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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

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236 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Thip Khao restaurant
1. Thip Khao
new
5.0
Exceptional(0)
Price: Expensive
• Laotian • Columbia Heights / Brightwood
Booked 37 times today
Thip Khao is acclaimed chef Seng Luangrath's flagship restaurant in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC. Thip Khao serves up spicy Lao (or Laotian) dishes and classic cocktails with an exotic twist. Lao cuisine leverages tropical herbs and cooking techniques of Southeast Asia. However, the flavor profile is distinct from its fellow SE Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Dishes like Naem Khao (Crispy Rice Salad), Sai Oua (lemongrass pork sausage), Laab, and Tam Muk Houng (Lao papaya salad) at Thip Khao showcase the unique flavors of Laos. Many dishes are served with sticky rice. Chef Seng recommends eating sticky rice with your hands as most Laotians do. Since its opening, the restaurant has been well received by Washingtonians and critics alike. The restaurant has had national recognition from multiple publications including New York Times, Washington Post, Bon Apetit magazine, Washingtonian magazine, and Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand).
A photo of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant restaurant
2. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(102)
Price: Moderate
• Ethiopian • Columbia Heights / Brightwood
Booked 2 times today
Letena is a farm-to-table Ethiopian restaurant serving dishes made with natural, premium ingredients. Located in the heart of Columbia Heights, Washington DC, Letena is a family-owned destination centered around authentic, quality Ethiopian food. Owner Yamrot Ezineh opened Letena’s doors in October 2016. Yamrot and her team love welcoming new and old friends to enjoy Letena’s delicious, fresh food. Their goal is to make the unique experience of Ethiopian food approachable for everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to meat-lovers alike. Letena’s original Ethiopian dishes have won accolades from various publications and review platforms including Food Network, Washingtonian, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.
A photo of SHIA Restaurant restaurant
3. SHIA Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(80)
Price: Very Expensive
• Korean • Washington
Booked 23 times today
SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**
A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant
4. Caruso's Grocery - DC
4.8
Exceptional(1219)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Capitol Hill
Booked 51 times today
Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
5. Succotash PRIME
4.6
Exceptional(4001)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 131 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 The Hamilton restaurant
6. The Hamilton
4.7
Exceptional(11907)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 177 times today
The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.
A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant
7. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom
4.6
Exceptional(34505)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foggy Bottom
Booked 321 times today
Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. 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 neighborhood restaurant.
A photo of Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant
8. Gypsy Kitchen - DC
4.5
Awesome(1610)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Logan Circle
Booked 60 times today
Just like the bohemian travelers who inspired our name, Gypsy Kitchen’s alluring flavors aren’t bound by borders. Instead, our chefs go wherever the inspiration takes them, crafting deeply creative dishes that transport you to uncharted places around the Mediterranean and beyond. A menu designed to taste and share gives guests the freedom to explore the menu at their own pace, connecting over seductive flavors, festive craft cocktails and curated regional wines. The alluring interior matches the menu, with welcoming dining spaces that foster connections and spark conversation. Antique tapestries and rugs, twinkling lights and vibrantly patterned tile set the scene in the expansive dining room. Or, take a seat on the rooftop patio oasis, where lush greenery, plush cushions and the sky overhead evokes the feeling of being on a caravan to explore a distant land.
A photo of Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant
9. Mi Vida Penn Quarter
4.6
Exceptional(436)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 40 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 Oyamel restaurant
10. Oyamel
4.6
Exceptional(9638)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 127 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ErisVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We travel from Potomac, MD to eat at Mala Tang. The food is authentic, delicious and an experience. We love to do the hot pot when we have a large group as we can all share the proteins and veggies to put inside. When we are a smaller group we love the dry pot. The vegetables they offer are very fresh and unique. The service is always top notch and the price is very reasonable. We can't wait to go back!
    More info
    Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
    •
    4.4
  • William
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Cheryl was amazing as a waitress as well as the rest of the staff!!
    More info
    The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
    •
    4.4
  • Cameron
    New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful & delicious dining experience! Shared the veggie sampler and the beef & chicken sampler - highly recommend both! Honey wine was incredible. Very happy that I chose this restaurant for Valentine's Day dinner!
    More info
    EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
    •
    4.7
  • Sally
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 7, 2025
    The food was amazing! My husband and I shared the salmon dish which had a delightful spicy pineapple sauce over mashed sweet potato and a side of Brussel sprouts. Waiter was attentive and our water pitcher was filled several times before it was emptied. Music was a bit loud and the lights from the Capital One Arena were very distracting.
    More info
    Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.6
  • Holly
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    There is a lot of great choices on the menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet (mostly because we dined on a holiday, but I am certain if we dined on a normal day it would’ve been lively and energetic). Our server was wonderful, and the food was great. The pizzas are great to share among 2 people as they are individual pizzas with 6 sizeable slices. The pastas a generous portion and fit the price. They do add gratuity (tip) to the bill & leave you the option to add more. Overall the experience was wonderful and I would recommend and go again.
    More info
    Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
    •
    4.3

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