Living in Washington, DC has its perks. One of them is I get to chow down at some of the best places to eat on the planet. Visitors often ask me where I go for fun and where I go for food. So, today, I’m answering the latter.
This will be the first in a series of Best Places to Eat in Washington, DC. I plan to reveal all of the incredible spots I think you need to visit.
Before I jump in, please know that there are tons of restaurants in DC. Well, maybe tons is an exaggeration, but according to the National Restaurant Association, in 2018, there were 2,457 eating and drinking places in the District. You could literally eat three meals a day from a different restaurant for a year and not tap into all of the restaurants in DC.
So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite restaurants and, in my estimation, the best places to eat in Washington, DC.
For The Best All-Day Breakfasts Head To Ari’s Diner
Located in northeast DC and housed in the Hecht Warehouse building, Ari’s Diner serves up traditional American breakfasts like no other.
A friend of mine introduced me to this spot weeks ago and I immediately fell in love. It’s located on 2003 Fenwick St NE in an unassuming part of town. It’s easy to miss it if you aren’t looking. The eatery has an old-school 1950s diner vibe complete with green and chrome stools and honeycomb tiles. It’s hard not to want to pull up and have a burger and shake at the counter.
Created by restauranteur, Ari Gejdensen, Ari’s is an organic restaurant that takes fresh, natural ingredients seriously. Even its carry out bags are eco-friendly. So, in case you’re wondering what that smell is when you get your food, it’s the bags. Be forewarned.
But, the big question is, how is the food? Two words: absolutely delicious.
What Did I Eat At Ari’s Diner?
I ordered quite a bit of food on my visit. I had a stack of banana pancakes (I asked for the bananas to be on top), French toast, creamy grits (more on that later), scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. I topped it off with some delicious orange juice complete with pulp.
I am a huge fan of classic breakfasts. They’re dependable. It’s hard for people to mess it up unless they’re completely inept.
The creamy grits, in my opinion, was the star of the show. It was so damned creamy, smooth, buttery tasting and delicious. It was like Heaven in a bowl.
What I also love about the food is how fresh it tastes. And it is. Because the diner is open, you can literally see the chefs preparing the meals before your eyes. I saw pancakes being poured and flipped. The food was amazing and so was the service.
I also love that Ari’s Diner has options for individuals with different dietary needs. There is a portion of the menu that features lighter fare, which has yogurt and granola, avocado toast and even salmon. And again, everything is organic. You won’t even find white sugar on the table.
It’s definitely my new go-to breakfast spot. I can’t wait to have their lunches. I know people who rave about their entire menu.
For those visitors looking for a quick tasty bite, I’ve got the perfect place for you. Read on.
There’s A Reason Wiseguy Pizza Is So Popular
If you’ve never had a pizza from Wiseguy Pizza, you’re missing out on the best pizza ever! That is not hyperbole.
First of all, please know that I’m a pizza lover. Big time. And while I’m far from being a food snob, I am a pizza snob. I realise that not all pizzas are alike, but I just feel some places don’t put much effort into their pies. Not the case with Wiseguy Pizza.
This spot is unpretentious and really does have the best pizza in DC. In fact, Food Network dubbed it the best pie in all 50 states, and in 2018, the Washington Post said, “forget the trendy pizza shops: this low-key spot makes the best New York-style pie in DC.”
I have to agree. I love New York and I especially love New York pizza. It’s rare to find a restaurant that can give you the same great taste. The first thing that stands out is how many wonderful flavours they have. Almost anything you can think of is at Wiseguy Pizza.
My favourite pizza happens to be the Nashville Hot Chicken pizza. A friend turned me on to this flavour and I haven’t looked back. This pizza features hot chicken, a yummy homemade ranch sauce and a cabbage slaw. At first, I balked at the thought of eating a cabbage slaw on my pizza, but quickly saw the error of my ways. It was divine.
No matter what your taste, you will find it at Wiseguy Pizza. Trust me.
These are just a few of the best places to eat in Washington, DC. The list is long and you will be able to read all about my other faves in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
XOXO,
This Bahamian Gyal
