Best Cozy Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

227 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant restaurant

1. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(99)

Price: Moderate

• Ethiopian • Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Letena is a farm-to-table Ethiopian restaurant serving dishes made with natural, premium ingredients. Located in the heart of Columbia Heights, Washington DC, Letena is a family-owned destination centered around authentic, quality Ethiopian food. Owner Yamrot Ezineh opened Letena’s doors in October 2016. Yamrot and her team love welcoming new and old friends to enjoy Letena’s delicious, fresh food. Their goal is to make the unique experience of Ethiopian food approachable for everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to meat-lovers alike. Letena’s original Ethiopian dishes have won accolades from various publications and review platforms including Food Network, Washingtonian, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

A photo of Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge restaurant

2. Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge

4.5

Awesome(18)

Price: Moderate

• Persian • Washington

Booked 3 times today

KooKoo is a concept by Chef/Owner Yahya Sardari to bring the tastes of his childhood dishes to life. We strive to use the freshest available ingredients and best family recipes to bring our favorite dishes to life. We have a crafted some amazing Persian inspired cocktails for your enjoyment. Traditional spices married with the best spirits by our resident mixologist Danielle. Yahya Sardari brought Kookoo to life in August of 2023 to showcase his love of Persian cuisine. With family recipes handed down from his mom he recreates his childhood memories and shares his passion for cooking and hosting with his guests.

3. SHIA Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(36)

Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 2 times today

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

4. Olio e Più - DC

4.4

Awesome(175)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Washington

Booked 85 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.

5. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(265)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 7 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

6. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3783)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 20 times today

Tabard Inn is a cozy restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many reviews praise its 'quaint European setting', 'cozy and beautiful' bar/lounge area, and 'charming ambiance'. The restaurant's commitment to comfort is also evident in its 'home away from home' ethos. The intimate dining rooms, and fireplace lounge add to the warm, inviting feel. The restaurant's historic ambience, and thoughtful touches like decorative floor screens between tables, enhance the comforting environment.

7. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19381)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 154 times today

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.

8. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(1997)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 52 times today

Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington

9. Amazonia

4.7

Exceptional(133)

Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 14 times today

Venture into the relaxed ambiance of Amazonia, our inviting upstairs bar, dining room and rooftop hideaway. As one of the first Amazonian restaurants in the U.S., discover the exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru's rainforest, as well as favorite Peruvian staples. Here you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of pisco and imaginative cocktails. The dishes you'll enjoy in Amazonia are meant for sharing, and are expertly prepared by the very same skilled kitchen team from Causa downstairs.

10. The Park at 14th

4.7

Exceptional(2915)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

The Park at 14th is a restaurant, lounge, and event venue on four floors overlooking Franklin Square in Downtown D.C. Offering a sense of timeless elegance, beautiful views, and a warm and welcoming interior, The Park at 14th is the perfect place dining, socializing, and hosting your next event. We invite you to join us. For reservations over 10 people, please TEXT (202) 550-0300

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Maurlin
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The staff was outstanding and the food was great. Although it was Christmas day, the meal was served at a perfect pace. No hurry even though the restaurant was completely booked. I highly recommend the restaurant and will return with additional guests.
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Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
•
4.4
N
NicoleVIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This was a great experience. From the time we walked in until we left the staff were considerably, attentive, and extremely nice. The energy is inviting. The open kitchen was a nice addition to the experience filling the room with warmth. The menu was clearly designed with deep thought and intention. Would highly recommended.
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The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
•
4.7
J
Joseph
New York City •10 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 18, 2024
Just super solid with nice people and large portions.
More info
Kookoo Restaurant and LoungePrice: Moderate• Persian• Washington
•
4.5
K
KennyVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
Amazing experience. Food and service were on another level. After each delicate course, I was left wanting more which is ingenious because now I have to come back again. Darn. Thank you SHIA.
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SHIA RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Korean• Washington
•
4.8
M
Meghan
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
This was my first time at Letena and it was excellent! Will definitely be back. My table shared a platter and each item was delicious. The restaurant smelled amazing when you walked in the door. Servers constantly kept my water full.
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Letena Ethiopian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• Columbia Heights / Brightwood
•
4.9

Best Cozy Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

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227 restaurants available nearby

1. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

2. Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge

3. SHIA Restaurant

4. Olio e Più - DC

5. The Dabney

6. Tabard Inn

7. Zaytinya - DC

8. dLeña

9. Amazonia

10. The Park at 14th

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