Restaurants in National Harbor & Around Washington, D.C
Just outside D.C. you’ll find one of America’s culinary capitals.
The best food festivals and restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area are actually just over the Maryland border. Between the variety of options at National Harbor and the culinary gems sprinkled throughout Hyattsville, Silver Spring and everywhere in between—you’ll be eatin’ good at these restaurants and food festivals near Washington, D.C.
Soak in views of the Potomac River from the Flight Deck outdoor lounge at the foot of the National Harbor Capital Wheel. Choose from the Flight Deck’s bar and snack options, and bring your finds on the wheel to experience a bird’s eye view of National Harbor and the nearby monuments.
Enjoy libations and cuisine from hundreds of world-renowned food and wine vendors at the “All-You-Care-To-Taste” National Food & Wine Festival. This waterfront affair at National Harbor is complete with a Rosé Garden, hands-on Tasting Theater and more.
“Born in 2014 with a very old soul,” this local franchise brings top-notch lobster straight from Maine to the coast of Maryland. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has the stamp of approval from lobster roll aficionados and first-time tasters alike with its straightforward and simple approach.
Check out the extensive Dim Sum menu at Ginger in the National Harbor. Or, enjoy signature dishes that represent a culinary tour of Asia—from Chinese to Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese dishes. That's one expansive menu!
A hub for creatives, activists, and foodies, Busboys and Poets is named for the American poet Langston Hughes, who worked in D.C. as a busboy prior to gaining recognition as a poet. With multiple locations—one in Hyattsville, Maryland—Busboys and Poets was founded with a goal of fostering cultural connections and inspiring social change. The restaurant offers a fresh menu geared towards those with dietary needs, as well as gathering spaces for open mic nights, poetry slams, and live music.
From James Beard Award nominee Edward Lee comes this soulful Southern fare. Try the restaurant’s namesake Succotash, and taste how Lee’s Korean roots influence his take on Southern classics.
This food hall has something for everyone. Stroll around the market and pick up everything from tacos to bento, beers, crabcakes and pizza. Enjoy your food in the lively open seating, then go back for seconds (or thirds!) at another vendor.
With the plantain-based Mofongo as their specialty, this low-key, family-friendly restaurant brings homestyle Caribbean and Latin dishes to the greater D.C. area. This hidden gem is known to be frequented by the local Washington Nationals baseball team on the hunt for real deal Dominican and Puerto Rican flavors.
Located in the basement of a bank near the Capital Beltway, Tavira gives new meaning to the phrase “hidden gem.” This portugese and medditerranean restaurant serves up lunch and dinner and offers live music on Friday nights.
Earning numerous Best of Bethesda awards, Kadhai on Norfolk Ave serves up authentic Indian dishes and offers tons of vegetarian-friendly options. Diners on TripAdvisor love the lunch buffet!
Known for their appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio joined forces to open this modern steakhouse in National Harbor. The dishes, decor and design details in Voltaggio Brothers Steak House all draw inspiration from Bryan and Michael’s home state—Maryland!
At Thai Pavillion, you'll find authentic Thai dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Dine on traditional Thai cuisine with friends and family and make sure to leave room for dessert—like sweet sticky rice and crispy bananas with ice cream!