Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Brightwood

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillChevy Chase

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

211 restaurants available nearby

1. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(80)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 31 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.**

2. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4004)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 64 times today

Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.

3. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11911)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 188 times today

The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.

A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

4. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.6

Exceptional(34510)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 215 times today

Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday neighborhood restaurant.

5. Oyamel

4.6

Exceptional(9638)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 105 times today

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.

A photo of Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant

6. Mi Vida Penn Quarter

4.6

Exceptional(438)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 25 times today

“Mi Vida” translates to “My Life.” However, in Mexico, “Mi Vida” means much more. “Mi Vida” is a term of endearment bestowed on close family and friends to signify love, care and importance. When one says, “Mi Vida,” they are telling someone special how much they mean to them. MI VIDA describes how we feel about our team and our guests. It is our expression of Mexican culture and cuisine as interpreted through the lens of Chef Roberto Santibañez. Our menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.

A photo of The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant

7. The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

4.6

Exceptional(3856)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 104 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with a simple mission — make people happy! We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

8. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10446)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 98 times today

Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday

A photo of Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant

9. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(13885)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Georgetown

Booked 86 times today

Located at Georgetown’s Washington Harbor on the Potomac River with a lively dining room, full-service bar, and a covered & heated patio, this farmer-owned restaurant is open 365 days a year serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and a decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch. Everything is made from scratch with simple, high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they know and trust. Expansive menus include an array of seafood dishes, sushi, pizzas, tacos, decadent desserts, Founding Farmers Chocolates, classic and tiki cocktails featuring spirits from their DC-based distillery, Founding Spirits. You can also swing by for a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from their First Bake Cafe. Mission driven and operating Through The Eyes Of The Farmer,™ they actively care about their guests, communities, and the planet. This all comes together in their friendly neighborhood restaurant.

10. Chaplin

4.8

Exceptional(1599)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Shaw

Booked 32 times today

Chaplin's Restaurant & Bar is a 1930's style Japanese Ramen House and cocktail bar. Chaplin's Executive Chef and Partner, Myo Htun, is originally from Burma, but was cooking ramen in Japan at a young age. Myo received a blessing from his mentor in Japan after nearly 30 years of cooking in Japan, to come to America and continue to showcase his authentic Ramen and traditional Japanese cuisine. Chaplin's Restaurant demonstrates the aesthetic of a bustling ramen house in Japan in the 1930's silent film era. There is also a large outdoor dining area that is dog friendly. Chaplin's is located in the heart of the Historic Shaw neighborhood. And it is open until last call 7 days a week. Chaplin's received a Plate certification in the Michelin Guide in 2020. And it is located steps from the convention center and popular Logan Circle, 14th street and City Market.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
William
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Cheryl was amazing as a waitress as well as the rest of the staff!!
More info
The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4
C
Cameron
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful & delicious dining experience! Shared the veggie sampler and the beef & chicken sampler - highly recommend both! Honey wine was incredible. Very happy that I chose this restaurant for Valentine's Day dinner!
More info
EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.8
M
MonicaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great service and food was fantastic! I was very impressed with the service considering it was Valentine’s Day.
More info
Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.6
L
LyndaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
Wonderful food, especially the lamb chops and interesting appetizers. Will certainly return. One of the best Indian meals I have had in DC
More info
Delhi SpicePrice: Moderate• Indian• Bethesda
•
4.6
H
Holly
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
There is a lot of great choices on the menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet (mostly because we dined on a holiday, but I am certain if we dined on a normal day it would’ve been lively and energetic). Our server was wonderful, and the food was great. The pizzas are great to share among 2 people as they are individual pizzas with 6 sizeable slices. The pastas a generous portion and fit the price. They do add gratuity (tip) to the bill & leave you the option to add more. Overall the experience was wonderful and I would recommend and go again.
More info
Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
•
4.3

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