The Resy Hit List: Where In D.C. You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
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There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in and around Washington, D.C.: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In D.C. Not to Miss This Month
- D.C. Restaurant Week Best Bets: Washington’s Summer Restaurant Week returns August 24-30, bringing a full week of three-course menus and maximum flavor to heat up dining out in the DMV. Some of the city’s toughest tables in town, including Albi, Fiola DC, and ANJU participate in the menu deals. And don’t worry, we have some advice for how to book the toughest tables in town.
- Washington Like a Tourist: It’s always fun to play tourist for a day in your own city. Our 72-hour guide to DC delivers an entire weekend of delicious dining in our nation’s capital. This includes lining up for breakfast tacos at La Tejana, drinking espresso martinis at Le Diplomate, and sampling the veggie-forward menu at Oyster Oyster.
- Nepalese Cuisine on H Street: D.C. is experiencing a boom in Nepalese cuisine, and the H Street, NE corridor is a great place to plan a food crawl soon. Look no further than the thukpa at Tapori or the buffalo momos at Nanglo. And end your jaunt over at the Tempo Shack — where you order at the takeout window for essential dishes like chow mein noodles and Nepali-style barbecue.
- Girl Dinner Done Right: From French fries to Caesar salad and a martini, so-called “girl dinner” menus have become a new trend for The District, offering light bites and mix-and-match meals. For example, indulgent lobster rolls are on offer at The Lafayette inside the Hay-Adams Hotel. Meanwhile, a silver platter arrives with Lobby Bar’s nuggets, truffle Parmesan fries, Caesar salad, and two dirty martinis for $80 on Capitol Hill.
New to the Hit List (Aug. 2026)
Bammy’s Modern Caribbean, The Dabney, Her Diner, Masseria, Uchi DC, Wheelhouse.
1. Rosselli Downtown
Downtown’s latest dealmaking restaurant is Rosselli, a restaurant from Knightsbridge Restaurant Group’s Ashok Bajaj (of Rasika fame) who brings chef Carlos Cardona — fresh off a stint at Hong Kong’s two-Michelin-starred NOI by Paulo Airaudo. The opening menu reflects a focus on classic Italian cuisine, presented in a refined, modern fine-dining style. Cardona’s goal was to build a menu that balances the flavors and pasta presentations direct from Italy. Think linguine ai frutti di mare, taleggio cheese tortellini with thyme butter, and tagliatelle with fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil.
2. The Dabney Shaw
Gather around The Dabney’s iconic wood-fired hearth with chef Jeremiah Langhorne to taste some of the best and freshest mid-Atlantic fare. Current menu options include a five-course prix-fixe experience and an à la carte menu, with every ingredient representing the history of the mid-Atlantic region. Sample seafood direct from the Chesapeake Bay, like Maryland jumbo lump crab or fried catfish larb. Or opt for a family-style plate of barbecue spiced chicken served with salsa verde and jalapeno butter. The wine menu also reads like a love note to Virginia wine country with regional vineyards — from Spinning Wheel to Rosemont Winery — featured prominently for paired tastings.
3. Albi Navy Yard
Chef Michael Rafidi’s mainstay is best known for its soulful and progressive interpretation of Palestinian cuisine. The restaurant is bolder than ever before, thanks to some recent renovations and a hearth-driven experience for diners. Of course, the best seats are at the Hearth Table, which offers the most immersive and elevated dining experience. This experience is exclusively available as a chef-curated journey through Palestinian cooking with just two tables offering two seats and also known as a Sofra family-style tasting menu ($165). Based on an Arabic word meaning “a table set for you,” it’s now a fully spontaneous five-course experience, keeping you guessing as to what’s next. Don’t miss the Khubz+, a five-dip spread, or the Maryland crab malfouf.
4. Wheelhouse Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is embracing a new nautical vibe. Wheelhouse from the Georgetown Events Hospitality Group’s crew (Millie’s, Jetties, and Surfside) packs Chesapeake flavors into a menu that features oysters casino, raw clams, and Maryland crab soup. And those flags lining the ceiling — you bet they are of the sailing variety. So, go ahead. Anchors away, as you cheers to a round of sea breezes.
5. Daru H Street Corridor
Suresh Sundas and Dante Datta teamed up for this restaurant inspired by the history, culture, and flavors of India. Along with familiar favorites like wild mushroom biryani, the menu also features several “Indian-ish” takes inspired by other regions of the world, like wok-fried cabbage and za’atar olive naan. The restaurant recently added weekly deals that pull in H Street neighbors from half-priced wine nights on Wednesdays to a generous happy hour featuring $10 plates of chicken tikka masala or paneer makhani with rice and garlic naan and $13 cocktails.
6. Bammy’s Modern Caribbean Washington D.C.
Get on island time at Bammy’s — a rum bar located in Navy Yard with waterfront views of the Anacostia River. If it’s happy hour, order up a Painkiller and some jerk wings to set the vibe. Bammy’s executive chef Peter Prime hails from Trinidad, and he serves traditional dishes like brown stew beef, jerk lamb chops, and crispy cassava, plus whole fried snapper. Best of all, Bammy’s now has a second takeout option located inside the Union Market food hall.
7. Masseria Union Market
Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s first restaurant in the city remains a celebration of big, harmonious Italian flavors. Named for the charming agricultural estates of the Puglia region, where his family is rooted, the restaurant features an open-air courtyard with relaxed seating, plus a covered pergola seating area and an indoor sala with a view of the kitchen. The menu brings together the welcoming tastes of an Italian country estate, with a five- or seven-course tasting menu option, as well as à la carte menu at the bar. Service includes bread, antipasti, fresh-made pastas, and seafood dishes including freshly shucked Wellfleet oysters topped with Petrossian Royal Daurenki caviar.
8. Kathmandu U Street, NW
A new cocktail den recently debuted on U Street, an intimate bar concept from restaurateur Dipesh Acharya (also with Tempo Shack). This new bar blends the energy of Nepal’s capital city with Washington, D.C.’s evolving nightlife scene. Positioned first and foremost as a craft cocktail bar inspired by the Himalayas, Kathmandu delivers a focused spirits menu. Drinks include The Khattu, inspired by dried Asian plums popular across generations in Nepal, and the spicy Titatura daiquiri, a vibrant take on a beloved Nepali street flavor — sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Alongside the drinks, diners will find a menu of elevated Nepali tapas, like keema noodles, aloo buff sukuti, and housemade momos.
Find more info here.
9. Uchi DC Downtown
Uchi’s arrival to D.C. brings a new sleek sushi counter to the city. The iconic hama chili features cool yellowtail packing heat from Thai chili ponzu with orange supreme. Chicken braised in coconut milk forms the soul of the comforting Sasami Yaki. And the Kinoko Usuzukuri is a standout plant-based carpaccio with seasonal mushroom, shallot, and shiro zu. Special occasions call for the Hot Rock, perfect for sizzling sliced Australian wagyu, served here with kosho tamari butter and whiskey maple ponzu. And don’t forget to try the legendary fried milk dessert — a non-negotiable closer for any Uchi meal — that literally bursts with flavor.
10. Lutèce Georgetown
Lutèce has become a D.C. hot spot for French cooking in the comfy confines of a dining room that seats only a few dozen. Top dishes to try here include the skewered duck hearts with a jus and mandarinquat — Conroy’s latest twist on duck à l’orange — or Parisian gnocchi with snails and fermented butter, or a steak tartare spiked with harissa. Service hours have expanded, and this cozy neo-bistro is now open seven days a week. That means more room for late-night bottles, lingering date-night courses, and the kind of friend-meet-up dinners that accidentally become all-night affairs.
11. Sid Gold’s Request Room Union Market
Belt out your favorite tune with friends at Sid Gold’s Request Room — a karaoke speakeasy that’s perfect for your next night on the town. Enter through an alley door and enter a space that’s always lively and centered around a classic piano bar experience. Classic cocktails from old fashioneds to martinis also set the tenor. After a sip, take the stage with an accompanist and belt out from a selection of pop, rock, soul, and even punk… and yes, you can play punk on a piano and belt out the perfect tune after a few sips of liquid courage.
12. Acqua Bistecca Washington D.C.
This new Italian-inspired steakhouse features large-format steaks and pastas along with an iconic bar. Enjoy happy hour favorites like saffron risotto arancini, ricotta meatball spiedini, or crispy brussels sprouts with apricot mostarda, paired with coastal-themed cocktails like the Positano (mezcal, lime, and raspberry-basil granita) or the sparkling Amalfi (vodka, blackberry, lemon, and prosecco), alongside $10 wines and $6 Peroni. Rooted in Italian conviviality and meant for lingering, the menu channels comfort and sophistication, from caviar cannoli to housemade pastas and seafood, like a Maryland blue crab crespelle with citrus béchamel and smoked trout roe. Pro tip: The restaurant also recently debuted a long-awaited brunch service.
13. Namak Adams Morgan
In the heart of Adams Morgan, the the owners of Perry’s and Unconventional Diner bring you Namak — a culinary adventure into the heart of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, with a mix of Old and New World classics. The latest addition is a new brunch menu from chef Lindsey Flowers. Her menu features favorites from the restaurant’s dinner menu, like a lamb smash burger and Adana kebab served with lavash, as well as new breakfast dishes including a cardamom coffee cake, strawberry-rose French toast, and an omelet with harissa, red tahini, and a side of cucumber-tomato salad.
14. Oasis The Listening Bar Arlington
Oasis is Arlington’s newest listening bar, merging Japanese cuisine with a hi-fi audio experience. Inspired by Japan’s listening bars, the restaurant offers a sensory experience featuring master sushi chef Jose Ventura along with live DJ performances, and Japanese-inspired cocktails. A wide range of sakes are offered in flight tastings. Whisky enthusiasts will also enjoy a premium Japanese whisky omakase experience. Oasis proudly serves Joy Boy craft beer, a locally made Virginia brew perfect for pairing with Japanese bites from grilled skewers to nigiri and sashimi at the sushi counter.
15. Catahoula DC Navy Yard
This Cajun and Creole dining experience is rooted in the Big Easy’s culinary traditions, and offers epic riverfront views of the Anacostia River. The dining room is new to Navy Yard, and feels like a French Quarter brasserie matched with a bar that slings New Orleans-themed cocktails. Revelers will want to gather around the “boil garden,” which hosts crawfish seafood boils alongside frozen cocktails, and offers a lively open-air atmosphere. Upstairs, you’ll find a wine terrace inspired by Bacchanal in New Orleans, with a global selection of wines, plus charcuterie, and one of the best views of the Frederick Douglass Bridge.
16. The Greenhouse Washington D.C.
The Greenhouse at the Jefferson resides within one of D.C.’s oldest hotels, with a menu that brings bright and bold Mediterranean flavors to a light-filled greenhouse. Lush greenery and seasonal blooms inspired by Monticello’s verdant gardens bring a welcome breath of fresh air from downtown D.C. It’s also the ultimate spot for a special-occasion dinner or weekend brunch. Executive chef Matthew McClure’s menu is tuned into the seasons and occasions. At brunch, expect everything from a classic eggs Benedict to whole fried Mediterranean branzino, or strawberry pancakes. At dinner, spring for the four-course tasting menu featuring Virginia’s Blackberry Point oysters, Maine sea scallops, and the Jefferson’s 24-hour braised beef short ribs, plus a decadent dark chocolate orange petit gâteau.
17. Her Diner Adams Morgan
This Adams Morgan all-day cafe is an inclusive space meant for everyone at any meal — breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Comfort food dishes (pro tip: order the meatloaf) meet regional cocktails like Maryland’s Orange Crush, and you better believe there is a daily happy hour. Her Diner is also a neighborhood gathering place for Wednesday trivia, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” watches on Fridays, and destination weekend brunch with a group of friends.
18. Bombay Club Downtown
This old-school restaurant serves up polished maître d’ service alongside iconic large-format Indian dishes, like the tandoori salmon and Hariyali trout (filleted tableside, no less). And with nearly 40 years of service, somehow Bombay Club remains as reliable as ever, especially the silver-platter thali, still one of the city’s most satisfying dishes on the menu. Open for lunch and dinner and mere steps from the White House, this is also a place where politicos gather to trade talk of the town.
19. Cordelia Fishbar Union Market
Cordelia’s is the place for coastal-inspired dishes, whether you crave a curated selection of crudo or cured seafood specialties, like a shareable turbot or coal-roasted oysters glossed in spicy ‘nduja butter. This Union Market seafood house is also the place for daily oyster happy hour or bottomless weekend brunch — designed to highlight the freshest flavors from both land and sea. For seafood lovers seeking pristine raw bar selections or those just looking for a mouthwatering burger, Cordelia delivers a dining experience that is accessible for the whole family.
20. Primrose Brookland
Primrose is a local hangout for genuine hospitality, and under chef Patrick Benton, it has become one of the most beloved dining destinations in the city. A Maryland native (who previously cooked at Kinship, Métier, minibar, and Café Riggs), his restaurant draws inspiration from seafood-forward cuisine and fresh produce found along the Chesapeake Bay. The family-style price fixed menu ($55) is designed to showcase the season’s best ingredients from tempura baby squash to scallops served on a bed of coconut rice.
