Washington DC: 10 Best Capitol Hill Restaurants

There is no doubt that Capitol Hill in DC is a cultural and historical hub that is beloved by visitors and locals alike. But our favorite part of Capitol Hill? The fact that it is a foodie haven. There are so many mouthwatering eats packed into this neighborhood, but it can be hard to navigate your way to the best Capitol Hill restaurants amid all the large government office buildings, hotels, and museums.

That’s where we come in. If you know where to go, Capitol Hill is worth visiting just for the food. The historic sights are the added bonus! Check out our guide to the best Capitol Hill restaurants below, and you’ll be guaranteed to experience some of the very best food in the city.

10. Junction Bistro, Bar & Bakery

Junction recently opened a new location on the Senate side of Capitol Hill and we are thrilled to have it on our guide to the best Capitol Hill restaurants. This place is bright and cozy with a French bistro vibe. It’s the perfect option if you need a pastry and coffee on the go (try the raspberry cruffin), or a sit-down meal for something with that homecooked feeling. The toast options here are always a win. They are piled high with deliciousness and hearty enough to fill you up on their own. Our favorite is the California—avocado puree, roasted mushroom, snap peas, and toasted hazelnuts all on a slice of thick, homemade wheat bread. The extra veggies are an amazing twist on regular avocado toast and we are here for it. Added bonus: Junction has plenty of vegan options too.

9. The Pretzel Bakery

The Pretzel Bakery is tucked away in South Capitol on a darling corner surrounded by historic row homes. This spot is lesser-known to tourists but loved by the locals, and is so unique and tasty that it had to be included in our guide to the best Capitol Hill restaurants. The Pretzel Bakery has the softest, chewiest, Philadelphia-style pretzels around, made fresh every day. Come here for a casual bite and be sure to get the breakfast sliders which have bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything pretzel roll.  Need a treat? The Sweet, which is a cinnamon-glazed pretzel with a kiss of salt, is to die for. Think cinnamon-glazed donut, but in the form of a melt-in-your-mouth pretzel. Eat your pretzel in their cute shop or grab a dozen and take a walk around the neighborhood to see a different side of DC.

SEE ALSO: 7 Best Bakeries in DC

8. Bombay Street Food 2

Bombay Street Food 2 is a unique Indian Restaurant on Barracks Row and a great option when you want to eat at one of the best Capitol Hill restaurants. As the name suggests, the food on the menu is something you’d see on the streets of India. There are tons of shareable options here (vegetarian and vegan options too!), but our favorite is the “Platter for 2 Bombay Thali.” It is a gorgeous spread that features nine different curries and is a great option if you love Indian food but are looking to branch out from your usual Chicken Tikka Masala order. Fair warning, it runs on the spicy side so order a Mango Lassi (yogurt smoothie) to tame the heat.

7. Sushi Hachi

Sushi Hachi is a cute little Japanese spot on Barracks Row with a cool, modern vibe and really great sushi. Their rolls are absolutely beautiful and extremely affordable, which is not easy to find in DC. Plus, all of the sushi chefs here have been professionally trained in Japan, so you know you’re getting the real deal. Be sure to get some of the specialty rolls—the Dragon, Capitol, and Yellow Tail Cilantro rolls are our favorites. Not into sushi? No worries. One of the most popular menu items here is the Ishiyaki Grilling Hot Stone—thin strips of prime beef topped with truffle salt that you grill on a hot stone at your table. It’s fun, unique, and delicious. This Capitol Hill restaurant is perfect for lunch with your girlfriends or a sushi date night that doesn’t break the bank.

Where to Find the Best Pizza in DC: 11 Must-Try Pizzerias

6. Call Your Mother Deli

Good bagels are hard to find in DC, let alone great bagels, but Call Your Mother Deli has solved this issue. Its new location at Barracks Row qualifies it to be on our guide to the best Capitol Hill restaurants, and we are thrilled! These bagels are everything a bagel should be—chewy, dense, and packed with amazing flavor. We love The Royal Palm sandwich, made with smoked salmon, cucumbers, tomato, capers, and plain cream cheese on an everything bagel. The ratio of spread and toppings to bagel is perfection.

5. Ambar

Ambar serves authentic Balkan cuisine (their original restaurant is located in Belgrade, Serbia) and stands out on our guide to the best Capitol Hill restaurants for its unique offerings and affordable, high-quality food. They have an amazing unlimited plates deal and one of the best happy hours in town. For just $35 a person for dinner, and $25 for lunch, you can literally try everything on the menu! We love all of the spreads, especially the beet tzatziki, as well as any of the chef delicacies, including the braised steak and frites.

DON’T MISS: 8 Best Ice Cream Shops in DC

4. We, The Pizza

We, The Pizza is a great family or group option and is one of the most well-known Capitol Hill restaurants. It’s located near the Capitol and within walking distance of many of DC’s best museums. Come here for pizza by the slice and super unique toppings like boneless chicken wings, mushrooms and truffle, or our favorite, the honey ham and pineapple. Not only is this a great option when looking for the best Capitol Hill restaurants, but it’s also on our guide to the best pizza in DC!

3. Good Stuff Eatery

If you’re looking for the best burger and fries on Capitol Hill, Good Stuff Eatery has you covered. Our favorites are the Prez Burger and the Good Stuff Melt. These burgers are melt-in-your-mouth tender and gourmet with toppings like roquefort cheese, sweet onion marmalade, and grilled mushrooms. Pair your burger with Spike’s Village Fries that are sprinkled with fresh rosemary and thyme. The aroma coming from the bag is heavenly and reason enough to order! But aside from the smells, these fries are phenomenal and distinct without being overpowering. Dip them in one of the many free sauces Good Stuff proudly serves. And most importantly, be sure to try a shake here. When they ask if you want whip cream on it, say YES—it’s hand-churned daily and takes their shakes to the next level.

East Coast Eats: 20 Best Restaurants in NYC

2. Ted’s Bulletin

People go crazy over Ted’s Bulletin and we’re here to tell you it’s 100% worth the hype. There are a few locations sprinkled throughout the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), but our favorite location is on Barracks Row. As you walk in, beautiful giant cakes, pastries, and the famous Ted’s Tarts (homemade pop tarts) greet you. And believe it or not, these sweets taste even better than they look. Our favorite is a slice of the Double Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake washed down with an Oreo milkshake. This is easily some of the best chocolate cake we’ve ever had. Six layers of moist, delectable cake with fudgy icing in between. But wait, there more! Ted’s serves diner-style breakfast all day long. And it’s GREAT. How could we not be obsessed with this place? Bottom line—everything on the menu at Ted’s is top-notch, super affordable, and worth visiting for.

1. The Market Lunch

Inside the historic brick market building at Eastern Market, you’ll find endless amounts of produce, and most importantly, The Market Lunch. It’s a casual counter with the menu written on a chalkboard, and not only is it the best restaurant in Capitol Hill, but it’s a must-try when visiting DC. Come here for breakfast and don’t be scared off by the long line—it always moves fast. Be sure to get the famous “Bluebucks,” giant blueberry buckwheat pancakes. These pancakes are huge, and have the perfect amount of buckwheat flour that gives them robust flavor but allows them to remain light and fluffy. The Brick Sandwich, another favorite, is served on incredible housemade bread with eggs, meat, cheese, and potatoes. Looking for fresh seafood? Their crab cake is one of the best in the city! There is truly something for everyone here. Breakfast is served until 1 p.m. on weekends, and 12 p.m. on weekdays. Walk off your pancakes at the giant weekend flea market outside, and don’t forget, it’s cash only!