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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Penn Quarter

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65 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
1. Dirty Habit | The Glass House
4.3
Awesome(2265)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 42 times today
Dirty Habit DC is a globally inspired New American restaurant & bar in a hip, edgy hotel space with private courtyard space. Just a perfect location for happy hour cocktails, events and private bookings. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.
A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant
2. Rumi's Kitchen - DC
4.8
Exceptional(2425)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 105 times today
Rumi's Kitchen in DC is totally worth the drive! The food is a sensational blend of Iran's fresh herbs and kabobs cooked over an open-fire grill, all served in a warm, cozy ambiance. Reviewers rave about the attentive service, flavorful dishes, and unique, upscale vibes. One review even stated, 'This restaurant has a swank vibe and very good food.' The restaurant's chef owner, Ali Mesghali, is clearly a master of his craft, serving up a memorable dining experience. Plus, it's not all about food; the restaurant's decor and presentation are also highly praised. So, it's not just the food that makes Rumi's Kitchen worth the trip, but the whole package.
A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant
3. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom
4.5
Awesome(34455)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foggy Bottom
Booked 367 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 Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C. restaurant
4. Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C.
4.7
Exceptional(2710)
Price: Moderate
• Peruvian • Downtown
Booked 83 times today
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar adds a modern twist to Peruvian cuisine. Inspired by Peru’s top eateries, the new DC outpost serves up bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers.Situated in the bustling and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar brings people together in a space that’s packed with personality and soul. Our vibrant bar with open kitchen views is the perfect spot for sipping, socializing, and savoring our crazy good ceviche. Come experience a celebration of good eats and good times for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour.Looking for the perfect venue? Plan your next event at the best ceviche bar this side of the Andes. Call today and ask about our private dining options.
A photo of Reverie restaurant
5. Reverie
4.8
Exceptional(28)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Georgetown
Booked 1 time today
Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience that focuses on an entirely seafood driven menu. Our current menu is offered at $255 per guest exclusive of beverage, service charge, taxes, or gratuities. Starting January 1, 2025, our tasting menu will adjust to $285 per guest.Please allow 2.5 hours for this experienceWe can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. We are unable to provide dairy-free or fully vegetarian versions of our experience.
A photo of San Lorenzo restaurant
6. San Lorenzo
4.7
Exceptional(311)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Shaw
Booked 15 times today
Come in and feel transported to the streets of Italy. Enjoy light, wholesome dishes - beautiful stucco walls and black and white photos of the chef/owner’s quaint hometown. Chef Massimo believes in creating dishes that honor the heritage and flavors of his native Tuscany. The magic of this cuisine is the exceptional preparation — fresh, simple ingredients paired with unique herbs and seasonings for a taste that’s anything but simple. With over 30 years of culinary training - Chef Massimo delivers homemade pastas, sauces, Florentine steak, veal, lamb, fresh fish and exceptional risotto. Stay tuned for the not-to-be missed tasting menus offered nightly. Also inquire about the unique communal wine lunch experiences on Saturday afternoons that can be booked only directly with management because they book up quickly. If you enjoy dining in Chef Massimo’s ‘San Lorenzo’ home - know he will also come to your home for special occasions or even travel with you within the US and Italy.
A photo of Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom restaurant
7. Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom
4.7
Exceptional(204)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Washington
Booked 69 times today
Often referred to as “the wine lover's restaurant,” Sixty Vines delivers simple, yet flavorful cuisine paired perfectly with 60 wines on its sustainable tap system. Every plate and pour is designed to inspire adventure and discovery of wine culture reimagined. Guests are encouraged to experience abundance over shared plates, enjoy wine “pinkies down” and to visit for brunch, lunch and dinner. Signature menu items include charcuterie boards, seasonal proteins, wood fired pizzas and innovative pasta dishes all inspired by ingredients found in wine country.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
8. Il Piatto
4.5
Awesome(658)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 48 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 a.kitchen+bar D.C. restaurant
9. a.kitchen+bar D.C.
4.7
Exceptional(63)
Price: Expensive
• American • Washington
Booked 13 times today
Located in the West End neighborhood of Washington DC, James Beard Foundation Award-winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin's High Street Hospitality Group brings their acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant, a.kitchen+bar, to the nation's capital. Exploring the seasonality of the Chesapeake, the menu is a culmination of hyper-seasonal American small plates and an acclaimed natural wine and beverage program.Join us from 4-6PM at the bar for Golden Hour. Our team has thoughtfully curated a selection of off-menu cocktails and bites, perfectly paired to indulge you after a long day. Immaculate vibes, soulful tunes and our talented team await. We look forward to welcoming you.
A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant
10. CUT by Wolfgang Puck
4.5
Awesome(608)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Georgetown
Booked 15 times today
CUT by Wolfgang Puck is a gem in Georgetown, DC, renowned for its exceptional food and service. The contemporary American cuisine, especially the selection of beef, is highly praised by customers. The restaurant's unique design and ambiance, paired with its exceptional service, makes it a go-to destination. One reviewer noted, 'The food & service were exquisite. My spouse and I already decided to splurge a little & come back at least once a month.' Another stated, 'Food & service were top notch. I would highly recommend and will definitely be back!'

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JohnVIP
    New York City •116 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 5 Dec 2024
    Mala needs to spruce up its facility. One waiter only. Poor guy running whole Place. He was very nice and as quick as possible. Terrible lighting and heat was lacking on a cold night. Kinda sad since the food was very good. Dark and cold last night.
    More info
    Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
    •
    4.2
  • JordanVIP
    Scranton / Poconos •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Dec 2024
    Went on a slow, cold Sunday afternoon so it wasn’t not busy at all. For some reason, though, our server was difficult to find throughout our meal. Food/drinks were really good, & they had fun holiday themed drink decorations. Definitely bundle up though if you’re seated on the patio.
    More info
    Tokyo PearlPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Dupont Circle
    •
    4.4
  • KrisVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •68 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 1 Dec 2024
    The BBQ is some of the best I have ever eaten. The brisket tender and delicious is my favorite. We will order their Thanksgiving turkey next year and we cannot wait.
    More info
    Smokecraft Modern BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
    •
    4.5
  • David
    Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 20 Nov 2024
    Great drinks and food! Can't wait to try the brunch for bottomless mimosas
    More info
    RewindPrice: Moderate• American• Dupont Circle
    •
    4
  • Michael
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 30 Jul 2024
    A limited but delicious menu. Full bar. Pleasant inside and outside. But, in the evening, you're going for the music, and it was great July 30--Gabe Koempel and combo.
    More info
    Wild DaysPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon
    •
    4.1

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Penn Quarter

Exploring the Penn Quarter of Washington, D.C., offers a vibrant dining scene with restaurants that truly embody the "worth the drive" ethos. This area is celebrated for its diverse culinary offerings, ranging from exquisite bistro classics to innovative seasonal fare, each promising a unique gastronomic experience. The ambiance across these dining spots varies from casual chic to elegantly sophisticated, catering to different tastes and occasions. Patrons laud the exceptional service and atmosphere, which complement the high-quality meals served. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these restaurants in Penn Quarter provide more than just a meal; they offer a delightful culinary adventure that makes the journey worthwhile. The dining scene here is a testament to Washington, D.C.'s rich and eclectic taste preferences, making it a must-visit locale for food enthusiasts.

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