Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

1789 Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6443)

$50 and over

American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Michelin Guide recommended 1789 Restaurant is an historic fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Georgetown with a charming and elegant atmosphere. Known for its elevated American cuisine, 1789 offers a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. In addition to an exceptional menu, 1789 also boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of domestic and international wines. With its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and warm ambiance, 1789 Restaurant is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the nation's capital.

Chef Charles Kreiser;
On edge of Georgetown University's campus.

Top review

George

Dined 4 days ago

Very good food, attentive service, and a charming interior space. Put that together and it’s highly likely you will have a great experience here.

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Experience

Truffle Wine Dinner with Damilano Wines

Rustico

4.8

4.8 (1378)

$30 and under

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Rustico is the quintessential neighborhood pub on the edge of Old Town Alexandria. The menu features seasonal, hearty American fare from a wood-fired oven and grill, including pizzas and rotisserie meats, along with other rustic cuisine using the freshest local ingredients available. There’s also no mistaking Rustico’s love for barley & hops! The bar’s focal point is a custom galvanized inverted T bar with 30 brilliant taps book-ended by two massive coolers holding more than 400 different types of ales, lagers, ciders and stouts.

Top review

Les

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

We were a group of 9 plus 2 very young children and they accommodated us extremely well. Our servers were amazing!! Food was great. I can’t wait to come with a small group and be able to really enjoy it. Highly recommend.

Little Birdie

4.8

4.8 (81)

$30 and under

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

The team behind Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar is led by Chef Eric Brannon. Little Birdie blends thoughtful sourcing, seasonal cooking, and a sense of fun to create a space that feels both refined and approachable.

At its core, Little Birdie is about quality and intention—sourcing chicken from trusted Pennsylvania farms, working with local bakers for Japanese milk buns, and letting the seasons shape the menu. The result is a lineup of inventive chicken sandwiches alongside a broader menu designed to encourage gathering, sharing, and returning often.

Top review

Dan

Dined 5 days ago

We had a great meal and look forward to the next visit!

Red House Tavern

4.6

4.6 (44)

$30 and under

American

Haymarket

About the restaurant

A cultural landmark. A historic centerpiece. A polished, Virginia-centric eatery. Red House Tavern pays homage to the 200-year-old legacy that weaves itself through the land where the original tavern once stood, with a sophisticated take on classic favorites, locally sourced ingredients, and warm hospitality.

Top review

AnthonyGold

Dined on 26 Sept 2026

All staff at this restaurant are knowledgable, professional, and friendly. Our server (Ferris) is one of the best.

Cheesetique - Del Ray

4.7

4.7 (817)

$30 and under

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Cheesetique, established in 2004, is the go-to neighborhood spot for fine cheeses, food-friendly wine, and an eclectic, cheese-centric menu.

We’re a specialty cheese and wine shop. We’re a comfortable, cheese-centric restaurant. We’re all things to all cheese lovers, so join us to shop, dine, or both!

Top review

AmandaGold

Dined 6 days ago

Loved our meals, fantastic service and great wine selection! We can’t wait to return!!

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Popular dish

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese

Popular dish

Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Experience

Wagyu & Wine Wednesday

Persimmon

4.8

4.8 (3152)

$31 to $50

American

Bethesda

About the restaurant

Persimmon is a beloved neighborhood bistro offering up unforgettable favorites!

Bring an appetite for great food & wine!

Let's Gather & Eat!

Top review

George

Dined 6 days ago

The staff is friendly and attentive, the food is wonderful, and there is a great variety to choose from!

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Experience

Sunset Dine in Experience

The Monocle

4.8

4.8 (1605)

$31 to $50

American

Capitol Hill

About the restaurant

NOW OFFERING
OUTDOOR DINING
NEAR THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL

For Group Reservations of seven or more call 202-546-4488 or email monocleinfo@aol.com

The Monocle is the closest restaurant to the Capitol building, United States Senate and Union Station. Established in 1960, The Monocle is not only known as a Washington institution, but also for its fine American cuisine-served by a professional and friendly team of servers. You can always count on being served great crab-cakes, Prime Steaks and Chops, while enjoying the powerful political scenery. The private Federal Room is a Washington classic for private parties. The Wine Room is a cozy room for your intimate private round table of six to ten. Cheers!

Top review

Connie

Dined 3 days ago

Such a pleasant experience. The waitstaff was so friendly and helpful and food was delicious.

Seasons 52 - Tysons Corner

4.8

4.8 (5555)

$31 to $50

American

Tysons Corner / McLean

About the restaurant

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM.

Top review

MarciaGold

Dined 5 days ago

Darnell was a great server and the food came just as we ordered, according to our personal preferences.

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Experience

Wine & Dine at Seasons 52

Ruthie's All-Day - Arlington

4.8

4.8 (3956)

$30 and under

American

Arlington

About the restaurant

The menu follows a Southern-fried meat-and-three concept, meaning diners order a meat, plus three sides. Those will include Ruthie’s mac and cheese, of course, but also white-soy-braised greens, stewed chickpeas and smoked cauliflower with a spicy soy glaze. “We’re going to be changing it a lot based on seasonality,” Hill says of the menu. “ Every vegetable has got to be fantastic because it has to stand on its own.” One thing that will help that: Hill is already growing all of the restaurant’s own herbs at his South Arlington community garden plot.

Top review

Davonne

Dined 1 day ago

Everything was amazing, per usual. The food was good, the service was great, and the view was amazing.

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4.7

4.7 (607)

$30 and under

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

A newcomer with all the nostalgia, we're excited to welcome you back to Royal Restaurant Step into a new chapter of this centuries-old diner now elevated with scratch-made home cooking, friendly service, and a fresh new look. Alongside our signature breakfast and lunch options like BYO Omelets and Shrimp & Grits, we're excited to introduce dinner with favorites like Pot Roast Stroganoff and Spicy Lamb Bolognese. Dine al fresco on our outdoor patio or unwind at our full-service bar featuring signature cocktails and rotating seasonal drinks and bites. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Royal Restaurant is your neighborhood spot for elevated classics. Come experience the fresh updates any day of the week!

Top review

Nicholas

Dined 1 day ago

Great service, thank you! We enjoyed the outdoor patio seating (Halloween) and bday recognition for my wife.

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Popular dish

Bananas Foster French Toast

Popular dish

CLASSIC FRENCH TOAST V

Experience

Royally Spooked Halloween Pop-Up

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