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Best Fun Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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407 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
1. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19277)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 288 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 Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien restaurant
2. Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien
4.8
Exceptional(361)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Washington
Booked 43 times today
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.
A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
3. Jaleo - DC
4.7
Exceptional(10901)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 133 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 Tonari restaurant
4. Tonari
4.6
Exceptional(311)
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 Dirty Habit | The Glass House restaurant
5. Dirty Habit | The Glass House
4.4
Awesome(2231)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Penn Quarter
Booked 48 times today
Dirty Habit DC is a globally inspired New American restaurant & bar in a hip, edgy hotel space with private courtyard space. Just a perfect location for happy hour cocktails, events and private bookings. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.
A photo of China Chilcano restaurant
6. China Chilcano
4.6
Exceptional(3675)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • Penn Quarter
Booked 75 times today
China Chilcano is a fun spot, praised in reviews for its 'innovative food', 'great service', and 'beautiful decor'. With its unique blend of Peruvian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, there's something for everyone. As one reviewer puts it, it's a 'wonderful Jose Andres restaurant' with 'unique flavor combinations'. Plus, the ambiance is consistently rated highly, making it a great place to enjoy a meal or share dishes with friends.
A photo of The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant
7. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C
4.5
Awesome(3742)
Price: Expensive
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 180 times today
The Smith in Penn Quarter is a blast! It's a fun brasserie that serves delicious food and has a wonderful vibe, according to reviews. With a menu featuring bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails, it's the perfect spot for date night, drinks on the town, or a big birthday bash. Plus, the decor is beautiful and the service is excellent. As one reviewer said, it's a place with a 'vibrant vibe, very good food and attentive service'!
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
8. Succotash PRIME
4.6
Exceptional(3848)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 104 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 Oyamel restaurant
9. Oyamel
4.7
Exceptional(9547)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 116 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 Rania DC restaurant
10. Rania DC
4.7
Exceptional(473)
Price: Very Expensive
• Indian • Penn Quarter
Booked 27 times today
We are excited to welcome you to Rania, DC's hottest destination for modern Indian food. Tom Sietsema has called our food "some of the most inspired Indian cooking in DC." At Rania, we offer homage to the time-honored traditions, rich flavors, and spices of India in an intimate, luxurious setting. We look forward to sharing our vision with you!Presenting sophisticated, highly acclaimed 4-course prix-fixe menu, with an upcoming debut of our chef's tasting menu.Policies:-Dress Code: Smart Business Casual. No shorts, athletic wear, or baseball caps are allowed.-Children under 10 are not allowed in the main dining areas.-Reservations are available for parties of up to 6 people.- A non-refundable deposit of $30 per person is required for parties larger than 5.-A 20% gratuity will be added to all parties 5 or more.For large party or private dining inquiries, please email: Info@raniadc.com

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Brooke
    Washington, D.C. Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Tonari is a great spot for innovative flavors served via the best comfort foods: pizza and ramen. Make a reservation for days with events at nearby Capitol One Arena because this is a popular spot for both food and drinks. Check out the cute crochet foods for sale on the bookcase next to the bar as a keepsake from an amazing meal experience.
    More info
    TonariPrice: Expensive• Italian• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.6
  • Katie
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    A fantastic experience from start to finish. We’ve been big fans of Kevin Tien since the Himitsu days and this was just as amazing as we remembered. Every dish, dessert and cocktail we tried was an explosion of flavors and textures. Standouts included the cocktail with shrimp salt, cumin lamb, crab gnocchi and tofu cheesecake. The space was beautiful and service was just right for our date night. Looking forward to returning!
    More info
    Moon Rabbit by Kevin TienPrice: Very Expensive• Vietnamese• Washington
    •
    4.8
  • Molly
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Zaytinya is one of my go to places to take friends, family, and out of town people because the food is great and the price is great! Our waitress took a while to take our order but the food came out fast and the drinks were great!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • NathanS
    Maine •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We had been wanting to have dinner at Jaleo for the past few years and finally got to go tonight for my wife’s birthday dinner. Let me start off by saying that it lived up to and exceeded our expectations. We had the mid-range tasting menu with the sherry pairing and every bite was delicious. Our experience was enhanced by our server Carlos’ knowledgeable description of each course and each of the sherries. We look forward to coming back.
    More info
    Jaleo - DCPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • Kim
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 16, 2024
    Love love the aesthetic and the vibe. Ultra-cool. Service was excellent. I wish the drinks were better. We both got a cocktail, and while they were good, they weren't amazing - which was an expectation we both had. They didn't seem to have enough liquor in them and really mild on flavor. The food however, was great. Would definitely go again as the presentation of the restaurant from coming out of the ride share and walking up, to being seated was such a fabulous feeling.
    More info
    Dirty Habit | The Glass HousePrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.4

Discover best fun restaurants in Penn Quarter

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Washington D.C.'s Penn Quarter, a hub of culinary diversity and excitement perfect for those seeking a fun dining experience. This area boasts an array of restaurants that cater to those looking for an upbeat and enjoyable meal, whether it's innovative fusion cuisines or classic bistro fare. Each venue offers a unique ambiance that complements their creative and delicious menus, ensuring a memorable dining experience. From cozy spots ideal for a pre-theater dinner to energetic venues perfect for a night out with friends, Penn Quarter serves up a perfect mix of food, fun, and festivity. Reviewers consistently praise these restaurants for their exceptional service, beautiful decor, and the ability to deliver a fun atmosphere alongside mouth-watering dishes. Whether you're in the mood for shared plates in a casual setting or a sophisticated cocktail evening, Penn Quarter's dining scene has something to excite everyone.

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