Beyond the Monuments: Where to Eat in Washington, D.C. on Your Next Girls’ Getaway

Washington, D.C., is celebrated for its monuments and museums, but its restaurants are just as worthy of a visit. Historic dining rooms, rooftop views and inventive chef-driven menus showcase a food scene that is both sophisticated and welcoming. These four restaurants make ideal stops for a girls’ getaway filled with memorable meals, creative cocktails and plenty of time to catch up.

Highlights

• Plan meals that pair perfectly with sightseeing, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a weekend with friends.
• Explore standout restaurants that range from historic landmarks to stylish rooftop destinations.
• Enjoy everything from fresh seafood to modern comfort food and handmade Italian classics.

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; 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.

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 a 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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