After a long day visiting museums and scootering around the monuments, these restaurants near the National Mall are sure to satisfy your biggest cravings.
Oyamel Cocina
Award-winning culinary innovator José Andrés crafts a menu inspired by the urban atmosphere of Mexico City. Located in Penn Quarter, this upscale destination offers small plates, such as pulpo negra, a Spanish octopus grilled and marinated in salsa negra and served over creamy sweet potato, as well as an array of authentic Mexican tacos wrapped in hand-made tortillas. The vibrancy of the dining room matches the creative cocktail list, which features Andrés’ personal favorite Oyamel margarita with salt air, a layer of salty foam, which deliciously replaces the classic salted rim. 401 7th St. NW, 202.628.1005, oyamel.com
Punjab Grill
Inspired by the palaces of India, this lavish Punjabi restaurant emulates royalty with its intricate interior panels and stunning gold marble bar. The menu includes an ample list of small plates with distinguished flavors, such as the aloo tikki chaat, a potato cake served with crispy brussel sprouts and kale and topped with a raspberry chutney. Additionally, the main dinner menu serves a host of classic Indian dishes with a modern twist, such as chicken tikka served in a creamy cashew tomato sauce as well as kathal kofta, a jackfruit dumpling dipped in lebabdar sauce. 427 11th St. NW, 202.813.3004, punjabgrilldc.com
Old Ebbitt Grill
Opened in 1856, the oldest saloon in Washington D.C. transports its guests back in time with its elegant Victorian interior marked by its iconic mahogany bar. The menu adds an upscale twist to classic American saloon fare with innovative dishes, such as the eight oz. filet mignon topped with a bordelaise sauce and paired with whipped potatoes and broccolini. The raw oyster bar is also an important part of the history and culture of the saloon, boasting four different types of New England-raised oysters on the half-shell presented on an iced platter within five minutes of opening. 675 15th St. NW, 202.347.4800, ebbitt.com
Fiola
Owner and restaurateur Fabio Trabocchi partners with Chancellors Rock Farm to provide local, sustainably-sourced ingredients for his daily menu. Located steps from the Capitol building, this Michelin-star destination offers rustic Italian food on a prix fixe menu, wherein guests select two savory courses and a dessert. Main courses run the gamut from acquerello risotto with English peas topped with peppery nasturtium to the crabbing in Sicily, a dome of Chesapeake blue crab with Sicilian red prawn essence in a pomodoro sauce. 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202.525.1402, fioladc.com
The Lafayette at The Hay-Adams Hotel
Hosted within the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, The Lafayette overlooks the greenery of Lafayette Square, providing stunning views of the White House along with an exquisite menu that emphasizes contemporary American cuisine. Notable menu items include the organic amish chicken breast plated atop cumin carrot puree and an assortment of fresh vegetables, as well as the Creekstone farm filet mignon served in a cabernet sauce with fiddlehead ferns and marble potatoes. 800 16th St. NW, 202.638.6600, hayadams.com
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Focused on upscale coastal cuisine, this lavish two-story dining room provides hearty seafood dishes and prime cuts. Found in the warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, Joe’s famous Florida stone crab is a must-try, along with the hand-carved 16 oz. bone-in filet mignon. Dishes are accompanied by a choice of sides ranging from lobster mac & cheese to blistered green beans or a baked potato. The house specialty key lime pie with a graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. 750 15th St. NW, 202.489.0140, joes.net
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Situated blocks from the White House, this seafood eatery simulates the water with blue lights and subtle fishing decor. Focused on sophisticated seafood, the menu features an array of surf and turf dishes, from grilled filet mignon and shrimp coated with a parmesan butter sauce to a five oz. mixed grill of lobster tail, jumbo scallops, shrimp and asparagus. Be sure to save some room for dessert, because you do not want to miss out on the Oceanaire signature baked alaska, filled with a rotating flavor of house-made ice cream each day. 1201 F St. NW, 202.347.2277, theoceanaire.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Mayer Maged; Unsplash
