Fire up your go-to reservation platform of choice because we’re living in the glorious era of Restaurant Week. In the bustling city of Washington D.C., this culinary extravaganza is set to delight your palate from Monday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Sept. 3.
But wait, there’s more! This year, Restaurant Week even includes part of Labor Day Weekend, giving you the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of the city. If you happen to be traveling during this time, fret not, as several restaurants at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport are also participating.
Now, if you’re hungry for deals in the D.C. area, it’s time to make those reservations. With dozens of eateries offering their finest culinary creations, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a delectable brunch, seeking out innovative dishes inspired by your favorite Hulu show, or longing to revisit old favorites, this guide has got you covered.
Contents
- Do: Start Early
- Do: Take it from Eun Yang
- Don’t: Sleep through Restaurant Week Brunch (or Lunch)
- Do: Explore Michelin-Starred, Award-Winning, and High-End Restaurant Week Offerings
- Don’t: Forget that Restaurant Week is in Maryland and Virginia, too
- Don’t: Overlook the Fine Print
- Do: Keep the Restaurant Week Party Going
Do: Start Early
To ensure you don’t miss out on the culinary delights of Restaurant Week, it’s best to book your reservations sooner rather than later. Popular restaurants tend to fill up quickly, and you wouldn’t want to be left hungry and disappointed.
Do: Take it from Eun Yang
When it comes to food recommendations, Eun Yang, our Food Fare band leader, always knows what’s good. Let’s dive into her top picks for this year’s Restaurant Week:
Destino
Located at 1280 4th Street NE, Washington, D.C., Destino is a RAMMY-nominated restaurant situated in the La Cosecha food hall at Union Market. Their $25 brunch and $55 dinner menus offer a tantalizing array of Mexican dishes with exciting ingredients. And if that’s not enough, their cocktail menu takes favorite drinks to a whole new level.
Perry’s
For those craving a truly unforgettable dining experience, Perry’s at 1811 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, D.C. is the place to be. Their $55 dinner menu boasts starters like fried chicken with caviar and tuna tartare, followed by mouthwatering mains such as steak donburi and chef’s choice sushi/sashimi. And don’t even get us started on the dessert options, like miso choco cookies or yuzu blueberry cake. Make sure to snag a rooftop reservation while you still can!
Petite Cerise
French cuisine lovers won’t want to miss Petite Cerise at 1027 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. From the talented team behind The Dabney, this French cooking marvel offers an exquisite $55 dinner menu that will transport you straight to the streets of Paris.
Philippe by Philippe Chow
If you’re looking for an elegant dining experience, Philippe by Philippe Chow at 635 Wharf St SW, Washington, D.C. has got you covered. Their three-course dinner menu, featured in our Food Fare, is priced at $55 per person and promises to impress even the most discerning palates.
Don’t: Sleep through Restaurant Week Brunch (or Lunch)
Who says Restaurant Week is only about dinner? Don’t miss out on these delectable brunch and lunch options:
Bar Chinois
Located at 455 I St NW, Washington, D.C., Bar Chinois offers an energetic fusion of French and Chinese cuisine. For $25, their brunch menu includes a starter, entree, and dessert. Plus, you can add bottomless mimosas, select beers, and canned vodka spritzers for just $20.
L’Ardente
Winner of the RAMMY’s Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year, L’Ardente at 200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. is a must-visit for brunch and lunch deals that will leave you craving more.
Le Clou
Indulge in the flavors of modern French cuisine at Le Clou, located at 222 M Street NE, Washington, D.C. Their brunch menu features standout dishes like duck confit poutine, and the lunch crowd can enjoy sorbet for dessert. For dinner, options abound with menus priced at $40 or $55.
Lupo Verde
Italian food enthusiasts won’t be disappointed with Lupo Verde at 4814 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, D.C. Their brunch and lunch offerings include mouthwatering dishes like carbonara, eggplant parmesan, and linguini with clams. Oh, and did we mention that the $55 dinner menu also includes a pasta course, in addition to the starter, main, and dessert?
Pennyroyal Station
For elevated comfort food, head over to Pennyroyal Station at 3310 Rhode Island Ave, Mount Rainier, Maryland. Known for its perennial favorite dishes, this Casual Restaurant of the Year winner offers a delightful three-course $25 brunch menu, as well as a $40 dinner menu.
Tabla & Supra
Craving a unique brunch experience? Tabla at 3227 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, D.C., and its casual sibling, Supra at 1205 11th St NW, Washington, D.C., have got you covered. Indulge in the dreamy flavors of Khachapuri, the Georgian boat-bread dish filled with eggs and cheese. Tabla offers a $25 brunch, while Supra invites you to enjoy their delightful spreads.
Shibuya Eatery/Death Punch
For a satisfying lunch, drop by Shibuya Eatery/Death Punch at 2321 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C. Their $25 lunch menu starts with shio soba and promises a culinary adventure like no other.
Do: Explore Michelin-Starred, Award-Winning, and High-End Restaurant Week Offerings
If you’re looking for a truly extraordinary dining experience, these acclaimed restaurants still have tables available:
Bar Ivy
Located at 3033 Wilson Blvd Suite 115R, Arlington, Virginia, Bar Ivy is a RAMMY nominee for New Restaurant of the Year. Their lunch and dinner menus offer an array of options, especially for fish and seafood lovers.
Bresca
Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Bresca, a Michelin-starred American restaurant located at 1906 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. Known for its “casual yet ambitious” cooking, Bresca’s Restaurant Week entree is an Australian Wagyu beef dish that will leave you speechless.
Causa/Amazonia
For an unforgettable Peruvian dining experience, head to Causa/Amazonia at 920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. This top-rated restaurant offers a regular chef’s tasting menu priced at $125, but during Restaurant Week, you can indulge in their $55 menu. Make sure to book online or call ahead to secure your reservation.
Cranes
Combining the best of Spanish and Japanese cuisine, Cranes at 724 9th Street NW, Washington, D.C. is a Michelin-starred restaurant that promises to take your taste buds on a journey. Their Restaurant Week menu includes a four-course meal for $55, with an optional beverage pairing for an additional $35.
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
A RAMMY finalist for Favorite Gathering Place, Crazy Aunt Helen’s at 713 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. offers a $40 dinner menu and a $25 lunch menu. Prepare to be amazed by their culinary creations.
Estuary
Located at 950 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., Estuary is a CityCenterDC restaurant that specializes in locally sourced, Mid-Atlantic cuisine. Their $55 dinner menu is a feast for the senses.
Lulu’s Wine Garden
For a truly fancy dining experience, Lulu’s Wine Garden at 1940 11th Street NW, Washington, D.C. is the place to be. Their dinner for two, priced at $110, includes a build-your-own taco course. And don’t forget to try some wines from their RAMMY-nominated program.
Tonari
If you’re a fan of Hulu’s “The Bear” but haven’t made it to Chicago yet, Tonari at 707 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. has got you covered. This Japanese-Italian joint offers a Restaurant Week menu that includes a mortadella cannoli, Mikey’s family spaghetti, and their version of Pequod’s deep dish pizza. The $55 menu will be available until Sept 11, with a $90 beverage pairing option.
Tiki on 18th/The Game Sports Pub
The RAMMY award-winning Tiki on 18th/The Game Sports Pub at 2411 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C. is a favorite gathering place that brings the flavors of the Philippines to your table. Their $55 dinner menu includes a tiki drink, and for every cocktail sold, they will donate $1 to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui.
Rania
For a taste of Indian cuisine, head to Rania at 427 11th St. NW, Washington, D.C. This RAMMY nominee for New Restaurant of the Year offers Indian food delights for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Don’t miss the chance to add on bottomless mimosas for an extra $25.
Don’t: Forget that Restaurant Week is in Maryland and Virginia, too
Restaurant Week isn’t limited to the District—Maryland and Virginia have their own delightful culinary offerings. Here are some spots worth checking out:
Maryland
Caruso’s Grocery Pike & Rose
Located at 11820 Trade St., North Bethesda, Caruso’s Grocery Pike & Rose will satisfy your sweet tooth with their delectable dessert options alone. Don’t miss out on their $40 dinner menu.
Era Wine Bar
A RAMMY Awards nominee for Wine Program of the Year, Era Wine Bar at 3300 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, Maryland is the perfect place to enjoy an internationally-inspired brunch or dinner while sipping on some exquisite vino.
Virginia
Vermilion
For upscale American cuisine, head to Vermilion at 1120 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia. This Old Town gem is taking part in back-to-back Restaurant Weeks through Sept. 3—don’t miss out!
Ruthie’s All-Day
A RAMMY finalist for Favorite Gathering Place, Ruthie’s All-Day at 3411 5th Street South, Arlington, Virginia offers both lunch and dinner menus priced at $40 and $55, respectively. Don’t forget to explore their paired drink options to complete the experience.
Don’t: Overlook the Fine Print
As you indulge in the exquisite offerings of Restaurant Week, keep in mind that the deals start at $25 and go up to $55. However, be prepared for your check to include additional charges such as tax, tip, and potentially other fees. Some restaurants may add fees to cover inflation or Initiative 82, so make sure to check the menu or inquire beforehand. It’s not uncommon to see an additional 3-5% charge or an automatic 20% service charge.
Do: Keep the Restaurant Week Party Going
The fun doesn’t have to end after Restaurant Week officially concludes. Many restaurants choose to extend their dining deals, allowing you to savor their incredible creations for a little longer. Some notable extensions include Dovetail, Figleaf, Joselito Casa de Comidas, Nama Ko, and SER, all of which will continue their Restaurant Week offerings until Sept. 10. Additionally, Tonari will keep their special menu available until Sept. 11, and Bresca will be offering a lunch-only menu on Sept. 3, with the discount menu returning from Sept. 6-10.
So, gather your loved ones, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary adventure during Washington D.C.’s Restaurant Week. Book your reservations, explore the diverse array of menus, and get ready to indulge in flavors that will leave you craving more. Restaurant Week awaits, and the Ambassadeur Hotel is ready to make your dining experience truly unforgettable.
