Travelers visit Washington, D.C. for its monuments and museums, but its restaurants merit equal attention. On a recent trip to see my friend Emma in Georgetown, I explored spots that girlfriend groups, ages approximately 21-45, would enjoy. Some are rooted in history, others are modern, each telling a part of the city’s story through food. I’ve lived in New York City and now Copenhagen, both food cities, yet D.C. still surprises me. The dining scene feels grown-up yet creative, political but playful, and as diverse as the city.
With so many choices, navigating the city’s culinary landscape can feel overwhelming. This guide focuses on where to eat in Washington, D.C., in 2026 on a girls’ trip: places designed for enjoying cocktails, sharing plates and catching up, whether you are visiting for a long weekend or building meals around sightseeing.
Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.
Old Ebbitt Grill
- Type of Food: Classic American seafood and steakhouse
- Vibe: Historic yet bustling, this spot has energy fit for the perfect girls’ night. Brass fixtures, dark wood, and a lively raw bar set a timeless, elegant mood where one can sip cocktails and feel part of the city’s history. Politicians traditionally gather here, and today the space also works perfectly for a catch-up dinner with girlfriends. It is the best for a first night dinner that immediately feels like “being in D.C.”
- Must-Try Dishes: Oysters on the half shell, crab cakes, ribeye, martini with a twist
- Important to Know: Steps from the White House, Old Ebbitt offers two Oyster Happy Hours, 3–5 p.m. and 11 p.m.–1 a.m. Entrées $18–$45. Parking on G and F Streets; Metro Center and McPherson Square are nearby.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit late when the dining room slows, as many locals come in for a final martini and to enjoy the late-night Oyster Happy Hour.
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Moonraker at the Pendry
- Type of Food: Japanese-inspired shared plates
- Vibe: Perched above The Wharf in the Pendry Hotel, Moonraker is elegant yet unpretentious. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Potomac and the Pentagon, while lanterns and fireplaces create a soft glow on the patio. It’s ideal for girlfriends seeking a unique drink spot with unique and unobstructed city views and a sense of place.
- Must-Try Dishes: Crispy rice with spicy tuna, shrimp gyoza, Tokyo fried chicken and Shio Kosho Highball
- Important to Know: The kitchen weaves matcha, yuzu and sake throughout the menu. Plates $30–$50. Valet and garage parking are available. Open until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive early to secure a seat by the outdoor fireplace and watch the sunset over the Potomac River while sampling the menu.
Cranes
- Type of Food: Japanese-Spanish fusion by Chef Pepe Moncayo
- Vibe: Minimalist and calm. The open kitchen hums quietly while chefs finish each plate. It’s the ultimate spot for foodie friend groups who appreciate creative food and want to experience multiple food identities on one menu.
- Must-Try Dishes: Unagi Paella, shiso cocktails and omakase tasting menu
- Important to Know: Chef Moncayo blends Japanese technique with Mediterranean warmth. Sushi-rice paella offers smoky flavor and light texture. Tasting menus start at $65; small plates $10–$28. Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday, brunch Saturday and dinner Monday to Saturday. Parking is available in Penn Quarter.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Request a table near the open kitchen to watch the chefs in action. The changing tapas and omakase menus keep each visit fresh, so even regulars can always find surprises.
Unconventional Diner
- Type of Food: Modern comfort food
- Vibe: Bright and energetic with pop art, upbeat music and an open flow for all ages. It is best for girlfriend groups as a stop on the itinerary between sightseeing for brunch, or for a casual dinner after a day downtown. The inventive menu offers staples with creative twists.
- Must-Try Dishes: Sweet potato shakshuka, blueberry-lavender pancakes, cheeseburger and Creamsicle Paloma
- Important to Know: Chef David Deshaies reworks diner favorites with seasonal ingredients and global touches. Dishes range from $15–$30. Open daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; brunch until 3:45 p.m. Located in Shaw near Mt. Vernon Square Metro.
SheBuysTravel Tip: When the weather is pleasant, choose an outdoor table and enjoy the street life and energy of Shaw while dining.
L’Ardente
- Type of Food: Italian with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and flambé desserts
- Vibe: Romantic and festive with chandeliers, velvet drapes and an open oven that creates a celebratory tone, L’Ardente ranks among D.C.’s top Italian restaurants for girlfriends gathering to celebrate a milestone or perhaps indulging on the last night of the D.C. trip.
- Must-Try Dishes: Forty-layer lasagna, Duck Hunt appetizer and Tiramisu Flambé
- Important to Know: Chef Deshaies crafts big flavors and generous portions. Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly; weekend brunch 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Entrées $18–$48. Near Union Station with parking at 250 Massachusetts Ave NW.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Order the forty-layer lasagna with the friend group to share since the portion is massive, and save room for the flaming tiramisu, a favorite for every age.
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