Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Columbia Heights / 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

237 restaurants available nearby

1. Thip Khao

new

4.9

Exceptional(4)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Laotian • Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Booked 42 times today

Thip Khao is acclaimed chef Seng Luangrath's flagship restaurant in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC. Thip Khao serves up spicy Lao (or Laotian) dishes and classic cocktails with an exotic twist. Lao cuisine leverages tropical herbs and cooking techniques of Southeast Asia. However, the flavor profile is distinct from its fellow SE Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Dishes like Naem Khao (Crispy Rice Salad), Sai Oua (lemongrass pork sausage), Laab, and Tam Muk Houng (Lao papaya salad) at Thip Khao showcase the unique flavors of Laos. Many dishes are served with sticky rice. Chef Seng recommends eating sticky rice with your hands as most Laotians do. Since its opening, the restaurant has been well received by Washingtonians and critics alike. The restaurant has had national recognition from multiple publications including New York Times, Washington Post, Bon Apetit magazine, Washingtonian magazine, and Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand).

A photo of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant restaurant

2. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(102)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Ethiopian • Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Booked 9 times today

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.

3. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(99)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 26 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

4. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1239)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 53 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.

A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

5. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.6

Exceptional(34534)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 330 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.

6. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4039)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 123 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.

7. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11951)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 227 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 Gypsy Kitchen - DC restaurant

8. Gypsy Kitchen - DC

4.6

Exceptional(1622)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Logan Circle

Booked 73 times today

Just like the bohemian travelers who inspired our name, Gypsy Kitchen’s alluring flavors aren’t bound by borders. Instead, our chefs go wherever the inspiration takes them, crafting deeply creative dishes that transport you to uncharted places around the Mediterranean and beyond. A menu designed to taste and share gives guests the freedom to explore the menu at their own pace, connecting over seductive flavors, festive craft cocktails and curated regional wines. The alluring interior matches the menu, with welcoming dining spaces that foster connections and spark conversation. Antique tapestries and rugs, twinkling lights and vibrantly patterned tile set the scene in the expansive dining room. Or, take a seat on the rooftop patio oasis, where lush greenery, plush cushions and the sky overhead evokes the feeling of being on a caravan to explore a distant land.

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

9. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10482)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 153 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

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

4.6

Exceptional(3884)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 126 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KenVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Always an excellent experience no matter which of their restaurants we dine at.
More info
Bistro AracosiaPrice: Moderate• Afghan• Palisades Northwest
•
4.8
KC
KipnCandiVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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
•
4.6
L
LoriVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •24 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
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
E
ErisVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
We travel from Potomac, MD to eat at Mala Tang. The food is authentic, delicious and an experience. We love to do the hot pot when we have a large group as we can all share the proteins and veggies to put inside. When we are a smaller group we love the dry pot. The vegetables they offer are very fresh and unique. The service is always top notch and the price is very reasonable. We can't wait to go back!
More info
Mala TangPrice: Expensive• Asian• Arlington
•
4.4

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