One of Washington, DC’s highlights is its delectable food scene. Every corner of the nation’s capital features restaurants that are bound to satisfy. Explore our list of top Michelin star DC restaurants for meals that consistently deliver.
Jônt
Check out DC’s Jônt to experience an immersive meal that’s filled with surprises. Grand wooden doors greet visitors before they’re led into the restaurant’s lively dining area. One glance inside of Jônt, and you’ll immediately feel a connection with the establishment’s precise and technical approach to cooking.
Each dish contains its own unique hint of creative inspiration. Top-shelf ingredients fuel Jônt’s flavor while upbeat music fills the air. Jônt is a top restaurant in DC that demands a revisit.
Gravitas
Gravitas is a DC restaurant that thrives on its delicious flavor and minimalist setting. This establishment is set in a former tomato factory that provides a compelling backdrop. Orders at Gravitas come out in an ensemble of dishes that pair well with the house’s cocktails.
The restaurant offers a seasonal 4- or 6-course tasting menu that highlights local ingredients, along with an expertly curated wine list. For something even more exclusive, snag a seat at the chef’s counter for a 15-course experience that’s as intimate as it is indulgent.
Kinship
The Kinship restaurant in DC is where New American cuisine takes on a personal, thoughtful flair. Chef Eric Ziebold’s à la carte menu is broken into categories like Craft, History, Ingredients, Indulgence, and For the Table—each one spotlighting a unique way to experience modern American dining. Dishes range from elegant creations like Boudin Blanc with Chestnut Purée to showstoppers like Maine Lobster French Toast with sesame mousse.
Set in a historic 1907 brick building, the Kinship dining room is as refined and welcoming as the menu, blending antique charm with modern design touches. The result is a warm, intimate atmosphere perfect for a night of culinary exploration.
The Dabney
The Dabney welcomes diners into a space that’s rustic yet polished, with exposed brick, colonial-era details, and the charm of a former DC row house. The design sets the stage for a dining experience rooted in Mid-Atlantic tradition and thoughtful sourcing.
Centered around an open hearth, the kitchen turns out an 8-course tasting menu that pays tribute to the region’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage—sourcing ingredients directly from trusted farmers, watermen, and artisans. The Dabney’s dining room and cellar seating never fail to set the tone for exceptional fine dining in Washington, DC, complemented by a strong wine program and a commitment to showcasing the soul of the Mid-Atlantic on every plate.
Sushi Taro
Attention, sushi lovers: Sushi Taro is a top destination for Michelin star sushi in DC, offering a refined and immersive Japanese dining experience. The restaurant serves a traditional Kaiseki tasting menu, where seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation come together in a multi-course journey through Japanese cuisine.
For a more personalized experience, Sushi Taro’s Omakase counter invites guests to interact directly with the chef, choosing from the day’s freshest selections. The meal unfolds with a series of small dishes, sashimi, and sushi, tailored to your tastes and paced at your preference—making it one of the most unique sushi experiences in the Mid-Atlantic.
Xiquet by Danny Lledó
Xiquet by Danny Lledó delivers an immersive fine dining experience rooted in Valencian tradition and modern Spanish cuisine. From the moment guests arrive, they’re welcomed with a bite and a sip of vermouth at the Chef’s counter, where the team introduces the wood-fired kitchen that anchors the restaurant’s bold, ingredient-driven menu.
Upstairs in the dramatic top-floor dining room, natural light pours in through large skylights by day, while the space turns warm and intimate at night. The elegant, understated setting keeps the focus on the food, with an open kitchen that brings guests close to the action. Diners enjoy a seasonal tasting menu that reflects Chef Lledó’s personal journey—from Valencia to the Mid-Atlantic—brought to life with refined flavors and open-flame cooking techniques.
Learn more about Xiquet by Danny Lledó.
Elcielo
Exceptional modern Colombian food comes standard at Elcielo. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos spent two years bringing the Washington, DC location to life before its 2020 debut, blending showmanship with bold, sensory-driven cuisine. One of the restaurant’s signature moments—Chocotherapy—invites guests to dip their hands in warm, liquid chocolate to liven their senses.
The sense of ceremony continues with the restaurant’s Colombian coffee ritual, served with native plants and dramatic clouds of liquid nitrogen vapor. Guests can choose between a refined tasting menu or an à la carte experience of small plates and shareable bites—each dish crafted to reflect the vibrant soul of Colombia through modern technique and local ingredients.
Fiola
Founded by acclaimed chef Fabio Trabocchi, Fiola is a Michelin-starred destination that blends authentic Italian traditions with refined, modern creativity. Seasonal ingredients and award-winning wines complete the experience, making every meal a celebration of beauty and flavor.
Fiola serves up elevated Italian food and original cocktails in a sophisticated modern space. Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema gave Fiola a rare three-star review before complimenting individual dishes like the lobster ravioli. Sietsema reported being so overwhelmed with flavor that he felt like waving his napkin in surrender. Pay a visit to Fiola to enjoy signature Italian offerings from the à la carte and main dining room menus for the best fine dining in Washington, DC.
Cranes
Cranes offers DC locals Spanish-Japanese style food with season-focused dishes. Close to 20 à la carte tapas options reflect Cranes’ versatility. This restaurant emphasizes the importance of quality rice by letting the rice release starch in stock for a rounded texture that’s packed with flavor. Check out Cranes’ happy hour at Bar Tsuru while diving into top-tier ingredients hosted within a dramatic atmosphere.
For a more immersive experience, consider the Omakase tasting menu, a multi-course journey curated by Chef Pepe Moncayo that showcases the harmonious blend of Spanish and Japanese culinary traditions.
The Inn at Little Washington
The Inn at Little Washington offers exceptional cuisine in an idyllic, luxurious setting. Sophistication permeates every corner of its dining room, where silk lampshades are suspended above each table, creating a private, romantic ambiance. The interior design reflects European country influences, with whimsical colors, patterns, and textures that contribute to its distinguished character.
Under the guidance of Chef Patrick O’Connell, the restaurant has earned three Michelin stars, showcasing a commitment to culinary excellence. The menu features refined American cuisine, blending classic French techniques with nostalgic American flavors. Diners can choose between “The Gastronaut’s Menu,” highlighting seafood and meat dishes, and the vegetarian “Good Earth Menu,” both incorporating the Inn’s own produce alongside other local ingredients of the highest quality.
Learn more about The Inn at Little Washington.
Rooster & Owl
Rooster & Owl is a standout among the best new DC restaurants, known for its inventive approach to American cuisine. Located along 14th Street NW, this Washington, DC Michelin star restaurant offers a 4-course tasting menu with globally inspired flavors. Dishes rotate often, featuring ingredients like yuzu, harissa, and maitake mushrooms.
The intimate yet modern space adds to the experience, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate creativity in the kitchen. Rooster & Owl continues to climb the ranks of top restaurants in DC with every plate served.
Learn more about Rooster & Owl.
Imperfecto
Imperfecto, located in the West End, effortlessly blends Mediterranean inspiration with Latin American flair. As one of the top 10 restaurants in Washington, DC, it earned a Michelin star thanks to its refined tasting menu and sleek, art-forward atmosphere.
The restaurant’s commitment to visual storytelling and culinary experimentation places it among the most memorable dining experiences. Expect bold flavor combinations, pristine plating, and a wine list curated to impress even seasoned enthusiasts. Imperfecto is perfect for special occasions or for anyone exploring Michelin star restaurants in Washington, DC.
Sushi Nakazawa DC
Sushi Nakazawa brings New York acclaim to the nation’s capital with its Michelin star sushi in DC. Located in the Trump International Hotel, this sushi counter showcases Edomae-style omakase with exceptional attention to detail. Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, a protégé of Jiro Ono, crafts each piece of nigiri with precision and artistry.
The serene environment and flawless service have earned Nakazawa a place among the best Michelin star restaurants in DC. For sushi lovers seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in Washington, DC, Nakazawa is an essential stop.
Learn more about Sushi Nakazawa DC.
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