurants offers fresh Italian dishes made from scratch, including pasta, pizza, protein entrees, and more. The chefs hand-make the pastas here daily, and there is a daily chef-special pizza, in addition to an Italian-focused brunch menu. Diners will find the meals here to be hearty and rustic, so it is a good place to come when comfort is the craving. North Italia is on Penn Ave, in the heart of downtown.
Top review
BarbaraVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Pretheater dinner was very good. Quick service and pleasant server.
matchbox Penn Quarter
4.4 (589)
$30 and under
American
Penn Quarter
For a warm, inviting, neighborhood-feeling café, D.C. folks can now flock to Matchbox: one of the town’s most welcoming new restaurants. The menu here has something for everyone, including burgers and fries, salads, appetizers and more. Consider this to be a place for more upscale bar food, where the servers are friendly and always know the regulars’ names.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 5 days ago
Our service was not good. We had 5 people at a 4 top which I didn’t mind but I had to ask for a plate and silverware for that fifth seat. No attempt at clearing appetizer dishes to make room for the entrées was made. We had to ask for every drink refill. We had to look like we were leaving to get the check picked up. On the positive side the appetizers and entrées came fast once we ordered. We had pizza crabcake sandwich and two chicken salads, one of which had twice as much chicken as the other. Overall, the food was great. I suspect maybe they were shortstaffed and our server had more tables than she was used to. It is expensive with fountain sodas at $4.50. Our total for 2 adults and 3 teens was $180 and very little food left over. Knowing these things I would go there again but not on a capitals game night.
For a warm, inviting, neighborhood-feeling café, D.C. folks can now flock to Matchbox: one of the town’s most welcoming new restaurants. The menu here has something for everyone, including burgers and fries, salads, appetizers and more. Consider this to be a place for more upscale bar food, where the servers are friendly and always know the regulars’ names.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 5 days ago
Our service was not good. We had 5 people at a 4 top which I didn’t mind but I had to ask for a plate and silverware for that fifth seat. No attempt at clearing appetizer dishes to make room for the entrées was made. We had to ask for every drink refill. We had to look like we were leaving to get the check picked up. On the positive side the appetizers and entrées came fast once we ordered. We had pizza crabcake sandwich and two chicken salads, one of which had twice as much chicken as the other. Overall, the food was great. I suspect maybe they were shortstaffed and our server had more tables than she was used to. It is expensive with fountain sodas at $4.50. Our total for 2 adults and 3 teens was $180 and very little food left over. Knowing these things I would go there again but not on a capitals game night.
CIRCA at Navy Yard
4.7 (1245)
$30 and under
American
Navy Yard
At the Navy Yard is another new exciting restaurant: Circa, which is an American restaurant that rotates its menu seasonally. The location of CIRCA is convenient to serve both visitors and locals alike, close to Audi Field, the Capitol Riverfront, and the Nationals Park. The menu here has options like spinach and artichoke dip, petite filet sliders, and fuji apple shrimp salad. The bustling atmosphere here is family-friendly so bring everyone along for a meal.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined 1 day ago
The food was delicious and the service was on point.
At the Navy Yard is another new exciting restaurant: Circa, which is an American restaurant that rotates its menu seasonally. The location of CIRCA is convenient to serve both visitors and locals alike, close to Audi Field, the Capitol Riverfront, and the Nationals Park. The menu here has options like spinach and artichoke dip, petite filet sliders, and fuji apple shrimp salad. The bustling atmosphere here is family-friendly so bring everyone along for a meal.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined 1 day ago
The food was delicious and the service was on point.
Mazi
4.6 (748)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown
For casual dining in a cute and trendy environment, visitors should head to Mazi. This new American restaurant in the heart of Downtown serves lunch and dinner nightly, and they also have a popular happy hour. When diners come here, they can sample dishes like the New York Strip, chicken kebab, or penne pasta prima. There are also vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, so it may be a good place to take any herbivore friends. Mazi bills itself as family-friendly so don’t hesitate to bring the little ones along to dine.
Top review
Erin
Dined 4 days ago
George is an absolute gem! My friends and I come here for a delightful girls' lunch every few months, and it never disappoints. I usually go for the Greek salad or mussels—both are fantastic. The staff is incredibly accommodating, especially for those with gluten-free or dairy-free needs. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, making it ideal for both business lunches and elegant dinners. Highly recommend!
For casual dining in a cute and trendy environment, visitors should head to Mazi. This new American restaurant in the heart of Downtown serves lunch and dinner nightly, and they also have a popular happy hour. When diners come here, they can sample dishes like the New York Strip, chicken kebab, or penne pasta prima. There are also vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, so it may be a good place to take any herbivore friends. Mazi bills itself as family-friendly so don’t hesitate to bring the little ones along to dine.
Top review
Erin
Dined 4 days ago
George is an absolute gem! My friends and I come here for a delightful girls' lunch every few months, and it never disappoints. I usually go for the Greek salad or mussels—both are fantastic. The staff is incredibly accommodating, especially for those with gluten-free or dairy-free needs. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, making it ideal for both business lunches and elegant dinners. Highly recommend!
Julii
4.8 (2478)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
North Bethesda
Another one of the best restaurants in North Bethesda is Julii, a French restaurant with a Mediterranean twist. Founded by the masterminds behind Cava, a chain of popular fast-casual restaurants that people love in the D.C. area. Julii serves breakfast lunch and dinner, and the menu has a distinct French bent. Find items like lamb shank tagine, filet mignon, crispy trout, and scallop risotto. Many diners rave about the atmosphere, which is bright and airy, with floor to ceiling windows in the dining room.
Top review
Mandy
Dined 4 days ago
Fantastic food and drinks! We had a great time. Lamb entree was delicious and enough to share after an app!
Another one of the best restaurants in North Bethesda is Julii, a French restaurant with a Mediterranean twist. Founded by the masterminds behind Cava, a chain of popular fast-casual restaurants that people love in the D.C. area. Julii serves breakfast lunch and dinner, and the menu has a distinct French bent. Find items like lamb shank tagine, filet mignon, crispy trout, and scallop risotto. Many diners rave about the atmosphere, which is bright and airy, with floor to ceiling windows in the dining room.
Top review
Mandy
Dined 4 days ago
Fantastic food and drinks! We had a great time. Lamb entree was delicious and enough to share after an app!

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