Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Prime Rib

4.8

4.8 (3449)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

D.C's premier steakhouse with tuxedoed waiters and a 1940s Manhattan supper-club setting since 1976. Top five romantic restaurant in America (Food and Wine magazine). Live piano nightly. Valet parking. business casual for gentlemen.

Top review

ConradVIP

Dined 2 days ago

like eating in an old New Yorker cartoon. great atmosphere, drinks food. Prices are out of control.

Persimmon

4.8

4.8 (2928)

$30 and under

American

Bethesda

About the restaurant

Persimmon is a beloved neighborhood bistro offering up unforgettable favorites!

Bring an appetite for great food & wine!

Let's Gather & Eat!

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food and service were outstanding. The pork tenderloin was best, that I have had in DMV.

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm

4.9

4.9 (1680)

$50 and over

American

Lovettsville

About the restaurant

www.patowmackfarm.com
Sourcing food and supporting local artisan growers and producers and utilizing our farm as the chefs pantry gives us the opportunity to create an evolving menu that draws its inspiration from the seasons and in harmony with the earth. The venue has a breathtaking view and natural setting overlooking the Potomac River. We offer a tasting menu Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check the website for the menu.
Wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate or special event – we strive to exceed your dreams. Innovative and skillfully executed dishes follow the lead of nature, being mindful of the environment.
*Due to the style of menu on special events and holidays and the complexities involved with individual and specific food allergies, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions on those days. We make every effort to provide vegetarian and accommodate gluten sensitivities.*
2024 #1 Northern VA Magazine - "Michelin inspectors, take note."

Top review

DEBBIE

Dined 7 days ago

It is no surprise that this restaurant is in the top 5 of every Best Restaurant List for the DMV. Food is presented beautifully, service is impeccable but not stuffy and the restaurant itself is comfortable, charming and definitely unusual. This restaurant is actually an “experience”, not an eatery.

Laporta's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2306)

$30 and under

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Laporta’s restaurant is the ideal place for extraordinary food in a casual, comfortable setting. Laporta’s has an attentively serviced contemporary dining room perfect for a romantic evening out or any other special occasion, combined with an adjoining intimate Jazz lounge. Relax and listen to the live jazz featured nightly. The lounge has the warmth and friendly feel of a local’s bar yet with the same excellence of service and consistency of food quality that defines our dining room and exemplifies the restaurant as a whole. The menu features inventive fresh seafoods and hearty pastas complemented by the provincial-style desserts of Margaret Laporta.

Top review

Sherman

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

One of my favorite places to go for casual dining in Alexandria. The food and ambiance is perfect for any occasion. I have never had a bad experience with the restaurant.

Java Nation - Silver Spring

4.5

4.5 (38)

$31 to $50

American

Silver Spring

About the restaurant

Introducing Java Restobar, the ultimate destination in downtown Silver Spring for an extraordinary fusion of artisan cocktails, exceptional coffee, and delectable dining experiences from morning till night. With its innovative concept, Java Restobar seamlessly blends the worlds of mixology, coffee craftsmanship, and culinary delights, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for all.
Java Restobar invites you to indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors, ambiance for breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music. Step into a realm where coffee, cocktails, and culinary creations converge, and let Java Restobar become your ultimate destination for all-day dining bliss.

Top review

Lara

Dined 6 days ago

So good. Great bunch and great cocktails. We are looking forward to checking the live music and happy hour

Lafayette Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1611)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Washington’s destination for power dining, the Lafayette Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With large windows opening onto Lafayette Park and the White House, this sun-lit dining room is one of the most elegant settings in the capital and is certain to complement any dining experience.

Top review

Debra

Dined 1 day ago

We had a fabulous meal in a wonderful atmosphere. Jose took wonderful care of us. We highly recommend it if you are looking for a quiet elegant atmosphere!

Ruthie's All-Day

4.8

4.8 (3179)

$30 and under

American

Arlington

About the restaurant

The menu follows a Southern-fried meat-and-three concept, meaning diners order a meat, plus three sides. Those will include Ruthie’s mac and cheese, of course, but also white-soy-braised greens, stewed chickpeas and smoked cauliflower with a spicy soy glaze. “We’re going to be changing it a lot based on seasonality,” Hill says of the menu. “ Every vegetable has got to be fantastic because it has to stand on its own.” One thing that will help that: Hill is already growing all of the restaurant’s own herbs at his South Arlington community garden plot.

Top review

Patrick

Dined 3 days ago

Great food, atmosphere, and service. We will definitely be returning!

Discover more

Seasons 52 - Tysons Corner

4.7

4.7 (5459)

$31 to $50

American

Tysons Corner / McLean

About the restaurant

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM.

Top review

AmandaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Birthday sign was nice, nice server, very sweet to kids

Discover more

Popular dish

Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Brick Oven-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass

Popular dish

Lobster Bisque

a.kitchen+bar D.C.

4.7

4.7 (59)

$31 to $50

American

Washington

About the restaurant

Located in the West End neighborhood of Washington DC, James Beard Foundation Award-winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin's High Street Hospitality Group brings their acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant, a.kitchen+bar, to the nation's capital. Exploring the seasonality of the Chesapeake, the menu is a culmination of hyper-seasonal American small plates and an acclaimed natural wine and beverage program.

Join us from 4-5PM at the bar for Golden Hour. Our team has thoughtfully curated a selection of off-menu cocktails and bites, perfectly paired to indulge you after a long day. Immaculate vibes, soulful tunes and our talented team await. We look forward to welcoming you.

Top review

JeanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Similar ambiance and food experience to the restaurant I also quite like in Philadelphia.

Discover more

Experience

Family Style Pre-Fixe Dinners for Large Parties

Experience

New Year's Eve at a.kitchen+bar DC

Experience

Golden Hour at a.kitchen+bar dc

1789 Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6299)

$31 to $50

American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

1789 is a historic fine dining restaurant and bar located in the heart of Georgetown with a charming and elegant atmosphere. Known for its elevated American cuisine, 1789 offers a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. In addition to an exceptional menu, 1789 also boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of domestic and international wines. With its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and warm ambiance, 1789 Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the nation's capital.

Top review

Gennarina

Dined 1 day ago

From the moment we walked in, every one was welcoming. The atmosphere was relaxed with an old world feel. Our server Lindsay had great insights into the menu. The tuna crudo was fresh and not too spicy. Beets are my favorite and they were paired nicely with the melt in your mouth burrata. First time trying rockfish and the flavor was light with a flaky texture. My companion commented the duck breast was flavorful and tender. The drinks were spot on. The bananas foster was incredibly delectable. Not overly sweet. I am looking forward to coming back.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Washington, D.C. Area

Explore more Diners' Choice lists