A FOODIE GUIDE TO DELICIOUS EATS IN WASHINGTON DC
One of my favorite things about living right outside of DC is being so close to a ton of culturally diverse, authentic and delicious food spots! Bethesda is a short metro ride away from an endless amount of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, food halls, bars and ice cream shops that DC has to offer. And over the past few years of venturing out to the city to discover new food spots, I’ve come across (more than) a few places that I’d recommend you check out on your next visit to Washington…
Cafes & Pastries
Rose Ave Bakery
An Asian-American bakery in Woodley Park that’s famous for their brioche donuts in a variety of unique flavors that make me nostalgic about my childhood. My favorites are the strawberry milk, ube and passion fruit donuts!
Yellow the Cafe
A Levantine-inspired cafe (with locations in Georgetown & Union Market) that offers yummy pastries combining Middle Eastern flavors and French technique.
Donut Run
A vegan bakery in Takoma Park that creates indulgent fried and cake donuts that will make your inner child so happy! My go-to is the Homer, a classic fried donut with pink (strawberry) glaze and sprinkles.
Un je ne sais Quoi
An authentic French pastry shop in DuPont Circle with gourmet treats that are a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. :) The cream puff is an absolute must-try, it’s like eating a cloud!
Restaurants
Han Palace
This Cantonese restaurant (in Woodley Park & Georgetown) with a sophisticated atmosphere is the place to come when the dim sum cravings hit. I’ll never pass up an order of BBQ pork buns!
La Cosecha
The vibe of this contemporary marketplace in Union Market is unlike any other I’ve experienced in the city. La Cosecha celebrates Latin American heritage through its food stalls, restaurants, cafe, shopfronts selling artisan goods, gallery space and cultural events. I always come back for the vegan arepa at Mosaico by Arepa Zone and the bean & cheese pupusas from La Casita Pupuseria.
Caruso’s Grocery
The classic yet modernized Italian-American cuisine served at Caruso’s (in North Bethesda, MD & Southeast DC) is so hearty and comforting. Don’t skip the creamy burrata with garlic bread & pesto, or Caruso’s Alfredo pasta with mushrooms & truffle butter!
Rasa
A fast casual option with locations all around the DMV, Rasa makes yummy Indian food that’s so flavorful and nourishing. I always go for the tandoori paneer bowl with the samosa chaat and a mango lassi.
Maydan
Maydan (right off of 14th Street) has a cozy low-light atmosphere with colorful rustic charm and serves delicious North African and Middle Eastern small plates. Too difficult to recommend just one thing, but definitely try the halloumi, kebabs and all the spreads.
Stellina Pizzeria
Hands down one of the best spots in the DMV (locations in Union Market & K Street in DC as well as Arlington & Tysons, VA) for authentic pizza napoletana. Rest assured this is the real deal, coming from someone who studied abroad in Italy years ago, and has been on the hunt ever since for the perfect replica of what I enjoyed devouring at my favorite Florentine pizzeria. ;) My fave will always be the classic Margherita pizza, along with the carciofo alla romana and arancini.
Jinya Ramen Bar
Ramen is one of the ultimate comfort foods out there, and Jinya (on 14th Street near Logan Circle) makes theirs special by slowly simmering their broth for more than 20 hours. The bowls are massive, the toppings are abundant and the Flying Vegan Harvest ramen in particular is so satisfying.
Barcelona Wine Bar
This warm and inviting tapas bar (on 14th Street & in Cathedral Heights) offers modernized Spanish small plates and an array of wines by the glass. The ambiance is cozy and their music selection made dining there feel like a party (thanks to the Latin pop and reggaetón!). The jamón & manchego croquetas and bacon-wrapped dates were a few of my favorites.
Roja Lounge (inside dLeña)
A chic underground speakeasy below the restaurant dLeña off of K Street, this lounge has over 100 types of tequila/mezcals and elevated small plates to pair along with them (try the crab tostadas & then the crepe cake for something sweet after). What sets this place apart is that they host live jazz performances most nights! It sets the ultimate romantic atmosphere for date night.
Boba
Spot of Tea
My absolute go-to boba spot for years has been Spot of Tea, it’s simply the best in the DMV. They brew their teas fresh, create unique flavor combinations and source top quality ingredients. I have a few flavors in my rotation that I love ordering: the strawberry matcha, strawberry milk, mango yuzu and mango fruit tea.
Gelato
Dolci Gelati
Not going to lie, it’s been tough to find authentic places in the area that make this beloved iconic dessert the way that artisans do in Italy. But Dolci Gelati (in Shaw, Water Park in Arlington & Old Town Alexandria, VA) is a gem that produces the real thing. The texture of their gelato is perfectly smooth and creamy, and they offer countless flavors. Some you’d find in a typical gelateria, like fior di latte, stracciatella or hazelnut. Others are unique and creative, like honey mascarpone fig or poached pear cinnamon.
