Washington D.C. may be the seat of American power, but its food scene shouldn’t be overlooked. Beyond the monuments and marble, the city’s culinary landscape tells a rich story: one of global influences, Mid-Atlantic heritage, and a diverse population that brings international flavors to the capital’s table. Whether you’re dining near the National Mall or exploring neighborhood gems in Shaw or Adams Morgan, D.C. has something to satisfy every craving.
Here’s a quick guide to what to eat in Washington D.C., from iconic local bites to must-visit restaurants.
The half-smoke: D.C.’s signature sausage
If there’s one dish that defines D.C. street food, it’s the half-smoke. This spicy, coarsely ground sausage (somewhere between a hot dog and a kielbasa) is typically grilled, topped with chili, onions, and mustard, and served in a steamed bun.
Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street is the most iconic spot for a half-smoke. Open since 1958, it’s a historic landmark in its own right, and a go-to for locals, tourists, and even presidents.
Chesapeake flavours: crabs, oysters & rockfish
D.C. benefits from its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, and the region’s bounty of seafood shows up all over local menus.
- Try blue crab cakes, often served broiled with minimal filler to highlight the sweet meat.
- Oysters on the half shell, particularly from nearby Maryland and Virginia waters, are fresh, briny, and abundant.
- Rockfish (or striped bass) is a regional favourite – served roasted, grilled, or fried with seasonal vegetables.
Great places to sample these include Hank’s Oyster Bar, Old Ebbitt Grill, and The Salt Line.
Ethiopian cuisine: a D.C. staple
Washington D.C. has one of the largest Ethiopian populations outside Africa, and dishes with roots in the African nation make up a central part of the city’s identity.
Traditional meals are served with injera, a sour, spongy flatbread, used to scoop up richly spiced stews like doro wat (spicy chicken), siga tibs (beef sauté), and shiro (chickpea purée). Head to Dukem, Chercher, or Lalibela in the Shaw or U Street neighbourhoods for an authentic experience.
Global street food
D.C.’s diversity is reflected in its dynamic international food scene. Whether it’s Salvadoran pupusas, Vietnamese pho, or Afghan kebabs, the city delivers.
- Pupusas – thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork – are a staple in neighbourhoods like Mount Pleasant.
- Little Serow offers a fiery, family-style Northern Thai menu in Dupont Circle.
- Thip Khao, a beloved Lao restaurant in Columbia Heights, serves bold, vibrant dishes like crispy rice salad and sticky rice platters.
Upscale dining and Michelin stars
D.C. has firmly established itself as a fine-dining capital, with a growing list of Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs, including:
- Minibar by José Andrés offers an avant-garde, multi-sensory tasting menu experience.
- Pineapple and Pearls (by Aaron Silverman) serves elegant, contemporary tasting menus with playful presentation.
- Maydān combines open-fire cooking with North African and Middle Eastern flavours in a dramatic, warm setting; perfect for communal feasting.
Neighbourhood eats & hidden gems
Each D.C. neighbourhood has its own flavour:
- Georgetown: Try the cupcakes at Baked & Wired or brunch at Farmers Fishers Bakers.
- Adams Morgan: A hub for late-night bites and global cuisine, from empanadas to shawarma.
- Shaw: Visit The Dabney, where Appalachian ingredients meet wood-fired magic, or check out the buzzy food hall at Union Market.
Sweet treats
Why not wrap up your D.C. food tour with something sweet?
- Goûter, a local patisserie, is known for inventive pastries with French techniques and American twists.
- Ice Cream Jubilee churns out creative flavours like Thai iced tea or banana bourbon caramel.
- And for something classic, grab a slice of cherry pie – a suitably patriotic nod with seasonal appeal.
In many ways, Washington D.C.’s food scene is a mirror of the country itself. Diverse, layered, and constantly evolving, D.C. dining blends local tradition with global influence, creating a culinary capital as powerful as the city it calls home. Whether you’re indulging in a half-smoke at a historic diner or sharing injera at a buzzing Ethiopian spot, eating in D.C. is all about culture, community, and connection.
