So, from looking at Ashley and I's social media, many of you may know that we took a trip to Washington DC. We explored the amazing memorials and monuments as well as tried many different foods. There were so many great places that we are exited to share with y'all! Here is a list of our top 10 favorite restaurants in DC...
10. Blackwall Hitch
Blackwall hitch is last on the list but only for a couple of reasons. The food was great. I had a lobster roll that was buttery and all types of good with great service! The the view was absolutely incredible. For a fun afternoon lunch spot in Alexandria (which I know isn't in DC-but it was part of our DC experience) this was a great place to eat on the Potomac.
9. Clyde's
Clyde's is connected with Old Ebbitt Grill in that they are owned by the same people. Clyde's is a little bit more laid back and is hidden in Georgetown. This fun and trendy area allows this place to really stand out! The old pictures along the hallways makes it unique yet timeless. Great food and great service! I ordered the French Dip- Highly Recommend!
8. KAZ
KAZ is a sushi place that is located on the second story of a building. It was incredible sushi with seared scallops roll and an amazing rainbow roll. My dad LOVED (I mean LOVED) this place while I found it great but not FANTASTIC. It all depends on what you like, but overall a great atmosphere and quality cuts of fish!
7. Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbit Grill is THE restaurant you HAVE to visit when traveling to DC. It has been around since 1856 and is Washington's oldest saloon. Many US Presidents including Theodore Roosevelt, Cleveland, and Harding. If you go, you have to order the crab cakes. This is what they are known for and are never a bad idea! I ordered the jumbo lump crab cake and wasn't disappointed. Loved it and the antique architecture.
6. Jaleo
Jaleo (pronounced Ha-leo) is a Spanish Tapas Restaurant. While the food was really good, it personally wasn't as great as the other restaurants we had tried. This family owned restaurant was very friendly and had quality food.
5. Zaytinya
Zaytinya was mediterranean style food. It was amazing! You start out with receiving freshly baked pita bread with olive oil. The food is plated very professionally and has lots of color. The only reason it isn't #1 is because of our experience. Our waiter wasn't as friendly as the other waiters we had previously interacted with and their was so much food. Granted: This is probably or own fault, but we ordered the chef's choice which is where the chef picks out our meal. It was so much food that by the end of the night we ended up giving away our desserts because we were so so very full!
4. Blue Duck Tavern
Blue Duck Tavern was a restaurant connected to our hotel: The Park Hyatt. It was American style cuisine with very mature takes on American classics! I ordered rotisserie chicken with charred broccolli. The flavors were developed very well and the chicken wasn't the slightest bit dry. My family ordered burgers with fries-that were double baked. HIGHLY recommend these. Not sure exactly what they were called, but they were delicious. First the potatoes are cooked then mashed. Next, they are cut into "logs" and fried. Very light, fluffy, and packed with flavor.
3. Tail Up Goat
Tail Up Goat is contemporary-American mixed with Mediterranean. This place is where the chef's aren't afraid to experiment with fun and funky flavors. My family and I enjoyed something called "The Flinstone Rib" which was an asian fusion spice rub on a rib. It truly melted in my mouth! The environment was very vibrant and it turned out to be a pretty popular place. It's a tapas style (small plates) which is where ordered some food and all shared. Loved the creativity in the plates and the overall environment!
2. Rasika
Rasika is Indian Style cuisine right in the heart of DC. I love all of the different cultures packed tight in DC and I was eager to try them all. The waiters were very patient with my family and I when we didn't know what to order and recommended amazing dishes. Great environment and great food! Very authentic!
1. Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate is a French cuisine based restaurant. The service was incredible and the food was full of flavor. We started off with some bread that truly tasted as if it was crafted with love and lots of yummy yummy flavor! I ordered the lamb for my entree and it was very juicy and well seasoned. The environment, location, food, and overall experience is what makes this a must-go-to in DC.
