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Best Comfort Food Restaurants in Downtown

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72 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC restaurant
4.2
Awesome(1655)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Downtown
Booked 129 times today
Created to deliver the best in food, drinks and vibes to Washington DC, Kitchen + Kocktails is here to please. A dynamic comfort food restaurant at its core, Kitchen + Kocktails will focus on nicely plated comfort foods, including flavored fried chicken and lobster tails, shrimp and grits, creative waffles and other southern classics made with a twist. Parties of 9+ call: 312-513-3606 between the hours of 8am to 7pm. If you are past the 15 minute grace period your reservation will be forfeited then you will be accommodated as a walk-in.Proper Dress Attire Required.• No Tank Tops• No Athletic Slides or Flip Flops (Regardless of brand)• No Crocs• No Explicit Clothing• No Sagging• No Revealing Attire • No Jerseys• No Hoods, Durags, Stocking Caps, etc on While Dining**NO OUTSIDE FOOD/CAKES/DRINKS**While we do recognize special circumstances, it is solely at our team’s discretion to allow exceptions.
A photo of Lincoln - DC restaurant
4.2
Awesome(3408)
Price: Moderate
• American • McPherson Square
Booked 9 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 Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant
4.5
Awesome(34478)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foggy Bottom
Booked 224 times today
Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday neighborhood restaurant.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19444)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 298 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 Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant
4.3
Awesome(10381)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 124 times today
Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday
A photo of Air restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1026)
Price: Moderate
• Comfort Food • Adams Morgan
Booked 27 times today
Air Restaurant & LoungeLocated in the heart of Washington, DC, Air Restaurant & Lounge is the ultimate destination for dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Known for its upscale yet vibrant atmosphere, Air caters to a diverse, grown, and sexy crowd looking for exceptional food, live entertainment, and unforgettable experiences.Dining Experience- The Littest Brunch in DC: Join us for an energy-filled brunch with bottomless mimosas, live music, and an incredible atmosphere.- Dine & Dance Special: Enjoy a three-course pre-fix menu with gourmet options like Grilled Lamb Chops, Blackened Salmon, and Broiled Lobster Tails, plus a glass of wine, available Friday to Sunday from 5 PM - 10 PM.- Free Dinner Fridays: Treat yourself to our Buy 1 Get 1 Free three-course dinner featuring premium dishes like Salmon, Lobster, Lamb Chops, and Steak.
A photo of Yardbird Table & Bar - Washington D.C. restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2469)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Southern • McPherson Square
Booked 38 times today
At Yardbird, our famous fried chicken is the heart of our Southern hospitality, celebrated by culinary giants like James Beard and Bon Appétit. Our menu reflects cherished family recipes and genuine warmth, capturing the essence of Southern charm. From our vibrant Miami Beach origins to our global expansion, we've remained committed to culinary excellence, honoring timeless American classics while embracing innovation.
A photo of Floriana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3856)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Dupont Circle
Booked 34 times today
Floriana offers authentic Italian recipes with handmade pastas in the most comfortable of environments. Located in DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, in a historic brick stone row house that has been converted into a cozy restaurant, but hasn't given up the feel of coming over to someones home for dinner. Offering a seasonal menu of fresh and local ingredients Floriana has developed a reputation for consistent, high quality, authentic, feel good dishes at a great value. Our pledge of superior service is matched only by our ability to make every guest feel welcome and comfortable when joining us for a DC dining experience.We pay special attention to every guest that chooses Floriana.
A photo of Umaya restaurant
4.0
Excellent(757)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Penn Quarter
Booked 21 times today
Umaya, where East meets West in a plethora of Japanese inspired small & large dishes. We focus on drawing from the simplicity of flavor in fresh ingredients, while giving it a Western flair. Specializing on the popular Japanese ‘street food’ - think small 'tapas' style dishes that are easy to share amongst friends & family. Our Izakaya grill features a one of a kind charcoal brick that is imported from Japan & allows for the natural flavors of the proteins & vegetables to radiate.Umaya elevates the typical 'beer garden' concept with hard-to-find Asian dishes. Our menu promotes friends, coworkers, family to enjoy their time together. We carry a wide array of Asian beer, sake & Japanese Whiskey, complimenting the tranquility of the restaurant. The menu will feature seasonal highlights; however, the time-honored staples will always be available. ‘Umaya’ directly translates to a ‘place that tastes good’ in Japanese; it is a place where you can go
A photo of El Centro D.F. - Georgetown restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1980)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Mexican • Georgetown
Booked 54 times today
Chef Richard Sandoval invites you to gather, dine and raise a glass at El Centro, D.F. Authentic Mexican comfort food and fine Tequilas are served in three vibrant spaces.Reaching back to his roots, internationally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval created El Centro DF to introduce Washington DC to signature authentic Mexican flavors and traditional dishes that he grew up enjoying. The dynamic two-story restaurant in Georgetown, with a back patio, is also home to over 300 tequilas, mezcals alongside craft Mexican-inspired drinks.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AshleighT
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My friends and I had a really nice time here. The music was amazing! The service by our waitress Ayanna was superb. The food was hit or miss unfortunately. The catfish nuggets were really good as well as the fried okra but I had the chicken fried chicken and it was really fatty. Several of my friends had the mac and cheese and no one finished and said that you start. It could have been a lot better. Only one of the six of us loved her meal and she had the pecan chicken and waffles which I tasted and it was delicious! The drinks were really good as well. In all, the vibe was great but the food could've been better
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    Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DCPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown
    4.2
  • KellyVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our server, Natalie did a great job of delivering really delicious food to us. She recommended the spatchcock chicken and it was fantastic, I might not have ordered that myself, but her encouragement of how good it was prompted me to do so, and she was spot on! The music may have been a little louder than I like last night Sometimes it’s difficult to hear my guest.
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    Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: ChinatownPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon Square
    4.3
  • Mick
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great time and good food as usual. Disappointing in that it was my 37th anniversary and I had mentioned it in my reservation. Nothing from the restaurant. Maybe I expected too much.
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • LauraVIP
    Atlanta Metro •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Jan 2025
    Our recent visit to Founding Farmers was exceptional, offering a delightful culinary journey that pleased the entire family. We began by sharing the Buttermilk Biscuits and a medley of autumn vegetables. The biscuits were impressively large, featuring a crunchy exterior that gave way to a soft, fluffy center—truly a perfect start to our meal. For the main courses: •Youngest Son: Opted for the Sirloin Chili, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The chili boasted a balanced spiciness, making it both flavorful and approachable. •Mom: Chose the Goat Cheese Ravioli & Chicken Cutlet, a dish accompanied by butternut squash purée and pecan praline butter. The combination was exquisite, earning a solid 9.7/10 for its harmonious flavors and presentation.  •Dad: Selected the Farmhouse Platter, which included fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, baby cheeseburgers, street corn, and coleslaw. He cleared his plate, a testament to the meal’s excellence.  •Teenager: Enjoyed the Meatloaf & Gravy, served with mashed potatoes and green beans. He expressed high praise for the dish, noting its rich flavor and satisfying portion.  Even the house-made sodas were delightful, adding a refreshing touch to our dining experience. Our waiter, Anthony, provided outstanding service, enhancing our meal with his attentive and friendly demeanor. The food was so impressive that we decided to purchase the restaurant’s cookbook to recreate some of the dishes at home. Founding Farmers offers a warm atmosphere, exceptional service, and delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a dining experience we highly recommend and look forward to repeating.
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    Founding Farmers DC: Foggy BottomPrice: Moderate• American• Foggy Bottom
    4.5
  • KELLI
    Washington, D.C. Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Jan 2025
    Went for a family New Year’s brunch and everything was absolutely lovely. Decided to order a la carte instead of the brunch buffet and it was a good move… we could hardly eat wht we order let alone go for seconds. Any restaurant that can satisfy a Boomer. Gen X, Gen Z and Gen ALpha to the point of being stuffed to our eyelids on a holiday is a winner in my book.
    More info
    Lincoln - DCPrice: Moderate• American• McPherson Square
    4.2

Discover best comfort food restaurants in Downtown

Discover the ultimate comfort food experience in the vibrant heart of downtown Washington, D.C. This bustling area offers a variety of restaurants that specialize in satisfying your cravings for hearty, home-style meals. From classic American dishes to innovative culinary delights, each establishment promises a unique dining scene that blends traditional flavors with modern twists. Patrons can expect to enjoy top-notch service, cozy atmospheres, and menus packed with delicious, comforting options. Whether you're in the mood for succulent seafood, perfectly cooked steaks, or rich, savory sides, downtown D.C. has a spot that will cater to your comfort food needs. Immerse yourself in a dining experience where the quality of food and the warmth of the environment come together to provide a truly satisfying meal. Come indulge in the comfort and culinary excellence that downtown Washington, D.C. has to offer, ensuring a delightful experience for every diner.

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