The Top Restaurants by Cuisine in Washington, D.C.

FRENCH: Le Diplomate, a pitch-perfect French bistro in Logan Circle, is undoubtedly one of the greatest spots to brunch in the city. (Ask anyone from DC and they’ll agree.) You can’t go wrong with any of the egg dishes, and make sure to eat as much bread as you possibly can—you won’t regret it.

SEAFOOD: On the waterfront near the Navy Yard you’ll find The Salt Line, a seafood restaurant that celebrates the cooking traditions of New England and the Chesapeake Bay. This means there are excellent lobster rolls to be had, as well as clam chowder, fried clam bellies, stuffed lobster, and, of course, lots and lots of fresh oysters.

MEDITERRANEAN: Chef Jose Andres is a DC legend, with restaurants of all types delighting diners around the city. Zaytinya is his Middle Eastern spot, with a myriad of dips and salads and meats and vegetables served family-style in a bright, clean, airy space. We love it as much for brunch as we do for dinner.

MEXICAN: Oyamel is one of those restaurants that manages to be elegant, refined, and a whole lot of fun. You’re here for upscale versions of Mexican street food—think tacos, ceviches, and tons of vegetable dishes—all served in a laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of margaritas to go around.

PERUVIAN: China Chilcano is a Jose Andres restaurant specializing in the food of Peru—specifically chifa, the Chinese-influenced Peruvian cuisine, and nikkei, the Japanese-influenced tradition that also permeates the country. What this results in is a menu that’s as informative as it is thrilling, with dishes like ceviches, sashimi, sushi rolls, and dim sum all making starring appearances.

JAPANESE: You probably wouldn’t expect a Japanese restaurant to be Charlie Chaplin–themed—but at Chaplin, a ramen spot in Shaw, it works. Check out the vintage movie posters while dining on any number of noodle soups, dumplings, and various Japanese small plates, and wash it all down with one (or a few) of their many delicious, inventive cocktails.

STEAKHOUSE: BLT Steak is a hit amongst the power-lunch-and-dinner crowd, and it’s not hard to see why: this is a first-rate steakhouse, with an impressive raw bar, a rainbow of sides, and beef good enough to live up to its name. Just don’t fill up too much on those popovers, which are delivered hot to every table.

LEBANESE: Lebanese Taverna is a part of a group of restaurants that’s been serving Lebanese food for decades, and it’s clear they know what they’re doing. We recommend anything from the “Hommus Bar” section of the menu, as well as their kibbeh, shawarma, and falafel.

KOREAN: Mandu is a homestyle Korean restaurant beloved by locals and industry folk alike, serving classics like bibimbap, galbi, bulgogi, and, of course, top-notch mandu. We especially love going late at night, when cooks and chefs from nearby restaurants get off of work and let off some steam.