Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in District of Columbia

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in District of Columbia? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4.8

4.8 (866)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

A contemporary culinary destination where innovative design meets impeccable service. Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, CUT D.C. by Wolfgang Puck presents a fine-dining experience featuring the finest selections of beef, complemented by fresh, locally inspired dishes that embody the vibrant spirit of Washington, D.C.

The restaurant boasts a Bar & Lounge at the entrance, providing an inviting setting for pre-dinner drinks, with live music every Friday and Saturday evening. For private gatherings, our exclusive 14-seat dining room provides an intimate space for celebrations, meetings, or special occasions.

To ensure an exceptional experience for all, we request 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Late changes may result in a $25pp fee. Guests can bring their own wines (as long as those wines are not featured on our list), with a corkage fee of $65 per bottle or $130 per magnum, limit 2 per table.

Top review

Amanda

Dined 5 days ago

The afternoon tea was a lovely experience. The food was wonderful, we left extremely full. Our service was delightful. Gorgeous setting.

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4.8

4.8 (3648)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The Park at 14th is a restaurant, lounge, and event venue on four floors overlooking Franklin Square in Downtown D.C. Offering a sense of timeless elegance, beautiful views, and a warm and welcoming interior, The Park at 14th is the perfect place dining, socializing, and hosting your next event. We invite you to join us. For reservations over 10 people, please TEXT (202) 550-0300

Top review

Kendra

Dined 6 days ago

This is my second time going here and I love the food so much. The ambiance is always nice. Since we went on Halloween, we had hosts in costumes. It was cute! I will always return. The food is great!

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Popular dish

Grilled Baby Lamb Chops

4.8

4.8 (2175)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes.
Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.

Top review

AminattaGold

Dined 5 days ago

Took a friend visiting from the Netherlands. Always the best brunch in town!

Tabard Inn

4.8

4.8 (4213)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Since our early days as a tea room, we’ve been a respite for locals and visitors alike, offering a haven for conversation and memorable cuisine. The tradition continues as our culinary team has curated an inventive and elevated menu through New American cuisine while paying homage to the beloved dishes that have been served at the Tabard Inn for years.
Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.

Top review

Josh

Dined 1 day ago

Outstanding meal with a big group of business associates.

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4.7

4.7 (674)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Friendship Heights

About the restaurant

Rosemary Bistro Cafe is a restaurant based in Washington, D.C. that serves classic French-based cuisine. All our menu offerings prepared using the freshest ingredients. If you’re looking for a cozy dining experience in the D.C. area, come by our restaurant today.

Top review

ravelleGold

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing food in a modest setting, it is reminiscent of dining in a neighborhood bistro in Paris. Because it is small, with tables crammed close together, it tends to be noisy during mealtimes, but the food is worth it. And the wines are lovely.

Blue Duck Tavern

4.6

4.6 (6133)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Foggy Bottom

About the restaurant

When combined with the classic American touches of dark oak and blue burlap and mixed with a market-based menu featuring local farms and purveyors, Blue Duck Tavern captures the region’s natural bounty and culinary traditions. Handcrafted wood furnishings, including a 29-foot-long Windsor bench, enhance Blue Duck Tavern’s warm and rustic feel, inviting travelers and local residents to gather and celebrate the best ingredients of the season.

Inside Blue Duck Tavern’s open kitchen with a custom-designed Molteni range, our award-winning culinary team brings seasonal and bold flavors to the table through simple cooking methods and modern techniques. Savor delicious slow-roasted cuisine from the restaurant’s wood-burning oven, capturing the flavors of America’s best wholesome foods and sustainable gastronomy.

Top review

Diana

Dined on Oct 20, 2026

Had the best table, in front of the kitchen!! Food was 10/10

Chef Geoff's (New Mexico Ave.)

4.6

4.6 (4382)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Chef Geoff’s is a chef driven restaurant offering Contemporary American cuisine.

A DC staple for over 20 years, with a friendly, neighborhood feel, you will feel welcome here for any occasion large or small. Our made from scratch menu is fresh, flavorful and offers something for everyone. From pizza, salads and burgers to our more elaborate main dishes, one thing is for certain, we don’t skimp on flavor! Our bar covers all ends of the spectrum from our famous super mugs (giant beers) to our handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy our large elevated patio for the perfect al fresco dining experience or our cozy newly renovated dining room. We cannot wait to see you!

Top review

TomGold

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent lunch. Liked the Monday mussels offering. Our server Owen was terrific!

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The Arsenal at Bluejacket

4.7

4.7 (1063)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

Bluejacket is a brewery without boundaries—pushing the limits of traditional styles to create small-batch beers that are bold, balanced, and full of character. Set in a striking former Navy Yard warehouse, our dining room and bar offer a front-row seat to the brewing action. Here, guests can enjoy a diverse lineup of beers alongside a seasonal menu that highlights local ingredients and is thoughtfully designed to complement what’s in your glass.

Top review

PeterGold

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Great beer; good vibe; food was fine with some good menu choices; service was very attentive.

Estuary

4.5

4.5 (865)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

At Estuary, we celebrate the essence of contemporary American cuisine while embracing the rich bounty of the Chesapeake region. Modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows await you, giving way to sweeping views of DC’s iconic skyline. Here, the city’s dynamic energy pairs seamlessly with a menu that tells a story of culture, tradition, and artistry – all firmly rooted in the Chesapeake.

To complement the flavors on your plate, we present an extensive selection of meticulously curated wines and handcrafted cocktails. Our team of expert sommeliers is always on hand to guide you in choosing the perfect pairing, guaranteeing an exquisite dining experience.

At Estuary, we firmly believe that exceptional service is as vital as the culinary artistry itself. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing impeccable and knowledgeable service, ensuring that your visit exceeds all expectations.

Top review

Craig

Dined 6 days ago

Seafood done right and innovative in its preparation and presentation. Unique dishes with outstanding tastes. Very unique. Excellent atmosphere and service. Will be back soon!

Dauphine’s

4.7

4.7 (2065)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Dauphine’s is a modern day incarnation of the dramatic Grande Dame establishments of New Orleans, brought to you by the award winning Long Shot Hospitality - the team behind DC's beloved The Salt Line Restaurants. Dauphine’s utilizes Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic New Orleans fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the legendary city. All brought to you in a breathtaking spacious downtown restaurant setting with the most beautiful bar in downtown DC, plenty of patio dining, and a festive outdoor bar and garden area. Located in the Midtown Center, Dauphine's is just steps from the White House, National Theater, Convention Center, Cap One Arena and most downtown attractions and provides an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere for any occasion. Dauphine’s serves Dinner seven nights a week and Brunch on weekends, with Happy Hour every day 4pm-7pm and an ALL DAY Happy Hour on Sundays - plus don't miss our signature Sunday Live Jazz Brunch! We hope to see you soon!

Top review

ScottGold

Dined 7 days ago

The food, service, and drinks were excellent. The oysters were delicious, the branzino was prepared perfectly, and the pasta was perfectly al dente. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience with our friends first experience.

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Experience

Dauphine's Live Jazz Brunch

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