Best American Restaurants in the DMV

18 hand-picked American restaurants across the DMV — ratings, price ranges, addresses, and directions for each.

Our directory features 18 hand-picked American restaurants across Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland. You'll find them in neighborhoods like Washington, Capitol Hill, Shaw, Baltimore, Bethesda, from $ spots to $$$$ dining rooms. The highest-rated American pick in our directory right now is The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, at 4.9 out of 5. Every listing below links to a full detail page with the address, phone number, price range, and directions, so you can compare options and pick the right spot for your night out. We keep this list curated rather than exhaustive — each restaurant here was added to the directory on its merits, and the ratings shown come from our listings data.

American restaurants in Virginia onlyAmerican restaurants in Washington, DC only
The Inn at Little Washington

The Inn at Little Washington

VA

A legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant and inn by Chef Patrick O'Connell. One of the finest dining experiences in America, set in the Virginia countryside.

Rose's Luxury

Rose's Luxury

DC

Chef Aaron Silverman's acclaimed Capitol Hill gem serving inventive American cuisine. Known for creative dishes and a no-reservations policy.

The Dabney

The Dabney

DC

Michelin-starred mid-Atlantic cuisine cooked over a wood-burning hearth in a restored Shaw alleyway. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne celebrates regional ingredients.

Woodberry Kitchen

Woodberry Kitchen

MD

James Beard Award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in a converted mill in Baltimore. Celebrates Chesapeake Bay region ingredients.

Medium Rare

Medium Rare

MD

One-menu steakhouse concept serving culotte steak with secret sauce, hand-cut fries, and bread. The prix fixe simplicity and unlimited seconds have earned a cult following.

Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl

DC

A legendary DC landmark since 1958, famous for its half-smokes and chili dogs. A must-visit cultural institution on U Street.

The Majestic

The Majestic

VA

Stylish American brasserie in a beautifully restored 1932 theater in Old Town Alexandria. Seasonal menus with local ingredients.

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers

VA

Farm-to-table American comfort food in Tysons. Farmer-owned and committed to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen

MD

Dr. Andrew Weil-inspired restaurant focusing on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich dishes. Seasonal menus feature vibrant bowls, salads, and creative vegetable-forward plates.

Kramers

Kramers

DC

Iconic bookstore-cafe-bar hybrid on Dupont Circle that has been a DC institution for decades. Brunch here pairs perfectly with browsing the bookshelves.

Madigan's Waterfront

Madigan's Waterfront

VA

Charming waterfront restaurant in historic Occoquan overlooking the river. Seafood, steaks, and Southern-influenced dishes in a relaxed, scenic setting.

Mike's American Grill

Mike's American Grill

VA

Classic American grill in Springfield known for generous portions, quality steaks, and a lively atmosphere. A Northern Virginia favorite.

Chadwicks

Chadwicks

VA

Waterfront pub and restaurant on the Alexandria waterfront serving American fare since 1979. The burgers, crab cakes, and Potomac River views make it a local institution.

Foster's Grille

Foster's Grille

VA

Local burger chain born in Manassas serving fresh, never-frozen burgers and hand-cut fries. A community favorite for quality casual American fare since 1995.

The Diner

The Diner

DC

A 24-hour Adams Morgan diner serving comfort food around the clock. The go-to late-night spot for pancakes, burgers, and hearty brunch plates.

Unconventional Diner

Unconventional Diner

DC

Chef David Deshaies' globally-inspired comfort-food diner in Shaw, a longtime Michelin Bib Gourmand pick near the convention center.

2941 Restaurant

2941 Restaurant

VA

Longtime Falls Church destination for contemporary American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences, in an elegant lakeside setting.

Rooster & Owl

Rooster & Owl

DC

Chef Yuan Tang's market-driven, seasonal tasting-menu restaurant on 14th Street — refined New American dining in a comfortable setting.