The following content is created in consultation with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Washington’s editorial staff. To learn more about Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, visit RWDMV.org.
Table for two, please.
Dinner in D.C. is always a culinary adventure. With so many unique flavors, international cuisines, talented chefs and inviting restaurant spaces, there’s always something new to try.
And with Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week coming up, now you have even more incentive to go out and discover the bustling food scene in D.C., which was named Bon Appetit’s 2016 Restaurant City of the Year and Zagat’s Hottest Food City of 2016.
Step out of your culinary comfort zone, pamper your taste buds and discover amazing deals with Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week: try a three-course lunch for $22, brunch for $22 or a three-course dinner for just $35. Taking place from August 13-19, this is one of the biggest culinary events in the greater D.C. region—and the perfect chance for you to taste a new dish or find your next favorite restaurant.
With hundreds of restaurants participating in Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, where should you go? Here’s a list of our favorite spots.
Centrolina | 974 Palmer Alley, NW
Dining at Centrolina is a fully immersive experience—with views of fresh market produce and the open kitchen, you’ll feel like part of the action. Set in Washington’s new CityCenterDC development, Centrolina is a market and restaurant offering a seasonal, daily changing menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes, such as pinched beef ravioli or spaghetti alla chitarra. Regional Italian cooking and seasonal availability inspire the woman behind the curtain, RAMMYS Chef of the Year Amy Brandwein.
Ambar | 523 8th Street SE
A meal at Ambar is like being transported to Serbia, as this enchanting spot showcases the best of Balkan tradition and heritage, blended with creativity and modern design. Dive into Ambar’s world of cutting-edge Balkan cuisine—start off with deliciously creamy kajmak and bread, end with delightfully rich baklava, and sip on the finest Balkan rakias, throughout. And as the 2018 RAMMY Winner for Casual Brunch of the Year, they serve a mean bottomless brunch, too. With its gracious hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, Ambar makes for one unforgettable dining experience.
Osteria Morini | 301 Water Street, SE
Osteria Morini—this year’s Winner for Upscale Brunch of the Year—is a beautiful homage to Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy known as the ‘Italian Breadbasket.’ Come for authentic Italian flavor, but stay for its soulful cuisine and convivial spirit. Enjoy cured meats, signature house-made fresh pastas, wide selection of fish and meat dishes—and of course, leave room for Osteria Morini’s highly acclaimed desserts. Delizioso.
Alhambra | 923 16th and K Streets, NW
So this isn’t exactly the Spanish palace of the same name, but Alhambra in downtown D.C. will make you feel like royalty. Combining Mediterranean and French cuisine, this modern restaurant boasts the richest bounty of produce and fish. Discover the freshest ingredients and seasonally inspired menus in the historic St. Regis, with a landmarked hang-painted ceiling, large cathedral-style windows, and crystal tableware. Your feast awaits.
Bindaas | 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Chef Vikram Sunderam—the man behind the critically-acclaimed restaurants Rasika and Rasika West End—now brings us another gift: Bindaas DC. With locations in Cleveland Park and Foggy Bottom, enjoy the vibrant taste and smells of traditional Indian street cuisine, and try menu items like savory chaats, flavorful kebabs and fluffy naans. But don’t let the vast array of Indian spices fool you—“Bindaas “translates to “cool” in Hindi slang, and that’s exactly the vibe of the place.
Mi Vida | 98 District Square SW
Life is a journey, and so is Mi Vida. Discover Chef Roberto Santibañez’s culinary journey and the flavors of his beloved Mexico. Inspired by street food and traditional Mexican cooking, Mi Vida brings you all the goods—tacos, empanadas and irresistible guac—in an upscale, festive location with gorgeous waterfront views.
Nobu | 2525 M Street NW
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa brings his legendary international brand Nobu to D.C., just steps away from Georgetown. Find traditional Japanese dishes infused with Peruvian flavors for a truly unique culinary experience. And with sophisticated, cotemporary design, Nobu’s elegant space offers the perfect environment for you to enjoy signature specials like Black Cod with Miso or Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeño and sip on house barrel-aged Kikori Japanese whiskey.
Sababa | 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW
Delicious food is meant to be shared, and that’s especially the case at Sababa (Hebrew slang expressing enthusiasm and satisfaction). Enjoy modern Israeli fare, served in small and large sharable platters, in this stylish space: Mediterranean tiles on the floor, sails on the ceiling and a unique Bedouin-style tent. But it’s not all show—enjoy the distinctive flavors of the Middle East and the Mediterranean, with harissa-marinated chicken, wood-grilled kebobs, freshly baked pita and hummus. At the end of your meal, you’ll be saying “sababa”
Succotash | 915 F Street NW
At Succotash, celebrity chef Edward Lee brings D.C. another explosion of fusion, blending his Korean roots with a soulful Southern menu. Along with their namesake dish, the bustling restaurant also features a variety of classics including shrimp n’grits, smoked short ribs, fried chicken and waffles, kimchi collard greens and pecan buttered trout. Enjoy rich, inventive flavors in a spacious setting—and definitely save room for their famous hummingbird cake.
Declaration Nats Park | 1237 First St. SE
It’s the classic American experience. In a rustic-modern space, Declaration Nats Park serves up artisanal pizzas, American favorites and craft signature cocktails—all in an ode to the Founding Fathers. You can practically taste the history. And with unique interior relics and an outdoor walk-up bar, it’s the perfect place to stop by for happy hour before the Nationals game or brunch to start off a weekend of sightseeing.
If you’re ready to be wined and dined, book a table at RWDMV.com. Check out all the participating restaurants, make a reservation and enter to win cool prizes, including tickets to food events, cookbooks and gift cards to your favorite DC-area restaurants.
