There are several major restaurant groups in DC. Here is a look at all of the different Washington DC restaurant groups and the dining spots that fall under them.
Restaurant Groups In DC: Jose Andres Restaurant Group
Executive Chef Jose Andres is one of the most well known chefs in Washington DC. In addition to his many many amazing restaurants, Chef Jose Andres also has a nonprofit organization that helps to distribute food to those in need.
Minibar by Jose Andres
Perhaps one of the most well known restaurants in Washington DC is Minibar. This restaurant has consistently been on the Michelin star list for years. It is a small and intimate experience with several courses. Save this experience for a special celebration.
Bar Mini
It is easy to get Minibar and Bar Mini confused. Bar Mini is adjacent to Minibar and has a 6 course cocktail flight menu. Their unique cocktail flights change seasonally and this is easily one of the best cocktail bars not just in Washington DC, but likely on the east coast.
The chic cocktail lab at Bar Mini
Bazaar
Located inside the Waldorf Astoria, Bazaar has a refined and elegant dining experience. From interesting craft cocktails to uniquely prepared tapas, this is a restaurant fit for a special night.
Zaytinya
Zaytinya is located near City Center and Gallery Place. This trendy Mediterranean restaurant has soaring ceilings and tons of natural light. Come here for dinner or lunch and it always has a fun vibe.
Oyamel
Oyamel is a long standing favorite of locals in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. This restaurant serves great Mexican food and makes a great classic Margarita. Even after being in this neighborhood for years, Oyamel continues to be a popular and vibrant dining destination.
Restaurant Groups In DC: STARR Restaurant Group
Stephen Starr is a well known name in the restaurant industry. The Starr restaurant group started out in Philadelphia with famous restaurants like Buddakan and Morimoto. It then expanded to both NYC and DC. In Washington DC, Le Diplomate is still one of 14th Street’s best restaurants as well as one of the most coveted reservations when it comes to busy Saturday nights. Now, the Starr Restaurant Group has several places to eat all over the city. Let’s take a look.
Le Diplomate
As mentioned above, this popular French restaurant not only has great food, but it also has a great vibe. If you want to come here on a weekend, the bottom line is – plan ahead. Be sure to secure reservations or get to the restaurant early.
St. Anselm
St. Anselm opened in the Union Market neighborhood of Washington DC. It is a beautiful and elegant steakhouse that has plenty of menu options for people who don’t eat steak as well. The drinks here are also excellent.
Cozy and romantic vibes at St. Anselm
El Presidente
El Presidente is a short walk from St. Anselm. It is a lively Mexican eatery with delicious food and well made margaritas. Be sure to order the Nacho Mama if you dine here.
Pastis
Pastis is another fun DC French restaurant. This STARR Restaurant Group destination is also located in the Union Market neighborhood alongside St. Anselm and El Presidente. The dinner vibe here is buzzy and energetic. If you are in this area for weekend brunch, you will not find better food anywhere else. The brunch here is really good and not to be missed.
Classic French decor at Pastis in Washington DC’s Union Market
Osteria Mozza – Opening in 2024 (Hopefully!)
Osteria Mozza will be opening in the heart of Georgetown on M street. Given how successful and popular the STARR restaurant group’s other dining venues have been, this new spot will likely be one of the best Italian restaurants in Georgetown.
Restaurant Groups In DC: Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Neighborhood restaurant group was founded in 1997. It includes over 20 brands and businesses spanning across the DMV area as well as into New York and some places in New Orleans as well. Here are teh restaurants that are under the umbrella of this DC restaurant group. Here are some of the most popular restaurants that are part of this group.
Iron Gate
Iron Gate in the Dupont Circle neighborhood has been often called one of the most romantic restaurants in Washington DC. They have a beautiful indoor dining room as well as a great outdoor space.
Bluejacket
Bluejacket is massive three-story microbrewery, restaurant & bar open daily in the heart of the Navy Yard neigh. It is part of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group.
Churchkey
Churchkey is an award-winning craft beer bar located on busy 14th St NW. If you enjoy beer, definitely check this place out.
Birch & Barley
Birch & Barley is also on 14th street NW, not too far from Churchkey. It is a modern American restaurant that also has a large collection of craft beers.
Other restaurants in this group located in DC are The Sovereign and The Roost. In Northern Virginia, this restaurant group has a number of restaurants including Rustico, Josephine, B Side, and Planet Wine.
Red Apron
Red Apron is a butcher by the Neighborhood Restaurant Group. It is located in The Roost in Southeast Washington DC.
Restaurant Groups In DC: KNEAD Hospitality
KNEAD Hospitality has restaurants all over Washington DC. Many of the restaurants in this DC restaurant group have private event spaces of varying sizes. Let’s take a look.
Gatsby
Gatsby is a Gatsby themed sports bar and restaurant that is very close to Nationals Park. The upstairs levels are more reflective of the Great Gatsby era compared to the lower level which has a huge bar surrounded by televisions.
Succotash
Succotash is an elegant restaurant in Washington, DC. It has a creative twist on Southern cuisine and is influenced by the Korean heritage of James Beard Award-winning Chef Edward Lee. The restaurant is located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood very close to the romantic and historic Riggs Hotel.
Bistro Du Jour
Bistro Du Jour has two locations. One location is in the DC Wharf and another location is in Capitol Hill very close to Union Station. This trendy casual French bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have spaces that can be rented for a special occasion.
Mi Vida
Mi Vida is a lively Mexican restaurant with multiple locations. The first location for this restaurant was in the DC Wharf. Now there are locations in the 14th street neighborhood of DC as well as in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. Their Penn Quarter location even has happy hour on Saturday and Sunday.
Mi Vida on 14th Street in DC
Restaurant Groups In DC: Better Hospitality Group
The Better Hospitality Group has restaurants located in the DC Wharf and in the Shaw neighborhood of DC.
Easy Company
Easy Company is a pizza and wine bar that is expansive. There is a room that is available for private events that has a direct view of the Wharf.
Boardwalk Bar & Arcade
Boardwalk Bar & Arcade is a casual eatery that is quite expansive with multiple levels and rooms. This bar is very kid friendly as they have multiple arcade games that your kids can enjoy playing. There are also private spaces that are available for rent if needed.
Takoda Beer Garden & Rooftop Bar
Takoda actually has two locations. There is one in Shaw and one in the Navy Yard area of DC. This casual rooftop beer garden has a fun and easy vibe. It’s a great place to enjoy drinks and food when the weather is nice.
Restaurant Groups In DC: Clyde’s Restaurant Group
This is the group behind one of Washington DC’s long standing restaurants. It opened the original Clyde’s in Georgetown in 1963.
Clyde’s Of Georgetown, Chevy Chase, and other locations
The first restaurant of this group now has many different outposts in the DMV area. From Maryland to Virginia you can find a Clyde’s restaurant nearby.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill is one of the most historic bars and oldest restaurants in Washington DC. It was founded in 1856 and is a must visit for anyone who lives in DC or visits DC.
The Hamilton
The Hamilton is a vibrant venue that also has a live music component. It is not far from Warner Theatre and National Theatre making it a popular destination for a pre-theatre dinner. Many people also don’t know that this restaurant has a sushi happy hour so you can get your sushi fix at a discount!
1789 Restaurant
1789 Restaurant is located in Georgetown. 1789 Restaurant is named after the year Georgetown University was established. It is a classic place to dine in Washington, D.C. The restaurant is located in an updated Federal-style house. The dining rooms are decorated with antiques, creating a cozy and historic atmosphere.
Restaurant Groups In DC: Knightsbridge Restaurant Group
Knightsbridge Restaurant Group was founded by Ashok Bajaj. He is recognized as one of Washington’s leading host among power diners for exceptional food and service levels. Here are some of the more popular restaurants in this restaurant group.
Rasika
Rasika is a popular Indian restaurant. It is a local favorite for South Asian cuisine in the foodservice industry as well as amongst Washington DC locals.
Bindaas
Bindaas opened after Rasika and is a trendy casual Indian restaurant. Featuring Indian street food, this restaurant has delicious small plates and a buzzy atmosphere.
Annabelle
Annabelle is a beautiful restaurant located in Dupont Circle. The dining room’s elegance and style make it a great place to enjoy a dinner with friends or family.
Restaurant Groups In DC: Seven Reasons Restaurant Group
When the original Seven Reasons opened on 14th street in Washington DC, it was one of the best new restaurants around. Since its debut, the restaurant group has expanded to several other restaurants in the DC area. Seven Reasons, the original restaurant, has since moved locations from 14th street to high end City Center neighborhood. Here are some of the other restaurants in this restaurant group.
Seven Reasons
Seven Reasons is the flagship restaurant for this restaurant group in DC. Now located in City Center, the food here is Latin inspired with elevated flavors and presentation. On certain nights of the week, this restaurant has a DJ. Their weekend brunch is also becoming very popular.
Imperfecto by Enrique Limardo
Imperfecto by Enrique Limardo is located in the West End neighborhood of DC. This Michelin starred restaurant uses fresh ingredients and has an unforgettable atmosphere. The bar is beautifully designed and the restaurant also has a private space if you want to host a special event.
The beautiful bar at Imperfecto
The Saga
The Saga is located right next to the Ritz Carlton Hotel and features Spanish inspired menu items. Be sure to check out their tableside paella and then save some time for an after dinner drink. Quadrant is a sleek cocktail bar right next to The Saga and is easily amongst the best cocktail bars in Washington DC.
Restaurant Groups In DC: Atlas Restaurant Group
Atlas Restaurant group owns and operates over two dozen restaurants in the Baltimore area. Loch Bar located at the Four Seasons in Baltimore is one restaurant in this group. They do not have any restaurants in Washington DC at this tie.
Restaurant Groups In DC: Summary
There are many different restaurant groups in DC. They include the Jose Andres Group, which includes restaurants like Bazaar, Zaytinya, Oyamel, and the very famous Michelin starred Minibar. The STARR restaurant group has also been expanding its footprint in Washington DC and now has Le Diplomate, St. Anselm, El Presidente, and Pastis. The Seven Reasons Restaurant group has Michelin starred restaurant Imperfecto, as well as other popular places like The Saga and Seven Reasons. The Knightsbridge Restaurant group includes popular Indian restaurants Rasika and Bindaas, as well as the classic American restaurant Annabelle which is in Dupont Circle. Clyde’s Restaurant Group has some of the most historic and oldest restaurants in Washington DC. It includes Clyde’s of Georgetown as well as the classic Old Ebbitt Grill and 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown. For the latest news on any of the Washington DC restaurant groups, be sure to check the websites of each restaurant as well as restaurant group.
