Washington, DC boasts a dynamic food scene, with everything from upscale, MICHELIN-Starred restaurants to laid-back neighborhood destinations. These best Washington DC restaurants for families range from a Japanese-style izakaya to a crowd-pleasing Italian staple.
Penn Quarter hosts a lively American brasserie and a flavorful Peruvian venue. Georgetown is home to Mexican comfort food as well as a destination with a restaurant, bowling alley, and bocce court all rolled into one. Foggy Bottom boasts an fan-favorite farm-to-table restaurant that’s majority owned by American farmers. Finally, you’ll find a diner serving all-day breakfast in Navy Yard.
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For high-quality food directly from American farmers — head to Founding Farmers DC (Foggy Bottom, Chinatown, and Georgetown)
DC institution Founding Farmers DC is majority-owned by American farmers. Visit the flagship restaurant in Foggy Bottom and sit at one of the hand-crafted community tables or in a comfy booth to feast on an all-day menu of American classics kids will love—think biscuits, burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken as well as elegant seafood dishes and fresh pastas for the adults. Don’t miss the waterfront views at the Georgetown location.
For Italian American cuisine in the heart of DC — check out Maggiano’s (Chevy Chase)
Maggiano’s is a reliable chain known for its traditional, crowd-pleasing Italian fare. There are plenty of shareable starters like meatballs and garlic bread, and then you can dig into classic dishes like pasta, seafood, or steak. The restaurant also offers a family-style menu priced per person with four courses, as well as a kids’ menu that includes plates like chicken breast or cheese ravioli with marinara.
For a seasonal menu in a historic venue — visit Old Ebbitt Grill (Downtown)
Old Ebbitt Grill is DC’s oldest saloon, founded in 1856. The dimly lit dining room is furnished with dark wood and round tables with tablecloths, adding to the classic saloon vibe. The American-inspired menu is seasonal and focuses mostly on seafood, with a raw bar and oyster specials available. Don’t miss the dedicated kids’ menu with favorites like pasta and hamburgers. Private dining spaces like the rooftop terrace or the atrium are perfect for large groups and big families.
For American brasserie fare at one of the best Washington DC restaurants for families — visit The Smith (Penn Quarter)
The Smith provides a lively atmosphere with geometric tiled floors, long high tables with cushioned stools, and white brick walls. The varied American-influenced menu includes kid-friendly starters like skillet-roasted mac and cheese and chicken nuggets along with family-friendly dishes like pastas, burgers, and salads. Craft cocktails and mocktails round out the menu.
For Mexican comfort food from an internationally acclaimed chef — visit El Centro D.F. (Georgetown)
El Centro D.F. is a Mexican cantina and bar run by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval. The menu is full of Mexican favorites like guacamole, queso fundido, street tacos, and enchiladas as well as plenty of vegetarian options served on colorful plates. Flowers also decorate the interior and exterior for a vibrant, kid-friendly atmosphere. Adults will love the deep collection of tequilas and agave-based spirits.
For diner food sourced from local farmers at one of the best family restaurants in Washington DC — check out Silver Diner (Navy Yard)
Silver Diner is a two-story venue with a modern diner vibe, complete with tiled floors, cushioned booths, and silver accents inside and on both outdoor patios. In true diner style, it serves American breakfast all day as well as seasonal lunch, dinner, and brunch options. This restaurant offers flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan options as well as an extensive kids’ menu with housemade sodas and handspun milkshakes and dishes ranging from pancakes to grilled cheese.
For Japanese food at one of the best Washington DC restaurants for families — visit Umaya (Penn Quarter)
Umaya focuses on a Japanese izakaya experience, with a menu of small, shareable plates and drinks. Umaya strives to combine the Western beer garden atmosphere with Japanese street food. With dishes like sushi, ramen, rice bowls, and plenty of Japanese salads and vegetables, it’s hard to go wrong here while dining out with the family.
For Peruvian cuisine that blends cultures — head to China Chilcano (Penn Quarter)
China Chilcano is run by legendary chef José Andrés and celebrates the food and culture of Peru. You’ll find ceviche and sashimi and kid-approved dishes like dim sum, noodles, and rice plates at this lively spot. Light wood furnishings accented with red and Asian lettering serve as a visual representation of the menu. The Peruvian cuisine with Asian flavors along with the bright atmosphere make China Chilcano one of the best Washington DC restaurants for families.
For an Italian American menu at one of the best Washington DC restaurants for families with entertainment options — check out Pinstripes (Georgetown)
Pinstripes is not just a restaurant—it’s also a full-service bowling alley and bocce area with over 30,000 square feet of space. The restaurant has light stone walls and curved booths for a warm, calming atmosphere as well as a large patio for kids to spread out and roam. The menu contains from-scratch Italian American food, including wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta. After eating, head to the bowling lanes or bocce courts for a family game.
For a menu inspired by the flavors of New Orleans — check out Milk & Honey (The Wharf)
Milk & Honey is situated on the waterfront and is a destination for Southern-style comfort food. For brunch, you can expect gumbo, salmon hash, chicken and biscuits, and more. Kid-friendly shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and classic Southern sandwiches with Cajun and Creole flavors star on the dinner menu. Enjoy them in a bright space with colorful decorations and wood furnishings.
Dining out with kids in tow can be a challenge, but these best Washington DC restaurants for families offer dedicated menus, kid-approved dishes, and even entertainment to keep the whole family happy. Whether you want the flavors of New Orleans, Japanese tapas, Peruvian fusion, or pizza before bowling, Washington DC has it all.
