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Food is my love language, and Washington, D.C. definitely knows how to speak it. D.C. has something for everyone—food included—and one of my fave-ever restaurants is located there.
So when I recently teamed up with my husband’s extended family to go on a multi-generational trip to our nation’s capitol over spring break, I was very excited to bring my family to some of my favorite restaurants so they could experience them just as I had as a college student living there almost two decades ago!
Read on about our full experience and tips for where to eat in Washington, D.C. below.
Washington, D.C. sits on the stolen lands of the Nacotchtank peoples and neighbors the ancestral lands of the Piscataway and Pamunkey peoples
Where to Eat in Washington, D.C. with Kids
On this trip we were looking for family-friendly meals at restaurants that could accommodate our large extended family. Here are some delicious places we'd recommend:
The Courtyard Cafe at the National Portrait Gallery, Penn Quarter
Great for an afternoon museum break
~$5-$15/person
The National Portrait Gallery is my favorite Smithsonian Museum and hands down my favorite place in D.C. There is a beautiful courtyard where children are welcome to run around, splash each other at the water feature at Kogod Courtyard, and be themselves.
While the children conduct their business, adults can grab beer, wine, coffee, and other beverages and snacks at the Courtyard Cafe.
Zaytinya, Penn Quarter
Great for a delicious and upscale meal
~$20-$30+/person
Favorite menu items: halloumi pide (flat bread, $12), seared halloumi ($13), sea scallops ($17), octopus Santorini ($20), cauliflower tiganites ($11), and mushroom kapnista ($16). The kids loved the Zaytinya fries ($8).
Chinatown Express, Chinatown
Great for hand-pulled noodles and Chinese food
~$10-$20/person
A friend of mine recommended this place because they have good hand-pulled noodles. According to her, this place is frequented by interns, lobbyists, and spies, especially late at night. Legit. It was our first meal after we checked into our hotel, and it was absolutely satisfying.
We loved their fresh noodles ($11.95), lo mein ($15.95), steamed pork buns (xiao long bao, $7.95), wonton soup ($5.95), and roast duck ($19.95). Our kids loved the unlimited fortune cookies.
Rice Bar, various locations
Great chain for DIY noodle and rice bowls, while accommodating large groups
~$10-$15/person
While this chain is just above average, it’s a great option for large groups because people can customize their own bowls, depending on whether they want rice or noodles, and select their protein and veggies of choice.
It reminds me of an Asian Chipotle.
It was perfect for my younger daughter, who was able to get many of her favorite foods in one bowl (udon, carrots, edamame, mushrooms, and corn).
Food Trucks, various locations
Great for convenient and varied options
Food trucks were not yet a thing when I lived in D.C. in 2005, but they are parked everywhere outside the Smithsonian museums.
Also, there were so many ice cream and boba trucks. I did not try any boba from a food truck, and my brother-in-law was not impressed. But if your kids are into burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, know that there will be plenty of food options for them between the cafes inside the museums and the food trucks lined up outside.
Our most memorable food truck meal was pitas and gyros.
Dolcezza Gelato, various locations
Great for, well, gelato
Their mango gelato is amazing. Need I say more?
These restaurant recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg of all the food options that D.C. has to offer, and I can’t wait for our next trip so we can expand this list even further.
At which restaurants in D.C. have you enjoyed frequenting with your kiddos? Let us know in the comments below.
Hana M.
Hana (she/her) grew up in Taiwan and San Jose, and now lives in Redwood City (unceded Ramaytush, Muwekma, and Ohlone land) with her husband and two highly energetic and curious young children. Things she always looks for while traveling: delicious noodles, local bookstores, tasty sweet treats, and outdoor water features.
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