If you are looking for something a little off the beaten path and you love seafood, then consider this eatery that is close to Georgetown. It offers a comfortably upscale, casual ambiance and super fresh fish.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis Georgetown deli style cafe is a student favorite for its huge sandwiches, friendly hours and budget friendly prices. It's order at the counter here and grab a seat at one of the wood tables. Campus is only four or five blocks away.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis place is known for its "power lunching", so don't be surprised if you happen upon a few top politicos noshing on Italian cuisine in the contemporary and bustling dining room.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveYes, it's a fast food chain and some of the food served is hardly athletic-minded. BUT, for a quick lunch hit or a grab and go for the flight, Chipotle has much to offer. And all meats served here are naturally raised and free of antibiotics and growth hormones.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis New York based upscale grocery chain is located on the famous M Street shopping district of Georgetown. Plenty of celebrities and politicians shop here, so don?t be surprised if you run into someone famous while getting some food!
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis producer-only market represents regional growers. The market features cooking demos, food samplings, kids' activities and of course all the fresh stuff, too. Dupont circle is a metro stop on the red line.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis open air covered public food market is located about 7 blocks East of the Capitol. The South Hall houses the food merchants and there is an open air farmers' market on the weekends. Other attractions include the Sunday flea market (open year round), and the Saturday arts and crafts fair.
Price: Least ExpensiveTrendy, lively and cool, this tapas restaurant (with several locations in the DC area), is a good spot for those dining solo or with friends. There is a long bar counter in the spacious lounge, high ceilings throughout, and colorful décor in both dining areas.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveNo doubt a DC sushi favorite, Kaz serves sushi and Japanese cuisine and whatever else he feels like, which means that you may be in for an extra treat.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveMaybe you have already stumbled upon one of these charming bakery/cafes during your international travels.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis Boston based chain offers a solid lunch or dinner option in a contemporary cafe style setting with colorful tile work, plentiful windows and light wood tables and chairs. The Crystal City location is on the lobby level of a residential building.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThe Boston based Legal Sea Foods chain offers a reliable lunch or dinner option in a contemporary setting with exposed brick and beams, cool light fixtures, black painted wood, cozy booths and nautical accoutrements. The chain prides it self on sourcing its own fish to guarantee freshness.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis classic, traditional, American grill offers an extensive menu with plenty of healthy ordering options. Yes, it is a chain, but a reliable one with plentiful grilled preparations, creative entrée salads, a wide appetizer and side selection.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveIf you are in the National Mall Area, don't miss this unusual cafeteria/food-court with its Native American inspired dishes and architecturally cool and bright setting. Located in the Museum of the American Indian on the first floor, you will find a bevy of upscale and healthful food choices.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis noodle and sushi joint offers an inexpensive dining option in a modern and somewhat stark setting with splashes of red paint, steel and wood accents. There have been mixed reviews, but we think if you stick to the noodle dishes, soups and salads, you'll be satisfied.
Price: Least ExpensiveOriginally a 19th Century carriage house, the space now hosts one of the first certified organic restaurants. Nora's is warm and relaxing with simple Amish furnishings, a pine beamed ceiling, and bright Amish quilts decorating the walls.
Price: ExpensiveThis bistro is bright and airy with blond wood, clean lines and modern décor. A curve glass wall separates the main dining area from the bar. Outdoor sidewalk seating is available during nice weather. The bistro style menu is diverse and has something for light, hearty and vegetarian eaters.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis market is located in the east end neighborhood of downtown and is close to the Verizon Center and the National Portrait Gallery. Veggies, fruits, cheeses, breads, cookies, soups, plants and flowers are all sold here. If you're hungry look for the vendor selling soup!
Price: Least ExpensiveSeafood with a French spin is the focus here. The daily menu, written on big blackboards and carted around to each table, features whatever is freshly delivered.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis Penn Quarter eatery is upscale, modern, stylish and contemporary and quite unlike the majority of Indian restaurants we've frequented. Rasika's gourmet menu, sophisticated ambiance and near-theatre location attract a well-heeled crowd.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveWithin a few blocks of the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown and within a mile or two from all of our recommended accommodations, this seafood restaurant is perfect for those looking for a less touristy spot to enjoy a laid back, athletic-minded meal.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis trendy sushi bar and Japanese restaurant is a long standing Georgetown favorite with its fresh daily specials, small dishes and lively atmosphere. The decor is modern Japanese and fairly stark.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveThis salad chain got its start in Georgetown and relies on local, organic, and in-season ingredients. It’s a great option for travelers looking for a fast, fresh, and healthy option. With wood panels, plentiful windows, and metal stools and chairs, SweetGreeens is casual and open.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis salad chain got its start in Georgetown and relies on local, organic, and in-season ingredients. It’s a great option for travelers looking for a fast, fresh, and healthy option. While this location is the original storefront, there is no indoor seating. It’s a take-out affair exclusively.
Price: Least ExpensiveThese Asian inspired teahouses (there are 3 in the DC area) offer a wonderfully different dining experience. Each restaurant's menu emphasizes a diverse selection of teas and simply prepared foods from around the world.
Price: Least ExpensiveThese Asian inspired teahouses (there are 3 in the DC area) offer a wonderfully different dining experience. Each restaurant's menu emphasizes a diverse selection of teas and simply prepared foods from around the world. It's order at the counter here, which keeps the prices low.
Price: Least ExpensiveThese Asian inspired teahouses (there are 4 in the DC area) offer a wonderfully different dining experience. Each restaurant's menu emphasizes a diverse selection of teas and simply prepared foods from around the world.
Price: Least ExpensiveThe menu affords sensible protein and veggie options that athletic-minded travelers will enjoy. The big bar, wood floors, leather booths work to create an upscale and casual spot for those dining together or alone.
Price: Moderately ExpensiveTJ's offers prepared foods, produce, trail mix, energy bars and more. This location is near Foggy Bottom and the West End and located on the ground floor of a new residential building.
Price: Least ExpensiveLocated right off the red line at the NoMA-Gallaudet stop, this indoor market offers a mix of everything from artisanal olive oil to Takorean – a Korean cuisine based taco stand.
Price: Least ExpensiveCome for the healthy prepared foods and fresh salad bar. This grocery store even has a catering service that will prepare a meal for you along with a coffee, tea and kombucha bar. Lots of gourmet goodies for all, and a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Price: Least ExpensiveCome for the healthy prepared foods and fresh salad bar. This store boasts a more extensive on site café. Lots of gourmet goodies for all, and a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Price: Least ExpensiveCome for the healthy prepared foods and fresh salad bar. Lots of gourmet goodies for all, and a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. For those who want to shop and eat, you are in luck. This Whole Foods has a sit-down diner area.
Price: Least ExpensiveThis specialty market is small and offers organic foods, coffee, pastries, fresh fruit, made to order juices and other healthy nibbles.
Vegan and Vegetarian friendly
Open daily Mon-Sat 7a-10p; Sun 8a-9p
Price: Least ExpensiveLook for this specialty market on historic Barrack's Row. Along with organic foods, flowers, supplements and vitamins, sushi rolls are made in-house along with sandwiches, soups, fresh juices and coffee.
Vegan and Vegetarian friendly
Open daily 7a-10p
Price: Least ExpensiveThis specialty market in Cleveland Park sells organic foods, flowers, supplements and vitamins. Additionally, sushi rolls are made in-house along with sandwiches, soups, fresh juices and coffee. This particular location offers locally brewed MTO kombucha.
Vegan and Vegetarian friendly
Price: Least Expensive