Washington, DC has an incredible culinary scene, including several outstanding Black-owned spots. At these must-book Black-owned restaurants in DC, you’ll find everything from specialty burgers and wood-fired pizza in Silver Spring, seafood deviled eggs in Navy Yard, and a globally-inspired fusion menu in Hyattsville.
Greater Washington DC and Baltimore Black Restaurant Week brings together many of the best Black-owned restaurants in DC with special deals and exclusive events, but these top tables are available year-round. But these restaurants book quickly, so make a reservation ASAP to guarantee your spot.
Secure your reservation at one of the best Black-owned DC restaurants with OpenTable today.
Read on to discover 11 of the best black-owned restaurants in DC.
For Caribbean cuisine with contemporary flavors — try Cane (Capitol Hill)
At Cane, owner and restaurateur Jeanine Prime pays homage to the Caribbean. As one of the best Black-owned restaurants in DC serving Caribbean fare, the transportive menu highlights beloved street foods like Trini beef pies, jerk wings, and Hakka-style pork ribs paired with a rum-forward cocktail menu. Pastel colors and generous portions evoke the welcoming vibe of the Caribbean and have helped earn Cane MICHELIN Bib Gourmand status in 2024.
For traditional Southern and Creole cuisine — book Miss Toya’s Creole House (Silver Spring)
Open since 2022, Miss Toya’s Creole House serves a blend of Caribbean, Creole, and Southern cuisine from owners Jeffeary Miskiri and Toya Miskiri. Specialties like Miss Toya’s famous fried chicken accompany classics including jambalaya rice, crab cakes, and Caribbean lamb chops with sides of hot honey salmon bites, charbroiled oysters, and seafood mac and cheese. If you’re drinking, try the signature Miss Toya Hurricane, a riff on the fruity classic cocktail.
For one of the best Black-owned restaurants in DC serving modern Southern comfort food — discover Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley (Downtown)
Kevin’s Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley has quickly gained a reputation as one of the top Black-owned restaurants in DC. Located Downtown, the restaurant serves up modern Southern cuisine in a swanky, three-story space packed with Instagrammable backdrops. Look for a menu starring Southern fried catfish, honey hot chicken, Cajun crab cakes, and the ever-popular waffles, ranging from butter pecan to peach cobbler.
For a modern take on American classics — make your way to Logan Tavern (Logan Circle)
Logan Tavern has been a DC staple for more than 20 years. In 2023, Ashley Blake and chef Daoud Harris purchased the stylish Logan Circle restaurant, introducing weekend bottomless brunches. The menu is full of contemporary takes on American classics—think ginger calamari, barbecue brisket, and juicy burgers on brioche buns. Don’t miss the fan-favorite cocktails—including standout mocktails—and the Tavern’s popular mixology classes.
For elegant African dishes at one of the best black-owned restaurants in DC — head to The Continent (Downtown)
The Continent brings a taste of Africa to the heart of DC. The diverse menu explores African cuisine with comfort favorites like beans porridge with plantains, suya-spiced beef skewers, and spicy goat pepper soup. The creative cocktails—think the Moroccan Sour with strawberry rhubarb syrup—also lean into African flavors. Hanging baskets and African art create a sophisticated space at one of the best Black-owned restaurants in DC.
For an unforgettable Creole and Cajun feast — make your way to Kitchen Savages (Navy Yard)
Kitchen Savages is one of the first fine-dining Black-owned restaurants in DC. The extensive, Creole-meets-Cajun menu ranges from starters like seafood deviled eggs to mains like honey jerk salmon, lamb rigatoni, and hearty sandwiches served with fries. Enjoy it all in a stylish space with colorful accents, making this one of the best Black-owned restaurants in DC for groups.
For a top-tier Southern brunch experience — reserve a table at Milk & Honey (Southwest Waterfront)
Come to Milk & Honey for Southern-inspired brunch fare. A go-to for large groups, the lively, New Orleans-themed spot is a destination for hearty dishes like seafood omelets, chicken and waffles, and fried chicken biscuits in Cajun Cream cause. If you’re drinking, don’t miss the Patron and mimosa flight towers, which serve four guests and are best enjoyed on the outdoor patio.
For modern American cuisine in the heart of DC — book a table at The Delegate (Downtown)
The Delegate is among the best Black-owned restaurants in DC for New American dishes. Located in Shaw, the restaurant is ideal for a pre-show meal. Indoors, exposed brick and open space create a modern, sophisticated vibe, while the rooftop lounge is coveted for its views. Either way, settle in for an all-day menu of hits like Cajun pasta, chicken and waffles, and a 12-ounce ribeye with pineapple-ginger soy marinade.
For wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted cocktails — enjoy Matchbox (Silver Spring)
Easily one of the top Black-owned restaurants in DC for casual American fare, Matchbox is a destination for its signature wood-fired pizzas. Try the fire and smoke pizza with smoked Gouda, roasted red peppers, and Spanish onions, or the classic pepperoni pie. Specialty burgers are equally popular at this Silver Spring favorite. Don’t miss the indulgent brunch menu with dishes like caramel apple pancakes.
For Southern comfort at one of the best Black-owned restaurants in DC — get a table at Georgia Brown’s (Downtown)
Co-owned by Ayanna Brown, DC icon Georgia Brown’s has been serving up a taste of the Lowcountry to the nation’s capital since 1993. The sophisticated menu is packed with elegant twists on Southern favorites—think fried green tomatoes with herbed cream goat cheese, shrimp and grits in a buttery seafood sauce, and chocolate bourbon pecan pie. A 2022 MICHELIN Plate winner, the restaurant has stylish interiors with striking bronze sculptures.
For dynamic fusion dishes from a celebrity chef — reserve a space at Huncho House (Hyattsville)
In trendy Hyattsville, Maryland, Food Network star and award-winning chef Tobias Dorzon fuses contemporary American with an impressive array of international influences at Huncho House. Choose from jerk mumbo glaze chicken lollipops, creamy crab and jalapeño fettucine, and wagyu cheesesteak eggrolls paired with sophisticated, internationally-inspired cocktails. For fancy occasions, book a seat at the chef’s table.
From the comfort of Southern cuisine to the bold tastes of Pan-African dishes, the best Black-owned restaurants in DC are all dedicated to quality and creativity. Supporting these Black-owned DC restaurants will not only provide a memorable dining experience, but ensure these talented chefs receive the recognition and business they deserve.
Reserve your table at one of the best Black-owned restaurants in DC by booking on OpenTable today.
Discover more of DC’s standout restaurants with these helpful guides:
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- 10 standout Italian restaurants in DC to book right now
- 10 DC restaurants that scream cozy
Taryn White is a Washington, DC-area travel and food writer and founder of travel and lifestyle website The Trip Wish List. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and other outlets.
