Best Cajun Restaurants in Penn Quarter

8 restaurants available nearby

1. Dauphine’s

4.6

Exceptional(1379)

Price: Expensive

• Creole cajun • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

Dauphine’s in Downtown, Washington, D.C., is not just a restaurant but a vibrant celebration of New Orleans culture, particularly renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar. Patrons rave about their "refreshing and delicious" seasonal spritz and the "delightful spritz cocktail," highlighting the bar's creativity and quality. The cocktail list perfectly complements their New Orleans-inspired cuisine, creating a truly transportive experience. Whether it's the lively ambiance during happy hour or the elegant setting for a night out, each drink is crafted with meticulous care. As one reviewer puts it, the cocktails are "interesting and delicious," making Dauphine’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts in the capital.

A photo of Milk & Honey - The Wharf restaurant

2. Milk & Honey - The Wharf

4.1

Excellent(99)

Price: Moderate

• Creole cajun • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 62 times today

Experience the heart and soul of New Orleans right in Washington DC at Milk & Honey - The Wharf. Specializing in authentic Southern brunch, this restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine to life with dishes like their award-winning Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles. Guests rave about the “mouth-watering” RumChata French Toast and the “light and yummy” Butter Glazed Biscuits, accompanied by brown sugar butter that's simply “yummy’er.” Ideal for any occasion, Milk & Honey offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebration. As one delighted diner put it, “The food is phenomenal. Hits every time!” Making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Southern comfort food.

A photo of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant

3. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

Exceptional(1549)

Price: Expensive

• Creole cajun • Logan Circle

Booked 18 times today

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace in Logan Circle, Washington, DC, is a seafood lover’s delight, renowned for its fresh, high-quality oysters and authentically flavored Cajun dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness and quality shines through its diverse oyster selection from Virginia, Japan, and beyond, making it a must-visit for connoisseurs. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with one noting, "the oysters Tchoupitoulas were amazing" and another celebrating the "fresh and juicy" oysters as a highlight. Pearl Dive’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with its expertly crafted seafood gumbo and wood-grilled oysters, ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning. Whether it’s for a lively dinner or a special brunch, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace stands out as a top destination for exceptional seafood in DC.

4. RT's Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2244)

Price: Moderate

• Creole cajun • Alexandria

Booked 11 times today

RT's Restaurant in Alexandria is a celebrated haven for seafood lovers, renowned for its fresh, authentic offerings and a staple in the Northern Virginia dining scene for over 34 years. Esteemed for its place on Washingtonian Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants" and high ratings in the "Zagat Survey," RT's excels in Creole and Cajun specialties. Patrons rave about dishes like the "Death by Gumbo" and Jack Daniel's Shrimp, describing them as "the best New Orleans food outside of New Orleans." With its ever-evolving weekly specials and a menu that dazzles, RT's consistently delivers an exceptional seafood experience that keeps guests returning. "The soft shell crab special was prepared perfectly and tasted fresh and was full of flavor," praises one satisfied diner, encapsulating the high-quality and culinary prowess that RT's Restaurant proudly upholds.

5. Kitchen Savages

4.3

Awesome(156)

Price: Expensive

• Creole cajun • Navy Yard

Booked 9 times today

Kitchen Savages in Navy Yard, Washington, is a beacon of Contemporary Southern cuisine, delighting diners with its unique blend of traditional flavors and modern flair. Patrons rave about the "flavorful and filling" dishes, highlighting favorites like the "amazing" catfish and "incredible" lamb and ribs. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with one review exclaiming how the "Belief, Sincerity & Passion flowed through each of the dishes." The atmosphere is described as an "intimate setting and a homage to black culture," making it not just a meal, but a culturally enriching experience. Kitchen Savages is not only about food but also about creating connections and giving back to the community, making every visit memorable.

A photo of Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring restaurant

6. Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring

4.4

Awesome(40)

Price: Moderate

• Creole cajun • Silver Spring

Booked 56 times today

Discover the heart and soul of Creole cuisine at Miss Toya's Creole House in Silver Spring. This charming eatery prides itself on delivering authentic Southern flavors and a warm atmosphere that feels like home. Patrons rave about the "spectacular" cornbread and jambalaya that are "seasoned to perfection," highlighting the authentic Creole touch in every dish. The crawfish étouffée and succulent lamb chops are must-tries, celebrated for their rich flavors and perfect seasoning. Miss Toya's not only delights with its food but also with its exceptional service, where the staff, like the praised Roger and Teophia, make every dining experience memorable. With its cozy ambiance and a menu that embodies the spirit of New Orleans, Miss Toya's Creole House stands out as a gem in Silver Spring, offering more than just a meal but a genuine taste of Creole hospitality.

A photo of Milk and Honey - Camp Springs restaurant

7. Milk and Honey - Camp Springs

4.0

Excellent(15)

Price: Moderate

• Creole cajun • Largo

Booked 21 times today

Milk and Honey in Camp Springs is a haven for Southern cuisine enthusiasts, offering a New Orleans-themed brunch that delights with its authenticity and award-winning dishes. Patrons rave about the "Award Winning Shrimp & Grits" and the "spectacular Chicken & Waffles," each dish bursting with the genuine flavors of the South. Nestled in the vibrant Restaurant Row Plaza, this culinary gem not only promises but delivers with "mouth-watering favorites" that keep guests coming back. The ambiance, complemented by exceptional service, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. As one reviewer puts it, "Everything was amazing," making Milk and Honey a must-visit for those seeking true Southern comfort in Camp Springs.

A photo of Mystic BBQ & Grill restaurant

8. Mystic BBQ & Grill

4.6

Exceptional(40)

Price: Moderate

• Creole cajun • Alexandria

Booked 6 times today

Mystic BBQ & Grill in Old Town Alexandria is a treasure trove of authentic Southern cuisine that delights with every dish. This family-run establishment, with nearly half a century of culinary heritage, specializes in an array of mouth-watering Southern staples. From Texas-style smoked brisket to Carolina pulled pork and seafood classics like spicy she crab soup, every item promises a burst of flavor. Patrons rave about the "top drawer" classic crab cake sandwich and the sumptuous "bananas foster" bread pudding. The ambiance, coupled with expertly crafted dishes, makes Mystic BBQ & Grill a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Southern cooking in a welcoming setting. One reviewer exclaimed, "Definitely the best food in Old Town," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Ashley
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Really fantastic food and great service, but it is a little pricey.
More info
Pearl Dive Oyster PalacePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Logan Circle
•
4.8
R
Richard
Washington, D.C. Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This was a short notice lunch meeting with a colleague and the right place.. good midday location, warm reception and awesome food. The lunch special was a great deal, but we veered off to get additional food items. The menu is an eye catching experience. You want to try everything. My first experience with Oysters Rockefeller made me a convert for sure. This is a keeper and highly recommended. We’ll be back for sure 👍🏾
More info
Kitchen SavagesPrice: Expensive• American• Navy Yard
•
4.3
K
Kathy
Orange County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great ambiance and service! I had the seafood salad and the grilled shrimp and chunks of crab were delicious and there was a nice combination of bacon, eggs, cucumber and tomatoes on a lightly dressed bed of kale as well. The presentation was delightful to the eye and composed beautifully. I will look forward to another visit in the future!
More info
Milk & Honey - The WharfPrice: Moderate• American• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.1
M
Mark
Dallas - Fort Worth •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
First time eating a Dauphines, and had an exceptional dining experience. No question about returning again
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Dauphine’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6
R
Reed
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 Nov 2024
Outstanding New Orleans Cajun and Creole food, completed by great service. Loved the wooden booths and bluesy vibe. The Orleans trout was delicious, as was the shrimp and crab etouffee.
More info
RT's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Alexandria
•
4.8

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Penn Quarter

Creole cajun

Best Cajun Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Dauphine’s

2. Milk & Honey - The Wharf

3. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4. RT's Restaurant

5. Kitchen Savages

6. Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring

7. Milk and Honey - Camp Springs

8. Mystic BBQ & Grill

See what locals rave about

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