The Best Places to Eat in Woodley Park

Photo deliciousness credits: @ViaRoma.us and @OpenCityDC

Via Roma

Via Roma brings a taste of Rome to D.C. with its specialty—pinsa, a Roman-style flatbread that's lighter and crispier than traditional pizza. The menu balances classics like Margherita with bolder options such as the signature Via Roma, topped with provola, artichokes, roasted peppers, olives, pesto, and stracciatella. A hand-painted mural by artist Grazia Montalto adds a colorful tribute to Naples' Via Roma, infusing the space with Italian character.

Visit at: 2606 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Little Blackbird

Little Blackbird is a wine bar that playfully blends sophistication with whimsy, with inventive pairings like Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc and Twinkies with Sauternes. Chef Ryan Moore's globally inspired menu features dishes such as hearth-roasted halloumi—brined in hot milk before finishing in a stone oven—and lobster-topped socca flatbreads. The wine list is eclectic and approachable, with most bottles priced under $60 and available in three- or six-ounce pours. Desserts like the single malt butterscotch pudding, finished tableside with a pour of Glenlivet 12, add a bit of theater to the dining experience.

Visit at: 3309 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Hot N Juicy Crawfish

Hot N Juicy Crawfish delivers a lively, hands-on seafood boil experience where bibs are encouraged and flavor is paramount. Signature combos like “Get Your Feet Wet” and “The Drool” pair crawfish, shrimp, and snow crab with andouille sausage, corn, and potatoes, all tossed in your choice of bold seasonings—ranging from zesty lemon pepper to their signature Hot N Juicy blend—with spice levels from mild to extra spicy. The casual, no-frills setting—complete with plastic table covers—invites diners to dig in and get messy.

Visit at: 2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Petit Monde Bistro & Cafe

Petit Monde stylish all-day bistro co-owned by a couple who previously worked at Le Diplomate and Maketto. The menu ranges from wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings to dishes like Norwegian Eggs and crispy shrimp-stuffed bao, reflecting a love of both French technique and Asian street food. Beyond the food, the space is designed to evolve with the day: a bright café atmosphere in the morning, a lively wine bar by evening, and always anchored by thoughtful service and beautifully plated dishes.

Visit at: 2653 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Han Palace-Woodley Park

Han Palace-Woodley Park offers a refined take on Cantonese dining, blending traditional flavors with elegant interiors and a a gorgeous, large bar area. Enjoy a delicous variety of dim sum options, including soup dumplings, shrimp dumplings, and scallion pancakes, as well as signature dishes like Han Style Peking Duck and Crispy Walnut Shrimp. Han Palace is a local restaurant group with two other locations, in Georgetown and Barracks Row.

Visit at: 2649 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Duke’s Counter

Duke’s Counter is a London-inspired gastropub known for its award-winning Proper Burger, featuring two juicy patties topped with charred red onions, garlic-dill pickles, arugula, and Thai sweet chili sauce on a grilled brioche bun . other dishes include everything from truffle mac and cheese and panko-crusted eggplant sandwiches, to hearty brunch options like avocado toast and Hackney hot wings. With its copper-top bar serving eight draught beers and a sunlit patio, Duke's Counter provides a relaxed and pleasing atmosphere.

Visit at: 3000 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Flavorture

Flavorture is a chef-led restaurant that reimagines classic American comfort food with global influences and new techniques. Co-owners Pinkey Reddick and Lew McAllister serve dishes like jerk jackfruit tacos, 48-hour marinated lamb chops, and Thai-inspired crab fried rice. The cocktail menu leans creative but accessible, with options like a smoked bourbon old fashioned and a lavender-hued Purple Rain martini, all served in a vibrant, welcoming space.

Visit at: 2609 24th St NW, Woodley Park, DC 20008

NaanWise Indian Cuisine

NaanWise blends traditional Indian flavors with modern presentation, with signature dishes such as their rich Chicken Tikka Masala, flavorful Lamb Biryani, and the unique Laal Maas, a spicy Rajasthani specialty not commonly found on D.C. menus. The restaurant is also known for its freshly baked naan, particularly the garlic and chili cheese varieties, which complement the diverse range of curries and tandoori offerings. Vegan and vegetarian friendly.

Visit at: 2635 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Open City

Open City blends the charm of a neighborhood café with the tasty versatility of an all-day diner, offering a menu that caters to a variety of tastes. From hearty brunch staples like the Open City Royale and huevos rancheros to lunch and dinner options including the Open City Burger and wild mushroom pizza, the restaurant provides a diverse selection of dishes. Complementing the food is a range of specialty coffee drinks and a selection of house-baked pastries.

Visit at: 2331 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008

LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar

LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar is a family-run spot where Old World comfort meets unfussy charm, tucked inside a former carriage house with cozy nooks and a lush outdoor patio. The menu leans classic but not predictable—think rigatoni alla carbonara with pancetta, or house-made mushroom ravioli in a sage cream sauce. LiLLiES also offers private events for up to 150 guests, with chic spaces like the Firenze Room and a lounge area.

Visit at: 2915 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Lebanese Taverna

Lebanese Taverna blends family tradition with a modern sensibility, offering a menu rooted in Lebanese classics like hommus, kibbeh, and lamb kabobs, alongside dishes such as the rich lamb and artichoke stew and the yogurt-laced chicken fatteh. Founded in 1979 by the Abi-Najm family, who emigrated from Beirut to Arlington, the restaurant has grown into a local institution with multiple locations across the D.C. area, including the flagship in Woodley Park.

Visit at: 2641 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Thai And Time Again

Thai And Time Again is a snug, unpretentious Thai spot known for its bold flavors, playful dish names, and loyal neighborhood following. The menu leans traditional but doesn’t shy away from spice or creativity—favorites include the Bangkok Soft Shell Crab, fiery Tom Yum Fried Rice, and comforting Khao Soi noodle curry. With warm service and a low-key vibe, it’s the kind of place where the food speaks louder than the décor—and that’s exactly the point.

Visit at: 2311 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008

New Heights Restaurant

New Heights Restaurant is a long-standing D.C. restaurant that has undergone a thoughtful reinvention under new ownership. Chef Jose Molina brings a global perspective to the menu, offering dishes like broccolini Caesar salad with black garlic dressing, tempura beech mushroom fries seasoned with Moroccan spices, and a standout kale and mushroom paella enriched with saffron rice and a poached egg. The restaurant also has a second-floor dining room adorned with cityscape art, and a cozy bar known for its inventive gin cocktails.

Visit at: 2317 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008

Sofra

Sofra invites patrons to embark on a flavorful journey through Turkish cuisine. The restaurant's name, "Sofra," translates to "dining table" in Turkish. Enjoy a variety of authentic dishes, including charcoal-grilled kebabs, freshly baked bread, and vibrant mezes. Signature offerings like the "Sofra Experience" provide guests with a curated selection of appetizers and grilled meats, embodying the communal spirit of Turkish dining.

Visit at: 2623 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Nando's PERi-PERi

Nando's PERi-PERi is part of a hugely popular nationwide chain known for its South African-Portuguese flame-grilled chicken, marinated in a zesty blend of African Bird’s Eye chili for 24 hours. The Woodley Park outpost delivers a distinct, high-energy vibe with bold design and a lively soundtrack. The menu spans from classic ½ chicken and PERi fries to grain bowls and plant-based wraps, all customizable by spice level.

Visit at: 2631 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Umi Japanese Cuisine

Umi Japanese Cuisine is a longstanding, family-run sushi restaurant in Washington, D.C., known for its extensive menu and commitment to quality. Signature rolls like the Godzilla—spicy tuna and avocado, lightly fried with special sauce—and the Angry Dragon—shrimp tempura and avocado topped with tuna and salmon—showcase the kitchen's playful creativity. Beyond sushi, the menu offers comforting dishes like chicken katsu, yaki udon, and a variety of bento boxes.

Visit at: 2625 Connecticut Ave NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20008

Find your Urban Aerie

A sanctuary in the heart of Woodley Park, Aerie is a radiant new, ground-up redevelopment of expansive luxury apartments and high-rise penthouses. Discover extraordinary, resort-style amenities; floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views; high-end appliances and finishes; and beautiful interiors that complement the green spaces you'll also find outside. Contact us today to learn more about available floor plans and move-in specials.