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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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189 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Dauphine’s restaurant
1. Dauphine’s
4.6
Exceptional(1378)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 24 times today
Dauphine’s is a modern day incarnation of the dramatic Grande Dame establishments of New Orleans, brought to you by the award winning Long Shot Hospitality - the team behind DC's beloved The Salt Line Restaurants. Dauphine’s utilizes Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic New Orleans fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the legendary city. All brought to you in a breathtaking spacious downtown restaurant setting with the most beautiful bar in downtown DC, plenty of patio dining, and a festive outdoor bar and garden area. Located in the Midtown Center, Dauphine's is just steps from the White House, National Theater, Convention Center, Cap One Arena and most downtown attractions and provides an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere for any occasion. Dauphine’s serves Dinner seven nights a week and Brunch on weekends, with Happy Hour every day 4pm-7pm and an ALL DAY Happy Hour on Sundays - plus don't miss our signature Sunday Live Jazz Brunch! We hope to see you soon!
A photo of The Continent DC restaurant
2. The Continent DC
4.5
Awesome(82)
Price: Very Expensive
• African • Downtown
Booked 54 times today
From the savory stews of West Africa to the aromatic spices of East Africa, The Continent DC offers a menu crafted to bring you the best flavors from various African regions. Our restaurant is designed to reflect the rich cultures and traditions of Africa, offering a cozy and welcoming environment for you to enjoy your meal.
A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
3. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.8
Exceptional(1067)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson is hailed as a delightful dining spot with an airy atmosphere and a menu filled with fresh, seasonal dishes. Reviewers consistently praise its excellent food, superb service, and beautiful ambiance. The dining experience is described as 'elegant', 'refined', and 'luxurious'. It's not just the food that gets high marks, the wine list and menu options are also commended. It's a place that many diners highly recommend for special occasions.
A photo of Lincoln - DC restaurant
4. Lincoln - DC
4.3
Awesome(3397)
Price: Moderate
• American • McPherson Square
Booked 18 times today
Founded in 2011 our seasonal menu features comfort food with a twist. LINCOLN pays tribute to one of the greatest US Presidents, with nods to many of his favorite foods including our signature chicken pot pie & another star on the menu, our kale salad. The menu is focused but varietal. Our cocktails are truly one-of-a-kind. Our barkeeps have created one of the city’s thoughtful bar programs highlighted by infused bourbons and DC's first moonshine-list served in antique-style copper cups. Our patio is open all year-round, offering a relaxed, urban landscape. Don't miss our butcher cut NY Strip or the city's best Mac & Cheese. LINCOLN is the right place for your next private event with many options for private dining from 10 to 200. Original paintings & distinctive interior design by homegrown artist, Maggie O’Neill. LINCOLN is your destination for Lunch, happy hour, dinner or brunch. We are open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter & Mother's Day for your special celebration.
A photo of Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant
5. Via Sophia Washington DC
4.4
Awesome(749)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Via Sophia Washington DC is an authentic Italian restaurant as indicated by a reviewer who noted it as 'authentic Italian (not Italian-American) cuisine'. The restaurant's mission to reimagine the osteria experience for downtown D.C is reflected in its menu which offers classic Italian dishes and fresh-from-the-oven pizzas. The consistent high ratings in food, ambience, and service further affirm its authenticity.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
6. Il Piatto
4.5
Awesome(641)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Il Piatto is the modern expression of the classic Italian cuisine. Enjoy a selection of antipasto, pastas, gnocchi, and more! Our private dining package seats 35 guests or holds a reception for 50 guests. With a view of the wine cellar, our Italian restaurant is perfect for all kinds of events.Il Piatto is open for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour. *Please note, we serve brunch on holiday Mondays and the 4th of July*
A photo of Bombay Club restaurant
7. Bombay Club
4.8
Exceptional(5292)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown
Booked 50 times today
The Bombay Club emulates characteristics of the old clubs of India. The elegant environment with pale pastels, ceiling fans, and a profusion of greenery is designed to create a warm and inviting gathering place for relaxation and regeneration. The cuisine is the finest of India, utilizing only the best quality ingredients to create a harmony of subtle flavors. Specialties prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, include tandoori salmon and green chili chicken. The sophisticated cuisine is enhanced by refine service and live piano music. Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award.
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
8. Olio e Più - DC
new
4.4
Awesome(94)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 87 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
9. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19271)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 267 times today
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
10. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.5
Awesome(1063)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 200 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Discover the essence of authenticity in Washington D.C.'s vibrant Downtown dining scene. Whether you're craving Spanish, Italian, seafood, or classic American steakhouse fare, the area offers a variety of restaurants that are celebrated for maintaining the authenticity of their culinary offerings. These establishments are not just about food; they provide a holistic dining experience that encapsulates both traditional flavors and the cultural heritage of their respective cuisines. Patrons consistently praise these restaurants for their commitment to quality and authenticity, often highlighting the expertise of chefs who skillfully bring authentic recipes to the table. The dining atmosphere in Downtown D.C. is characterized by a blend of sophistication and genuine cultural ambiance, making it a prime destination for those seeking an authentic dining experience. From fresh seafood to expertly crafted Italian dishes and beyond, each restaurant promises a journey of culinary delight rooted in authenticity. This area truly represents a microcosm of global cultures, all while being nestled in the heart of the nation’s capital.

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