Italian – Grazie Mille

Trendy and chic, Grazie Mille, located behind its sister venue, Grazie Nonna, is already a hit amongst locals. Low lighting, invigorating tunes, and an opulent décor create a fun and energetic vibe at this bar/restaurant. For a dreamy vegetarian dish to pair with one of their sensational drinks, try the stracciatella. Served with sweet, garlicky roasted tomatoes and a hunk of chewy bread, the creamy cheese is sinfully good. As noted, drinks are great; I recommend the Vatican, a bright, boozy martini, as well as a glass of their rose Lambrusco. Gather with friends at the bar or in their cozy circular booths over drinks, drinks and snacks, or a full-on dinner – just be sure to get the stracciatella!

Mexican – Amparo Fondita

This long-awaited Mexican spot is officially open in Dupont Circle, and reservations are already getting booked up. Come to Amparo Fondita for the herbed guacamole and margaritas, and stay for the decadent corn quesadillas stuffed with cheese and huitlacoche, the potato and chard tacos, and the chile relleno, doused in a spicy tomato infused salsa frontera. For dessert, don’t skip the luscious, coffee-flavored flan.

African – Almeda

Located in the same spot as former hotspots Himitsu, Pom-Pom, and Little Vietnam, Almeda serves up a small but delightful menu with a memorable vegetarian jollof rice risotto, which is warm and creamy, topped with crunchy peanuts for texture and pickled plantains for a tart note.

Vietnamese – Muoi Tieu

Formerly a food truck, Muoi Tieu moved into their Takoma Park brick and mortar in late 2023 and just recently opened their doors to the public in January 2024. Muoi Tieu is another new restaurant offering vegetarian dishes packed with flavor. The menu is mini but with several tempting vegetarian items, including crispy, savory spring rolls filled with shiitake mushrooms, crispy cabbage, lettuce, slivered carrots, sweet jicama, and fresh herbs. From there, try the steamed rice cakes topped with tofu, a turmeric-infused vegan crepe filled with mushrooms, or the vegan pho.

Spanish – Casa Teresa

Feast on all the veggie tapas at Casa Teresa, which range from garlicky Catalan tomato bread, grilled veggies served with a nutty Romanesco sauce, piquillo peppers, crispy and addictive patatas fritas, roasted eggplant drizzled in a sherry dressing. Pair your dishes with a sherry or vermouth from the extensive list or a bottle of Spanish wine.

D.C. Restaurants with Vegetarian Dishes: Practical Tips

Maybe you’re already a vegetarian, or perhaps you want to eat more vegetarian dishes while dining out. Here are some tips: For a seamless vegetarian dining experience, start by identifying vegetarian options on the menu, often marked or in a separate section. If you need help, ask the staff about ingredients and see if they can make any substitutions. Happy veggie eating!

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From restaurants to bakeries, there’s something for every foodie at every price point at our nation’s capital. These small businesses not only have delicious edible gift ideas, but they give a personal touch when looking for the perfect gift.

Dining Traveler’s Edible Gift Ideas:

For the foodie history lover:  Carpe DC Food Tours.  If you have a special person in your life who a. loves food and b. loves history.  I took this tour this past fall and learned so much about the U Street/Shaw area.  Although I know the U Street area well, I was still able to discover some hidden gems on the tour.  One of the things I enjoyed the most about the tour was the effort placed on local-owned restaurants such as &Pizza and Ben’s Chili Bowl.  Order your gift certificate here.

For the Italia lover:  Via Umbria.  I had the chance to sit down with the team at Via Umbria and learn about their story before they opened their beautiful culinary and retail space in Georgetown.  Suzy Menard, one of the proprietors fell in love with Italy when she and her husband, Bill lived there as newlyweds.  Decades and numerous trips later, they decided to open via Umbria where they offer cooking classes, food to go, and hand-selected items predominantly from the Umbria region of Italy.  Suzy’s edible gift ideas:  Panettone, or “big bread,”  (holiday tradition in Italy), Torrone (nougat) and of course, Italian wine.

For the cookie lover:  Hollin Hall Pastry Shop.  When in doubt, gift beautiful cookies. When chatting with Alexandria’s Hollin Hall’s pastry chef, Nadia Patnode, she says her number one requested item is cookies-and dozens of them. Last minute gift?  Although a pre-order is the most efficient, they team at Hollin Hall still bakes plenty of cookies for an at-store pickup.  Not a cookie fan?  Chef Nadia recommends the Yule logs, spongy cake filled with delicious chocolate frosting.

For those hard to find European ingredients:  Mediterranean Way.  Owners Niko and Oana hand pick their selection of olive oils, balsamic vinegar (Oana actually lived in Modena), cheese, and other edible delights.  Niko, a Greek native walks customers through their extensive olive oil selection.  Niko’s edible gift ideas:  two of the Greek products they import exclusively: a small organic honey producer, Stayia Farm who makes an organic thyme honey with Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, and Arom Orange Jam which is handmade on the island of Syros, Greece.  A delicious and original gift choice.

For the spirit lover: Don Ciccio e Figli.  I enjoy concluding a dinner party with a nice digestif.  Since living here in DC,  I have served Don Ciccio e Figli to plenty of parties as I have had it gifted to me by several friends. Nice friends I have!  Not only delicious, this is local-made limoncello, distilled right in our nation’s capital. Looking for something fun to do with your visitors during the holidays?  Don Ciccio & Figli has a beautiful tasting room that is open for tours.

Grand Cata

For the wine lover: When I talk about edible gifts in DC, I also mean wine. Because grapes are a food group, right? I love giving wine and spirits as gifts. Gran Cata Wine Co is a beautifully designed wine shop in the heart of Shaw. Last year, I went to Pedro (one of the founders) looking for a special bourbon for the Dutchman. He took his time going over his picks based on my budget and recommended Eagle Rare Bourbon and I won Christmas! Their specialty is Latin American, Spanish, and Portuguese wine. However, they have an extensive selection of small-batch spirits and craft beers from around the world.

Bazaar Spices

For the home cook: A spice kit from local-owned Bazaar Spices is a great idea for your favorite home cook. If you have a friend who loves to experiment with new recipes, this is perfect for them. They offer a wide range of customized gifts with spices, grains, herbs, and specialty flours. Stop by their shop at Atlantic Plumbing to pick up or shop online.

Joseph Magnus Bourbon

For the lover of luxury spirits: I am not a big Bourbon fan BUT for Joseph Magnus Bourbon, I make an exception. I recently had a taste of their local made Bourbon and was sold. This month, Jos. A. Magnus & Co. will be releasing 10 specially curated gift sets which are perfect for a top client or a very special person in your life.

Each unique set includes 4 whiskey glasses, a sleek branded flask and 3 bourbons (Joseph Magnus Bourbon, Murray Hill Club Blended Bourbon, and a Cigar Blend Bourbon; ranging from Batch 1 to 10.)  Each collectible, one-of-a-kind set values between $500 to $750 based on the batch number. Bonus: the local distillery is available for tastings.

Cake, cookies, wine, bourbon…oh my! You can’t go wrong with a yummy treat as a holiday gift! What are your edible gift ideas for the DC foodie?

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The Scene

The Lafayette is an elegant refined, and quiet, perfect for a breakfast meeting or breakfast date. (Yes breakfast dates are a thing!) White tablecloths, excellent service, and a display of breakfast pastries make for a great backdrop for conversation. It’s also a wonderful venue for dining if you are visiting DC and want to check out one of the city’s best fine dining options.

The Food

There are so many tempting choices on The Lafayette’s breakfast menu, you will have a hard time picking just one item! Definitely start with a pastry: the cranberry bread is rustic and earthy, the almond pastry is sweet and buttery, and the scones are dense and savory. Then, move on to an entree. The eggs benedict are smothered in an oh-so-creamy hollandaise sauce, and the bagel comes with a perfectly boiled egg, tomatoes, capers, and cream cheese. For something truly decadent, get the oatmeal souffle. It has a crisp top and gooey, melted center that is reminiscent of cookie dough. The smooth berry sauce on the side is bright, sweet and tart. Be sure to enjoy the restaurant’s coffee and one of their wonderful fresh squeezed juices: the watermelon juice is especially addictively refreshing.

The Lafayette: Verdict

The Lafayette offers a breakfast that is bound to impressive anyone. Make sure you have a reservation; the restaurant is well-known for its good food and it is often completely booked, even for breakfast.

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Getting There:

Whether you’re spending a day or a weekend at National Harbor, it’s pretty easy to get there. It’s a 10 minute drive from Alexandria, VA, 25 minutes from Downtown DC, and an hour from Baltimore. It is also pretty accessible by Metro/Bus from Washington, DC, taking around 50 minutes to get there. A car is not necessary at National Harbor as there is a circulator that takes you to the Tanger Outlets, the Gaylord Convention Center, and the MGM hotel.  More details on how to get around here.

What to Do:

There’s plenty to do during a weekend at National Harbor. From gambling at the new MGM Casino to the Capital Wheel, there’s enough to keep the family busy. Here are some highlights of what we did during our getaway:

Capital Wheel: I don’t even remember the last time I was on a ferris wheel! This was a great experience to do with the family or as a romantic moment. Given that our trip was in the heart of winter, the lines were short and we had a carriage all to ourselves. I enjoyed taking in the views of National Harbor from the Capital Wheel.

Shopping: Make sure to make room in your luggage for shopping! Let’s start with the Tanger Outlets. No need to travel far from the city to get your outlet fix! So excited to see that some of my favorites: DVF, Tahari, and Nike have stores at the Tanger Outlets.  The Waterfront area is also home to great shopping as well with a good mix of national brands and local shops. Stay warm with sweaters and beanies from Carhartt and contemporary fashion from one of my local favorites, South Moon Under. Side note: I didn’t know Carhartt had such cute baby stuff, a must shop if you’re looking for cute and functional cold weather gear for tots.

Potomac Riverboat: We were bummed when we found out that Potomac Riverboat was closed for the season. If you read this blog frequently, you know I LOVE a boat ride. I can’t wait to return to go on the Mount Vernon boat tour.

Where to Eat:

When spending a weekend at National Harbor, bring your appetite! There’s so many places to eat and for every taste. Some culinary highlights:

Granite City Brewery: For a casual meal, head to Granite City Brewery. They have an onsite brewery and a wide selection of beers to choose from. The beer selection ranges from a light pilsner to a chocolatey stout. If you can’t make up your mind, they have beer flights with a sampler of their offerings. The highlight of our meal were the pulled pork nachos. Sooo decadent but sooo good! What makes Granite City a great stop, especially for families is the service. Everybody was super friendly and accommodating as we were dining with an infant. Local Tip: My friend who works at National Harbor recommends their margaritas for happy hour!

Portum at Harborside Hotel: This restaurant is a hidden gem. Located at the newly renovated Harborside Hotel, Portum offers a unique and refined menu. I indulged in a succulent lamb shank as the meat just fell off the bone. Away from the crowds of the Waterfront, this space makes for quiet yet delicious culinary experience.

Old Hickory Steakhouse: What makes Old Hickory interesting is the contrast of navigating through the maze that is Gaylord Hotel to this cozy dining space. This is perfect for a romantic dinner or a business meeting.

MGM National Harbor:

The culinary offerings at the MGM National Harbor are worth the trip! Bonus: the parking at MGM is still free! Make sure to head to Jose Andres’ newest restaurant, Fish. The restaurant features local seafood items from the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay. Dining Traveler Tip: book a table at their kitchen bar to witness the culinary magic!  The Voltaggio Brother’s Steakhouse is also a culinary experience to be had. The highlight of dining at Voltaggio Brothers was the service. I’ve never encountered a staff who knew their menu as well as at this location. Must add the brunch buffet at Marcus by Marcus Samuelsson to your weekend at National Harbor itinerary. The quality and selection of the food, especially for a buffet is exceptional.  More about the MGM culinary experience coming up soon!

Where to Stay:

For this getaway, we stayed at Harborside Hotel, a newly renovated boutique hotel in Oxon Hill, MD. Although the hotel is not located directly in the waterfront, they do offer a free shuttle from the hotel to MGM, Tanger Outlets, and National Harbor Waterfront. The staff is super friendly, rooms are large and comfy, their restaurant Portum is excellent, and there’s free parking. Aside from experiencing National Harbor, this hotel is a great choice for families who want to visit the DC area who can use a larger room and free parking without the hassle of the city. My only point for improvement was the breakfast. The selection was quite limited as we waited 30 minutes for sausage and bacon to be refilled at the buffet. To be objective, that weekend there was a cheerleading competition at National Harbor and the hotel was filled with hungry teenagers!

Weekend at National Harbor: The Verdict

Whether you live in DC or you’re visiting the area from abroad, make National Harbor part of your itinerary.  Whether it’s been a short visit or a weekend stay, one thing is consistent: the staff at National Harbor is superb. From the friendly note from our housekeeper at the Harborside hotel to the staff at Granite City going out of their way to make sure our baby was comfortable, we encountered lovely people every step of our staycation! At every stop, we’ve encountered exceptional service from a vibrant and diverse staff. It truly reflects the richness of metro Washington, DC area.

Disclaimer: This experience was partially sponsored by National Harbor CVB. However opinions are my own and I have been to National Harbor several times on my own before this weekend staycation experience. 

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As a writer for the Dining Traveler, you can imagine that I love to travel largely in order to sample the delicious and authentic cuisines of other countries. Luckily, in DC we have a great deal of fantastic international fare so even if I can’t travel, I can sample the dishes of other countries in my own city. One of the cuisines that the city has been lacking for some time however is good, spicy Chinese food. Yes, there are great spots in Virginia and Rockville, but sometimes you just want to eat close to home.  Luckily for me, right around the time that I was craving a meal of good Chinese food, a new Chinese restaurant opened  in Shaw, Chao Ku. I immediately went for a visit and discovered that I now have a new favorite spot for Chinese food in Washington, DC.

Chao Ku and it is nestled among the row houses lining the 9th Street Corridor. The menu is small but full of gems. Indoors the venue is small but cute, with a casual, low-maintenance vibe. I went with a group of friends, and we vowed to share all our dishes so we could try as much as possible! We started out our meal with a tart pickle plate and a refreshing cucumber salad, to wet our palates, and then, moved on to the real stuff.

First and foremost the veggie dan dan noodles are absolutely essential to your meal at Chao Ku. The handmade noodles come in a spectacularly spicy, sesame oil-infused sauce, then sprinkled with loads of peanuts, shards of radishes, and spring onions. The chewy noodles just soak up the gorgeous sauce, and are a perfect contrast to the crunchy toppings. The dish is just so good. Another highlight is the mapo tofu, brutally spicy and bursting with flavor. The cubes of tofu soak up the sauce and just melt in your mouth. Be sure to eat the tofu with the mound of rice the dishes comes with, it will offset the heat a little bit! A cold beer will help as well, the restaurant has plenty you can choose from. For something with less heat try the Singapore noodles, which have more of a curry flavor than a heat index. Fragrant and warm, with notes of turmeric and cumin, with the addition of sweet, bright, crunchy vegetables like broccolini, it hits the spot.

The Verdict: Chao Ku is officially the new best cheap eats in the city. Reservations aren’t need for now; be sure to go before everyone discovers this spot and there is a line out the door! Note: after Dining Traveler Jessica read this draft, she made the beeline to Chao Ku, she concurs!

Chao Ku, 1414 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, Website 

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The Property:  I’ll be honest, I am not a big fan of large hotels, but the Grand Hyatt DC does it right.  The big skylight in the lobby brings in the natural light, making you feel suddenly happy. Although the hotel was crowded with conference groups, check-in was a breeze and once we entered our room, we were in our little oasis, a quiet space from the madness that is downtown Washington, DC.

The Location:  The Grand Hyatt DC is ideal for those who want to discover all the main attractions of Washington, DC by foot or public transportation.   There’s a metro stop adjacent to the hotel on the blue line which takes you to all the key sightseeing spots of the area from the Arlington National Cemetery to Capitol Hill.  One of my favorite places in the city right now is City Center DC, a new luxury shopping and restaurant area, which in conveniently located in front of the hotel.  Don’t miss the aperitivo happy hour at Fig & Olive, indulge at Centrolina, a new Italian restaurant by chef Amy Brandwein, and treat yourself to cake at Raresweets, a local favorite.  For the lovers of art, the National Portrait Gallery is a short walk away or wander on a cool summer night at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art.

The Rooms:  We were fortunate to be upgraded to a suite, which was fantastic as it had a separate dining and living area with a spacious bathroom and closet space.  Perfect bridal suite or for a business meeting as my husband suggested.  The bed was plush and comfortable; it was hard not to sleep in! All in the details: I am a sucker for good toiletries in hotel rooms.  I was thrilled to see not only bath toiletries but also facial care products.

The Amenities:  The Grand Hyatt DC has a club level, which allows club members and guests staying at the club floor access to continental breakfast, snacks, and a cocktail hour.  If you indulge too much (so easy to do in Downtown DC),  there’s a well-equipped fitness center and pool at the hotel.  Although the hotel doesn’t offer a spa, they do have treatment rooms at the fitness center where they provide massages.  I had an epic prenatal massage during my stay.

The Food: I am obsessed with hotel breakfasts.  I am not an early riser but if I am traveling for work and I see a good breakfast buffet I WILL wake up early for it.  The breakfast at the Grand Hyatt DC Cabinet Restaurant delivered.  There was something for every palate offered at the buffet.  It had an extensive fruit selection, hot and warm cereals, omelet station, and everything in between.  The best part is that the buffet, which includes unlimited juice and coffee is $25, which is an excellent price point in DC. Dutchman and I discussed returning there just for the breakfast.   Although the food was yummy, our highlight was the service: the wait staff was super friendly with all of the guests.

The Verdict:  Looking for a hotel in downtown DC with access to shopping, public transportation, good food?  This is it.  Grand Hyatt DC strikes a great balance between great business and leisure hotel with its excellent hotel and amenities.  Dining Traveler Tip:  Sign up to become a Hyatt Gold Passport member in order to get up to 10% off on your next booking.  Booking before July 31st? Get 15% off your stay before September 10th!

Grand Hyatt, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C., USA, 20001; Website: http://washingtondc.grand.hyatt.com/

Disclaimer: I was graciously hosted by Grand Hyatt DC but as always, opinions are my own.

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Millian Palma, the manager at Melrose Georgetown Hotel The Lounge Bar was gracious enough to share his cherry blossom cocktail recipe with us.  Even if you live miles away from Washington, DC, you can bring a bit of the cherry blossom spirit to your party.

Cherry Blossom Cocktail Recipe: Blossomtini at Melrose Hotel Georgetown 

Put all the ingredients in a mixing glass except the beer and garnish, shake it very well. Pour it into a chilled cocktail glass, add beer and garnishes and cheers to blossoms!

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Dining Traveler Guide to Fine Dining in Washington, DC:

Oval Room:  The Oval Room, just steps from the White House, is one of my favorite restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion dinner. I also love going there for a late lunch for their $20 bar lunch special.  Executive Chef John Melfi always prepares the most beautiful dishes.  Think crispy salmon skin presented with roasted beets, warm chestnut volute, and house made pasta with black truffle garnish.  Oval Room: 800 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC 20017

Casa Luca:  As temperatures drop, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty plate of pasta.  At this stylish Downtown restaurant, Chef Erin Clarke makes a beautiful homemade pappardelle and gnocchi laced with a rich wild boar ragu. Clarke then tops off this gorgeous dish with freshly sliced truffles that take you on a culinary journey to Italy. Casa Luca: 1099 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

 1789:  This Georgetown restaurant is the epitome of fine dining in Washington, DC. Its cozy décor reminds me of a gasthaus in Germany with wooden furniture and warm colors. Most recently, I had the chance to indulge in Chef Samuel Kim inventive fall menu (think venison loin, guinea hen and warm baked apple stuffed with walnuts). 1789 Restaurant:  1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

The Lafayette Restaurant:  If you are looking for the ultimate luxurious dining experience, book a table at The Lafayette Restaurant at the Hay Adams Hotel. It has crisp white linens, delicate crystal chandeliers and an attentive wait staff. There, Chef Jaime Montes de Oca cooks smoked squab with Sicilian pistachio puree, candied figs and lemon thyme. The sweet figs with the smoked squab pairs perfectly. The Lafayette Restaurant, 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006. 

Blue Duck Tavern:  There’s a reason why this restaurant is one of the top picks when it comes to fine dining in Washington, DC.  There’s an impeccable attention to detail in everything they make-the restaurant even makes its own butter, buttermilk, and even some of its cheese.  The culinary team always takes the dishes to the next level.  Although dinner is beautifully decadent, I believe their best kept secret is their breakfast.  With its freshly pressed juices, smoked salmon and truffled eggs, it’s the perfect way to start the day.  Blue Duck Tavern: 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Fiola:  When you step into Fiola, you are taken by the gorgeous dining room with rustic walls which remind you of being in a château cellar in Italy.  The wait staff is impeccably dressed in tailored white jackets and sharp neckties.  Even if you indulge in their delicious pasta, make sure to save room for dessert!  I had their candied pumpkin rolled in espresso and sugar. Amazing!  Fiola: 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

701:  Although 701 is known as a business restaurant, it is a hidden gem of fine dining in Washington, DC.  Executive Chef Ben Lambert brings amazing creativity to its menu with dishes such as savory carrot funnel cake or lobster bucatini (my favorite).  The restaurant was recently renovated, the highlight is the installation of the cracked gold eggs designed by Martin Vahtra.  701 Restaurant: 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Muze at Mandarin Oriental:   I recently dined at Muze in good company: had the opportunity to sit alongside Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux as he promoted his new book, The Essence of French Cooking.  There, I really got to see the magic that happens behind the scenes at Muze, all withthe top-notch service that the Mandarin Oriental brand is known for.  With its inconspicuous location married with some of the best views of the city, the Mandarin Oriental makes a great fine dining escape, even if it’s just for lunch.

The fact you can take a post-dinner stroll by the White House or the National Portrait Gallery or wander through Georgetown after indulging in the perfect meal makes the city a beautiful setting for a special occasion dinner.  Whether it is Valentine’s Day, a birthday, anniversary, or a professional achievement, there’s plenty of places to choose from.  What is your favorite place for fine dining in Washington, DC?

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Oval Room:  Although The Oval Room is known for its award winning menu, their cocktails are a hidden gem.  Their head bartender, Max is from the UK and has come up with a unique take of a hot toddy with rum, freshly brewed tea, and nutmeg. After your cocktail, go for a stroll by the White House to check out the National Christmas Tree.

Art & Soul:  This is one of my favorite restaurants in DC. I must admit that I tend to go there more often in the warmer months because of their patio with a view of the Capitol.  However, they have a mulled wine on the menu that will warm you up after a tour of the Capitol.

Bibiana:  Bibiana has a 25 days of cocktails special in their menu which ends Christmas Eve but the cocktails will continue to flow after the 24th.  One of my favorites is their take on the Negroni, the Nero Amargo (on their regular menu) with gin,​ Amaro Lucano, and Gran Classico.  I like to pair it with their selection of salumi (Italian cured meats) handpicked by their executive chef, Jake Addeo who honed his craft in the Piedmonte region of Italy.

STK:  Although I am not the rockstar I used to be, I love the rockstar feel of STK, even if I am just going there for drinks with friends and in bed by 11pm.  STK’s holiday cocktail, “Naughty or Spice” is a mix of spiced Rum, lemon juice, Rekorderling Pear Cider and a pinch of ground cinnamon, perfect to indulge after a long day of catching up with family and friends.

Mio Restaurant & Cafe:  Coquito is Puerto Rican eggnog made with coconut milk, eggs, spices, and rum.  Every family on the island has a unique way of making it, and Mio is no exception.  They will be serving plenty in the next few weeks along with other Puerto Rican classics such as roasted pork, pasteles, and arroz con gandules.

This holiday season I have been taking it easy: catching up with friends, making dinner, and Skype sessions with those across the pond. Instead of being stressed about gifts or holiday parties, I decided to focus on spending time with those I care about, over food and cocktails, of course!  What are your favorite holiday cocktails in DC?

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Like any big city, living in Washington, DC can be expensive.  There’s always an exciting event to attend or a new restaurant to check out that bites at the pocket.  Also, let’s not forget all the travel that can easily be done from the city that snips at my paycheck.  That being said, I am always looking for affordable places to eat in DC.   When I talk “affordable” I don’t mean junk food but delicious fast casual places that will cost less than $20 for a meal and a drink.  So when Expedia.com asked me to share my top picks for cheap eats in the district I knew exactly what to recommend. From Mediterranean to hoagies, these are my favorite places for a cheap bite in the city:

Cava Grill:   I am biased, Cava Mezze is one of my favorite affordable places to eat in DC.  The concept is similar to Chipotle in which you make your own dish starting greens, rice, or even lentils and your choice of proteins, toppings, and veggies.  My favorite bowl is the savory braised lamb with the spicy harissa and crazy feta toppings.  This is also a place that I like to take my vegetarian friends as you build your own meal and the falafel bowl is just as delicious.

& Pizza:  This other locally-owned establishment has quickly grown in the district.  You can even find their locations at Reagan National and Dulles Airports. (Read about their airport locations here).   You can have your pizza customized with a selection of fresh ingredients or if you’re not feeling creative, there is a selection of “signature pizzas” that do the thinking for you.  You can wash your pizza down with local beer and wine.  Dining Traveler Pick: the Moonstruck with truffle mushrooms, goat cheese, and fig marsala.

Taylor Gourmet:  There are days that you just want a big ‘ol hoagie.  That is what Taylor Gourmet does best.  Big, think sandwiches and they do not skimp on the meat.  If you find yourself on an early flight from Reagan National, make sure to have their breakfast sandwich.  On a carb free kick?  They also offer delicious salads.  Dining Traveler Pick:  The Callowhill with spicy hand rolled meatballs. It’s glorious to bite into!

Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the American Indian:  When exploring the Washington, DC, you must check out Mitsitam Café (a more detailed review here).  The culinary team has created seasonal menus based on recipes from the indigenous populations of the Americas. You can try everything from Peruvian “causa” (mashed potato cake) to a juicy Elk Burger.

Shake Shack:  This is the only non-local that I am adding to the list but I can’t help it, Shake Shack is one of my favorites!  Although there’s a bit of a wait for the burgers, it is well worth it when you bite into the smokeshack burger with its spicy sauce and crispy bacon.  Traveling by train or bus from DC any time soon?  Have breakfast at its Union Station location. It is one of the few Shake Shacks currently serving a breakfast menu.  Think juicy sausage patties with the classic Shake Shack bun.

Big Bear Café:  Want to eat like the locals in DC do, head to Bloomingdale for lunch at Big Bear Café.  If the weather is nice, take advantage of their beautiful outdoor seating and take in the unique architecture of the neighborhood.  I used to live right around the corner and became obsessed with the pastrami sandwich, washed down with a Stiegl Radler, an orange Austrian beer.  Dining Traveler Tip:  if you love farm to table, check out Big Bear Café’s dinner menu.

Amsterdam Falafel:  You know that moment when you have something so good, you actually remember the exact date and time you had it for the first time?  That’s me with Amsterdam Falafel, one of the most beloved affordable places to eat in DC by locals.  It was 4^th of July, 2012.  I was in DC on business travel.  My best friend K took me here for lunch.  When I bit into the crispy falafel smothered in tzatziki, I was sold.  I actually moved to DC three months later.  Perhaps the falafel had something to do with it.  Dining Traveler Tip:  Order the fries…. Dip them in peanut sauce. Trust me on this one!

El Camino:  Another one of my picks in the Bloomingdale neighborhood is El Camino.  This is also a place where I take my visiting friends for a local vibe, great happy hour, and tacos for $2.50.  My favorite:  the chorizo taco, lightly spicy on a soft tortilla.  I truly appreciate how they don’t skip on the meat given the low price.  Late night hunger?  The restaurant is open until 11:30pm on weekdays and 12:30am on Friday and Saturday.

Takorean:  Two of my favorite cuisines, Mexican and Korean come together at Takorean with several locations throughout the district at the Navy Yard, Union Market, and Metro Center.  This concept began in a food truck and it morphed into a local favorite.  The food truck scene in DC has taken off in recent years with many favorites establishing brick and mortar sites.  Try the bulgogi tacos topped with spicy kimchi and washed down with tamarind soda.  Dining Traveler Tip:  head to Union Market for spacious free parking.

The city’s culinary scene continues to evolve and thankfully there are plenty of affordable places to eat in DC.  From falafel to Korean tacos, there’s plenty of delicious choices to choose from.  What’s your favorite budget place in the city?

Disclaimer:  This post is a sponsored post from Expedia.com.  Opinions and story are my own. 

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