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When exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Washington DC, there is a multitude of top restaurants that you simply must try. From trendy gastropubs to elegant fine dining establishments, the nation's capital offers an array of delectable options to satisfy any palate.

Here are our top five recommendations we think you should try in Washington DC.

1. Founding Farmers

This scratch kitchen prides itself on making everything in-house, from freshly baked bread to homemade jam. They even churn their own butter! There are four locations in DC and we went to the one in Chinatown called Founding Farmers & Distillers DC.

Founding Farmers and Distillers DC — Founding Farmers & Distillers DC

We discovered all of these fascinating details and insights about the restaurant's offerings and history through our interactions with our exceptional server, JP, who not only exuded warmth and friendliness but also possessed an impressive depth of knowledge about every aspect of the establishment.

The cozy atmosphere welcomed us as we settled into our seats, ready to indulge in a satisfying breakfast. As the dishes arrived at our table, we couldn't help but admire the presentation and attention to detail.

Founding Farmers Breakfast Plate — Founding Farmers Breakfast - freshly baked English Muffin

Candy commented on how beautiful the plates were and our friendly server shared an intriguing tidbit: these exquisite plates were not only aesthetically pleasing but also carried a hefty price tag of $80 per plate. Unveiling the remarkable craftsmanship behind them, JP revealed that each plate had been meticulously hand-painted.

Founding Farmers Dining Tables — Founding Farmers Dining

Founding Farmers Pancakes — Crystal loving her pancakes

We both ordered a breakfast entree and every single bite we took was a delight. The flavors were nothing short of phenomenal, with each bite bursting with freshness and deliciousness. It was the perfect fuel to energize us for a day of exploring the Smithsonian museums.

Founding Farmers Jefferson Donuts — Jefferson Donuts

The restaurant also serves Jefferson Donuts, which are their famous flaky and tender croissant donuts filled with pastry cream. We were going to give it a try but we were stuffed and didn't have any room left for dessert. However, we made a mental note to come back and savor those delectable treats on our next visit.

Modern Portrait of George Washington — Modern George Washington portrait

Founding Farmers Ceiling Decor — Fun Ceiling Decor

When we made our way to the restroom (which, by the way, is gorgeous), we couldn't help but notice a captivating portrait of modern George Washington adorning the wall. Truly, every corner of this restaurant revealed surprises and delights, leaving us with an unforgettable experience.

2. Tatte Bakery & Cafe

We were strolling through the charming streets near our hotel when we stumbled upon Tatte Bakery & Cafe. It’s a picturesque café nestled amongst the bustling cityscape and it has such a warm and inviting ambiance.

Tatte Bakery Turkey Avocado Sandwich — Turkey Avocado Sandwich

With a glance at the mouthwatering display of freshly baked pastries and the fragrant aroma wafting through the air, we knew we had discovered elegant comfort food.

Candy thoroughly relished every bite of her Turkey Avocado sandwich which featured the finest ingredients. The slices of turkey and creamy avocado were nestled between two slices of the bakery's housemade challah bread.

Crystal had the Breakfast Sandwich with eggs, cheddar, and applewood bacon on housemade sourdough bread. It was such a simple sandwich but very delicious. The bread made from scratch makes a difference for sure.

Tatte Bakery Washington DC — Fun Tiles at Tatte Bakery

Tatte Bakery Bacon Egg Sandwich — Bacon Egg Sandwich

3. Lady Bird Rooftop Lounge

We were in search for the perfect spot to soak in the nightlights of Washington DC and decided to indulge in a delightful experience at Lady Bird Rooftop Lounge. This lounge is located inside the Kimpton Banneker and was conveniently located across the street from the Hilton Canopy Hotel where we were staying.

Lady Bird Rooftop Lounge DC — Lady BIrd Rooftop Lounge

The indoor and outdoor space at this restaurant was incredibly inviting, with a cozy ambiance and breathtaking view of the nation's capital. Crystal decided to start the night off with her favorite Margarita, while Candy opted for a glass of red wine. Their menu offers seasonal small plates, and our favorite was the Chicken Popcorn with Black Peper Aioli.

Chicken Popcorn Black Pepper Aioli — Chicken Popcorn with Black Pepper Aioli

4. Un je ne sais Quoi

A friend of ours enthusiastically recommended Un je ne sais Quoi, an authentic Frech pâtisserie and cafe. With an insatiable love for all things sweet and flaky, we had to give it a try. Lucky for us, it was within walking distance from our hotel.

It’s a charmingly quaint and cozy little cafe that exudes a timeless allure with its endearing French cafe decor. As we stepped inside, our eyes were immediately drawn to the yummy treats beautifully showcased in the food display.

Holding a baked Madeleine — Love a properly baked Madeleine

French pastry in Washington DC — Our tasty desserts

We couldn't help but feel torn, wanting to indulge in everything we saw, but with careful consideration, we narrowed down our choices to the Madeleine and the Pistachio Paris Brest (a bestseller). Each bite was a sheer delight and we especially enjoyed the buttery Madeleine that was baked to perfection.

5. L’ardente

When we were searching for places to dine for dinner in the DC area, L’ardente consistently emerged as the top choice for Italian cuisine. Not only were we drawn to it by the enthusiastic recommendations of food lovers, but also by its renowned 40-layer lasagna that Crystal was particularly eager to try.

L'ardente Entrance Washington DC — L’ardente Entrance

L'ardente Interior Washington DC — L’ardente interior

However, as soon as we were seated and greeted by the staff, our initial excitement quickly dissipated. The unwelcoming demeanor of our server, small tables, and terrible acoustics inside the restaurant (making it impossible for us to carry on a conversation) left us with no desire to spend $36 on a petite plate of lasagna.

L’ardente Margarita — Cheers to Delicious Margaritas

With that being said, our entrees were outstanding. We ordered the Spaghetti al Pomodoro Fresco Pasta and Margherita Pizza. To our delight, both dishes turned out to be exquisite, truly showcasing the culinary prowess that has earned L’ardente its esteemed reputation.

Other Notable Mentions:

Tabard Inn Restaurant - We stumbled upon The Tabard Inn Hotel when we were on our way for lunch at Tatte Bakery. We couldn’t help but notice the adorable entrance and a plaque that indicated it was a historic building (DC institution since 1922).

We started taking pictures when a gentleman approached us and offered to take our photo. He was actually on his way inside for lunch. As we were leaving, we chatted with two women (one who was a local) who were also walking in for lunch.

We later discovered (with a quick Google search) that this was a local hot spot and quite the hidden gem. The menu is based on what is local, fresh, and seasonal to bring inspired dishes to your table in an eclectic and historical setting.

Hotel Tabard Inn — Sister picture moment

Tabard Inn Restaurant Menu — Tabard Inn Menu

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Ben's Chili Bowl is proudly black-owned, and a historic landmark in Washington, DC's culture. The famous bowl of chili is made with the freshest natural ingredients and with a touch of love.

Mi Vida - Mi Vida is a popular high-end Mexican restaurant with killer waterfront views.

Love, Makoto - We always try to find Japanese restaurants and Love, Makoto offers Washington, DC residents and visitors a taste of Japan in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Call Your Mother Deli - This vibrant deli has several locations in DC and is a must for bagel lovers. Their bagels are somewhere between a classic NY-style bagel and the sweeter, Montreal-style bagels. Their storefronts are adorned with an array of eye-catching hues that instantly captivate visitors.

Georgetown Cupcakes - Katherine and Sophie are the sisters behind Georgetown Cupcakes and have been in business for over 15 years. They have been on TLC’s DC Cupcakes and sell over 5,000 cupcakes each day. Their signature cupcake is the Red Velvet and it’s topped with an adorable red fondant heart.

From charming cafes we found while exploring the city, to bustling restaurants that required reservations, our journey through the culinary landscape of the city was nothing short of remarkable.