The home of the US legislature and one of the iconic spots of the nation’s capital, the United States Capitol Building is a must-visit. In the following, we’ll let you know about some of the best restaurants nearby, so you won’t have any trouble finding something to eat.
While you’re in DC, you’ll definitely want to read about the best restaurants near the White House and the best restaurants near the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument here!
The Top 10 Places to Eat near the United States Capitol Building
Jimmy T’s Place
$ | Cafe | Open Early
If you have an early start to your day, and you’re looking for a place that really makes you feel at home, then Jimmy T’s is our recommendation. The only thing more welcoming than the beautiful Victorian façade are the friendly staff and the smells of omelets and hot cakes. Come hungry!
The combo meals here will keep hunger at bay for most of your day. We recommend the #5: Waffles, eggs and sausage patties. Okay, maybe you’re looking for something on the lighter side. The freshly baked English muffins and jelly are always a hit.
Address: 501 E Capitol St SE
Hours: Wednesday: 6:30AM–3PM, Thursday: 6:30AM–3PM, 5:30–8PM, Friday: 6:30AM–3PM, Saturday-Sunday: 8AM–3PM
The Monocle
$$$ | Americana | Classic Charm
Though they’ve been around since 1960, this D Street mainstay has never lost its taste, charm and attention to detail. Beneath its elegant and brightly lit awning, diners are welcomed to a dining experience that rivals any of the other restaurants near the United States Capitol Building. With all the white table cloths, red velvet booths, and chandeliered lighting, you might want to lose the t-shirt.
Though both the filet mignon and the Crab Cakes here are fantastic (we had them both!), the real star of the show here is the Littleneck Clams and Shrimp Linguine. The buttery soft clams are paired beautifully with basil, parsley and a bit of zest. It was our favorite!
Address: 107 D St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4–10PM, Friday: 12–10PM
We, The Pizza
$$ | Pizza | Experimental
This has got to be one of our favorite pizza restaurants near the United States Capitol Building. With New York roots and a local charm, you’ll see everyone from staffers on their lunch breaks to teenagers looking for a slice. There’s tons of seating indoors and out, though we definitely recommend sitting outside if it’s a nice day.
The Artisanal Four Cheese pizza is fantastic if you’re looking for a more traditional option. What we like about this place, however, is their willingness to experiment. Try a slice of the Butternut Squash pizza. Drizzled with vinaigrette and mozzarella, it’s sweet and sour, cheesy and delicious. We, The Pizza really delivers some of the best pizza in the city…but we recommend dining in-person.
Address: 305 Pennsylvania Ave
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10AM–10PM
The Market Lunch
$$ | Classic Diner | Comfort Food
Another long-time institution, The Market Lunch has been serving hungry Washingtonians since 1978. Since then, it’s a become a neighborhood staple, serving up affordable food in inside of its classic diner interior.
It’s a breakfast place, so you probably know better than we do what you’d like. The crab cake dinner (though you can only get it for lunch) is a great deal at $50 and is worth considering. Whatever you order, however, make sure to order some Lyonnaise potatoes. The recipe’s something of a family secret, and it’s easy to see why. Baked to a golden-brown perfection, it’s indicative of the attention to detail this place brings to every dish.
Address: 225 7th St SE
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 9AM–2PM
Charlie Palmer Steak
$$$$ | Steakhouse | Fine Dining
On the higher end of the restaurants near the United States Capitol Building, Charlie Palmer Steak dots every “i” and crosses every “t.” Delivering an upscale steakhouse experience in a naturally lit and expansive dining room, it’s a great spot for a romantic dinner for two.
The prime cuts of steak here are obviously fantastic. We ordered the filet mignon medium rare and were absolutely shocked by how tender, buttery and delicious it was. The seafood here is also great. We recommend the Citrus Basted Ora King Salmon for anyone who wants to know what quality cuisine truly tastes like.
Address: 101 Constitution Ave
Hours: Monday: 11:45AM–2PM, 5–9PM, Tuesday: 11:45AM–9PM, Wednesday-Thursday: 11:45AM–2PM, 5–9PM: Friday: 11:45AM–2PM, 5–9PM
Bistro Bis
$$$ | French
French restaurants near the United States Capitol Building don’t get much better than this. Bistro Bis serves some of the finest cuisine in the area, without losing its neighborhood feel. The tasteful modern décor is warm and inviting, and the perfect compliment to your meal. It’s no surprise it’s a favorite among the Washington crowd.
This is a great place for brunch, with some of the best eggs benedict and baked pastries that you can find in the city. We definitely recommend heading here for dinner, though. Order the steak tartare and see just how thin and delicately sliced they manage to cut the sirloin. Paired with aioli and garlic potato chips, it’s our favorite thing on the menu. The pappardelle with spring pea and asparagus is a great vegetarian choice.
Address: 15 E St NW
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 12–2PM, 5–9PM
Burrito Brothers of Capitol Hill
$$ | Burritos | Quick and Easy
As reliable as they are delicious, the food at Burrito Brothers is exactly what you need to get you through a long day of walking. Serving hundreds of hungry customers from behind a small cantina-style counter, the Burrito Brothers is for anyone looking for something cheap, delicious and doubtfully nutritious.
Those looking for a challenge should grab a Burrito with the Works. Coming in at only, $10 it comes with your choice of protein, ranging from A La Pastor to Tilapia fillet. Loaded high with rice, beans, jalapenos, jack cheese, and spinach it’s a beast. As a side, definitely grab an order of the fried plantains, if you think you’ll still be hungry!
Address: 205 Pennsylvania Ave
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8AM–8:45PM
Let’s Mix! Bibija!
$$ | Korean | Experimental
Though they’re one of the best Korean restaurants near the United States Capitol Building, Let’s Mix! Bibija! keeps things casual on Pennsylvania Avenue. Offered here is a healthy variety of Bibimbap, pho and ramen, served in a humble but bustling interior with plenty of tables and booths to choose from.
If you’d like a classic Bibimbap definitely go for it. For only about $9, you’ll be loaded high with rice, bean sprouts, broccoli, cilantro, onion, beats, seaweed, as well as your choice of protein. Yet the most exciting things here are the more experimental options. Choices like the “Kor-Mex” Korean quesadilla prove that there are still those out there looking to push the boundaries. Stuffed full of bulgogi, chili sauce, and cheese it’s a guilty pleasure but it’s worth it.
Address: 209 Pennsylvania Ave
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11AM–7:30PM
Masseria
$$$$ | Italian | 2 Michelin Stars
This Italian hideaway is perhaps the finest of the Italian restaurants near the Untied States Capitol Building, as evidenced by the two Michelin stars it has achieved. Served inside of a tucked-away garden setting, it’s easy to feel transported to the Italian countryside as you step through Masseria’s doors. Make sure to make reservations!
Sourcing its recipes and ingredients from the Puglia region of Italy, Masseria brings some fresh ideas to Italian cuisine. There’s really no reason to not get the six course La Cucina tasting menu. Showcasing a dazzling menu of seaside-inspired dishes, it’s a meal best enjoyed outside beside one of the warm fires in the courtyard. From sea urchin to foie gras to caviar, it’s as good as it gets. You’ll definitely want to get the wine pairing too. The experience is worth the expense.
Address: 1340 4th St NE
Hours: Wednesday: 6–8:30PM, Thursday: 6–8:30PM, Friday: 6–9PM, Saturday: 1–3PM, 5–9PM, Sunday: 1–3PM, 5–8PM
Art and Soul
$$ | British | Pub Atmosphere
A place to enjoy a sunny DC afternoon in one of its many outdoor seats, Art and Soul introduces an original take on seasonal, locally-sourced dishes from the Chesapeake Bay watershed communities in a breezy, naturally lit interior decorated around a rustic color scheme. Whether you sit inside or out, you’ll be in for a treat.
Art and Soul introduces an original take on seasonal, locally-sourced dishes from the Chesapeake Bay watershed communities. These include Salmon served with melted leeks, baby carrots, morels, sunchokes, onion soubise. It’s an example of how new ingredients can take a well-tread meal to a new place. We really loved the Adobo Rub Pork Belly with faro, artichokes, pineapple, radish, spinach, pickled mustard seeds. It’s absolutely popping with flavor.
Address: 415 New Jersey Ave
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 11:30AM–8PM, Saturday: 9AM–8PM, Sunday: 9AM–3PM
That’s our list of the best restaurants near the United States Capitol Building. Have a great trip to the nation’s capitol!
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