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Where to Eat Near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Discover standout places to eat and drink in one of the city’s fastest-growing dining districts.
After a full day of breakout sessions and networking, choosing where to eat shouldn’t be added to your workload. Here are options for every post-meeting mood, from quick grab-and-go bites to lively nightlife spots and refined dining experiences. We’ve got you covered.
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01
Grab & Go
Head south of the convention center along 7th Street for plenty of grab-and-go spots, from top-rated BBQ to reliable favorites.
- RASA Mount Vernon: Vibrant Indian bowls with bold flavors
- Sweetgreen Mount Vernon Square: Fresh, fast salads from Georgetown grads
- 2Fifty BBQ: Award-winning Texas BBQ
- Chaia: Creative vegetarian tacos with seasonal produce
- DeliZique: Deli classics made daily
- Raising Cane’s: Beloved chicken fingers with signature sauce
- Love, Makoto: Contemporary Japanese food hall
02
Award-Winning Eats
Zaytinya
Elevate your evening and delight your taste buds with a meal that has wowed Michelin guide and James Beard reviewers.
- Causa | Amazonia (Michelin Star, 2025 James Beard Award: Best Chef): Peruvian tasting menus
- Oyster Oyster (Michelin Star): Innovative plant-forward dining
- Kinship (Michelin Star): American dishes emphasizing technique and warmth
- The Dabney (Michelin Star): Mid-Atlantic cuisine consciously source
- L’Ardente (Bib Gourmand): Decadent Italian favorites
- Zaytinya (Bib Gourmand): Flavorful small plates with Mediterranean flair
- Tiger Fork (Michelin Guide): Hong Kong–inspired street food
- Estuary at the Conrad (Michelin Guide): Coastal dishes with seasonal focus
- Centrolina (2025 James Beard Semifinalist: Best Chef): Seasonal Italian fare
*Bib Gourmand: Best value for money restaurants
James Beard Award: Oscars of the food world
03
Sit-down Dining
If you’re craving a quality sit-down meal, visit these popular spots.
- Jaleo: Bold Spanish flavors by José Andrés
- Ambar: Modern Balkan cuisine in shareable plates
- All-Purpose Pizza Shaw: Neighborhood favorite for elevated classic pies
- Bar Chinois: French-Chinese fusion with cocktails
- Tonari: Blend of Japanese and Italian classics
- Absolute Thai: Thai favorites served fast
- RPM Italian: Upscale Italian dining with polished ambiance
- China Chilcano: Peruvian-Chinese-Japanese fusion
- Street Pizza DC: Gordon Ramsey’s fast casual slices
- Family Ethiopian Restaurant: Traditional Ethiopian cuisine with warm hospitality
04
Bars & Happy Hours
Lucha Rosa Rooftop Bar
From signature cocktails to happy hour menus, these DC bars offer inviting ways to relax and connect while sipping.
- Lucha Rosa Rooftop Bar at the Moxy Hotel: Latin bar with monumental scenery
- The Silver Lyan at the Riggs Hotel: Sophisticated drinks with a mysterious feel
- Lost & Found DC: Relaxed neighborhood bar
- Dirty Habit: Moody cocktail spot with modern edge
- Cuba Libre: Energetic Cuban dining
- City Tap House Penn Quarter: Craft beers and pub bites
- Calico: Backyard-style patio bar
- The Delegate: Modern American restaurant with rooftop views
05
Gathering with a Group
Carmine's
Gather your team – or new friends – at these inviting spots designed for effortless group dining. For a private dining experience, check out these options.
- Carmine’s: Family-style Italian classics
- Unconventional Diner: Comfort food with creative twists
- Clyde’s of Gallery Place: American favorites in a classic setting
- Founding Farmers & Distillers: Farm-inspired American dishes
- Succotash Prime: Progressive perspective of Southern favorites
- Yard House: Extensive beer menu with hearty bites
06
Sweet Treats
Baker's Daughter
Recharge with a midday pick-me-up at these nearby coffee shops, cafés and bakeries, all within walking distance of the convention center.
- Union Kitchen Grocery: Local snacks and quick bites
- Baker’s Daughter: Fresh pastries, coffee and breakfast
- Compass Coffee: Popular local roaster
- Seylou Bakery: Whole-grain, stone-milled breads and pastries
- Fresh Baguette: Authentic French breads baked daily
- Tatte: Chic, modern, mediterranean-inspired café
- Maman: Cozy French café offering beautiful baked goods
These options are just a start to satisfy your stomach. Check out our neighborhood guides for more delicious options: Mount Vernon Triangle, Shaw, Downtown and Penn Quarter & Chinatown.