The DMV (the convergence of DC, Maryland and Virginia) is sometimes overlooked in the swathe of great American food destinations. But trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
From fried chicken donuts to sushi burritos, we’ve compiled a list of 50 of the best foods to eat in the DMV that are sure to bring out the patriot in all of us. In pizza we crust.
1. Chaia
Farm to taco, that’s the motto. Chaia’s vegetarian taco trio will turn carnivores into converts.
2. French Onion Soup at Le Diplomate
Easy, cheesy, beautiful.
3. Gnocchi at Graffiato
Like biting into perfect little clouds. Gnocchi over errythang.
4. Cupcakes at Baked and Wired
Baked and Wired Cupcakes are not for the faint of heart, these monster-sized cupcakes are a destination for anyone traveling through Georgetown. They even carry vegan cupcakes in multiple flavors.
5. Il Canale
Real Italian food with real good taste.
6. Shophouse
Think Chipotle but Asian. Bold flavors, extraordinary ingredients and flavorful combinations make this fast-casual joint one of a kind. Their Pork and Chicken Meatballs aren’t too shabby either.
7. Pizza at 2 Amy’s
Simple pizza elevated to new heights.
8. Gelatto at Dolcezza
Dolcezza is known for its inventive gelato flavors. Some of the most popular include berry mascarpone, and dark chocolate.
9.Cheese Fries at Potomac Pizza
The perfect late night (or anytime) food are the cheesiest cheese fries in all of the DMV.
10. Poutine at DBGB
Poutine, more like poutine this duck confit poutine in my mouth.
11. Homemade PopTarts at Ted’s Bulletin
Childhood made adult friendly.
12. Macaroons at Olivia Macaroon
Simple, elegant, classy, sweet, what’s not to love? Sounds like we’re describing ourselves. *wink*
13. Avocado Toast at Le Pain Quotiden
Because sometimes you need to be a basic betch. No one’s judging, we promise.
14. Fronana at Sprinkles
Heavenly frozen bananas disguised as ice cream. At Sprinkles, you can add any mix-in or topping to your fronana for a personalized bowl of ooey (and healthy) goodness.
15. Chili Cheese Fries at Ben’s Chili Bowl
A DC icon. This little hole in the wall is practically a landmark (and the dope Chili Cheese Fries don’t hurt its case).
16. Donuts at The Fractured Prune
The real reason why people venture to the over-crowded beaches of Bethany and Ocean City. Bomb.
17. Pizza at Ledo Pizza
The pastry style crust and sweet sauce are ledo’s signature, well that and the square pieces of pizza.
18. Maple Bourbon Bacon Donut at GBD
GBD stands for golden brown delicious which pretty much sums up everything they serve. They have both their “classic” and the most amazing seasonal donuts.
19. Vegetarian Nachos at Busboys and Poets
Walk into Busboys and Poets to feel a little bit smarter, eat at busboys and poets to feel a little bit happier.
20. Salad at Sweetgreen
Don’t be fooled, Sweetgreen is a DMV native and we couldn’t be prouder.
21. Bethesda Bagels
Bagel sandies make our worlds go round. These take it to the next level. Literal BAE(gel).
22. Croquetas at Jaleo
Jaleo sounds a lot like halo. Coincidence? We don’t think so.
23. Dim Sum at Ping Pong
If you’re a fan of dim sum, Ping Pong does it right. If you’re new to dim sum, Ping Pong is the place to go. Just thinking about crispy prawn balls or any flavor potsticker makes your mouth water.
24. Mediterranean Bowl at Cava
The pride and joy of the DMV. Another chipotle style creation, this time for mediterranean food.
25. Red Velvet Cupcake at Georgetown Cupcake
Georgetown Cupcakes is a no brainer for anyone living in the DC area. The red velvet cupcake is a no brainer for anyone going to Georgetown Cupcake.
26. Margaritas at Guapo’s
Frozen, on the rocks. What’s not to love?
27. Burger at Lia’s
Lia’s burgers are the bomb.com. Question, who doesn’t want a burger with brie? Answer, nobody.
28. Seafood at Sequoia
Go for the view, stay for the food.
29. Lobster Roll at Luke’s Lobster
We may not be New England, but never fear you can get a damn good lobster roll here.
30. Pleasant Pops
Obama and his daughters like Pleasant Pops, so should you.
31. Steak Frites at Mon Ami Gabi
Betcha can’t not eat the whole thing.
32. Swizzler Food Truck
Think a hot dog can’t be gourmet? Think again.
33. Moby Dick
Pita as big as your face. Oh, and extra hummus. Obviously. Always.
34. Sushi Burrito at Buredo
“You get the best of both worlds,” according to Hannah Montana.
35. Eggs Benedict at Peacock Café
Brunch at Peacock Café is a religious experience with the Eggs Benedict at its core.
36. Ramen at Daikaya
Because we are all so over college ramen.
37. Veggie Bowls at Beefsteak
Basically a healthy rainbow in a bowl, but not basic at all.
38. Mozzarella Wedges at Taylor Gourmet
Hoagies to die for, mozzarella wedges to live for.
39. Sticky Buns at Toki Underground
Toki Underground is a taiwanese ramen and dumpling house. It’s the best place you never knew you needed.
40. Tater Tots at Melt Shop
Nothing is better than tots.
41. Arepas at Arepa Zone
Arepas are flatbreads made of maize dough then filled with meat and cheese, and man are they good.
42. Sliders and Onion Strings at Matchbox
currently craving | 3.6.9 | #miniburgers #dc #rockville #va A photo posted by matchbox restaurants (@matchbox369) on Apr 28, 2015 at 7:15am PDT
Everything should be covered in a tower of onion strings and they’re the cherry on top of Matchbox’s perfect sliders.
43. Chicken and Waffles at Founding Farmers
Nothing beats ending your #weekend with Fried Chicken and Waffles! Chicken and waffles. Need we say more?
44. Sushi at Raku
Even Jiro dreams of this RAWesome soosh.
45. Kapnos
The best part about these Greek-inspired small plates is that we can order everything on the menu because “we’re obviously sharing.” Bravo, Mike Isabella.
46. Waffles at Wicked Waffle
If normal waffles don’t get your heart racing than Wicked Waffle’s savory delights just might. Bacon egg and cheese WAFFLE, or how about a mango and brie WAFFLE. Heart racing now? That’s what we thought.
47. Churros at Boqueria
Nobody turns down a Nutella churro.
48. Risotto at Sugo
Confession — when they said the risotto of the day was caprese, we cheered out loud.
49. Medium Rare
#Meeeeeats, amirite?
50. Pâté at Blue Duck Tavern
Giving ourselves a pâté on the back (or stomach) for a killer list of the DMV’s finest eats.