I LOVE Restaurant Week. It’s seriously one of my favorite DC traditions and really shines a bright light on an otherwise drab month of January.
Today I thought I’d share some of my favorite places that I’ve been that are participating in Restaurant Week. It starts on Monday, so make sure to make your reservations ASAP!
Places I’ve Been:
Zaytinya by Jose Andres (City Center)
Without a doubt, this is my favorite Restaurant Week spot. You get SO much food and it’s BEYOND delicious. I went for a friend’s birthday last year and omggg. I’m obsessed.
Alta Strada (City Center)
I can’t imagine anyone NOT liking the food at Alta Strada… And their Restaurant Week menu is on POINT this year. Major yum. It’s Italian comfort food and oh-so delicious.
Ambar (Arlington)
Their Restaurant Week menu is unlimited food.
Unlimited. Food.
It might sound like lot, but you just need to believe in yourself.
It’s Balkan cuisine, which sounds adventurous, but is really quite mainstream and there are plenty of menu items that anyone would like.
El Centro (Georgetown)
This is a great Mexican joint that has a very upscale, sexy feel to it. I personally love their bottomless brunch.
Del Mar (Wharf)
Full disclosure; I’ve never actually eaten at Del Mar. I have, however, had drinks and desserts and I adore the ambiance. People who HAVE eaten here, however, rave about it. It’s Spanish seafod.
Duke’s Grocery (Foggy Bottom)
One of the best burgers in the city is here!
El Tamarindo (Adams Morgan)
Frankly, I don’t recommend this place. The location is tough to get to (unless you’re in the immediate area) and the I did not enjoy the food there the two times I went.
Farmers Fishers Bakers (Georgetown)
The area that Farmers Fishers Bakers is in is beautiful; it overlooks the Potomac River. I love the food here. It’s very comfort food-esque and is perfect for a chilly winter day. I personally love the pimento cheddar biscuits.
Filomena (Georgetown)
.. is NOT diet food. Filomena is always touted as a favorite by locals and if you blink, you’ll miss it. It’s on the part of Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown that you never go past. Several presidents have dined here and I’ve read it mentioned in many, many presidential memoirs. That being said, it’s good, but I think it’s overrated. It’s worth going just to see what the hype is all about. Note: As of this writing, VERY few reservations are available. Book NOW if you want to go.
Founding Farmers (various locations)
This is owned by the same group as Farmers Fishers Bakers and has a similar, home cooked vibe. You MUST try the whirly pop and/or the friend green tomatoes.
Hill Country BBQ Market (Penn Quarter)
Any homesick Texan I’ve met is obsessed with this place and for good reason. I could live off the brisket.
il Canale (Georgetown)
We went to this Neopolitan-style pizza restaurant for my birthday, if that gives you an idea of how much I like it. I was introduced to il Canale years ago by actual Italians and I still love it just as much today!
Jaleo (Penn Quarter)
If you like tapas, this is THE place for you. Jaleo is another Jose Andres place and the first that I fell in love with and their restaurant week menu makes for a very fun first experience!
Matchbox (various locations)
I could live off Matchbox’s Fire and Smoke pizza. Delicious. I also really like their sliders.
Oyamel (Penn Quarter)
Oyamel is actually doing Restaurant Week for two weeks, so that’s fun! This is, yet another, Jose Andres place but this one is Mexican. I’ve only eaten here once but loved it!
Rustico (Alexandria)
Sigh, I forgot about this place! I used to go with a friend ALL the time when she lived around the corner. Their pizzas are SO good.
Not that you should go to a restaurant to gawk at the interior design, but you should really go to Teddy and the Bully Bar to gawk at the interior design. That said, the food is also very good; It’s American fare. This year, I’m kind of eyeing that RW lunch menu… Yum.
New Places I’m Trying This year:
Sfoglina Pasta House: I know nothing other than what people have told me. And people have told me this Italian restaurant is insanely delicious.
Pink Taco: Teehee. I can’t resist a cheeky name and Mexican food. Plus I’ve heard very good things about this place too.
Floriana– No idea what to expect but I have high hopes!
What are your favorite spots to go for RW? I would love to know in the comments below!
