5 Iconic DC Restaurants

Lily Pond Approved

Old Ebbitt Grill

Located near the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in DC, founded in 1856. Its location bounced around over the years until it settled in its present location in the old B. F. Keith's Theater in 1983. The décor is Victorian with an antique clock over the revolving door entrance, a marble staircase with an iron-spindled rail from the old National Metropolitan Bank, a mahogany main bar, and carved mirrors and windows. We find ourselves there for oysters and casual lunch, but the menu is pretty extensive, so there is definitely something for everyone.

**Power Breakfast at Seasons at the Four Seasons**

A local favorite, as well as a hit amongst guests of the hotel, the Power Breakfast is what Seasons is known for. The restaurant puts a healthy twist on traditional dishes from around the world, in a bright and airy setting. What should one expect? Think Steak and Eggs (10 oz Wagyu Flat Iron Steak, to be specific), Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Strawberry and Pear Stratta and Huevos Rancheros. Look around – the dining room on any given morning is a mix of Capitol Hill and visiting executive teams, as well as well-heeled hotel guests.

Fiola Mare

This is a great dinner spot offering Italian seafood and views of the waterfront. The menu changes daily and seasonally to ensure the finest and freshest ingredients available are being put to use – characteristic of authentic Italian coastal cuisine. ‘Simply grilled’ is the name of the game, and a rotating array of top seafood is accompanied by one of our favorite wine lists in the city. Try to get a table outside, and don’t overlook this spot for brunch, either. Their bomboloni, an Italian donut riff, are some of the best we’ve had. Of course, if you aren’t a seafood fan, Fiola has several other top-notch spots in town – you can’t go wrong with this DC brand.

Café Milano

Café Milano is located in Georgetown and is a longtime favorite. It has been favored by diplomats, politicians, journalists, broadcasters, lobbyists, entertainers, and lovers of fine Italian food since the Amalfi-coast-born owner, Franco Nuschese, opened the restaurant nearly 20 years ago. During the warmer months, floor-to-ceiling windows open to a sidewalk patio, reminiscent of Italian culture. The menu is entirely authentically Italian, and while the food is good, the ambiance over a good glass of rosé is the real charm.

Anything by José Andrés

José Andrés is a Spanish chef often accredited with introducing the concept of small plate dining in the US. His acclaimed gastronomic restaurant Minibar, with its iconic 20+ course dinners, is temporarily closed, but his first restaurant, Jaleo, is still open and boasts several locations. Started in 1993, it has helped spark DC’s Penn Quarter transformation into the bustling neighborhood that it is today. While many think of Chef Andres as doing dishes with his traditional Spanish bent, our go-to is actually Zaytinya, his small plates Mediterranean concept in Penn Quarter, which is casual and fun for an easy dinner before a show or a fun night out with friends and family.

Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.

Blog