Best Authentic Restaurants in Washington DC

A consistent stop when we’re in DC, La Chaumiere never fails to please. We dined there two nights in a row since the quality and variety are virtually unmatched in the city. Our waiter Tony was extremely knowledgeable and unfailing gracious as was the entire staff. Watching the choreography of this experienced and expert staff on a busy night brought back memories of how service once was provided in fine restaurants. The food…always excellent. We ate our fill of soufflés and splurged on caviar and champaign in honor of our anniversary. You can’t go wrong with any choice. The prices..very fair for the quality you receive. Thank you for two wonderful nights of memories.

This is truly a one of a kind dining experience in DC. Some of the best service I’ve had. Our server was attentive, but didn’t hover and was so kind. We were able to get great recommendations on both drinks and food options. The beet salad, mushrooms, scallops, and shrimp were beyond delicious and I would highly recommend. For cocktail lovers the 3PM in Istanbul was excellent. We will certainly be going back to enjoy the atmosphere and to eat more of the tapas we were just too full to eat this time around.

This was my second visit to the restaurant within a month, and I'm pleased to say it was a much smoother experience than the first. The service was attentive and helpful, and the food was outstanding. We started with the Caesar salad, which is likely my favorite dish on the menu, followed by the Fritto Primavera. The Caesar salad was crisp and flavorful, while the Fritto Primavera was perfectly fried and accompanied by a delicious dipping sauce. For our main courses, my wife had the branzino and I opted for the pork shank. Both dishes were superb—the pork shank was tender and fell off the bone, while the branzino was complemented by a lovely caper sauce that truly elevated the dish. As for the ambiance, we visited in the early evening when it wasn't too crowded. The restaurant had its Christmas decorations up, which added a warm and festive touch to the atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and will definitely be returning.

Filomena has always been our go-to restaurant, and it never fails to exceed our expectations. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance that sets the tone for an incredible dining experience. The food, as always, was absolutely delicious—each dish crafted with care and bursting with flavor. What truly elevated our evening was the outstanding service we received from Nebil. His professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine friendliness made us feel truly valued as guests. Nebil anticipated our needs effortlessly, provided thoughtful recommendations, and ensured everything was perfect from start to finish. It’s rare to encounter such exceptional service, and it made an already great meal even more memorable. Filomena, once again, proved why it remains our favorite dining spot!

Friendly speedy service and delicious food. Very much enjoyed!