DC Staycation: 6 Best Restaurant Week Gems to Try

Washington DC’s Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to experience some of the city’s top dining spots at an incredible value. With specially curated menus from award-winning chefs and a wide variety of cuisines, these six restaurant picks will make your staycation unforgettable.

1. Zaytinya

Zaytinya by chef José Andrés offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese dishes. Located in the heart of DC’s Penn Quarter, this popular spot delivers bold flavors in small mezze plates that are perfect for sharing. During Restaurant Week, Zaytinya offers a curated menu that lets you sample dishes like the crispy Brussels afelia, lamb kebabs, and decadent pistachio-studded baklava.

Staycation Tip: Zaytinya’s bright, airy dining space adds to the Mediterranean vibe—perfect for a leisurely, relaxed meal.

2. Estadio

Located in the Logan Circle neighborhood, Estadio serves up Spanish tapas in a lively, modern setting. Known for its extensive selection of small plates and unique cocktails, Estadio’s Restaurant Week menu usually includes favorites like the patatas bravas, lamb meatballs, and churros with chocolate sauce. It’s a great spot for those looking to explore authentic Spanish flavors without leaving DC.

Staycation Tip: Pair your meal with one of Estadio’s famous slushitos, a frozen cocktail inspired by traditional Spanish flavors.

3. Le Diplomate

A favorite in DC’s dining scene, Le Diplomate brings a taste of Paris to the District. This bustling French brasserie offers an authentic experience, complete with bistro classics like steak frites, escargot, and onion soup gratinée. Restaurant Week is the perfect time to experience this popular spot without breaking the bank, especially if you want to sample the famous bread basket with Normandy butter.

Staycation Tip: Request a seat on the outdoor patio for a charming, Parisian-style ambiance.

4. Daikaya

Daikaya is a ramen and izakaya spot known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and lively, casual vibe. The downstairs ramen shop serves up flavorful bowls of Sapporo-style ramen, while the upstairs izakaya offers small plates perfect for sharing. For Restaurant Week, Daikaya typically features a variety of dishes that showcase its creative Japanese flavors, making it a fun choice for a staycation meal with friends or family.

Staycation Tip: After your meal, take a stroll around Chinatown to enjoy DC’s vibrant nightlife.

5. Bresca

Bresca, a Michelin-starred restaurant on 14th Street, brings modern French-inspired cuisine to DC with a creative twist. Known for its innovative dishes and seasonal ingredients, Bresca’s Restaurant Week menu offers a sampling of its most popular plates, like the foie gras “PB&J” or the honey-lacquered duck. The intimate setting and artful presentations make Bresca ideal for a memorable, upscale staycation meal.

Staycation Tip: Make a reservation in advance, as Bresca’s Michelin status makes it a popular choice during Restaurant Week.

6. Blue Duck Tavern

Located in the West End, Blue Duck Tavern is celebrated for its farm-to-table American cuisine and sophisticated, rustic decor. Known for dishes like braised short rib, wood-fired vegetables, and classic apple pie, Blue Duck Tavern’s Restaurant Week menu features seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The open kitchen design lets you watch the chefs at work, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere.

Staycation Tip: Plan to linger with dessert and coffee—the apple pie is a must-try, especially for first-timers.

Tips for a Great Restaurant Week Staycation

• Book Ahead: Many of these popular restaurants fill up quickly during Restaurant Week, so make reservations in advance.
• Try a New Cuisine: Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore new flavors and dining styles without a big commitment.
• Make a Day of It: Pair your meal with a visit to a DC attraction, like a museum or park, to make the most of your staycation experience.

From Mediterranean tapas to French bistro classics, these six DC Restaurant Week spots offer a variety of flavors for every palate. A staycation centered around local dining is a fantastic way to enjoy the best of Washington DC’s culinary scene.

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