Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillDowntownDupont Circle

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for happy hour

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Open Kitchen

4.2

Awesome(469)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Falls Church

Open Kitchen is a contemporary American Bistro and Wine Bar passionate about making, eating, and sharing good food with our community. Our chefs source fresh ingredients to create familiar yet innovative seasonal dishes that are paired with a dynamic wine list. We are an elegantly casual restaurant that welcomes the everyday diner as well as special occasion gatherings. Open Kitchen also hosts custom-designed, interactive, and engaging private culinary events for corporate functions and social celebrations. Everything we do is a celebration of the kitchen and the table as a place to relax, unwind and share in the joy of food, wine, and community.

2. The Dabney

4.8

Exceptional(311)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 25 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

3. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(99)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 27 times today

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

4. Reverie

4.8

Exceptional(37)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Georgetown

Booked 4 times today

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience that focuses on an entirely seafood driven menu. Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience.Our tasting menu is offered at $245 per guest exclusive of beverage, service charge, taxes, or gratuities. Corkage is offered at $75 per 750ml.We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. We are unable to provide dairy-free or fully vegetarian versions of our experience.

A photo of The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant

5. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

4.6

Exceptional(3883)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 133 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with a simple mission — make people happy! We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

6. Petite Cerise

4.7

Exceptional(196)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 46 times today

Part neighborhood café, part energetic bistro, Petite Cerise is located in a bright and lively historic corner space in Shaw/Mount Vernon Triangle. Petite Cerise features separate à la carte menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, Petite Cerise has a Coffee Counter open Tuesday - Friday opening at 8am serving classic coffee and espresso preparations, housemade pastries, and other breakfast items to go or sit down.Dinner offers both an à la carte menu along with a Prix Fixe option. The focus in the evening is to craft unique and innovative dishes utilizing the very best ingredients within the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond skillfully prepared through a French lens.If you decide to join us for a morning coffee, quick mid-day bite, stretch out your lunch over a glass of wine, or gather with friends for an indulgent and creative dinner, we invite you here to celebrate and enjoy.

7. The Henri

4.5

Awesome(223)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary European • Penn Quarter

Booked 12 times today

The Henri is a modern bistro featuring communal and private dining spaces located in the heart of Downtown Washington, DC. We invite you into our comfortable venue where you can escape from the hustle of the city. Our flexible, one-of-a-kind space is perfect for any kind of event, including business meetings, showers, weddings, birthdays, and cocktail parties.

8. La Bise

4.7

Exceptional(957)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

Welcome to La Bise, a modern, bright, and colorful 21st century French restaurant in the heart of Washington, DC. Just steps from the White House, patrons can enjoy our expanded outdoor patio, inviting bar, and an engaging, open-air kitchen with two distinctive dining room options. Enjoy our unique wine list of French and American varietals featuring both old and new world selections.

A photo of Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C. restaurant

9. Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C.

4.7

Exceptional(2767)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Downtown

Booked 147 times today

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar adds a modern twist to Peruvian cuisine. Inspired by Peru’s top eateries, the new DC outpost serves up bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers.Situated in the bustling and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar brings people together in a space that’s packed with personality and soul. Our vibrant bar with open kitchen views is the perfect spot for sipping, socializing, and savoring our crazy good ceviche. Come experience a celebration of good eats and good times for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour.Looking for the perfect venue? Plan your next event at the best ceviche bar this side of the Andes. Call today and ask about our private dining options.

A photo of Open Road Grill - Rosslyn restaurant

10. Open Road Grill - Rosslyn

4.7

Exceptional(260)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Open Road is inspired by American culture — our passion for music, our love of the outdoors, and the spirit of the open road. Our kitchen team sources the freshest ingredients to create quality seasonal food. Our beer list celebrates local craft breweries. We have an extensive whiskey and bourbon collection, and we feature handcrafted cocktails that change with the seasons.At Open Road, we honor the tradition of a cold beer and fresh food with friends and family every day. Stop by and make yourself at home!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Steven
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Overall, it was a very good dining experience. it is very noisy though.
More info
The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.CPrice: Expensive• American• Penn Quarter
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our first time! We had an amazing experience and can’t wait to go back!
More info
The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
•
4.8
L
Laura
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
What a wonderful experience, the food, the service, and the location was amazing! We already have our reservation in for next month.
More info
SHIA RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Korean• Washington
•
4.9
A
Angie
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Reverie is like nothing else in DC. The flavors take me back to time spent in Japan and the execution is always beautifully done.
More info
ReveriePrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Georgetown
•
4.8
F
Foodi
Washington, D.C. Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2013
Had a wonderful experience. The food was delicious and the service was great. We sat at the counter and were able to watch the chef make everything. Since we went on a Monday, wine was market price, so we enjoyed the salmon special and pork chop with a bottle of wine. Too bad they're closing the restaurant portion, because we would definitely go back. Looking forward to taking some cooking classes there though!
More info
Open KitchenPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Falls Church
•
4.2

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