Winter is a fantastic time to explore the food scene in DC. Reservations loosen up. Dining rooms feel a bit calmer. And for one week in January, prices are easier to predict. Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week returns January 19th to 25th, 2026, giving visitors a reason to plan meals instead of winging it.
If you’re staying at Arlo Washington DC, you’re already in a neighborhood where Restaurant Week is thriving. Many of the participating restaurants are clustered nearby, which means less time planning routes and more time deciding what to order. That’s the real perk. This is your map to the best Restaurant Week deals in DC.
How Washington DC Winter Restaurant Week Works
For seven days, restaurants across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia offer three-course, fixed-price menus. In 2026, brunch or lunch menus land at $25 or $35. Dinner runs $40, $55, or $65, depending on the restaurant.
A few things to keep in mind when you’re planning which restaurants to pick. Lunch is generally the quietest. It’s easier to book, portions are still solid, and you won’t feel rushed out the door. Dinner menus usually feature more options, but the popular spots fill up quickly. If you have a short list, reserve early.
Menus vary more than you might expect. Some restaurants stick to their staples. Others use Restaurant Week to show off seasonal dishes or crowd favorites that rarely get discounted. Check menus as they’re released, and don’t be surprised if new DC Restaurant Week restaurants join as the week gets closer.
Restaurants Near Arlo DC
*Arlo, Washington, DC, is located less than 15 minutes by foot and just a short cab ride away from all these great restaurants participating in DC Restaurant Week.*
Love, Makoto
This is the spot for people who don’t want to commit to one lane. Love, Makoto has sushi, grilled dishes, ramen, and small plates, all under one roof. During Restaurant Week, the menus tend to focus on precision rather than volume. Clean cuts of fish and thoughtful plating are what you can expect. It’s a choose-your-own-pace kind of meal, which works well if everyone at the table wants something different.
Daikaya
Daikaya has cold-weather food, done right. Downstairs is all about the ramen. Rich broth, springy noodles, and bowls filled to the brim. Their Japanese tavern, The Izakaya, adds snacks and cocktails if you want the night to keep going. Restaurant Week menus here feel comforting, which is exactly what you want after a long day walking the city.
Cafe Riggs
Cafe Riggs offers a steady, reliable meal. The menu leans American with French influence, and Restaurant Week offerings tend to include composed mains and seafood-focused starters. Service moves at a good pace, which makes it easy to fit dinner in before a show or an early morning.
Cucina Morini
Cucina Morini does pasta right. They feature delicious sauces and plates that feel comforting without being heavy. Restaurant Week usually brings a mix of pastas and starters that show off the kitchen’s strengths. It’s lively, but not loud. A place where you can settle in.
Carmine’s
No subtlety here, and that’s the appeal. Big Italian plates. Loud tables. Food is meant to be shared. During DC Winter Restaurant Week, Carmine’s becomes an easy answer for groups who don’t want to overthink the order. Portions lean generous. Plan accordingly.
Dirty Habit
At Dirty Habit, cocktails are part of the meal. The bar’s seasonal drinks complement the globally influenced menu, which highlights small plates and composed main courses. During Restaurant Week, dishes feel inventive without being fussy. The interior is modern and buzzing, which makes it feel like it’s part of the night out.
Rasika
Rasika delivers modern Indian cuisine with layers of spice and texture that evolve as you eat. Restaurant Week menus usually include signature items like palak chaat with richer main courses, giving a snapshot of the kitchen’s range. It’s polished but approachable. And it’s the kind of place you want to linger over each course.
Where to Stay During DC Restaurant Week 2026
DC Restaurant Week works best when getting a meal is easy. Staying at Arlo Washington DC keeps you close to many of the city’s most popular restaurants, so planning meals feels simple instead of logistical. Plus, you can experience some of the best local foodie spots at a fraction of the price. Book your stay at Arlo DC and build your winter trip around good food, good timing, and reservations that actually work.
