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Santa Rosa Taqueria made a triumphant return to Capitol Hill this spring.
Santa Rosa Taqueria

Where to Eat and Drink on Capitol Hill

The historic neighborhood near Congress is packed with prime dining options

by Tim Ebner, Missy Frederick, and Tierney Plumb Updated
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Santa Rosa Taqueria made a triumphant return to Capitol Hill this spring.
| Santa Rosa Taqueria
by Tim Ebner, Missy Frederick, and Tierney Plumb Updated

Though the typical tourist might envision Capitol Hill as a sea of government buildings, it’s also home to a strong constituency of reliable restaurants. The charming neighborhood, which includes hyperlocal pockets of Barracks Row, Eastern Market, and Hill East, is a top destination for stellar diners, homemade pastas, meaty subs, and everything in between.

Here are 18 must-try dining destinations on Capitol Hill.

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Manna Dosirak

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This mom-and-pop shop is a hidden gem in Kingman Park. The menu features affordable Korean dishes available for takeout or delivery, including mandu (Korean dumplings) and bulgogi bowls.

409 15th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 921-9456
(202) 921-9456
Manna Dosirak

Buffalo & Bergen - Capitol HIll

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Longtime D.C. mixologist Gina Chersevani pays homage to her native New York on Capitol Hill with a dream deli slinging bagels, matzo ball soup, knishes, and killer cocktails. Opt for takeout, patio seating, and indoor dining. The 3-year-old location builds upon the success of the original in Union Market.

240 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 525-3350
(202) 525-3350
The 27-seat operation with a minimalist retro design that pays homage to Dorothy Draper.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Nostra Cucina

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This is a proper red sauce joint serving up calamari, beef lasagna, eggplant Parm, and house-made pastas. Nostra Cucina is available for online pickup or delivery via Clover.

320 D St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 546-4522
(202) 546-4522
Pasta in a white bowl
Noodles by Nostra Cucina
Nostra Cucina

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Bistro Cacao

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After a decade in its cozy, historic Capitol Hill location, this modern French restaurant took over the space next door and expanded its patio two-fold. It’s a destination for diners during Saturday and Sunday brunch, who say the secret words (“cheers to the weekend”) to get a free mimosa as an on-again and off-again promotion.

316 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 546-4737
(202) 546-4737

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Tunnicliff's Tavern

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If you’re a local you go here to eat — especially if it’s a weekend for a reliable, no-frills brunch menu that includes a standout bloody mary and seafood dishes, like a salmon BLT, crab cakes, and tuna melt sandwich.

222 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-5680
(202) 544-5680
Steak and eggs on a white plate
Steak and eggs at Tunnicliff’s Tavern
Tunnicliff’s Tavern/Facebook

Market Lunch

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Located inside historic Eastern Market, Market Lunch is known for serving hearty breakfast and lunch platters. The blueberry buckwheat pancakes alone are worth the trip.

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 547-8444
(202) 547-8444
People eating breakfast food
Daytime essentials at Market Lunch
R. Lopez/Eater D.C.

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Santa Rosa Taqueria

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The cherished taco spot run by Sunnyside Restaurant Group (the team behind Good Stuff Eatery) resurfaced in a new location next to the original this spring. Head here for margaritas, al pastor carved from a gyro stick, and birria tacos made with cheesy pot roast and consomme.

301 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Fried shrimp tacos at Santa Rosa Taqueria.
Santa Rosa Taqueria

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eat brgz

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Inventive patties and mouthwatering milkshakes make this an excellent destination when a burger craving hits. Eat Brgz creates each patty to-order with toppings grilled into the bun. Try the Mexico City — a chorizo patty stuffed with red onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, Oaxaca cheese, and taco seasoning. A second D.C. location recently opened in Penn Quarter.

250 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 450-5074
(202) 450-5074

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The Duck & The Peach

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This restaurant evokes California’s farm-to-table spirit, alongside wines sourced from around the world. The roast chicken would make Ina Garten cry. And definitely save room for chocolate milk pie and apple caramel cake prepared by its talented pastry chef Rochelle Cooper. Consider its sleek, next-door sibling La Collina for standout Italian dishes like cacio e pepe, dry-aged beef carpaccio, and arancini bambini, along with grapefruit-accented negronis by the pitcher.

300 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 431-1913
(202) 431-1913

Also featured in:

La Casina DC

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Culinary couple Angela and Fabrizio Costantini relocated from Rome to bring D.C. a true taste of Italy with the opening of La Casina last summer. The family-friendly restaurant specializes in the Roman art of cloud-like “pinsa” pizza that’s curiously crispy on the outside but super soft in the center.

327 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 516-5100
(202) 516-5100

Barrel

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Home to an impressive collection of whiskeys, Barrel serves hearty dishes like smoked andouille sausage and spicy peri peri wings. Head downstairs for a fun Saved by the Bell-themed pop-up through the year. The team also runs nearby wine bar the Eastern.

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-3622
(202) 543-3622

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Joselito Casa de Comidas

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This restaurant from the owners of SER in Ballston specializes in Spanish cuisine, including salt cod, Iberian ham, and fried anchovies. Sidewalk dining has since been added and orders and available for pickup and takeout.

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 930-6955
(202) 930-6955
Joselito DC dining room R. Lopez

Beuchert’s Saloon

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This bar and restaurant offers seasonal and decadent dishes with flair, including an oversized bone marrow dish and a foie gras ice cream pie with graham cracker crust, rhubarb jam and metallic sprinkles. The bar serves satisfying whiskey and bourbon cocktails at the watch of two bison heads mounted to the backbar. Chef Andrew Markert just expanded his neighborhood reach with the opening of hip sub shop and cocktail bar Fight Club.

623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 733-1384
(202) 733-1384

Also featured in:

Belga Cafe/The Betsy

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A Barracks Row pioneer, Belga Cafe attracts crowds for pots of mussels and frites. During warmer months, head to the rooftop and hit up the Betsy. Named after chef Bart Vandaele’s favorite pet chicken, the bar specializes in gin drinks.

514 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 544-0100
(202) 544-0100
A waffle on a white plate
A sweet and savory waffle at Belga Cafe
Belga Cafe

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Ambar (Multiple locations)

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Restaurateur Ivan Iricanin’s flagship Balkan restaurant got a recent renovation to the tune of a $3 million upgrade. Go for kebabs, brunch, and rakia. Ambar crowds swell on weekends for the all-you-can-eat brunch menu.

523 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 813-3039
(202) 813-3039
Flatbread from Ambar
Ambar [official site]

Also featured in:

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Mangialardo & Sons

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This family-owned Italian deli has acquired a serious local following for its meaty subs. Its most famous sandwich, the “G” Man, comes with ham, salami, mortadella, pepperoni, fontina cheese, provolone cheese, and oregano. Pickup wraps at 2:30 p.m. and delivery stops at 3 p.m.

1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-6212
(202) 543-6212

Rose's Luxury

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The Michelin-rated mainstay plays to its strengths with dishes so popular they’ve been on the menu since day one — like the pork lychee salad. Rose’s pokes fun at this fact with a “NOT the pork and lychee salad” — a Brussels and prosciutto salad topped with Campari hollandaise sauce. This is an excellent spot to book for shared plates, with a rooftop garden to boot. Each diner picks a “choose your own adventure” approach with two dishes to share for the table. Its popular “Rose’s at Home” pandemic offshoot delivers three-course dinners.

717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 742-3570
(202) 742-3570

Also featured in:

The Roost

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This culinary clubhouse is home to some amazing vendors including Cameo Coffee, Hi-Fi Taco, and Shelter — a craft beer bar featuring brews from the Navy Yard’s Bluejacket Brewery. It’s also a food hall where you can order from your phone and dishes are delivered directly to your table — making for a seamless, no-wait-in-line experience. At the Roost’s acclaimed sit-down restaurant Caruso’s Grocery, everything from the chicken Parmigiana to the slightly-faded red booths is meant to feel like an old-school red sauce joint.

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 661-0142
(202) 661-0142
A plate of sushi rolls from Ako by Kenaki Stacey Windsor/For the Roost

Also featured in:

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Manna Dosirak

409 15th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

This mom-and-pop shop is a hidden gem in Kingman Park. The menu features affordable Korean dishes available for takeout or delivery, including mandu (Korean dumplings) and bulgogi bowls.

409 15th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 921-9456
(202) 921-9456
Manna Dosirak

Buffalo & Bergen - Capitol HIll

240 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Longtime D.C. mixologist Gina Chersevani pays homage to her native New York on Capitol Hill with a dream deli slinging bagels, matzo ball soup, knishes, and killer cocktails. Opt for takeout, patio seating, and indoor dining. The 3-year-old location builds upon the success of the original in Union Market.

240 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 525-3350
(202) 525-3350
The 27-seat operation with a minimalist retro design that pays homage to Dorothy Draper.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Nostra Cucina

320 D St NE, Washington, DC 20002

This is a proper red sauce joint serving up calamari, beef lasagna, eggplant Parm, and house-made pastas. Nostra Cucina is available for online pickup or delivery via Clover.

320 D St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 546-4522
(202) 546-4522
Pasta in a white bowl
Noodles by Nostra Cucina
Nostra Cucina

Bistro Cacao

316 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

After a decade in its cozy, historic Capitol Hill location, this modern French restaurant took over the space next door and expanded its patio two-fold. It’s a destination for diners during Saturday and Sunday brunch, who say the secret words (“cheers to the weekend”) to get a free mimosa as an on-again and off-again promotion.

316 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 546-4737
(202) 546-4737

Tunnicliff's Tavern

222 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

If you’re a local you go here to eat — especially if it’s a weekend for a reliable, no-frills brunch menu that includes a standout bloody mary and seafood dishes, like a salmon BLT, crab cakes, and tuna melt sandwich.

222 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-5680
(202) 544-5680
Steak and eggs on a white plate
Steak and eggs at Tunnicliff’s Tavern
Tunnicliff’s Tavern/Facebook

Market Lunch

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Located inside historic Eastern Market, Market Lunch is known for serving hearty breakfast and lunch platters. The blueberry buckwheat pancakes alone are worth the trip.

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 547-8444
(202) 547-8444
People eating breakfast food
Daytime essentials at Market Lunch
R. Lopez/Eater D.C.

Santa Rosa Taqueria

301 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

The cherished taco spot run by Sunnyside Restaurant Group (the team behind Good Stuff Eatery) resurfaced in a new location next to the original this spring. Head here for margaritas, al pastor carved from a gyro stick, and birria tacos made with cheesy pot roast and consomme.

301 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Fried shrimp tacos at Santa Rosa Taqueria.
Santa Rosa Taqueria

eat brgz

250 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Inventive patties and mouthwatering milkshakes make this an excellent destination when a burger craving hits. Eat Brgz creates each patty to-order with toppings grilled into the bun. Try the Mexico City — a chorizo patty stuffed with red onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, Oaxaca cheese, and taco seasoning. A second D.C. location recently opened in Penn Quarter.

250 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 450-5074
(202) 450-5074

The Duck & The Peach

300 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

This restaurant evokes California’s farm-to-table spirit, alongside wines sourced from around the world. The roast chicken would make Ina Garten cry. And definitely save room for chocolate milk pie and apple caramel cake prepared by its talented pastry chef Rochelle Cooper. Consider its sleek, next-door sibling La Collina for standout Italian dishes like cacio e pepe, dry-aged beef carpaccio, and arancini bambini, along with grapefruit-accented negronis by the pitcher.

300 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 431-1913
(202) 431-1913

La Casina DC

327 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Culinary couple Angela and Fabrizio Costantini relocated from Rome to bring D.C. a true taste of Italy with the opening of La Casina last summer. The family-friendly restaurant specializes in the Roman art of cloud-like “pinsa” pizza that’s curiously crispy on the outside but super soft in the center.

327 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 516-5100
(202) 516-5100

Barrel

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Home to an impressive collection of whiskeys, Barrel serves hearty dishes like smoked andouille sausage and spicy peri peri wings. Head downstairs for a fun Saved by the Bell-themed pop-up through the year. The team also runs nearby wine bar the Eastern.

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-3622
(202) 543-3622

Joselito Casa de Comidas

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

This restaurant from the owners of SER in Ballston specializes in Spanish cuisine, including salt cod, Iberian ham, and fried anchovies. Sidewalk dining has since been added and orders and available for pickup and takeout.

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 930-6955
(202) 930-6955
Joselito DC dining room R. Lopez

Beuchert’s Saloon

623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

This bar and restaurant offers seasonal and decadent dishes with flair, including an oversized bone marrow dish and a foie gras ice cream pie with graham cracker crust, rhubarb jam and metallic sprinkles. The bar serves satisfying whiskey and bourbon cocktails at the watch of two bison heads mounted to the backbar. Chef Andrew Markert just expanded his neighborhood reach with the opening of hip sub shop and cocktail bar Fight Club.

623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 733-1384
(202) 733-1384

Belga Cafe/The Betsy

514 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

A Barracks Row pioneer, Belga Cafe attracts crowds for pots of mussels and frites. During warmer months, head to the rooftop and hit up the Betsy. Named after chef Bart Vandaele’s favorite pet chicken, the bar specializes in gin drinks.

514 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 544-0100
(202) 544-0100
A waffle on a white plate
A sweet and savory waffle at Belga Cafe
Belga Cafe

Ambar (Multiple locations)

523 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Restaurateur Ivan Iricanin’s flagship Balkan restaurant got a recent renovation to the tune of a $3 million upgrade. Go for kebabs, brunch, and rakia. Ambar crowds swell on weekends for the all-you-can-eat brunch menu.

523 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 813-3039
(202) 813-3039
Flatbread from Ambar
Ambar [official site]

Related Maps

Mangialardo & Sons

1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

This family-owned Italian deli has acquired a serious local following for its meaty subs. Its most famous sandwich, the “G” Man, comes with ham, salami, mortadella, pepperoni, fontina cheese, provolone cheese, and oregano. Pickup wraps at 2:30 p.m. and delivery stops at 3 p.m.

1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-6212
(202) 543-6212

Rose's Luxury

717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

The Michelin-rated mainstay plays to its strengths with dishes so popular they’ve been on the menu since day one — like the pork lychee salad. Rose’s pokes fun at this fact with a “NOT the pork and lychee salad” — a Brussels and prosciutto salad topped with Campari hollandaise sauce. This is an excellent spot to book for shared plates, with a rooftop garden to boot. Each diner picks a “choose your own adventure” approach with two dishes to share for the table. Its popular “Rose’s at Home” pandemic offshoot delivers three-course dinners.

717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 742-3570
(202) 742-3570

The Roost

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

This culinary clubhouse is home to some amazing vendors including Cameo Coffee, Hi-Fi Taco, and Shelter — a craft beer bar featuring brews from the Navy Yard’s Bluejacket Brewery. It’s also a food hall where you can order from your phone and dishes are delivered directly to your table — making for a seamless, no-wait-in-line experience. At the Roost’s acclaimed sit-down restaurant Caruso’s Grocery, everything from the chicken Parmigiana to the slightly-faded red booths is meant to feel like an old-school red sauce joint.

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 661-0142
(202) 661-0142
A plate of sushi rolls from Ako by Kenaki Stacey Windsor/For the Roost

Related Maps