When I planned my trip to Washington, D.C., I was eager to explore the rich history, awe-inspiring monuments, and vibrant cultural scene. But as a self-proclaimed foodie, I was equally excited to dive into the city’s culinary offerings. Washington, D.C. is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is vividly reflected in its food scene. From iconic dishes that have been part of the city’s fabric for generations to innovative culinary creations from top chefs, D.C. offers a dining experience that is as varied as it is delicious.
1. Half-Smoke: A Washington D.C. Staple
If there’s one dish that truly represents Washington, D.C., it’s the half-smoke. This hearty sausage, typically made from a blend of pork and beef, is smoked and grilled to perfection. It’s often served with onions, chili, and mustard on a soft bun. My first encounter with a half-smoke was at the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl, a landmark eatery that has been serving this D.C. classic since 1958. The combination of the smoky sausage with the rich, slightly spicy chili was nothing short of heavenly.
Where to Try It: Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street is the go-to place for a half-smoke, but you can also find great versions at places like HalfSmoke in Shaw, where they offer a modern twist on this classic dish.
Booking Platform: While Ben’s Chili Bowl is typically a walk-in experience, you can reserve a table at HalfSmoke through platforms like OpenTable and Resy.
2. Crab Cakes: A Taste of the Chesapeake
Washington, D.C.’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay means that seafood, particularly crab, plays a significant role in the local cuisine. Crab cakes are a quintessential dish in the area, known for their rich flavor and delicate texture. The best crab cakes are made with jumbo lump crab meat, minimal filler, and seasoned with a blend of Old Bay seasoning. My favorite spot for crab cakes was at Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic restaurant just steps from the White House. The crab cakes were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the fresh, sweet taste of crab.
Where to Try It: Old Ebbitt Grill is renowned for its crab cakes, but you can also enjoy excellent versions at places like The Hamilton and Founding Farmers.
Booking Platform: Old Ebbitt Grill can get busy, so I recommend booking a table in advance through OpenTable or the restaurant’s website.
3. Mumbo Sauce: D.C.’s Signature Condiment
Mumbo sauce is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy condiment that is unique to Washington, D.C. Often compared to barbecue sauce, it’s a must-try when visiting the city. You’ll typically find it slathered over fried chicken wings or drizzled on French fries at carry-out spots across the city. During my stay, I made it a point to try mumbo sauce at multiple locations, but the experience at Henry’s Soul Café stood out. Their wings, crispy and hot, paired perfectly with the rich, flavorful sauce.
Where to Try It: Henry’s Soul Café is a great spot to experience mumbo sauce, but you can also find it at places like Wings N’ More and Capital City.
Booking Platform: Most places serving mumbo sauce are casual, with no need for reservations. However, if you’re visiting a more formal restaurant that offers the sauce as part of a dish, you might find reservations through platforms like Resy.
4. Ethiopian Cuisine: D.C.’s Vibrant Little Ethiopia
Washington, D.C. is home to one of the largest Ethiopian communities outside of Africa, making it a fantastic place to explore Ethiopian cuisine. The traditional dish to try is injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff flour, which serves as the base for a variety of stews and vegetables. I had a memorable meal at Dukem, a popular spot in the U Street Corridor. The combination platters, featuring a mix of lentils, greens, and meats, were rich in flavor and perfectly complemented by the slightly sour injera.
Where to Try It: Dukem is a top choice for Ethiopian food in D.C., but other great options include Ethiopic in H Street and Zenebech Restaurant in Shaw.
Booking Platform: Ethiopian restaurants in D.C. are often lively and busy, so it’s wise to make a reservation through OpenTable or directly on the restaurant’s website.
5. Jumbo Slice: A D.C. Late-Night Tradition
After a night out in D.C., there’s nothing better than grabbing a jumbo slice of pizza. These gigantic slices, often larger than a dinner plate, are a local favorite for late-night dining. My first encounter with a jumbo slice was in the bustling Adams Morgan neighborhood, where the streets are lined with pizza shops catering to the late-night crowd. I tried my slice at Pizza Boli’s, and it did not disappoint—the thin, chewy crust was loaded with gooey cheese and plenty of toppings.
Where to Try It: Adams Morgan is the epicenter of the jumbo slice scene, with Pizza Boli’s, Jumbo Slice Pizza, and Pizza Mart all vying for the title of the best jumbo slice.
Booking Platform: No need to book—just show up hungry after a night out!
6. Chili Half-Smoke: Ben’s Chili Bowl’s Signature Dish
I’ve already mentioned the half-smoke, but it deserves another mention, especially when smothered in Ben’s famous chili. The Chili Half-Smoke is a dish that has become synonymous with Washington, D.C. Over the years, it has been enjoyed by everyone from locals to celebrities to visiting dignitaries. The spicy kick of the chili combined with the robust flavors of the half-smoke sausage creates a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
Where to Try It: There’s no better place to enjoy a Chili Half-Smoke than Ben’s Chili Bowl, where the dish was born.
Booking Platform: Ben’s is typically a first-come, first-served spot, but it’s always buzzing with energy, so be prepared to wait a little if it’s busy.
7. Peruvian Chicken: A D.C. Favorite
Peruvian chicken, or pollo a la brasa, is another must-try dish in Washington, D.C. This rotisserie chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and then slow-cooked over an open flame, resulting in incredibly juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin. I discovered El Pollo Rico in Arlington, just across the river from D.C., where the line was out the door—a sure sign of something special. The chicken lived up to the hype, served with sides of tangy green sauce, rice, and beans.
Where to Try It: El Pollo Rico is a local institution, but you can also find fantastic Peruvian chicken at Super Pollo and Crisp & Juicy.
Booking Platform: These are casual eateries, so no reservations are needed—just bring your appetite!
8. Oysters: A Taste of the Chesapeake Bay
Oysters have long been a delicacy in Washington, D.C., thanks to the city’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. Fresh, briny, and delicious, they’re often served on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of mignonette. I headed to Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle for my oyster fix, where I enjoyed a dozen of the freshest oysters, sourced directly from the Bay. The relaxed, nautical vibe of the restaurant made it the perfect spot to savor these little jewels of the sea.
Where to Try It: Hank’s Oyster Bar is a great spot for oysters, as is Rappahannock Oyster Bar in Union Market and Old Ebbitt Grill.
Booking Platform: Reservations are recommended for Hank’s and Rappahannock, especially during peak dining times. Use OpenTable or the restaurant’s own booking system to secure your spot.
9. The G-Man: A Classic D.C. Sandwich
A sandwich with a story, the G-Man is a staple at the iconic Mangialardo & Sons on Capitol Hill. This Italian sub is loaded with layers of salami, ham, provolone, and their special house dressing, all tucked into a fresh roll. The sandwich is a favorite among locals and has been a D.C. institution for decades. When I visited, I could see why—every bite was a perfect balance of savory meats and tangy dressing, with the bread holding everything together beautifully.
Where to Try It: Mangialardo & Sons is the only place to get the original G-Man, and it’s worth every penny.
Booking Platform: Mangialardo’s is a classic deli, so no need for reservations—just make sure to get there early, as they close after lunch.
10. Georgetown Cupcakes: A Sweet D.C. Treat
No visit to Washington, D.C. would be complete without indulging in a treat from Georgetown Cupcake. Made famous by the reality TV show “DC Cupcakes,” this bakery offers a wide variety of cupcakes, from classic flavors like red velvet and chocolate to seasonal specialties. I stopped by their flagship location in Georgetown and was instantly charmed by the sweet aroma of freshly baked cupcakes. I opted for their signature red velvet, and it was every bit as decadent and delicious as I’d hoped.
Where to Try It: Georgetown Cupcake’s flagship store in Georgetown is the place to go, but they also have locations in Bethesda and on Capitol Hill.
Booking Platform: While you can usually walk in, ordering ahead through their website can save you time, especially on weekends.
Washington, D.C.’s food scene is a reflection of the city itself—diverse, dynamic, and deeply rooted in history. From the iconic half-smoke to the delicate flavors of Chesapeake Bay oysters, the city offers a culinary journey that’s as rich and varied as its cultural landscape. Whether you’re grabbing a late-night jumbo slice or savoring a refined crab cake at a historic restaurant, each dish tells a story of the city’s past and present.
As I made my way through Washington’s culinary offerings, I was continually reminded of how food can connect us to a place. These dishes are more than just meals; they are an integral part of the city’s identity. So, on your next visit to Washington, D.C., be sure to explore its iconic dishes and indulge in the flavors that make this city truly unique. And don’t forget to make reservations through platforms like OpenTable, Resy, or directly on the restaurant’s websites to ensure you get a taste of these local treasures without the wait.
