Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Jônt

4.9

4.9 (162)

$50 and over

French / Japanese

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.

We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.

Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.

Top review

VeronicaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

What a wonderful experience! The food was amazing, well paced and the service impeccable. Attention to detail with plates of design and perfection. Flavor well balanced with every bite. We added the “what the f***” wine paring which added to the meal. After dinner, dessert was offered at the dessert bar and was served by the pastry chefs. A magical evening.

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4.9

4.9 (96)

$50 and over

Peruvian

Shaw

About the restaurant

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.

Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.

If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking.

Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

Top review

Teresa

Dined 1 day ago

We went to cause for a celebration and it was the perfect place. The Peruvian-Nikkei food was delicious, the service was great, they paid much attention to details and the ambiance was elegant. Would highly recommend to try a new cuisine or for a special (or not that special) occasion.

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Experience

Causa Six Course Experience - Table Seating

Experience

Causa Six Course Experience - Counter Seating

Experience

Causa Four Course Experience - Table Seating

Silver Social

4.8

4.8 (185)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

Silver Social by Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst offers a creative menu of elevated comfort food and contemporary American sharing plates to complement our craft drink menu.
Located on the second floor above Silver Diner, Silver Social’s unique feature is a 50-seat covered outdoor terrace overlooking Nationals Park.

Rules & Restrictions: 16+ accompanied by an adult till 9:00pm. 21 and Up only after 9:00pm

Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties up to 6 people. The entire party must be present to be seated. If you can’t make your reservation, please cancel it 30 minutes in advance.

We accept online reservations for parties of 1 to 6 persons. For parties of 7 to 9 persons, please call the restaurant for availability. For any larger groups please contact our Event Planner Rebecca Morris at rmorris@eatatsilver.com

Top review

Sheryl

Dined 5 days ago

Loved the atmosphere, food, and view. Our server Evan was great! All in all a great experience for a first time visit. Definitely made me feel like going back.

Mita

4.8

4.8 (117)

$50 and over

Latin American

Washington

About the restaurant

MITA is a Michelin-Starred Vegetable-forward restaurant, offering a vibrant menu inspired by the rich flavors and ingredients of Latin America. Founded by Chefs Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora, MITA emphasizes the beauty and versatility of vegetables, crafting innovative dishes that delight the senses.

We can be reached at info@mitadc.com.

Top review

Kate

Dined 3 days ago

A delightful and delicious meal. Fantastic presentation and friendly service. Shout out to Lou who made us feel comfortable and shared his knowledge. We really enjoyed sitting at the bar, going early for a prime seat. Thanks to all!!!

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4 Course Menu at the Bar

Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien

4.8

4.8 (630)

$50 and over

Vietnamese

Washington

About the restaurant

Moon Rabbit is a highly-regarded Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C., drawing inspiration from the virtuous rabbit depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tale. Led by acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, the restaurant embodies an innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a menu that is both unique and complex. Chef Tien's main objective is to pay tribute to his heritage as a first-generation Asian American, using Moon Rabbit as a platform for expressing his love for Vietnamese culture and food.

Top review

Rose

Dined 2 days ago

Innovative dishes. More importantly they were well done and delicious! Service was fantastic. Would definitely return.

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Experience

Moon Rabbit x Kalaya

Eatopia Eatery

4.8

4.8 (25)

$31 to $50

Ethiopian

U Street Corridor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor. We offers a luxurious dining experience with a communal touch. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere from our wide window seats while our excellent service ensures that every moment is memorable.

At Eatopia, our culinary artisans craft each dish with love, using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques to bring the flavors to life. Signature dishes include our tantalizing Doro Wot & our savory Shiro (Chickpeas ) to our wide plant based selections, sea food entrees. You got to try the Eatopia Beef Tibs and Lega Tibs (Lamb)

Join us for a dining experience where the present meets the future, and every bite is a celebration of hope, heritage, and tradition.”

Eatopia is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Theatre and the African American Civil War Memorial and close to DC's main attractions, including the White House and the National Mall.

Top review

Marni

Dined on Apr 4, 2025

The food was delicious and authentic. (Although I do not like eating without utensils). Give it a try!

El Taller del Xiquet

4.6

4.6 (33)

$50 and over

Spanish

Georgetown

About the restaurant

El Taller del Xiquet, or “Xiquet’s workshop,” celebrates Spanish flavors with a dedication to quality. Chef Danny crafts imaginative dishes from the finest ingredients, showcasing the vibrant cuisine of his roots. Our menu offers a seasonal selection of à la carte items and shareable plates, inviting you to explore the richness of both land and sea.

Inspired by the traditions of coastal Spain, each dish reflects a respect for local agriculture and sustainable practices. This commitment is seen in premium proteins and seasonal produce from the Valencian region, highlighting the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Delicate octopus, sweet scallops, and succulent prawns are prepared with artistry and passion, while dishes like sustainable sea bass gravlax, signature paellas, and generous fideuàs are served tableside. El Taller del Xiquet offers a culinary journey into Spain’s traditions, honoring the ingredients and techniques that have graced tables for generations.

Top review

YaseminVIP

Dined 7 days ago

From the moment we arrived, the entire experience was amazing. Chef Danny and his incredible team delivered perfection in every detail - from the flawless service and exquisite presentation to the outstanding food and wine. Everything was absolutely delicious! The staff was warm, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. Perfection worthy of a Michelin star!

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4.5

4.5 (8)

$30 and under

Spanish

Penn Quarter

About the restaurant

Arrels is a modern Spanish restaurant rooted in tradition and fueled by open-fire cooking led by award-winning Chef Pepe Moncayo.
At Arrels—meaning “roots” in Catalan—guests can expect modern interpretations of classic Spanish dishes, inspired by Moncayo’s Barcelona heritage. The restaurant blends tradition with open-fire cooking, offering updated tapas, crafted cocktails, and warm hospitality that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Top review

JaniceVIP

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Before discovering that Arrels was on OpenTable, my husband and I had already dined there twice. Each time, we were blown away by Chef Pepe Moncayo’s exceptional culinary skills and the high quality of the ingredients. The Suquet was so satisfying, we ended up ordering it four times over the course of three visits. Other menu highlights we enjoyed included the Branzino (catch of the day), Iberico Presa, Guisantes a la Brasa, Churros for dessert, and glasses of Arrocal Joven 2021 to pair with the meals.

Dave & Buster's - Springfield

4.4

4.4 (94)

$30 and under

American

Springfield

About the restaurant

Each Dave & Buster's has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we've got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we're stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

Top review

Jeffrey

Dined 4 days ago

I was hoping a little warmer welcome for the birthday party. Overall it was an awesome experience lots of fun and great food. I will definitely will be back. Thanks Dave & Buster’s

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Experience

Military Monday

Canopy Central Café & Bar

3.5

3.5 (711)

$31 to $50

American

Southwest Waterfront

About the restaurant

Enjoy Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner with a beautiful view of the Wharf. Located above Hanks and Boardwalk Inside the Canopy by Hilton Hotel

Top review