15 Of The Most Expensive Restaurants In Washington DC Today Worth The Splurge
In the heart of the nation’s capital, dining can be as grand as the city itself.
Washington DC is home to restaurants where meals are crafted like works of art, service feels tailored to every guest, and the atmosphere sets the stage for unforgettable experiences.
Here are 15 of the most expensive restaurants in DC today – places that prove some splurges are truly worth it.
1. Jônt: A Culinary Adventure Above Bresca
Tucked away above the Michelin-starred Bresca, Chef Ryan Ratino’s Jônt offers an intimate counter experience that feels like watching culinary theater.
The 14-course tasting menu changes with the seasons, highlighting fermentation techniques and aged products.
Only 18 lucky diners per night experience this gastronomic journey where each plate arrives like a tiny work of art. The wine pairings? Absolutely worth the additional splurge.
2. Minibar by José Andrés: Molecular Gastronomy at its Finest
Celebrity chef José Andrés transforms dinner into a magical performance at this culinary laboratory.
With just 12 seats surrounding the kitchen, you’ll witness chefs craft over 20 mind-bending courses using liquid nitrogen, specialized equipment, and theatrical presentation.
Expect the unexpected – edible cocktails, savory cotton candy, or dishes that literally smoke before your eyes! Reservations open months in advance and vanish within minutes.
3. Fiola: Fabio Trabocchi’s Italian Masterpiece
Power lunches meet romantic dinners at Fabio Trabocchi’s flagship restaurant.
The white-jacketed servers glide between tables in this Penn Quarter gem, delivering handmade pastas that would make an Italian grandmother weep with joy.
Don’t miss the signature Lobster Ravioli – pillowy pasta pockets filled with sweet crustacean meat in a delicate sauce that haunts dreams.
4. Xiquet by Danny Lledó: Valencian Cuisine Over Open Flames
Perched above Glover Park, this Michelin-starred jewel box showcases Chef Danny Lledó’s Valencian heritage through wood-fired cooking techniques.
The multi-course tasting menu features Spanish delicacies like jamón ibérico carved tableside and seafood paella elevated to art form.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the open kitchen where chefs work over dancing flames. The Spanish wine list dazzles even the most discerning oenophiles, with rare sherries and aged tempranillos.
5. Imperfecto: Where Mediterranean Meets Latin American
Chef Enrique Limardo’s West End hotspot blends Mediterranean ingredients with Latin American techniques in a stunning, light-filled space.
The chef’s counter experience delivers 10-14 surprising courses that might pair caviar with arepas or transform humble ingredients into luxury bites.
Celebrities and politicians flock here for the creative cocktails and that famous smoked oyster served in a glass dome. The dramatic ceiling installation of undulating wooden slats makes every Instagram post pop!
6. Métier: French Elegance in a Hidden Townhouse
Hidden below Kinship restaurant, this seven-course sanctuary by Chef Eric Ziebold requires finding an unmarked door and private elevator.
The journey sets the tone for what follows – French techniques applied to Mid-Atlantic ingredients with Japanese precision.
Begin in the salon with champagne and canapés before moving to the 16-seat dining room. Each course arrives with storytelling and impeccable timing.
7. The Dabney: Mid-Atlantic Heritage in Blazing Glory
Crackling embers from the massive open hearth greet you at Chef Jeremiah Langhorne’s Shaw restaurant. Farm-to-table isn’t just marketing here – it’s religion.
The kitchen transforms forgotten Chesapeake recipes into modern masterpieces using local ingredients often foraged by the chef himself.
Housed in a historic brick building with exposed beams and rustic charm, the restaurant makes even humble vegetables taste revolutionary. Their cornbread with honey butter? Worth fighting your dining companions for the last piece.
8. Pineapple & Pearls: Aaron Silverman’s Playful Perfection
Reborn after the pandemic, Aaron Silverman’s tasting-menu temple combines whimsy and precision in unexpected ways.
The Capitol Hill destination feels like a dinner party hosted by your coolest friend – if that friend happened to have Michelin-star cooking skills.
Service strikes the perfect balance between formal and friendly. Courses arrive with clever names and presentations that make you smile before taking a bite.
9. Le Diplomate: Parisian Bistro Glamour on 14th Street
Stephen Starr’s bustling corner brasserie transports you straight to Paris without the airfare.
Politicians, celebrities, and locals alike jostle for reservations to enjoy perfect steak frites, towering seafood plateaus, and that legendary bread basket.
The restaurant hums with energy as bow-tied servers navigate between closely packed tables topped with crisp white linens.
10. 1789 Restaurant: Historic Georgetown Elegance
Housed in a Federal-period townhouse dating back to the year in its name, 1789 exudes old-world charm with creaking wooden floors and antique-filled dining rooms.
Presidents and diplomats have broken bread here for generations, savoring seasonal American cuisine with classical European techniques.
Each dining room has its own character – request the Pub Room with its roaring fireplace in winter or the Garden Room in spring. The legendary rack of lamb has remained on the menu for decades for good reason.
11. Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab: Power Dining Incarnate
A block from the White House, this outpost of the Miami classic serves DC’s power players in clubby, wood-paneled splendor.
The signature stone crabs arrive fresh from Florida, accompanied by that famous mustard sauce that’s worth every calorie.
Portions verge on ridiculous – steaks arrive on sizzling platters large enough to feed a congressional committee.
12. Ocean Prime: Seafood Opulence Near the Convention Center
Theatrical seafood towers arrive billowing with dry ice at this sleek, high-ceilinged temple to oceanic indulgence.
The Colorado-based chain’s DC outpost attracts expense account diners and special occasion celebrants with buttery lobster tails and perfectly seared steaks.
The cocktail program deserves special mention – try the Berries & Bubbles that smokes dramatically tableside.
13. Rose’s Luxury: Capitol Hill’s Crown Jewel
Aaron Silverman’s first restaurant still draws crowds years after opening, thanks to its perfect balance of casual atmosphere and serious culinary chops.
The famous pork lychee salad remains on the menu – a sweet-savory-spicy combination that launched a thousand copycats.
The rooftop garden supplies many ingredients, while the no-reservations policy (except for large groups) creates a democratic dining experience.
14. Gravitas: Industrial-Chic Tasting Menu in Ivy City
Chef Matt Baker transformed a dilapidated Ivy City warehouse into a modern fine dining destination.
Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the minimalist space where the tasting menu celebrates Mid-Atlantic ingredients with global techniques.
The rooftop garden supplies many herbs and vegetables, while the conservatory bar offers creative cocktails with garden-fresh ingredients.
15. The Lafayette at The Hay-Adams: Dining with a Presidential View
Breakfast with a view of the White House? The Lafayette delivers this unique DC experience along with impeccable service in a sunlit dining room draped with fine linens and adorned with fresh flowers.
Dinner transforms the space into a romantic enclave where modern American cuisine meets French techniques.
The wine list features boutique American producers alongside Old World classics. Reserve a window table for the full experience.
