Restaurant Experts Pick D.C.’s Best Dining Neighborhood

As per tradition, Eater asked a group of restaurant critics, journalists, bloggers, and friends of the site to weigh in on the year in food. Here are the geographic areas that caught their attention.

David Hagedorn, Arlington Magazine/Bethesda Magazine dining columnist: “My neighborhood, Adams Morgan, is in the middle of a tremendous resurgence. We have Lapis, Johnny’s Half-Shell, Mintwood Place, Perry’s, Pitango Gelato + Café, and Tail up Goat in just about one stretch, plus Federalist Pig, Donburi, Jack Rose and Dram and Grain. And the Line hotel on the verge of fully opening.”

Rina Rapuano, Zagat DC/freelance food writer: “U Street, the Wharf, Shaw, Penn Quarter.”

Don Rockwell, DC Dining: “Shaw and environs (I'll be surprised if this isn't unanimous).”

Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian food editor: “Shaw.”

Tim Carman, Washington Post food writer: “Shaw, without question. If one place is packed for the night, there are so many other options, each a destination of its own way: All-Purpose. The Dabney (my recent meal there was my best yet). Smoked & Stacked. Espita [Mezcaleria]. The Columbia Room. Tiger Fork. Convivial. I would also include such Ethiopian gems as CherCher and Queen of Sheba.”

Stefanie Gans, Northern Virginia Magazine restaurant critic and dining editor: “Barracks Row.”

Nevin Martell, DC Modern Luxury dining editor: “Anywhere but Silver Spring, where I live. Talk about a dining desert! Though I do have to give credit to Urban Butcher for being one of the few bright spots. Restaurateurs: please open some new spots out there. It's a well-educated, well-heeled community that's dying for new options.”

Laura Hayes, Washington City Paper food editor: “Shaw, 14th Street, Navy Yard.”

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post restaurant critic: “Mouthwatering Shaw has a potential rival in the Wharf.”

Lori Gardner, Been There, Eaten That: “The Wharf took D.C. by storm.”