Looking for a Bite to Eat in Dupont Circle?
High-spirited, vibrant Dupont Circle…a neighborhood we love to love. Are you ready to experience Dupont Circle restaurants? Whether you’re just passing through, or you live here, you’ll find the best restaurants in Dupont! This neighborhood is so full of fantastic restaurants and cafes that it can be difficult to choose where to eat.
To make it easier for you, we have listed some of our favorites.
If you can at least decide what kind of food you’re in the mood for, scroll down, and you’ll find our list of the best restaurants in Dupont Circle and an option that is sure to please.
While this list isn’t all-encompassing—Dupont Circle has far too many wonderful eateries to give them all credit—these are some of the absolute best restaurants in one of our favorite D.C. neighborhoods, and you have got to give them a try.
Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Dupont Circle.
Dupont Circle Seafood
If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, you couldn’t be in a better place—Dupont Circle has a lot of great seafood spots!
Check out these local options for the best shellfish, filets, and surf and turf the neighborhood has to offer.
Hank’s Oyster Bar
If you’re craving oysters, Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle is the original Hank’s that opened in 2005. Serving up their signature “urban beach food” like their famous shrimp po’boys, a wide variety of the freshest east and west coast oysters, and killer cocktails—we love the blood orange negroni!
On the weekends you can grab some shrimp and grits or crab cake eggs benedict during their weekend brunch hours.
They also have a generous selection of wine and cocktails, making it an ideal spot for some late-night dining in Dupont Circle, or, if you are hankering for some seafood but want to stay in—they have a great takeout menu too.
Grillfish
For those looking for a casual seafood option in Dupont, Grillfish will satiate your craving for oysters, crab cakes, and more in their laid-back atmosphere.
Offering a sustainable, locally sourced “seafood-centric” menu, Grillfish in Dupont is known for delicious entrees and five-star service—visitors and locals alike shouldn’t pass this one up.
Sushi Taro
If you’re looking for a spot in Dupont Circle to grab some fresh, delicious sushi, you’ll find what you’re looking for on 17th Street.
Sushi Taro serves a wide variety of well-prepared and presented sushi options as well as many non-sushi Japanese dishes.
Stop in for their generous lunch specials, and you’ll be eating some of the best sushi in D.C. at an unbeatable price!
Authentic Ethnic Options
DC is unmatched in local ethnic cuisine.
Whether you’re craving some international flavors, or you just want to try something new, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Dupont Circle.
Be sure to swing by these popular spots.
Zorba’s Cafe
This tiny cafe in an old townhouse just off Connecticut Avenue quickly became a local favorite for its delicious Greek cuisine.
Enjoy dishes like Gyros, Shish Kebabs, and Psaree Plake, as well as authentic Greek coffee.
If you’re looking for lunch places near Dupont Circle, this place has outdoor seating available, and it’s the perfect place to grab a bite and enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon.
Le Mirch
Le Mirch is a highly-regarded Indian food restaurant featuring an à la carte menu of traditional dishes. They have some yummy vegetarian options—we love the Vegetable Samosa and Vegetable Pakora—and a kick-ass Chicken Tikka Masala.
You can swing by for happy hour between 5 and 7 pm for the select drink and food specials.
The atmosphere is both intimate and casual, making it an ideal spot for all kinds of special occasions or just a satisfying meal.
Nando’s Peri-Peri
South of the Circle you’ll found Nando’s PERI-PERI offering authentic South African cuisine.
They have some tasty bowls (if you happen to be on a bowl kick) and salads like the Peri-Peri Chicken Tender Bowl, or the Heirloom, Halloumi & Chicken Salad. We love this place because you have the option to choose how spicy you want your dish.
This makes it an excellent choice for those groups who have different ideas about what it means to light a fire in your belly – especially if everyone can unite around the idea of excellent chicken!
Bangkok Thai Dining
If you’re in the mood for Thai Food, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t swing by this modest location on P Street.
Sometimes described as a “hole in the wall” this small location hosts some of the finest Southeast Asian cuisines you can find in the city. When we’re craving Pad Thai…Bangkok Thai in Dupont is our go-to! They’re great for take-out and delivery too if you don’t want to leave your couch on a Friday night.
Pub Food
Dupont Circle has some of the city’s best pubs. Whether you’re headed out to watch a game, catch up with old friends, or are looking to make some new ones, you can’t go wrong with any of the options below.
The Commodore
The Commodore has found a new home in Dupont Circle and we are so excited to have them in the neighborhood! D.C.’s “flagship 5-Star Dive Bar” offers up a fun bar-food menu with flatbreads, burgers, and more. We are obsessed with the Figgie Smalls Flatbread and their Tot-Chos. The menu alone is entertaining!
Whether you visit The Commodore for their Tuesday Night Trivia, weekend brunch, or are meeting friends any ol’ night of the week, you’ll be back for more.
Across the Pond
To the North of the Circle on Connecticut Avenue, those seeking an English-style pub will find Across the Pond. If you’re into Rugby, Soccer, or Football, Across the Pond keeps a viewing schedule right on their website.
Enjoy fish and chips, chicken pot pie, and other pub fares in a laid-back local bar atmosphere.
They have great daily specials including happy hour drink specials and $6 apps. Also, happy hour lasts until 8 pm making it a great place to have discounted drinks while spending an evening with a group of your close friends.
Lucky Bar
You should be feeling lucky because this bar is for you.
You’ll find the usual fare like chicken wings, cheesesteaks, and burgers. And tacos are only $1 on Tuesdays.
Football and Soccer fans will feel at home here, so stop in, catch a game, and take advantage of their daily drink specials.
Breakfast & Brunch
While many of the restaurants above are great places to grab breakfast or brunch, we want to highlight a few that are renowned in the Dupont area for outstanding early-morning to early-afternoon dining.
Tabard Inn Restaurant
This popular breakfast and brunch spot features a “homey” and rustic character while serving a wide variety of comfort food.
From fresh-made doughnuts to inspired vegetarian options, it stands as a general crowd-pleaser for any group of early birds.
From their Chicken & Churro Waffles with Chipotle Maple Syrup to their Warm Biscuits with Spiced Honey (yes, please!) Tabard Inn Restaurant may just be your new favorite brunch spot.
Boqueria
Although Boqueria is a delicious tapas spot great for gathering with friends after work, they offer an amazing weekend brunch.
Their free-flow beverages like mimosas, bloody marys, and sangria, and a delicious brunch menu, make it a great spot to meet friends for Sunday brunch. Some of our favorites—the Torrija, a caramelized french toast with citrus honey, and the Catalan Farmer’s Breakfast for when our appetite is fierce. They also offer their full tapas menu at every brunch.
Boqueria is a lively, hip restaurant you’ll want to check out if you haven’t already.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Dupont Circle Restaurants
Dupont Circle hosts many of the city’s most popular places to dine. From breakfast to late-night cocktails, there’s no shortage of options for those with even the most particular tastes.
We hope this guide helps you and your companions find the perfect spot to enjoy a flavorful and delicious meal here in Dupont Circle!
If you are wondering how to get around the neighborhood check out this Dupont Circle commuter guide.
If you’ve fallen in love with Dupont Circle and want to learn more about the best apartments in the area, check out The Rodney Apartments, The Sedgwick apartments, The Shelburne Apartments, or our other apartments around town.
We hope you enjoy your sunrises and sunsets in Washington D.C.– eat, drink and be merry!
es and sunsets in Washington DC– eat drink and be merry!
