The Top 10 DC Restaurants

#2 the Inn at Little Washington

Three Michelin Stars

The Inn at Little Washington is not in Washington, DC - it is, in fact, more than an hour away - but it is the areas only restaurant with three Michelin Stars. We experienced it for ourselves at the end of 2022 and it was truly worth the trip.

The Inn at Little Washington delivered incredible food with flawless service all in an environment that harkened back to a historic time. Without a doubt it delivers on it’s three star promise.

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Ultimate DC Dining Rating: 15 out of 15 stars

#3 Pineapple & Pearls

Two Michelin Stars

There’s so much to love about the Pineapple & Pearls experience it’s almost impossible to summarize the 4 hour experience in just a few paragraphs.

Whimsical decor, fun music, and spectacular service combine with the incredible food from Chef Aaron Silverman’s tasting menu that will repeatedly bring a big smile to your face.

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Ultimate DC Dining Rating: 15 out of 15 stars

#4 Gravitas

One Michelin Star

We first experienced Gravitas at a company Christmas party back in 2021 and were extremely impressed. It wasn’t until the end of 2022 that we got to experience the standard one Michelin star dinner service and it did not disappoint. Head Chef Matt Baker puts together an incredible team at all of his restaurants and Gravitas is no exception.

Our night was filled with incredible dishes, awesome service and some very personal attention from the beverage director, Judy, and her skilled team.

Full Ultimate DC Dining Review

Ultimate DC Dining Rating: 14.5 out of 15 stars

#5 Rose’s Luxury

One Michelin Star

Directly next door to the incredible Pineapples & Pearls is another masterpiece from Chef Aaron Silverman. Rose’s Luxury has maintained their Michelin Star since its first year and after trying it for ourselves we completely understand why.

We were there for the retrospective menu on their 9th birthday to try plates from the first menu through today’s menu and it was all incredible. Chef Silverman’s fried chicken (pictured above) is a real masterpiece that changed the game in Washington, DC when it comes to fried chicken.

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Ultimate DC Dining Rating: 14.5 out of 15 stars

#6 L’Ardente

One of DC’s newest restaurants from Chef David Deshaies, L’Ardente is upscale Italian done so well I’m predicting a Michelin Star in their future.

The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a real standout and the 40 Layer Lasagna is a social media sensation.

Full Ultimate DC Dining review

Ultimate DC Dining Rating: 14.5 out of 15 stars

#7 Masseria

One Michelin Star

Masseria is Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s Michelin starred Italian offering that really impressed us. The chef’s tasting menu, served “in the kitchen”, is incredible with outstanding service and ample opportunities to add to the chef’s tasting menu.

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Ultimate DC Dining Rating: 14.5 out of 15 stars

#8 Michele’s

Michele’s is the newest offering from Michelin starred Chef Matt Baker (Gravitas) and here the theme is French American with a New Orleans inspiration. We loved everything about our experience at Michele’s with incredible service in a comfortable main dining room.

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Ultimate DC Dining Rating: 14 out of 15 stars

#9 Xiquet

One Michelin Star

Chef Danny Lledó takes his guests on a culinary tour of his beloved Spain at the Michelin starred Xiquet. Friendly staff and a great view of the kitchen fires used to prepare the paella of the day add up to a wonderful dining experience.

update - as of May 4th, 2022 Xiquet has retained their Michelin Star and received the Sommelier of the Year Award.

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Ultimate DC Dining rating: 14 out of 15 stars

#10 Seven Reasons

There’s always something special about a chef’s table but when you’re fortunate enough to dine on an anniversary and a guest chef is in the kitchen then it’s even better.

Seven Reasons is Chef Enrique Limardo’s Latin American inspired restaurant and it’s big on atmosphere and flavors.

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Ultimate DC Dining rating: 14 out of 15 stars

#11 Imperfecto

One Michelin Star (the Chefs Table)

Imperfecto is Chef Enrique Limardo’s newest restaurant and it boasts a culinary approach that blends Mediterranean and Latin American cultures. As the name implies they seek perfection and know that they’ll never achieve it (and don’t want to) so they will always be: “imperfecto”.

The chef’s table is the ultimate way to experience Imperfecto but the lively main dining room and bar look like a lot of fun, too,

Update - as of May 4th, 2022 the chef’s table at Imperfecto has been awarded a star by the Michelin Guide.

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Ultimate DC Dining ranking: 14 out of 15

#12 Elcielo

One Michelin Star

If you think you know Columbian food then Elcielo will change your mind. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos offers a tasting menu with unique flavors and unique experiences - like washing your hands with melted chocolate (chocola-therapy) - to embrace with all 5 of your senses.

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Ultimate DC Dining rating: 14 out of 15 stars

#13 Maydan

One Michelin Star

Featuring a menu of northern African and middle eastern influence, Michelin starred Maydan is a feast for the senses with family style service that is always welcoming. The goat and lamb are standouts on a menu that makes the most of the many spices used for each dish. For atmosphere the large wood fired grill is visible from most seats inside.

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Ultimate DC Dining ranking: 13 out of 15

#14 the Dabney

One Michelin Star

The Dabney may be the most convenient Michelin starred restaurant for Washington DC convention goers looking to enjoy one of the area’s best dining experiences. The menu is American home style with fresh ingredients that taste like they were grown just feet from the kitchen.

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Ultimate DC Dining rating: 13 out of 15 stars

#15 Fiola

One Michelin Star

Fiola is among the most traditional of the Michelin starred restaurants in Washington DC. Located near the National Archives, Fiola offers an Italian inspired menu with many surprises for guests with a sense of adventure in their food.

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Ultimate DC Dining rating: 12 out of 15 stars

#16 Unconventional Diner

One of Chef David Deshaies’ first solo restaurants, Unconventional Diner is located in a building connected to the massive Washington DC convention center. The food is playful American with traditional offerings (an incredible double cheeseburger) as well as creative ones (like the tasty Moroccan Taquitos). For convention goers they also offer daily brunch.

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Ultimate DC Dining rating: 11 out of 15 stars