Best Cajun Restaurants in Penn Quarter

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Dauphine’s

4.6

Exceptional(1380)

Price: Expensive

• Creole • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

Dauphine’s in Downtown, Washington, D.C., is not just a restaurant but a vibrant celebration of New Orleans culture, particularly renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar. Patrons rave about their "refreshing and delicious" seasonal spritz and the "delightful spritz cocktail," highlighting the bar's creativity and quality. The cocktail list perfectly complements their New Orleans-inspired cuisine, creating a truly transportive experience. Whether it's the lively ambiance during happy hour or the elegant setting for a night out, each drink is crafted with meticulous care. As one reviewer puts it, the cocktails are "interesting and delicious," making Dauphine’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts in the capital.

2. RT's Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2247)

Price: Moderate

• Creole • Alexandria

Booked 13 times today

RT's Restaurant in Alexandria is a celebrated haven for seafood lovers, renowned for its fresh, authentic offerings and a staple in the Northern Virginia dining scene for over 34 years. Esteemed for its place on Washingtonian Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants" and high ratings in the "Zagat Survey," RT's excels in Creole and Cajun specialties. Patrons rave about dishes like the "Death by Gumbo" and Jack Daniel's Shrimp, describing them as "the best New Orleans food outside of New Orleans." With its ever-evolving weekly specials and a menu that dazzles, RT's consistently delivers an exceptional seafood experience that keeps guests returning. "The soft shell crab special was prepared perfectly and tasted fresh and was full of flavor," praises one satisfied diner, encapsulating the high-quality and culinary prowess that RT's Restaurant proudly upholds.

A photo of Milk & Honey - The Wharf restaurant

3. Milk & Honey - The Wharf

4.1

Excellent(102)

Price: Moderate

• Creole • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 30 times today

Experience the heart and soul of New Orleans right in Washington DC at Milk & Honey - The Wharf. Specializing in authentic Southern brunch, this restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine to life with dishes like their award-winning Shrimp & Grits and Chicken & Waffles. Guests rave about the “mouth-watering” RumChata French Toast and the “light and yummy” Butter Glazed Biscuits, accompanied by brown sugar butter that's simply “yummy’er.” Ideal for any occasion, Milk & Honey offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebration. As one delighted diner put it, “The food is phenomenal. Hits every time!” Making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Southern comfort food.

A photo of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant

4. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

Exceptional(1551)

Price: Expensive

• Creole • Logan Circle

Booked 12 times today

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace in Logan Circle, Washington, DC, is a seafood lover’s delight, renowned for its fresh, high-quality oysters and authentically flavored Cajun dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness and quality shines through its diverse oyster selection from Virginia, Japan, and beyond, making it a must-visit for connoisseurs. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with one noting, "the oysters Tchoupitoulas were amazing" and another celebrating the "fresh and juicy" oysters as a highlight. Pearl Dive’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with its expertly crafted seafood gumbo and wood-grilled oysters, ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning. Whether it’s for a lively dinner or a special brunch, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace stands out as a top destination for exceptional seafood in DC.

5. Georgia Brown's

4.6

Exceptional(8751)

Price: Expensive

• Creole • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

At Georgia Brown’s in Downtown Washington, you'll be treated to a lively rendition of South Carolina Low-Country cuisine, where the food is as soulful as the setting. Imagine dining under bronze sculptures with a golden ambiance that enhances every bite. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and quality of the Southern dishes, declaring, "There cannot be better buttermilk fried chicken on the planet!" and praising the "best grits I’ve ever had!" The restaurant combines exceptional service with culinary excellence, making each visit memorable. It's not just a meal; it's an experience where "the food and service are consistently excellent," ensuring that Georgia Brown's is a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Southern cuisine in the heart of Washington.

6. Lost Society - DC

3.9

Excellent(895)

Price: Expensive

• Creole • U Street Corridor

Lost Society, nestled in the vibrant U Street Corridor of Washington D.C., is not just a restaurant but a premier destination for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Known for its "eclectic atmosphere" and stunning rooftop views, Lost Society offers a transcendent setting for an evening out. Patrons consistently rave about the high-quality drinks and the vibrant late-night lounge vibes that make every visit memorable. One reviewer exclaimed, "Drinks were so good, food was so good, and the music was sooooo good. 1000/10 vibe will be back!" making it clear that Lost Society is a trendsetter in the bar and lounge scene. Whether it’s the expertly mixed cocktails or the engaging events, Lost Society delivers an unmatched experience that captivates and delights.

7. New Heights

4.7

Exceptional(1482)

Price: Expensive

• Creole • Woodley Park

Booked 4 times today

New Heights in Woodley Park, Washington, DC, is a beacon of comfort food, blending innovative modern American cuisine with a homey touch that consistently draws locals and travelers alike. Praised for its "creative cuisine" and stylish ambiance, New Heights offers a dining experience that is both upscale and welcoming. Guests rave about the chicken and waffles and tuna poké tacos, highlighting the quality and authenticity of the dishes. The restaurant’s atmosphere, enhanced by scenic views and a knowledgeable staff, ensures a delightful dining experience. As one reviewer put it, "The food was very tasty, delicious cocktails, excellent service. I already want to come back," perfectly encapsulating the charm and excellence of New Heights.

8. Kitchen Savages

4.3

Awesome(156)

Price: Expensive

• Creole • Navy Yard

Booked 5 times today

Kitchen Savages in Navy Yard, Washington, is a beacon of Contemporary Southern cuisine, delighting diners with its unique blend of traditional flavors and modern flair. Patrons rave about the "flavorful and filling" dishes, highlighting favorites like the "amazing" catfish and "incredible" lamb and ribs. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with one review exclaiming how the "Belief, Sincerity & Passion flowed through each of the dishes." The atmosphere is described as an "intimate setting and a homage to black culture," making it not just a meal, but a culturally enriching experience. Kitchen Savages is not only about food but also about creating connections and giving back to the community, making every visit memorable.

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's - Arlington (Crystal City) restaurant

9. McCormick & Schmick's - Arlington (Crystal City)

4.3

Awesome(2927)

Price: Moderate

• Creole • Arlington

Booked 15 times today

McCormick & Schmick's in Arlington is a prime destination for steak lovers seeking quality and authenticity. Nestled near key landmarks like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Arlington National Cemetery, this restaurant is renowned for its exceptional Steak dishes. Guests rave about the culinary excellence, with one diner exclaiming, "The food was amazing!" particularly highlighting the steak. The commitment to sourcing products from local ranches ensures that every steak is not only fresh but also supports regional suppliers. The inviting ambiance and meticulous service complement the dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a perfectly cooked steak in a fine dining setting. Whether you're a local or just passing through, McCormick & Schmick's promises a steak experience that's hard to beat.

A photo of Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring restaurant

10. Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring

4.4

Awesome(43)

Price: Moderate

• Creole • Silver Spring

Booked 20 times today

Discover the heart and soul of Creole cuisine at Miss Toya's Creole House in Silver Spring. This charming eatery prides itself on delivering authentic Southern flavors and a warm atmosphere that feels like home. Patrons rave about the "spectacular" cornbread and jambalaya that are "seasoned to perfection," highlighting the authentic Creole touch in every dish. The crawfish étouffée and succulent lamb chops are must-tries, celebrated for their rich flavors and perfect seasoning. Miss Toya's not only delights with its food but also with its exceptional service, where the staff, like the praised Roger and Teophia, make every dining experience memorable. With its cozy ambiance and a menu that embodies the spirit of New Orleans, Miss Toya's Creole House stands out as a gem in Silver Spring, offering more than just a meal but a genuine taste of Creole hospitality.

‘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
Matthew
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Some of the nicest restaurant staff I’ve met in DC and all of the food literally melted in my mouth it was so good! Definitely recommend trying the butter biscuits with homemade peach jam as an appetizer.
More info
Milk & Honey - The WharfPrice: Moderate• American• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.1
K
Kimberly
Washington, D.C. Area •42 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious as always! I have come here so many times and it never disappoints! It is one of my favorite places!
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RT's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Alexandria
•
4.8
L
Leni
Washington, D.C. Area •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always happy with Black restaurants. Food was reliably excellent if not exceptional - we had blackened catfish and blackened shrimp. Service was attentive, congenial and responsive. Good value for increasingly expensive DC restaurant scene.
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Pearl Dive Oyster PalacePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Logan Circle
•
4.8
R
Richard
Washington, D.C. Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This was a short notice lunch meeting with a colleague and the right place.. good midday location, warm reception and awesome food. The lunch special was a great deal, but we veered off to get additional food items. The menu is an eye catching experience. You want to try everything. My first experience with Oysters Rockefeller made me a convert for sure. This is a keeper and highly recommended. We’ll be back for sure 👍🏾
More info
Kitchen SavagesPrice: Expensive• American• Navy Yard
•
4.3
M
Mark
Dallas - Fort Worth •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
First time eating a Dauphines, and had an exceptional dining experience. No question about returning again
More info
Dauphine’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6

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Creole

Best Cajun Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Dauphine’s

2. RT's Restaurant

3. Milk & Honey - The Wharf

4. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

5. Georgia Brown's

6. Lost Society - DC

7. New Heights

8. Kitchen Savages

9. McCormick & Schmick's - Arlington (Crystal City)

10. Miss Toya's Creole House - Silver Spring

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