Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Lanham

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

230 restaurants available nearby

1. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(99)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 27 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.**

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

2. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1237)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 48 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

3. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4037)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 101 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.

4. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11949)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 235 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

5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.6

Exceptional(34527)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 351 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.

A photo of Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant

6. Mi Vida Penn Quarter

4.5

Awesome(448)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 37 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 Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

7. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10478)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 129 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 The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C restaurant

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

4.6

Exceptional(3880)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 125 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.

9. RPM Italian - DC

4.7

Exceptional(4612)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 124 times today

Located in Washington, D.C.’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit and features a contemporary, chef-driven menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly

10. Oyamel

4.6

Exceptional(9654)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 125 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

KC
KipnCandiVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Grabbed a bite to eat after a Caps game. Great everything. Margaritas are small and pricey for the portion. But overall a great place to pre/post game.
More info
Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.5
A
Ambassador RiyadVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •99 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious, spicy Afghan food, in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
More info
Bistro AracosiaPrice: Moderate• Afghan• Palisades Northwest
•
4.8
L
LoriVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent food and service for our large party! Oysters were great! Everyone enjoyed this restaurant lively but not too loud!
More info
The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4
SO
SteveO
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
The food was delicious but the service was slow. We waited a half hour before we received our drinks. I had to ask twice for our check because we had an event in the area.
More info
EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.9
A
Alison
Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Our family went on Christmas day and found it to be a festive and lively place. The food was reasonably priced and very good. We appreciated all the servers that worked on Christmas Day, and found our service to be very good. Our waiter was really hustling all around his tables and I thought he did a great job.
More info
Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
•
4.4

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Spicy food

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