Endless Culinary Possibilities Within The Washington, DC Dining Scene

A memorable meal is one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures. Take advantage of the recommendations found in our Washington, DC dining guide, and ensure every meal you enjoy in the Capital Region is unforgettably delicious.

Washington, DC:

With its mix of international and American cuisine, high-end restaurants and low-brow bars, Washington, DC dining defies categorization. Introduce your palate to flavors from Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Thailand, Mexico, Belgium or Japan – all countries are represented within the city’s eclectic restaurant scene. Indulge in a decadent meal prepared by a celebrity chef, or visit a ‘farm to table’ restaurant such as Founding Farmers or Agraria, which use local harvests of fresh produce and locally-raised meat as ingredients for a diversity of delectable dishes. Wherever you choose to dine, Washington will offer the perfect digestif to finish off your meal. Sip a specialty cocktail at a swank lounge, or enjoy a beer as you watch the boats pass along the Georgetown waterfront. For an authentic taste of Washingtonian culture, stop by Ben’s Chili Bowl at 14th and U Streets, whose Original Chili Half-Smoke has been the soul of local cuisine since 1958.

Maryland:

Enveloping the Chesapeake Bay and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise that Maryland USA dining is best-known for its seafood. The traditional Maryland meal is called a “crab feast,” and consists of corn, hushpuppies and dozens of boiled hard-shell crabs seasoned with a special spice called Old Bay. This type of crab requires a bit of finesse to open, so try and learn how to eat like a local using a mallet, cracker and your bare hands. For a simpler yet equally delicious treat, sample a succulent, lightly fried Maryland crab cake, a regional specialty famous throughout the country. Still craving crustaceans? Another popular variety is the soft-shell crab, which are caught and eaten after moulting their shell.

Virginia:

Although host to a diverse culinary scene, Virginia is known throughout the Capital Region’s for its traditional Southern USA dining. Enjoy local specialties such as country ham, grits and barbeque, or indulge in family-style soul food as you chow down on golden fried chicken, mashed potatoes and collard greens. With fragrant aromas and an ability to make any stomach feel content, you’ll quickly see why local cuisine is known as “comfort food”. Along the coast, seafood is another favourite specialty, and is often served fresh off the fishing boats. Enjoy uniquely flavourful shellfish and finfish, including blue crab, oysters, scallops, mackerel, flounder and striped bass. To further explore the state’s delicious natural resources, visit Grandale Farm Restaurant or PoppyHill Tuscan Kitchen in Fredericksburg, which was recently named one of the top 10 farm-to-table restaurants in the United States. Or, stop by one of Virginia’s many farmer’s markets, where fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made cheeses and homemade bread and baked goods will provide everything needed for a delectable farm-fresh picnic. To create your own locally-sourced meal, bring along your picnic to one of Virginia’s many wineries, and complement your cuisine with a glass of regional wine.

Trying to plan an extensive Washington, DC culinary tour? Read our suggestions and advice for gourmet travelers.

The Capital Region, An Essential Stop In Any USA Dining Guide

Get a sense of local flavour as you taste your way through the many Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC dining and restaurant options. Find everything you need to tour the historical cornerstone of the United States. Sign up now for travel information and exclusive offers!