DC Dives' Best Restaurants of 2020

As some of you may very well know, I just recently moved to Washington, DC. It had been a dream of mine far almost as long as I could remember. And, one thing I recalled from my many trips in the past was how great the restaurant scene was.

When I had first traveled to DC, I was in middle school. So, at the time, I wasn't into bar hopping (yet). The first place I ever went to was a Spanish tapas restaurant in Georgetown off M St NW. I sat there, drinking a Jarritos and escaping the heat of the DC summer.

I wish it was still there- but COVID-19 has changed a lot for this city. Some of its most prominent restaurants have sadly closed, like Capital Lounge, which had been around for over 40 years.

So this is where I stand now- 3 months of experience in a socially distant capital. I have eaten my way through DC almost every day (sometimes three times per day), and this is the list I have compiled. It may be short, but give me a break. There's a pandemic. I present: DC Dives' Best Restaurants of 2020.

10. Agua 301

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Anacostia River is one of my favorite Mexican places. Agua 301 consists of a nice atmosphere, great service, and even better food.

I, myself, typically get the Beef Empanadas, one of my favorite dishes. To their credit, their empanadas are the best I've had outside of Miami. They also have a wide variety of street tacos (I myself don't like tacos but you can help yourself to them). My friends all say they are delicious!

They also have one of the best happy hours in the city. When you're living in the most expensive zip code per capita, it's nice to get a margarita that's under $20. I highly recommend this spot if you want to have some good food, cheap drinks, and hangout with your friends. Also- the view is fantastic.

9. Circa Navy Yard

So, I'm not one to eat fried rice for breakfast, but Circa Navy Yard has forever changed my mind. Their Bulgolgi Fried Rice is a brunch favorite of mine (along with their $4 mimosas). It's fried rice with a poached egg on top, and it is to die for.

Circa is also home to my favorite macaroni dish of all time. Yes, all time. Their Four Cheese Macaroni not only features four cheeses as the name suggests, but crispy prosciutto as well. It is mouthwateringly good.

Now, I have only ever been to Circa for brunch, but according to my sources dinner is just as tasty. When you go ask for Robert, my favorite server.

8. Toastique

There's definitely a reason Toastique was voted DC's best new restaurant of 2020. And, I also felt the need to include a healthy option on this list. But, Toastique makes eating healthy a choice, not a chore. I typically go for their Açaí bowls, as there aren't many good places in DC to go for these (unless I'm completely mistaken- but it did take me weeks to find a good place and it was here).

Toastique is not only known for their Açaí. In fact, their house specialty is gourmet toasts. They are also a full service juice bar, so they have just about every juice you can imagine. I recommend the Black Charcoal Juice for hangovers. You can thank me later.

7. Ambar

I'm not going to lie. I was a bit apprehensive when trying Ambar for the first time. I have a habit of being a picky eater, and Ambar serves balkan food. Yes, you heard me correctly, balkan. Now, I am obsessed.

I tried Ambar for the first time during restaurant week. Their deal was spectacular; all you can eat and drink. I think that night I tried just about everything on the menu. Their hummus is some of the best I've ever had along with the pulled pork. But, my favorite dish is by far the mussels. If you go, you cannot skip out on them.

Although I have not been yet, Ambar is known for having a fantastic brunch. I have had multiple friends rave about the food and drink menu and they are begging me to go. You should try it out for me.

6. Hatoba DC

Now if you know me, you know I have an extremely unhealthy obsession with ramen. Luckily for you, this makes me hypercritical on the matter. I have tested roughly eight ramen restaurants in DC, and Hatoba is by far my favorite. They just do it right here.

Aside from their ramen, they have superb appetizers, which oftentimes tend to slack at ramen restaurants. The Mini Chashu Donburi is fantastic. It's a starter on the menu, and consists of Japanese pork gravy, pickled ginger, and scallions over white rice.

I've had a few of their ramen dishes, such as the Yuzu Shio and Spicy Red Miso. It's honestly hard to pick a favorite here because everything is just so good. A definite must-try in Navy Yard.

5. Mia's Italian Kitchen

On the outskirts of DC in Old Town Alexandria sits Mia's Italian Kitchen. In fact, I was eating here when I finally decided to make the move- so it has some sentimental value as well.

Mia's Italian Kitchen is definitely a hidden gem. The restaurant itself is beautiful and has a great atmosphere. The servers are well versed with the menu and had no trouble answering any of my questions. It's always a fantastic experience overall.

My favorite dish from here was the Rigatoni alla Bolognese. It consists of slow braised beef bolognese, san marzano tomatoes, and fresh ricotta. Also- the pasta is home made. Some of the best pasta I've ever had.

This place is a must try not only for the great food and atmosphere, but also for the area it resides in. Old Town is beautiful and charming, with lots of things to do. After I left here, I stopped next door for some ice cream. You should too.

4. Nobu DC

Call me nostalgic, but I love Nobu DC. I could be slightly biased, because my boyfriend and I's first date was here, but Nobu truly has the best sushi of all time. And, if you've ever been, I'm sure you've noticed how nice the atmosphere is.

A must try on the menu is the Crispy Rice appetizer. It's fried cubes of white rice with fresh yellowfin tuna and soy sauce. Simply take your rice, smear some tuna, and dip. It's delicious.

Two times a year, they have great deals. One, is for restaurant week, the other is for drinks. So if you're not trying to break the bank, you should definitely use these events to go for the first time.

3. Peacock Cafe

It was extremely hard to pick my top three favorite restaurants in order. My first time at Peacock Cafe is one of my favorite memories. It's on a back street in Georgetown and is surrounded by beautiful foliage, historic row homes, and cobblestone streets. Because of the ambiance out on the street, I highly suggest sitting on the patio.

Peacock Cafe is also home to one of my favorite drinks: the Peacock Iced Coffee. This drink consists of Iced Cake Smirnoff, Coffee Liquor, and Bailey's. If that doesn't sound good to you- stop reading my top ten.

I got the Rigatoni Bolognese my last time, and it was my first time ever finishing everything on my plate. This pasta was delicious. I highly recommend it if you are a pasta lover like me.

No matter what, Peacock Cafe has a diverse menu that will suite the taste or cravings of anyone. The whole family would be able to find something on the menu that they wholeheartedly enjoy.

2. Ristorante Piccolo

I think I could go on for days about how much I love Ristorante Piccolo. It's situated on a side street in Georgetown that is riddled with Italian restaurants. I've tried every single one and Piccolo is my favorite.

The outside of the restaurant looks like something out of a movie- bright orange siding, strung firefly lights, and candlelit tables. Piccolo is also family owned, so you will get outstanding service. Never have I had a bad experience here. The servers are personable, attentive, and knowledgable. I've also had the pleasure of meeting the chef once, and was able to thank him for a fantastic meal.

I have explored Piccolo's menu more than I have anywhere else, and every dish has been exquisite. From their blue crab stuffed portobello mushroom, to the mushroom ravioli and seafood risotto, there is no room for disappointment.

Ristorante Piccolo holds a special place in my heart, and I highly suggest you make the visit.

1. St. Anslem

Well, we have finally made it. District Dives' #1 restaurant in DC. St. Anslem by far takes the cake, and for good reason.

St. Anslem is historic and the building itself has remained untouched for some time. When you walk in, you're immediately greeted by the celebrated, candlelit atmosphere.

For starters, St. Anslem's wine list is 71 pages long. It took myself and my boyfriend 30 minutes to pick out a wine. But, our wonderful waitress tried to help us along the way- we're just very picky.

After settling on a wine, we ordered three appetizers, all of which were mouthwatering. The blue crab deviled eggs were my favorite, and I don't even like deviled eggs. Followed by their heritage bacon, which is bacon so thick you need a steak knife to cut yourself a piece. Finally, the wedge salad. A classic, yet delicious take. All of their food offerings are eclectic, with their own spin on the dishes. I appreciate this, and it makes going to St. Anslem a one of a kind experience.

Finally, we order the Ax Handle Ribeye. This steak was 55 ounces. By far, the largest steak I've ever seen! Not only was it enormous, but it was filled with flavor. It was so good, we ate the entire thing. If you've ever had 27.5 ounces of steak in one sitting, you know how full you are afterwards.

St. Anslem is where history meets great food, and that is why I think it encompasses the personality of Washington, DC perfectly. A must, and once in a lifetime try.