A FULL PLATE – DINING AROUND DC’S EASTERN MARKET PART 2
DC’s bountiful restaurant scene makes the city a culinary capitol with every neighborhood offering a full plate of options. We’ve added a few more stars and standbys that showcase Capitol Hill’s international flavor to our list of favorite casual dinner spots. These choices are all located within walking distance of the Eastern Market Metro Station. Go ahead and make a reservation or stroll around Barracks Row and see what strikes your fancy.
Check out Part 1 for more Capitol Hill dinner ‘bests’.
GARRISON
524 8th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
Garrison has been voted one of DC’s best by critics and locals alike. Owner and Chef Rob Weland’s ever changing seasonal menu is inspired by the daily deliveries from local farms, foragers, and purveyors. Garrison offers modern American cuisine in a stylish rustic contemporary venue on Barracks Row. A passion for the authentic flavor of fresh regional ingredients shines through in their discerning menu of carefully prepared and enticing dishes. Check out the daily specials and tasting menu (including a vegetarian option) for highlights of the season. Garrison is open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner and they serve up a special brunch menu on Sundays.
MONTMARTRE DC
327 7th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
Montmartre is favorite go-to French brasserie on Capitol Hill. Chef Brian Wilson and the staff are highly respected for their experience and attention to detail. Add an expertly executed authentic menu in a casual atmosphere with an excellent wine list and you have a recipe for a trusted neighborhood favorite. Montmartre is located on 7th Street near the Eastern Market Metro and open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
LAVAGNA
5399 8th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
Lavagna opened on 8th Street in 2011 with a menu of simple, fresh, locally sourced Italian fare. Their farm to table focus, organic ingredients, and welcoming casual atmosphere make it a neighborhood favorite that pleases all types. Lavagna has been voted ‘Best Italian of DC’ by City Paper’s readers for several years running. Lavagna is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and they offer weekend brunch as well.
AMBAR
523 8th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
Ambar opened DC’s first modern Balkan restaurant introducing the Capitol audience to a cultivated blend of traditional Eastern European tastes and creative styling. At Ambar you will discover a world of inspired dishes that have made this a popular local favorite. Choose the bottomless Balkan dinner or an ‘Unlimited Experience’ for a bit of everything. Be sure to let the staff know if you’re a first time guest and they will happily guide you through essential tastes of the region. Ambar can also be found in Clarendon, VA and Belgrade, Serbia. Their Capitol Hill location is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
BELGA CAFE
514 8th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
Belga is the creation of Belgium native and award winning Chef Bart Vandaele. This local favorite is known for its authentic cuisine and extensive craft beer selection that brings a taste of Brussels to the Hill. Belga launched in 2004 and has since spawned sister restaurants with Betsy and B Too, putting Belgian cuisine firmly on the map in DC. Belga is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
MEDIUM RARE
515 8th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
If you are craving a quality steak, look no further than Barracks Row’s Medium Rare. Their 8th Street restaurant joins Cleveland Park, Bethesda, and Arlington locations. Their secret ingredient is simplicity – great steak and hand cut frites, cooked to perfection. Medium Rare’s prix fixe menu is ready and waiting and you will find them open for dinner seven nights a week – plus brunch on weekends.