It’s almost that time of year again where we get to celebrate all things fine dining in DC. The annual Washington Restaurant Week falls between the 17th and 23rd of August this year, with the opportunity to give you the chance to sample some of the city’s best cuisine from top chefs in foodie hotspots.
Don’t worry if you’re not much of a food expert, there’s something for everyone here. Likewise, if you’ve been before, it’s unlikely you managed to get a taste of the best dishes in every restaurant. If you’re looking for somewhere fab and unusual to dine during restaurant week, we’ve come up with some of the city’s highlights:
The Rooftop at the Embassy Row Hotel
What better way to enjoy your food than in a luxury setting like the rooftop space at the Embassy Row Hotel, which offers the chance to see spectacular sunsets from great heights in the city. This space is open to the public for free after 5pm, but if you want to visit beforehand you’ll need to purchase a daily pool pass. The aria offers the opportunity to sit poolside under a cabana with a zesty in-house cocktail, or enjoy a full menu of delicious eats with a great view, with food all sourced from the downstairs Station Kitchen and Cocktails.
Lauriol Plaza
If you love a restaurant with a view, then Lauriol Plaza is the place for you. Taking scenic dining to a whole new level, this restaurant offers amongst other things, a rooftop terrace to enjoy your meal at height. The classic Spanish and Latin cuisine and beverages are all neatly packed into one sophisticated menu offering a fantastic experience. Their signature dish is the paella marinera, which presents a twist on the classic dish. Located at 3300 Wisconsin Avenue, the Lauriol Plaza also hosts happy hour on drinks between 5pm and 10pm from Mondays to Thursdays so save yourself some cash and head down during the week to make the most of this hotspot.
Roofers Union
Although the name sounds like a hall where blue collar workers group at the end of the day, Roofers Union is actually a fantastic multi-story food and drink venue located at 2445 18th Street. The Adams Morgan eatery features loads of great treats in its hearty menu, including sriracha glazed chicken wings which are a particular favorite. On the third floor you can take in some stunning views of the neighborhood from the outdoor terrace while enjoying some classy craft cocktails.
These are just 3 of the top restaurants you should visit during Washington Restaurant Week this year, although there are plenty more venues which are just as commendable in different ways. Our top tip to enjoy this and make the most of your DC visit would be to dine and/or drink on the rooftop spaces at these amazing venues, and take in the breath-taking scenes of DC as you relax. Next, book yourself onto the DC After Dark tour to view the whole city in an altogether different light. See monuments, statues and important buildings illuminated in color in the night sky, giving you plenty of photo opportunities and memories to treasure.