Some of the “Bests” that the Washington Metropolitan Area has to offer…

Bests Washington Metropolitan Area has to Offer…

BEST SUSTAINABLE AND VEGAN RESTAURANTS

Chaia – Sustainable - 3207 Grace Street NW, Washington, DC Seated alongside the Georgetown C&O Canal, this bright spot prides itself on its “farm to taco” philosophy. Serving up seasonally-based tacos with local ingredients, the menu is plant-focused and entirely vegetarian.

Bubbie’s Plant Burgers at Plant Food

Lab – Vegan - 1829 M Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC Owners Margaux Riccio and Shaun Sharkey now have a brick-and-mortar home in Dupont Circle for their popular pop-up centered around beet-based patties, Impossible meat burgers, cashew-based cheese, pulled jackfruit barbecue and fried “chick’n” sandwiches.

Big Bear Café – Sustainable - 1700 1st Street NW, Washington, DC Home to one of the best patios in the District, Big Bear Cafe is much loved among DC locals. Featuring a seasonally-based menu and local produce, dairy and meats, Big Bear takes to heart sustainable values.

BEST RAMEN

Sakuramen Ramen Bar – 2441 18th Street NW, Washington, DC This hot spot, located in the Adam’s Morgan neighborhood, is ranked one of the best in the metro area for its noodles. And it is no surprise! The ramen served here is incredible. Light and flavorful broths with customized meat and veggie options tantalize the palette.

Ramen by Uzu | Ghostline – 2340 Wisconsin Avenue NW, DC Operating out of Ghostline, a communal “ghost” kitchen, this ramen shop offers bowls of hot and cold ramen to Glover Park and the surrounding neighborhood. Hot broths include classic shoyu, shio, miso along with a vegan option. Toki Underground - 1234 H Street NE, Washington, DC Toki Underground is, in many ways, DC’s original ramen hotspot, attracting rave reviews and long lines and laying the groundwork for other businesses to follow suit. For ramen, the Toki classic, which comes with pulled pork and soft egg, is a popular option, and the spicy and savory red miso and kimchi choices (it’s especially funky) are other good bets.

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANTS

Punjab Grill - 427 11th Street NW, Washington, DC Punjab Grill has elevated the District’s fine dining scene since making its debut last year. Enjoy the palak paneer infused with olive tapenade and leg of lamb topped with a gold leaf.

Indique - 3512 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC This restaurant is a stalwart for the Washington, DC area Indian community. Several years ago, they freshened their menu with more small plates and street food, including an assortment of chaats.

Rasika – 1190 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC Rasika broadened DC diners’ palates when it opened 15 years ago in Penn Quarter. Be sure to try the signature palak chaat and bhindi amchoor. Now with its West End location, Rasika has become one of the city’s most beloved restaurants, attracting celebrities and heavyweights from both political parties.

BEST CARRIBBEAN & CUBAN

Cane – 403 H Street NE, DC Chef Prime delivers a modern take on the Caribbean nation’s most popular street foods such as doubles and paratha. Guests can also enjoy rum from around the Caribbean as well as rum-inspired cocktails. Bammy’s – 301 Water Street SE, Suite 115, Washington, DC At Bammy’s, flavors are bountiful and well adapted, while the both the food and the vibe of the restaurant is truly authentic. Jerk chicken, goat curry, conch fritters – so much to chose from…

Cubano’s Restaurant – 1201 Fidler Lane, Silver Spring, MD Exemplifying the elegance of its culture, Cubano’s distinguishes its uniqueness from other Latin tastes, remaining true to the classic appearance that mantels the streets of Havana. For those who want to indulge in guilty edible delights, Cubano’s is famous for its classy mojito cocktail as well as its flan.

BEST CHEESEBURGERS

The Avenue - 5540 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC This neighborhood spot in Chevy Chase tops certified angus beef patties — one or two — with all the traditional cheeseburger accoutrements (shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and American cheese) but swaps ketchup for its tangy house “Avenue” sauce, served between a potato bun.

Slash Run - 201 Upshur Street NW, Washington, DC This dive in Petworth sends out amazing burgers from the kitchen made from 6-ounce Creekstone Farms beef patties. The “straight up and to the point” classic comes with lettuce, tomato and onion, while an “Barstool Rodeo” barbecue works with finely ground coffee.

Brookland’s Finest Bar and Kitchen - 3126 12th Street NE, Washington, DC The Brookland neighborhood mainstay is known for its beloved Colonel burger (certified Angus beef, pickled onions, Tillamook cheddar, applewood smoked bacon on a brioche bun). Served with hand-cut fries, chips or a side salad.