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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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185 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19291)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 261 times today
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.
A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2231)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 24 times today
Dirty Habit DC is a globally inspired New American restaurant & bar in a hip, edgy hotel space with private courtyard space. Just a perfect location for happy hour cocktails, events and private bookings. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.
A photo of The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3747)
Price: Expensive
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 113 times today
The Smith in Penn Quarter is a neighborhood gem because of its stellar food and service. Patrons rave about the unique decor, delicious food, and friendly service. It's a popular spot for date nights, drinks on the town, and working lunches. Plus, their signature cocktails are a hit! One reviewer even called it a 'gem in DC'.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3851)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 125 times today
Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.
A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant
4.4
Awesome(10266)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 102 times today
Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday
A photo of Centrolina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2099)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 38 times today
Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market. The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway. For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.
A photo of Clyde's of Gallery Place restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7574)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 114 times today
Clyde's of Gallery Place, located in Washington, DC's vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood adjacent to the Capital One Arena, is a bustling restaurant known for its eclectic American menu and lively atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse selection, from fresh seafood and juicy burgers to seasonal salads and hearty entrees. With its prime location, friendly service, and energetic vibe, Clyde's of Gallery Place is a favorite spot for both casual dining and pre-event gatherings. Across the street from the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Indoor and bar seating available with lunch, dinner, brunch, late night, and raw bar service.
A photo of China Chilcano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3679)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 62 times today
China Chilcano celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and brings an exciting exploration of this multicultural cuisine to our Nation’s Capital. The restaurant, led by award-winning chef José Andrés, honors Peru’s deeply rooted and diverse heritage, including its native Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei cuisines; its name an homage to Peru’s renowned fish stew and its popular national drink, the Chilcano.
A photo of Carmine's - Washington DC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(6513)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 102 times today
Carmine's is a family style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted Carmine's with a singular vision; bringing his guests abundant portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast. Platters of made to order pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing among friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic - we want every day to feel like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's! We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Pick-up, Delivery, Catering and Private Parties. Your safety is our priority. DC no longer requires proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Indoor & Outdoor dining are available.
A photo of Modena restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1178)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Modena presents Italian-inspired cuisine that takes heavy cues from seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients. Modena balances classic cuisine with a modern approach, all enhanced by Chef Joshua Hunt's passionate and creative touch.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • roy
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Never fails to be a great experience. The only issue we've had in many years of coming back to Zatinya is noise. This time we arrived at 5 PM for a 6 PM reservation and it was quieter than usual. They were simply fantastic, acknowledged our anniversary and made the night special. But all visits to this superb restaurant are special
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Eileen
    Greater Boston •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The Smith is consistently outstanding. We had an awesome meal. The place was packed but our server was attentive. I had the soba noodles and added salmon. It was awesome. The others in my party had the vodka penne and gnocchi and they said it was awesome.
    More info
    The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.CPrice: Expensive• American• Penn Quarter
    4.5
  • Renee
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We were in town to see A Christmas Carol and made reservations well in advance. The pork ribs were fantastic and my husband loved his shrimp and grits!
    More info
    Succotash PRIMEPrice: Moderate• American• Penn Quarter
    4.6
  • Maria
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    This restaurant has great ambiance, food, drinks, and staff. While the farm to table aspect is impressive itself, the fact that they make their own spirits is an added bonus. I had the G&T Fizz, recommended by our waiter Lucas, and it was excellent. Lucas was attentive and knowledgeable making the overall experience 10 out of 10.
    More info
    Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: ChinatownPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon Square
    4.4
  • Kim
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 16, 2024
    Love love the aesthetic and the vibe. Ultra-cool. Service was excellent. I wish the drinks were better. We both got a cocktail, and while they were good, they weren't amazing - which was an expectation we both had. They didn't seem to have enough liquor in them and really mild on flavor. The food however, was great. Would definitely go again as the presentation of the restaurant from coming out of the ride share and walking up, to being seated was such a fabulous feeling.
    More info
    Dirty Habit | The Glass HousePrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Penn Quarter
    4.4

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Penn Quarter

Discover the charm of Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C., where the dining scene flourishes with neighborhood gems that locals and visitors alike treasure. These restaurants stand out for their exceptional food, unique ambiance, and commendable service, making each a top choice for a special dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for the cozy, modern vibes of a chic eatery or the authentic atmosphere of a speakeasy-style bar, Penn Quarter offers a variety of settings that cater to any taste and occasion. Each establishment showcases a dedication to quality, with inventive menus and expertly crafted drinks that highlight their unique culinary perspectives. Ideal for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners, these neighborhood gems in Penn Quarter ensure a memorable dining experience with every visit. Dive into the heart of D.C.’s vibrant culinary culture in this lively district, where every meal is served with a touch of local flair and sophistication.

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