16 Fancy Restaurants in Washington, D.C. for 2024
Looking for fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. for your next special occasion or gourmet outing? The capital city has a wealth of noteworthy flavors at work in its restaurants, including Atlantic seafood, classic Italian fare and Mediterranean dishes to die for. There are also multiple Michelin-starred eateries, serving everything from sushi to steak.
Whatever your definition of “fancy” is, you are sure to find something that pleases the palate and the eye among these great choices for elevated fare and atmosphere. Whether you are planning a romantic night out, a birthday dinner or any other special occasion, this list of fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. is guaranteed to feature the perfect destination for your next luxury night out.
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Find the Best Restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Don’t know where to start in your journey to enjoy some of the most fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C? Food tours are a perfectly fun way to get acquainted with the best the city has to offer. Tours take you into new culinary territories you might not encounter elsewhere. You can find food tours in Washington, D.C. aplenty, including those that take you to fine dining spots, local bars and casual eateries.
The 16 Most Fancy Restaurants in Washington, D.C.
1. Iron Gate Restaurant
Known among fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. for its beautiful covered patio, Iron Gate Restaurant is a Greek eatery that is perfect for a romantic date night.
The Vibe
The interior dining room of this romantic restaurant in D.C. is wood-paneled and intimate with luxe leather seating and an enormous fireplace. During the warmer months, the exterior patio invites you to dine under a canopy of entwined branches.
What to Order
Greek specialties like Mediterranean octopus, lamb steaks and daily gyro options prevail at this extremely fancy restaurant in Washington, D.C. Also expect dishes like pomodoro ricotta dumplings, roasted olives and crispy sesame feta.
Iron Gate Restaurant | 1734 N. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 | $$$
2. Tail Up Goat
Located in Adams Morgan, Tail Up Goat is a gem among fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. Serving up New American cuisine, it’s ideal for larger groups and celebrations.
The Vibe
Intimate and sleek, the wood-furnished Tail Up Goat feels calm and minimalistic in design but can get quite lively and bustling during busy times.
What to Order
The famous goat lasagna is popular, as are the roasted pork loin and beef short rib options. You can also enjoy a course entirely devoted to bread and end your meal with a delightful signature dessert.
Tail Up Goat | 1827 Adams Mill Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 | $$$
3. Jaleo
One of the best fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. for regional Spanish cuisine, Michelin-starred Jaleo serves phenomenal dishes created with authentic European and local ingredients.
The Vibe
Jaleo’s feel is both elevated and festive. The restaurant features a colorful tiled ceiling, murals inspired by Spain and fun touches, like their famous foosball table, that make this a fancy restaurant in Washington, D.C. like no other
What to Order
Jaleo is known as a tapas spot, so try the croquetas de pollo, the pan con tomate or the patatas bravas. They also have noteworthy paella, steaks and seafood dishes.
Jaleo | 480 Seventh St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 | $$$
4. Pineapple and Pearls
One of the most uniquely named fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C., Pineapple and Pearls is a Michelin Guide favorite for celebratory occasions.
The Vibe
The elevated and innovative menu is combined with a fun and festive atmosphere augmented by funky sculptures, sleek art deco touches and a lively bar.
What to Order
The menu here changes frequently, but luxurious options could include lobster and octopus lasagna, glazed sea bass, albacore tuna dishes and slow-roasted pork belly. Expect some truly exceptional dessert creations to end your meal.
Pineapple and Pearls | 715 Eighth St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 | $$$$
5. Jônt
Jônt is a unique Japanese-inspired eatery with a French-inspired name. It is a Michelin Guide favorite located inside its more colorful sister restaurant, Bresca.
The Vibe
The 17-seat chef's counter of Jônt is much more minimalist and bare-bones than Bresca. With a prime focus on the beauty of each dish, this 17-cover eatery is one of the most intimate fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C.
What to Order
Try the French takes on Japanese dishes like Dungeness crab, aged duck breast and wagyu beef. As with other fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C., the desserts here, inspired by French pâtisserie, are a must-try to finish your dining experience.
Jônt | 1904 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 | $$$$
6. Elcielo
Elcielo is a Latin American eatery that is a stylish option for a fancy restaurant in Washington, D.C. It offers classic Colombian dishes with whimsical touches and presentation.
The Vibe
The modern and bright interior of Elcielo is filled with plants and light, making this a visually stunning fancy restaurant in Washington, D.C. during the day and at night. Having a romantic dinner here is notably one of the best date ideas in D.C., whether it’s a first date or an evening out with your long-term partner.
What to Order
The 22-course tasting menu takes you on a journey through various regions of Colombia. It includes empanadas, candied rose petals, lobster ceviche and blood sausage.
Elcielo | 1280 Fourth St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 | $$$$
7. Imperfecto
Located in the West End, Imperfecto provides a chef’s table experience, making it one of the most in-demand fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C.
The Vibe
Modern and minimalistic, the interior of Imperfecto is soaring and sculptural with an elite feel for a fine dining Washington, D.C. experience.
What to Order
The chef-driven experience menu is ever-evolving but often includes innovative takes on Mediterranean classics, such as smoked eggplant, falafel, moussaka and salmon tartare.
Imperfecto | 1124 23rd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 | $$$$
8. Maydan
Maydan is a great choice among fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and family-style dining.
The Vibe
Warm and inviting, the interior of Maydan is awash with warm colors, large tables and lots of wood accents organized around the flickering fire visible from the open kitchen’s immense grill.
What to Order
Try the excellent chicken shish taouk with pomegranate molasses. The grilled duck breast, saffron lamb or halloumi with wildflower honey are other fantastic choices.
Maydan | 1346 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 | $$$$
9. Xiquet
Xiquet is a popular fancy restaurant in Washington, D.C. for classic Spanish cuisine and hospitality.
The Vibe
This Mediterranean spot boasts a bright white space that is calm and intimate, with a downstairs lounge to enjoy cocktails and canapés on comfortable benches before ascending to the second-floor dining room.
What to Order
The chef-driven menu varies but may include caviar courses, grilled octopus and wagyu filet — there is always variety at this fancy restaurant in Washington. D.C.
Xiquet | 2404 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 | $$$$
10. Minibar by José Andrés
Often appearing on lists of the top fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C., Minibar by José Andrés is located near the National Portrait Gallery where it serves up Michelin-starred New American fare to tourists and locals alike.
The Vibe
Whimsical and adventurous, the interior of Minibar is decked out with fun sculptures, unique furniture and quirky touches, like a giant clock.
What to Order
Try the coconut steamed buns, the almond cups or the the feta ravioli for a memorable meal. Before or after dinner, be sure to relax at Barmini by José Andrés with a fruity cocktail that often involves the showmanship of sizzling, bubbling and smoking.
Minibar by José Andrés | 855 E. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 | $$$$
11. The Inn at Little Washington
The only fancy restaurant in the Washington, D.C. area with three Michelin stars, The Inn at Little Washington is a charming and luxe eatery. Housed on a historic estate outside the city, it is perfect for special occasions and romantic dinners.
The Vibe
The Inn at Little Washington’s interior looks like an exclusive hotel or country house. This warm and cozy restaurant features beautiful artwork, vintage wallpaper and other whimsical touches along with a 12-seat chef’s table near the fireplace.
What to Order
This fancy restaurant in Washington, D.C. has a fantastic chef-driven menu. It features surprises like golden beet pasta with hamachi crudo, citrus beet tartare, luxurious lobster dishes and sliced pork belly as well as a huge wine selection from their cellar.
The Inn at Little Washington | 309 Middle St., Washington, VA 22747 | $$$$
12. Masseria
Unconventional presentation makes Masseria one of the most fun options available when it comes to fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C.
The Vibe
Cozy and lit by fairy lights, Masseria’s feel is elevated but charming, with some dishes served in containers, like treasure chests and metal cans, or shaped like unique art pieces incorporating color and texture.
What to Order
Pasta dishes are the specialty at this luxury restaurant in Washington, D.C., so try the linguine or lasagna with a starter of burrata. Finish your meal off with one of their decadent and attractively presented desserts.
Masseria | 1340 Fourth St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 | $$$$
13. Sushi Nakazawa
Tucked inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Sushi Nakazawa is a Tokyo-style sushi counter and one of the best fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. for enjoying a multi-course tasting menu.
The Vibe
Clean and minimalistic, Sushi Nakazawa places visual emphasis on the food rather than the dècor, excelling at presenting a colorful array of Japanese fine dining dishes.
What to Order
The courses are chef-driven and incorporate a wealth of sushi, nigiri and sashimi, including bluefin tuna, golden-eye snapper and Vancouver spot prawns.
Sushi Nakazawa | 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 | $$$$
14. Blue Duck Tavern
Located within the Park Hyatt, Blue Duck Tavern is a favorite among fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. for its local farm-to-table menu options and extensive floor-to-ceiling wine selection.
The Vibe
Modern with rustic touches, Blue Duck Tavern is an American eatery that invites diners into a vast and soaring space with both a large lounge and a plusher seating area.
What to Order
Start with the charcuterie board with local cheese, then enjoy scallops, whole roasted fish, braised beef rib or duck leg confit.
Blue Duck Tavern | 1201 24th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 | $$$
15. Fiola
Another of the fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. with a Michelin star and farm-fresh ingredients, Fiola serves up classic Italian fare in a refined environment.
The Vibe
Filled with charming accents like sculptural light fixtures, dynamic artwork and luxe white linens, the interior space of Fiola is a great spot for a romantic Italian dinner at one of the best luxury restaurants in Washington, D.C.
What to Order
Start with a selection of delicate dishes from the appetizer menu. For your main course, order the roasted Muscovy duck breast, the New Zealand langoustine or the veal chop Milanese, paired expertly with their wide selection of Italian wines.
Fiola | 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 | $$$$
16. BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant
Featuring a fresh and approachable seafood menu, BlackSalt is part market, part high-end eatery that is a unique contender among fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C.
The Vibe
With a dining area and counter among the bustling seafood market, BlackSalt offers a clean and casual atmosphere in which to savor high-quality seafood in elevated dishes. This laid-back yet luxurious fancy restaurant in Washington, D.C. the perfect place for a quick lunch or dinner with gourmet flare.
What to Order
Try classic seafood options like mussels, octopus and clam chowder, followed by stellar desserts, such as chocolate Chambord truffle cake and chocolate peanut butter crunch cake.
BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant | 4883 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 | $$$
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From handmade pasta to seafood fresh from the Atlantic, D.C.'s unique food scene encompasses a wealth of higher-end destinations. Whether you are dining one-on-one or in a group, one of these fancy restaurants in Washington, D.C. may become your new favorite for special occasions — the only difficulty is deciding which one to try first!
For even more ways to explore Washington D.C. and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal
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