Best Casual Restaurants in Friendship Heights

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBaileys CrossroadsBethesdaBrookland / Brentwood

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

302 restaurants available nearby

1. Macon Bistro

4.5

Awesome(156)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• French American • Friendship Heights

Booked 9 times today

Macon Bistro & Larder is a locally owned neighborhood restaurant serving re-invented bistro cuisine in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Tony Brown, inspired by his southern roots and his world travels, brings together the cooking styles of Macon, Georgia, and Macon, France. We have recently opened The Magnolia Room at Macon to accommodate more diners during dinner time. The Magnolia Room at Macon is located down the hall from Macon in the Chevy Chase Arcade on the left hand side and affords guests a more intimate and spacious dining experience. Depending on volume during peak dining times, your reservation may be seated in The Magnolia Room, offers the same great food and service.

2. Claudio's Table

4.7

Exceptional(357)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Italian • Palisades Northwest

Booked 47 times today

Welcome to Claudio's Table, a cozy neighborhood gem in the heart of DC's Palisades. Experience the flavors of Italy with our delicious homemade pasta, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, and daily specials crafted with love by Chef Claudio. We also accommodate large parties and always recommend calling ahead for reservations – don’t give up, we’ll do our best to fit you in!Everything on our menu is available for pick-up in-store or delivery via DoorDash, making it easy to enjoy our Italian classics at home. Buon Appetito!

3. Press Club

4.9

Exceptional(59)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Dupont Circle

Booked 22 times today

Press Club is a record bar and cocktail lounge with a focus on the curation of guest experience and providing maximum levels of hospitality. The name is an homage to DC while also evoking the pressing of records and the ingredients used to craft our cocktails.Our Playlist Experience is a four course cocktail tasting flight featuring culinary techniques and seasonal ingredients. Each cocktail will be paired with accompanying snacks from our kitchen. Our standard reservations are for an a la carte experience featuring our cocktails and izakaya bites. To reserve for parties of 6 or more, please email us as hospitality@pressclubdc.com. The standard duration of this experience is one hour and thirty minutes. This time has been carefully chosen to accommodate the full range of our delicious cocktails and unique ambiance. We do not have a phone number. To connect, please use the OpenTable messaging system or send an email to hospitality@pressclubdc.com.

4. Brasserie Liberté

4.4

Awesome(2364)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French / American • Georgetown

Booked 83 times today

At Brasserie Liberté traditional French meets modern luxury in the heart of Georgetown. Our menu reflects the comfort food of the cuisine served in a cozy and laidback setting.Please note the Fabergé Egg seats 4 guests.

5. Ambar - Shaw

4.6

Exceptional(473)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Balkan style • Shaw

Booked 77 times today

Welcome to Ambar, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines. Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events.

6. Chaplin

4.8

Exceptional(1607)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Shaw

Booked 45 times today

Chaplin's Restaurant & Bar is a 1930's style Japanese Ramen House and cocktail bar. Chaplin's Executive Chef and Partner, Myo Htun, is originally from Burma, but was cooking ramen in Japan at a young age. Myo received a blessing from his mentor in Japan after nearly 30 years of cooking in Japan, to come to America and continue to showcase his authentic Ramen and traditional Japanese cuisine. Chaplin's Restaurant demonstrates the aesthetic of a bustling ramen house in Japan in the 1930's silent film era. There is also a large outdoor dining area that is dog friendly. Chaplin's is located in the heart of the Historic Shaw neighborhood. And it is open until last call 7 days a week. Chaplin's received a Plate certification in the Michelin Guide in 2020. And it is located steps from the convention center and popular Logan Circle, 14th street and City Market.

7. Centrolina

4.7

Exceptional(2187)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Penn Quarter

Booked 40 times today

Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market. The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway. For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.

8. Estuary

4.5

Awesome(733)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Penn Quarter

Booked 26 times today

Nestled in the bustling heart of downtown DC at CityCenter, Estuary is a haven for those seeking a truly unique and elevated dining journey that transcends borders. Our visionary chef, Ria Montes, skillfully combines her Filipino heritage with the finest elements of modern American cuisine, offering a truly exceptional culinary adventure. Step into our meticulously designed space, where modern aesthetics meet floor-to-ceiling windows providing a magnificent urban bird's eye view of Washington, DC. Prepare to be captivated by Chef Ria Montes, the culinary mastermind behind Estuary. With a passion for infusing her Filipino roots into every dish, Chef Ria masterfully embraces the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines, seamlessly blending them with the modern American palate. The result is a menu hailed as a culinary masterpiece, where taste, texture, and innovation intertwine in harmony. To complement the fusion of flavors on your plate, we present an extensive selection of meticulously curated wines and handcrafted cocktails. Our team of expert sommeliers is always on hand to guide you in choosing the perfect pairing, guaranteeing an exquisite dining experience. At Estuary, we firmly believe that exceptional service is as vital as the culinary artistry itself. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing impeccable and knowledgeable service, ensuring that your visit exceeds all expectations. Estuary is where modern American cuisine meets the soulful, diverse flavors of the Philippines. We invite you to embark on a culinary journey like no other-an experience that will linger in your memory long after your visit. Join us at Estuary and discover a world of extraordinary flavors and unforgettable moments.

9. Cafe Du Parc

4.3

Awesome(2597)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French • Downtown

Booked 36 times today

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C. within the iconic Willard InterContinental, steps from the National Mall, and across from Pershing Park, a national park home to the new World War I Memorial, Café du Parc is reminiscent of a Parisian-inspired sidewalk café. Nestled between The White House and the U.S. Capitol, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital, Café du Parc’s seasonal outside terrace remains a trendy locale for al fresco dining by both visitors and Washington, D.C. locals alike.Paying homage to traditional French cooking, the restaurant offers diners various culinary creations from coffee and pastries at its coffee shop, Le Café, to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sunday on its outside terrace or inside the main dining room. We are pleased to offer parking validation for Valet or Garage parking at Willard InterContinenatal when you join us for dinner.

A photo of The Salt Line - Bethesda restaurant

10. The Salt Line - Bethesda

4.5

Awesome(645)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Bethesda

Booked 59 times today

The Salt Line, the popular DC homage to New England’s iconic fish and oyster houses, brings a third location to Bethesda Row. New England meets the Chesapeake at this beauty of a restaurant with lots of comfy booth seating and an inviting u shaped bar and lounge area. Menu features all the classics and raw bar guests have come to love from the original The Salt Line plus some delicious new surprises from award winning The Salt Line Chef Kyle Bailey.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

DE
DoraEVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We went for a late lunch on a Friday so noise was not issue. The food was delicious and the service impeccable. We loved it!
More info
Claudio's TablePrice: Expensive• Italian• Palisades Northwest
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Second time we come to this restaurant, both the service (by Rosa and team) and the food were outstanding and creative.
More info
Ambar - ShawPrice: Moderate• Balkan style• Shaw
•
4.6
M
Melinda
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
The restaurant is fine and the food quite good. There was nothing exceptional about it, but the food and atmosphere made for a lovely evening.
More info
Brasserie LibertéPrice: Moderate• Contemporary French / American• Georgetown
•
4.4
A
ArjunaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This was our first time at Press Club and it was awesome! From the time we were greeted to served everyone was friendly and welcoming. Music, vibes, drinks and food all impressed. I am looking forward to going back.
More info
Press ClubPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Dupont Circle
•
4.9
K
Kathryn
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 Mar 2025
Lovely restaurant and delicious food! We really enjoyed it and will be back.
More info
Macon BistroPrice: Moderate• French American• Friendship Heights
•
4.5

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