Where to Eat and Drink Next: 6 Must-Try Restaurants Around the Capital Region

Locals Tips and Recommendations

Aug 16

Written By Joshua Baumgardner

Explore the freshest flavors and clever concepts across the DMV — from downtown DC to suburban Virginia and Maryland.

1. Elmina – Washington, D.C. (14th St NW)

Chef Eric Adjepong’s debut spot brings contemporary Ghanaian cuisine to DC. Expect vibrant dishes like jollof duck pot, crab fried rice, waakye with oxtail, and crispy okra fries — bold flavors rarely found in the metro area. A rising favorite among foodies and critics alike.

2. Florería Atlántico / Brasero Atlántico – Washington, D.C. (Georgetown)

From Argentine restaurateur Renato “Tato” Giovannoni, this dramatic two-in-one venue combines an open-flame steakhouse Upstairs with a nostalgic, seafood-forward basement bar downstairs. Think preserved historic details, mythological art, and cocktails that blend Buenos Aires roots with DC flair.

Tapori Nepalese Indian Restaurant Washington DC.png — Credit: Tapori

3. Tapori – Washington, D.C. (H St NE)

A playful, street-food–inspired twist on Indian and Nepalese cuisine by the team behind Daru. Tapori serves imaginative takes on pani puri, dosas, and more — all in a fun, elevated casual atmosphere.

4. Bar Colline – National Landing, Arlington, VA

This new all-day French brasserie from the Hilton brothers brings casual elegance to Arlington’s OMSI-adjacent district. With a 230-seat dining room, patio, and 50-foot bar, the menu includes croque madame, steak frites, chickpea fritters, and chilled corn soup. A chic addition to Virginia’s dining scene.

5. Honoo Ramen Bar – Falls Church, VA

This sleek, contemporary Japanese eatery has just opened in Falls Church and is already making a name for itself among ramen aficionados. Honoo Ramen & Bar serves rich, slow‑cooked broths, house‑made noodles, expertly rolled sushi, yakitori skewers, and inventive small plates—all presented in a clean and modern atmosphere that brings an authentic taste of Tokyo to the NoVA suburbs. It’s a fresh, flavorful option for those craving nuanced Japanese cuisine close to home.

6. Silver & Sons BBQ – Bethesda, MD

Beloved local food truck Silver & Sons BBQ has officially opened its first brick-and-mortar location. This highly anticipated addition brings their signature Jewish–Mediterranean–style barbecue to the suburbs, featuring flavorful dishes like pulled lamb, pastrami-spiced short ribs (or mushrooms), lemon‑schmaltz potatoes, and harissa-roasted carrots. Don’t miss their weekend-only specials such as chocolate babka buns. This is a standout new option that combines inventive comfort food with strong community ties.

Want $25 off your next restaurant adventure? Join InKind to receive a $25 dining credit and then 20% back at some of the DC metro area’s best restaurants. I can attest the app is legit; I use it ALL the time. -Joshua

local recommendations

Joshua Baumgardner

Growing up with family roots in both property management and construction to eventually becoming Vice President of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Joshua was destined for a life in the real estate industry. Joshua spent the first years of his career as a professional opera singer, and the owner of a private voice studio. It didn’t take Joshua long before he felt the undeniable yearning to return to his roots in real estate.

With an unrelenting ambition to surpass the expectations of each client, Joshua is committed to making the buying and selling process as smooth as possible. As a member of The Alliance Group, Joshua works closely with his team members to assist each client and their unique situations. The team’s expertise spans every facet of the industry from working with first-time homebuyers to listing the luxury properties of global clients. Joshua's team is one of the highest-producing groups in the DC Metropolitan area, and a multi-year recipient of the Best of Washington, Best of Arlington, and RealTrend Top Producer Awards.

Joshua calls the vibrant NoMA neighborhood home, and can often be found brunching along 16th Street, biking the C&O Canal Trail, serving at Foundry United Methodist Church, or spending a Saturday evening enjoying a new opera or musical.

Joshua is a graduate of James Madison University, and Florida State University, a member of the National Association of Realtors, The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, and a founding member and serves on the boards of the Wagner Society of Washington DC and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. Follow Joshua on Instagram @LiveTheDMV.

Joshua’s team is founded on the shared vision that luxury is a level of service and not a price point, with the team’s individuals sales ranging from $220K to $9.98M, totaling nearly $1 billion in combined lifetime sales.

https://www.LiveTheDMV.com