Washington, DC is one of America’s most exciting culinary destinations, offering everything from bustling food halls to innovative restaurants and vibrant farmers markets. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor looking to experience the capital’s diverse flavors, this guide will take you through the best food markets Washington DC has to offer, along with other must-visit spots that define the city’s food scene.
DC Food Halls
Union Market
The crown jewel of DC’s food hall scene, Union Market has become one of the city’s most iconic food hubs since its revamp in 2012. This industrial-cool market located in the NoMad neighborhood now houses over 60 food and beverage partners including coffee roasters, charcuterie counters, artisanal butchers, ramen joints, trattorias, and restaurants representing dishes from around the world.
Bryant Street Market
Bryant Street Market features an array of local dining experiences inside a spacious food hall, offering some of the best places to eat in Washington DC. This newer addition to the scene offers cocktails, poke bowls, dumplings, tacos, coffee, bubble tea, Korean BBQ, and American comfort food. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this market in the Edgewood neighborhood of DC is a great pick for everyday eating adventures.
Western Market
Located in the heart of Foggy Bottom, Western Market is a unique culinary hub serving some of the best fare in Washington D.C. The market offers specialty pizza, delicious bagels, savory Mediterranean, sushi, street food, dessert and more, all under one roof. Standout vendors include Bandoola Bowl, the only Burmese spot at a food hall in DC proper, and My Cake Theory, known for an appearance on the Food Network.
The Square Food Hall
The Square offers a premier food hall and market experience via its diverse restaurants and vibrant atmospheres. Located at International Square, it’s another excellent option for experiencing DC’s culinary diversity, from donuts and churros to tacos, tapas, and Tuscan specialties.
Wonder Food Delivery & Takeout
Wonder is a new kind of food hall that allows diners to experience the nation’s best restaurants and chef offerings in a single order, featuring everything from Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird to New York’s iconic Thai eatery SriPraPhai to Atlanta barbecue favorite Fred’s Meat & Bread. Peruse the impeccable lineup here. If you prefer to pick up your order, there are two Wonder locations in DC, at 1924 14th St NW and 1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, with more outposts on the way.
DC Food & Farmers Markets
Eastern Market
Located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market is DC’s prime destination for fresh food, community events, and on weekends, local farm-fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts. This historic market has been serving the community since 1873 and is still a beloved local institution today.
Bloomingdale Farmers Market
Lovingly known as “BFM” to locals, Bloomingdale Farmers Market can be found on R Street between 1st Street and Florida Avenue NW. The market strictly abides by a local grower and producer-only policy, and features DC restaurants on-site during certain weekends. BFM is open on Sundays from 9am to 1pm.
More DC Culinary Hotspots
The Wharf
The Wharf is DC’s most exciting waterfront neighborhood, home to over 80 restaurants and shops, four hotels, and thousands of residents and workers. This transformed waterfront area offers some of the city’s most spectacular dining experiences with stunning Potomac River views. Notable restaurants include Del Mar, Fabio Trabocchi’s celebration of Spanish seafood cuisine, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, and JINYA Ramen Bar.
Navy Yard
The Navy Yard area, particularly around Nationals Park, has become a dining destination in its own right. Check out Mission Navy Yard, a lively bar and restaurant located across from Nationals Park and three blocks from Audi Field, providing a vibrant bar scene, outdoor spaces and delicious Mexican food.
The DC Food Scene
Washington, DC’s culinary landscape reflects the city’s diversity and international character. From traditional American fare to authentic international cuisines, the food scene here tells the story of a global city. The city’s food halls, in particular, have become community gathering spaces that showcase local entrepreneurs alongside established restaurateurs.
To make the most of your DC food exploration, consider starting with one of the major food halls like Union Market or Bryant Street Market, where you can sample multiple vendors in one location. Then venture out to neighborhood gems like Eastern Market for a more traditional market experience, or head to The Wharf for upscale waterfront dining.
Don’t forget to check the operating hours and seasonal availability, especially for farmers markets, and consider making reservations for the more popular restaurants. With so many incredible options, Washington, DC truly offers a world of flavors waiting to be discovered.
