Dining Out in Washington, D.C.

Ethnic eateries

Diplomats and immigrants from the world over have infused the city with tantalizing ethnic flavors. While there are a few ethnic-food neighborhoods — Chinatown, for one, at H and 7th streets, and Ethiopian (where diners can eat with their fingers from the same plate), along 9th and U streets — the thing about D.C.’s ethnic cuisine is that it is sprinkled throughout the city. You’ll find modern Israeli street food at Shouk in Mount Vernon Triangle, Mediterranean takeout at the Greek Deli in Dupont Circle, and elegant Indian eats at Rasika in Penn Quarter and the West End. Follow the informal “pupusa trail” through various neighborhoods (Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant and others) for that unbridled cheesy goodness stuffed into a corn tortilla, courtesy of El Salvador’s large population. Try the granddaddy of pupuserías (plus low-cost Mexican fare), El Tamarindo, on Florida Avenue. Ethiopian eateries can be found on 18th Street in Adams Morgan. Sample dishes from around the world at multiple Immigrant Food restaurants.

Ways to save: Look for happy hour food specials that fill you up. Buy from food trucks that line Franklin and Farragut squares downtown at lunchtime. Or visit Eastern Market on Capitol Hill for nicely priced bites. The recently developed Union Market near downtown has more than a dozen reasonably priced food options, including Puddin’, dishing up Southern comfort food, including a decadent brown-butter bourbon bread pudding, and Immigrant Food, with creative twists on favorites from around the world. Don’t ignore museum cafeterias for lunch. Many were slow to reopen after COVID, so check before visiting. Mitsitam Native Foods Café at the National Museum of the American Indian, has won multiple awards, and serves affordable, innovative Indigenous cuisine, including bison with caramelized strawberries and roasted green papaya tamarillo (a South American fruit).

See our story on Washington's new attractions for more options.

Reservations

It’s a good idea to book ahead by phone or via OpenTable or Resy for many restaurants, particularly on Friday or Saturday nights, during the holiday season, the Cherry Blossom Festival, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.