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Best Authentic Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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194 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19390)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 326 times today
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3923)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 108 times today
Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.
A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10970)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 146 times today
Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.
A photo of Oyamel restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9591)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 142 times today
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.
A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant
4.3
Awesome(10351)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 214 times today
Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday
A photo of Centrolina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2135)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 23 times today
Centrolina is an Italian restaurant and market, locally owned and operated by Chef Amy Brandwein, set in Washington’s CityCenterDC development. The Osteria showcases a seasonally driven menu of authentic and innovative Italian dishes offered for lunch and dinner. Chef Brandwein's menu is inspired from the seasons, Italian regionality and the wide variety of Chef curated product in the adjoining market. The market showcases a selection of imported Italian specialty items along with locally sourced meat, sustainable fish, and produce from local farms. The Centrolina kitchen produces daily hand crafted fresh pasta and sauces, antipasti and entrees available for takeaway. For parties of 7 people or more, we do require a prix-fixe menu, please email caroline@centrolinadc.com for additional information.
A photo of Tonari restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(317)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Penn Quarter
Booked 42 times today
Tonari is our Wafu Italian restaurant. WAFU means Japanese-style, so our menu is a Japanese take on Italian food. It originated in Japan through the love that the Japanese had for Italian food but wanted to incorporate some of their cultural flavors and ingredients to them. We at Daikaya Group and chef & owner, Katsuya Fukushima, are bringing this experience to you here in DC.Looking for some fun Japanese antipasti bites, one of a kind pasta dishes, or pizza that you won't find anywhere else in the city? Then come join us for dinner, we look forward to having you soon.
A photo of Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant
4.5
Awesome(405)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 57 times today
“Mi Vida” translates to “My Life.” However, in Mexico, “Mi Vida” means much more. “Mi Vida” is a term of endearment bestowed on close family and friends to signify love, care and importance. When one says, “Mi Vida,” they are telling someone special how much they mean to them. MI VIDA describes how we feel about our team and our guests. It is our expression of Mexican culture and cuisine as interpreted through the lens of Chef Roberto Santibañez. Our menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.
A photo of Modena restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1191)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
Modena presents Italian-inspired cuisine that takes heavy cues from seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients. Modena balances classic cuisine with a modern approach, all enhanced by Chef Joshua Hunt's passionate and creative touch.
A photo of China Chilcano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3711)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 76 times today
China Chilcano is authentic Peruvian cuisine with a twist, offering a unique blend of Peruvian, Chinese, and Japanese culinary traditions. As one reviewer noted, it offers 'fusion in each dish.' The award-winning chef, José Andrés, ensures that the culinary journey is as exciting as it is educational. The reviews consistently highlight the innovative and unique dishes, with many noting it as a must-try experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • CherieVIP
    Phoenix / Arizona •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Impeccable! Cannot wait to go again to try some more of the menu. We had baba ghannouge, fries with labneh, smoked beet salad, mujadara, imam bayildi, garides me anitho, lamb baharat and lamb kelftiko. Every single dish had a perfectly- balanced complexity of flavors that made want to sing. The food has inspired me to attempt some of these dishes at home.
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Michelle
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We got the Jaleo experience tasting menu. It was excellent, and more food than we were expecting. Definitely worth the price! It was somewhat loud and we had trouble hearing the wait staff at times, but otherwise we would definitely do this again!
    More info
    Jaleo - DCPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
    4.7
  • Hayley
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Came here for Christmas Day buffet and all of the staff were in great moods and very helpful… despite working the holiday. We really appreciated having this option so that we didn’t have to think about cooking dinner and could just spend time together as a family. Thank you so much for a great meal!
    More info
    Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: ChinatownPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon Square
    4.3
  • JudithVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Succotash. We had a nice table in a corner and the service was exceptional. Our server was very attentive, polite and professional. He made sure that the food flowed at an appropriate pace and that our water glasses were always topped off, and the table was kept clean. The food was delicious! I had a salad, catch of the day and hummingbird cake all of which was fantastic. My husband had corn bread and shrimp and grits, which he also thoroughly enjoyed. .
    More info
    Succotash PRIMEPrice: Moderate• American• Penn Quarter
    4.6
  • Laurie
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We loved our meal!!! Would definitely return. Guacamole so tasty and dessert heaven.
    More info
    OyamelPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in Penn Quarter

Explore the vibrant and diverse dining scene in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter, where authenticity is at the heart of every culinary experience. From the fusion of Peruvian, Chinese, and Japanese flavors to the rich and traditional tastes of Spain, these restaurants offer a journey into the world's most beloved cuisines right in the heart of the capital. Each establishment captures the essence of their respective cultures, offering dishes that are not only authentic but also creatively presented and expertly prepared. Patrons can expect unique dining experiences that combine traditional methods with modern twists, ensuring every meal is both memorable and satisfying. The dining scene in Penn Quarter is characterized by its commitment to authenticity, providing a delightful array of options that cater to lovers of genuine, culturally rich culinary adventures. Whether you are seeking an immersive experience in Spanish tapas or the comfort of Japanese street food, Penn Quarter's restaurant scene promises an authentic taste that truly represents its diverse and international spirit.

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