Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Washington DC

"(between N. Q and N. Corcoran streets) in Logan Circle, the brasserie and cafe is the most popular French restaurant in Washington, boasting four stars out of 2,373 reviews on Yelp. Paying homage to French cafe culture, Le Diplomate aims to offer an authentic Parisian feel, inside and out. But you’ll find far more than flaky croissants and cafe au lait."

"This classic restaurant pays tribute to the chefs of France and makes diners feel transported to a classic Parisian brasserie with both the cuisine and the ambiance."

"Named for Chef Aaron Silverman's paternal grandmother and his desire to provide a warm, casual and hospitable environment for guests, this venue is one of the district's favorites. Start off your experience with small plates likes spicy 'happy' oysters or green tomato Panzanella. Pasta and family-style options will draw you in with selections like lumaconi alla norma and smoked brisket."

"You may have heard of Rose’s Luxury, the American spot in Capitol Hill with creative pastas and vegetable-heavy small plates. You may have also heard about the no-reservations policy and the hours-long lines that come with it. Don’t let all that steer you away, though, because even a few years into the hype, it’s difficult to have a bad time at Rose’s."

"If you don’t mind the inevitable wait, then Rose’s Luxury is the place to be. It won the best new restaurant title by Bon Apetit last year and has gained meteoric popularity. The dishes can’t really be classified into a specific cuisine and varies depending on the season."

"Fiola serves up rustic Italian food and original cocktails in a sophisticated modern space. Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema gave Fiola a rare three-star review before complimenting individual dishes like the lobster ravioli. Sietsema reported being so overwhelmed with flavor that he felt like waving his napkin in surrender."

"It’s taken some time, but renowned Chef Fabio Trabocchi has finally perfected his take on modern Italian cuisine with this Penn Quarter eatery. The rustic but elegant atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop for the contemporary Italian fare such as..."

"Washington foodies wept when Fabio Trabocchi took his Italian talents to the beloved Fiamma in New York City, but he soon returned to the District...Read More"

"Legendary James Beard Award-nominated bread maker Mark Furstenberg has been elevating the bakery scene in DC for decades, first with Marvelous Market and then with the sandwich-focused phenom BreadLine. He returned to great acclaim in early 2014 with the neighborhood bakery Bread Furst. It’s well worth the journey out to Van Ness for a loaf of challah, a bag of bagels, fresh baguettes, cookies, coffee eclairs, and pies and cakes made to order."

"Van NessGet your bread from the same spot that supplies some of your favorite DC restaurants. You can stop by the shop to pick up fresh baked goods, and the neighborhood bakery is also offering delivery to those who can’t leave their homes within a mile from the shop and answering recipe questions via email. Sign up here for our daily DC email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town."

"With a focus on traditional loaves of bread, this bakery from Mark Furstenburg aims to be a neighborhood spot where people can pick up everyday essentials or treats for a celebration."

"Tucked inside Georgetown's luxurious-yet-boutique The Graham hotel is the Alex, which harkens to a bygone era, melding Victorian aesthetics with “farm-to-glass” cocktails and live jazz music on certain nights of the week. Named for Alexander Graham Bell, it features an extensive menu of shareable bites and large plates, making it the ideal destination to mosey up to the bar and spend the evening partying like it’s 1899."

"More than 44 acres of plants and trees indigenous to the Potomac River Valley have been curated by the Winkler Botanical Preserve, which is managed by a private, non-profit organization with a mission to provide free environmental education for the students of the Alexandria City Public Schools and is open daily for visitors. The preserve also offers popular nature camps in summer and during spring and winter breaks. Admission is free and visitors can enter the preserve through an open gate in a small apartment complex parking lot between 8:30 a.m."

"Winkler Botanical Preserve stretches for over 44 acres and you will find a beautiful array of flora and fauna that typifies the Potomac River Valley. The preserve here aims to showcase the natural beauty of Virginia, and is open to the public daily. You can walk around and take in the trails here and get up close to the picturesque plant and wildlife that abounds."

"With plenty of street parking, Windmill Hill Park is a great place for a family outing. Enjoy the swing set overlooking the river or venture onto the dock with views of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Park Features: Basketball court, playground, riverfront seating, and sand volleyball"

"Just across Union Street, let the children in your group run off steam at the large playground and athletic fields at Windmill Hill Park."

"Constitution Gardens provide a quiet place to take in the stately beauty of the Washington Monument and the view beyond to Capitol Hill. These scenic gardens were built for the 1976 US bicentennial. Enjoy meandering through the green space and over the footbridge to the island sitting in the middle of the small pond to enjoy a different perspective of the gardens."

"Constitution Gardens is located on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The park is open year-round with a viewing memorial to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The park was created as a tribute to the American Revolution and its 200-year old legacy."

"Make a picnic for you and your significant other for a trip to the Constitution Gardens. Maybe even grab yourself a few slices of bread to feed the ducks at the pond."

"The first major monument to honor George Washington, it was completed in 1829 and stands at the center of the Mount Vernon neighborhood (pictured below). And while you're there, visit the Walters Art Museum; admission is free and the art spans the ages, from the third millennium B.C.E. to the early 20th century."

"This plantation and the surrounding lands had been in the Washington family for nearly 70 years by the time the future president inherited…"

"After your time in Inner Harbor, take a short stroll into the town of Mount Vernon and grab a bite."

"With two locations in nearby Virginia – Arlington and Alexandria, this bakery is dedicated to bringing fresh baked goods to the masses including those with gluten dietary needs. Dig into gluten-free items such as peanut butter cookies, coconut macaroons, egg croissant sandwich and vanilla or chocolate cake with your choice of vanilla bean or chocolate frosting. They even sell a gluten-free vegan blueberry muffin from Rise Bakery."

"Buzz Bakery & Coffee will get you buzzing with their strong coffee, sweet pastries, and dog-friendly patio. Dog treats will be served, too!"