Dupont Circle Dining
Dupont Circle is a bit of a mixed bag when selecting dining. It is a fun, vibrant, highly enjoyable neighborhood with many great spots for a meal. On the other hand, the secret is out with Dupont Circle, so there are also quite a few subpar restaurants looking for those tourist dollars. Luckily, we can help you find the really choice spots.
Jump to Fast Casual DiningThis has been among the city’s most picturesque spots for years—built from an old stable, half hidden down a lantern-lit alley, and with some of the most alluring fireplaces in town. After a period of decline, it has reopened, with a little updating and with rising-star chef Tony Chittum, as a modern eclectic tavern with southern Italian and Greek flavors, including Sardinian and Sicilian (he’s a native of the eastern Shore, but his wife is Greek). Long a proponent of local sourcing, Chittum is turning regional seafood and game on rotisseries and in a wood-burning grill and oven. The dining room has only fixed-price menus—four courses for $60, six for $80, and a chef’s choice for $110; the à la carte menu is served in the bar and on the long-beloved patio (now year-round). Neither are huge spaces, so walk-ins at crush hour could be tough.
Try “corned” octopus, phyllo pie with angus beef, feta and grape leaves (sort of risotto pot pie); dill gemelli with braised rabbit and mustard sauce; and local artisan charcuterie. Don’t miss the “spit-roasted whole animal” du jour (meant for at least two), which might be poultry or game. The iron Gate is one of the few restaurants that boasts a few ghosts
Our Rating: 3 1/2 stars Address: 1734 N St NW Hours: Brunch: Sat 11am-2:30pm. Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 5:30pm-9pm Cost: Moderate Metro: Dupont Circle (0.3 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.2 miles)
Johnny Monis, a local boy and still brushing 30, is indisputably one of Washington’s best and most consistent chefs; he won the James Beard award for best Mid-Atlantic chef in 2013. As the website points out, this is a “leisurely” meal: while you’re likely to get your first little treat (roasted dates stuffed with mascarpone and dotted with sea salt are now a signature) the moment you’re seated, the pace of the overall dinner is relaxed. The menu has a Mediterrean accent—Komi is a small beach town near Monis’s Greek grandparents’ home—and with only a dozen tables and candlelight decor, this town house really feels almost like a family gathering. (No table holds more than four, so reservations are tight, and they can only be made by telephone starting at noon one month in advance, at most.) In the same family spirit, be prepared to eat at least part of your meal by hand—and we don’t mean the homemade lollipops that come with the bill. Komi serves beer and wine only.
This is not for control freaks: there is no printed menu, only the multicourse (a dozen or more) chef’s-choice dinner for $150. It starts with a variety of mezze that sets the leisurely tone, moves generally from seafood to meat, and most often culminates in roasted goat to be hand-rolled into pita with tzatziki; but what happens along the way is a fine and eclectic mystery: foie gras touchon; pasta with squash, black truffles and lamb’s tongue; rabbit pâté bruschetta; roast suckling pig; a pork chop with artichokes; sea bass; crispy pork belly; prosciutto-wrapped octopus; housemade tagliatelle with sea urchin; blood sausage–stuffed ravioli; salmon belly tartare; braised baby octopus; amberjack in a smoked turbot aspic; pork belly souvlaki with pickled cucumber; or goat liver ragu.
Our Rating: 5 stars Address: 1509 17th St NW Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-? Cost: Very Expensive Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.4 miles)
This quirky restaurant may be a destination for only the most dedicated foodies because there are no reservations—there isn’t even a telephone—and it has a market-driven menu that changes weekly, no patron changes allowed. (“Serow” rhymes with “arrow” and refers to a pronghorn goat native to Southeast Asia.) As at Komi next door, chef-owner Johnny Monis offers only a prix-fixe menu ($45 for seven courses) of authentically spicy northern Thai food, adjusted weekly, and served family style in a small room with 28 tall bar-ish stools. The doors open at 5:30, so get in line early (in good weather, perhaps an hour), and if you don’t get in the first time, the hostess will sign you up for a table; you’ll get a text. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of this kitchen (though it seems to be letting up a little); happily, the supply of sticky rice (which is traditionally used as a utensil, though you get spoons and forks here) is unending. The beverage pairings are fascinating—a mix of beers, wines, and vermouths.
Typical ingredients include eggplant, snakehead (yup, Frankenfish), mackerel, catfish, shrimp, pork rinds used as scoops for a funky dip of chicken livers; thai whiskey-marinated pork ribs; and spicy tofu. Flavorings include mint, rice powder, peanuts, chilies, shrimp paste and dried shrimp, dried squid, tamarind paste, Thai whiskey, kafir lime, and galangal and ginger. While there are vegetarian dishes, the menu points out that there may be meat, shellfish, and nuts as ingredients that are not listed, so it may not be ideal for all diners.
Our Rating: 4 1/2 stars Address: 1511 17th St NW Hours: Tue-Thu 5:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Cost: Expensive Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.4 miles)
This cozy town house dining room is elegant and good-humored, and it feels like a real home’s dining room; the 30 or so customers, staff, and accoutrements—not only the room’s floral centerpiece and silver chest but the displays of grappa and breadsticks—are intimate but relaxed. Chef Peter Pastan long ago—almost 30 years—figured out the cure for overlong, over-rich menus: He offers only a five-course fixed-price menu ($75, $85 on week- ends), with three, perhaps four choices per course. vegetarians can be accommodated, but not strict vegans.
Among typical dishes are fritto misto; caramel-soft onion and cheese tart; crostini; quail terrine; fresh burrata (still one of the best in town); light pastas (squab-stuffed agnolotti with chanterelles or sheep’s-milk cheese ricotta with green tomato sauce); and tuscan porterhouse or suckling pig carved at tableside. Game birds and mixed grills are likely options, and Pastan is happily not in the habit of overcooking, either. after all that comes a fine bit of cheese. Pastan, co-founder of Pizzeria Paradiso and 2Amys, knows the value of a really good bread dough—more than one, in fact, as witnessed first off by the astonishingly light breadsticks.
Our Rating: 3 1/2 stars Address: 2029 P St NW Hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm Cost: Very Expensive Metro: Dupont Circle (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: Phillips Collection (0.2 miles)
How many times have you been eating sushi and thought 'man, I wish there was more?' We've all been there. Now Buredo solves that problem with burrito-sized sushi rolls. Yes, you heard right. These are real, good quality sushi rolls times 12. It's not going to be the best sushi you've ever had, but it's certainly tasty.
Our Rating: 2 1/2 stars Address: 1213 Connecticut Ave NW Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-7pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.3 miles), Phillips Collection (0.5 miles)
Hoagies, pickles, drinks....that's pretty much it. If you grew up in a town with a local sub shop, this is it, only probably better. Bub & Pop's is modeled on an old Philly hoagie place run by the owner/chef's grandparents and it nails every aspect of that kind of sandwich nook. It is not fine dining or fancy in any way and that's why we love it.
Our Rating: 4 stars Address: 1815 M St NW Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-4pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.3 miles), Phillips Collection (0.5 miles)
Warm, hummus-centered dishes served for weekday lunches only. If you like hummus you will like it, if not Little Sesame won't change your mind. It's good, freshly made hummus topped with equally fresh ingredients, but there's not much new ground broken. All the ingredients--and there aren't many--are things you would typically find with hummus. Frankly, we would prefer to see new and exciting pairings, but maybe we just don't love hummus enough.
Our Rating: 2 stars Address: 1306 18th St NW Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.3 miles), Phillips Collection (0.5 miles)
District Taco is a small, local chain that specializes in…wait for it…you’ll be shocked…tacos! District Taco reminds us of the chain version of a southern California taco shop, but more customizable. You can select your type of shell, meat, and toppings.
Our favorites are the chorizo and pollo asado. The quality of the ingredients is high, but watch the more out of the way (i.e. not downtown) branches later in the day; the proteins can get a little dried out if the turnover isn't high enough. The tacos cost $3 each, and there are a few ways to increase the price–$0.75 extra for carnitas or any premium topping including bacon and guacamole. We're never blown away by the food, but we find ourselves at a District Taco fairly often nonetheless.
Our Rating: 3 1/2 stars Address: 1919 M St NW Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; Sat-Sun 10am-9pm Metro: Farragut North - Red (0.3 miles)
Occasionally, when writing about Fast Casual dining we feel like our record is busted (kids, ask a hipster about what a record is). Let us know when this sounds familiar: you begin your meal here with a base of rice, noodles, or greens, then add meats, veggies, sauces, and spreads. Yep, it's another build your own place, this time for Southeast Asian/Thai cuisine.
Honestly, we can't even be mad that these places all sound so similar because they're all high-quality. The flavors of the food at Shophouse are outstanding and we always respect a restaurant that doesn't cool off their spice for the general public. On that note, beware when they say the Spicy Red Curry is 4 flames...it certainly is.
Our Rating: 3 1/2 stars Address: 1516 Connecticut Ave NW Hours: Daily 11am-10pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.1 miles) Nearby Attractions: Phillips Collection (0.2 miles)
This is where to go if you feel like something healthy or if you or a member of your party lean vegetarian. Sweetgreen specializes in salads including delicious warm bowls and many organic, locally grown veggies. They have a wonderful, rotating seasonal menu and the freshest ingredients. The lunch line can get pretty long, but the line moves quickly.
Our Rating: 3 1/2 stars Address: 1512 Connecticut Ave NW Hours: Daily 10:30am-10pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.1 miles) Nearby Attractions: Phillips Collection (0.2 miles)
Chef Jose Andres, who owns half of D.C.'s restaurants (Minibar, Jaleo, Oyamel among several others), also runs this fast casual mini-chain. This is his ode to market fresh vegetables and, although it claims to not necessarily a vegetarian spot, it is. Beefsteak flash prepares vegetables to prove that crisp, fresh ingredients is what makes the difference. They're right, you know. The vegetables are fantastic, although meat lovers will probably not be thrilled.
Our Rating: 3 stars Address: 1528 Connecticut Ave NW Hours: Daily 10:30am-10pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.1 miles) Nearby Attractions: Phillips Collection (0.2 miles)
This local chain of sandwich shops takes simple-sounding sandwiches, makes them from fresh, local ingredients, and adds a little bit of sophistication (yes, we consider brie sophisticated). The food at Taylor Gourmet is good, but not great, although definitely better quality than you'll find at a Subway. If you are craving a sandwich there is probably one close by, and even though they will run you up to $12 for a large, that's way less than you'll pay at any table service place (and most museum cafes).
Our Rating: 3 stars Address: 1200 19th St NW Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-7pm; Fri-Sat 11am-5pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.3 miles)
A build-you-own bowl chain specializing in Greek cuisine, Cava serves bright, vibrant food. You start with a base of greens, grains or a pita and add cheese, meats, spreads, veggies, and dressings. The combinations all seem to be pretty good (to the point that we have trouble deciding each and every time). What we are always pleasantly surprised by is the freshness and color of the food. You would think they artificially enhanced the look of the products--if they do we don't want to know, because it tastes so good.
Our only qualm is not something specific to Cava: it's the interior of the space. Like so many others, they went with a sparse, industrial look that makes the place feel cold and distant. We blame Chipotle.
Our Rating: 4 stars Address: 1222 Connecticut Ave NW Hours: Daily 11am-10pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.3 miles), Phillips Collection (0.5 miles)
You know those toasters that hotels have at their continental breakfast? The ones that are basically a metal conveyor belt under a heater? Well, that’s the central idea behind &pizza. You can either choose from a handful of pre-created pizza combos or create your own mixture from dozens of toppings. The pizza professionals pile them on top of the long, rectangular crust, then place the whole thing into the conveyor belt oven. About 5 minutes later you’ve got your personal pizza.
The toppings here seem fresh, and it's nice they add certain things (basil, goat cheese, balsamic, etc.) after the oven so that they stay flavorful. That said, the pizza itself is just okay–much more of a flatbread than a pizza. The place is clean, but it doesn't help that it’s very sparse and industrial looking.
Our Rating: 2 1/2 stars Address: 1215 Connecticut Ave NW Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-11pm; Thu 11am-3am; Fri-Sat 11am-4am Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.3 miles), Phillips Collection (0.5 miles)
This is a relatively large local chain with 25 restaurants around D.C. (and 6 in the Chicago area). At it’s heart, this is a restaurant that serves chicken (and salads and other things) for about $8-$14, but this is some pretty darn good chicken. The founder of the restaurant was blown away by a Portuguese restaurant in South Africa, and decided to bring that style (and its Peri-Peri sauce) to D.C. The restaurant itself is an odd combination of fast food and sit-down dining; you are seated at a table with a number, but order at a counter, and your food is delivered to your table.
Order something with Peri-Peri chicken–it's juicy, tender, and not overcooked–and comes with two sides for $12.65 (sides optional). Nando’s also has an alcohol license, so you can grab a beer if you like.
Our Rating: 4 1/2 stars Address: 1210 18th St NW Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm Metro: Dupont Circle - Red (0.2 miles) Nearby Attractions: National Geographic Museum (0.3 miles), Phillips Collection (0.5 miles)