Best Bets for DC Summer Restaurant Week 2025
There’s no better time to try out the city’s delicious dining spots than during the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) biannual Summer Restaurant Week, this year presented from August 18–24, 2025.
Summer Restaurant Week is your chance to treat yourself without breaking the bank, combining the region’s finest flavors with wallet-friendly prix-fixe menus. Whether you’re craving Michelin-starred gems, international small plates, or cozy brunch favorites, there’s something delicious on the table for every budget. Enjoy discovering new culinary favorites, supporting local spots, and making your late‑summer food memories!
More than 200 restaurants across DC, Maryland, and Virginia will offer special 3-course brunch, lunch, and dinner menus at fixed price points — $25 or $35 for lunch/brunch, and $40, $55, or $65 for dinner. And many restaurants also offer optional cocktail or wine pairings. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore elevated dining without the full-price sticker shock!
Here are some of our favorite deals by price tier for the 2025 Restaurant Week event:
Lunch & Brunch — $25 or $35
- Ambar (Capitol Hill): Mediterranean small plates, known for flavorful Balkan‑inspired brunch.
- Matchbox (Bethesda / Rockville / Silver Spring): Crowd-pleasing American comfort fare with brunch or lunch, ideal for casual scenes.
- La Grande Boucherie (Penn Quarter): a traditional French restaurant that celebrates good food and joie de vivre.
- Balos Estiatorio (Dupont Circle, Greek): fresh Greek and Mediterranean flavors in a convivial atmosphere.
- Vera Cocina (Ivy City): Lebanese and Mexican cuisines in as stylish space — bonus! — this one’s Rammy-Nominated Brunch is known for its bold flavors and cultural storytelling.
Dinner — $40, $55, or $65
- Oyster Oyster (Shaw): Chef Rob Rubba’s Michelin-starred plant-based restaurant—dinner at $55 offers inventive vegetarian cuisine that punches above its price.
- Figleaf Bar & Lounge (Hotel Zena) – Offers both a $40 three-course dinner and a more indulgent $55 four-course dinner during the promotion.
- The Line Hotel (Columbia Heights): Presents a $55 dinner menu featuring enticing summer dishes like panzanella, branzino, and bistecca.
Here are some of our traditional favorites from years past that are also participating in the 2025 Restaurant Week event:
- China Chilcano, Gravitas, Jaleo, and Dauphine’s regularly join restaurant week and offer entrees in the $55‑$65 bracket—great for exploring international flavors at a fixed price.
- Supra and L’Ardente offer $25 brunch menus with European flair—perfect picks for a mid‑week treat.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Restaurant Week Experience
- Check the official Restaurant Week website (ramw.org/restaurantweek or RWDMV.com) to browse menus and complete listings.
- Reserve early—popular spots fill up fast, especially for dinner.
- Consider pairing options—some spots offer add‑on cocktails or curated wine flights for an elevated experience.
- Expand your search—don’t limit yourself to DC City limits. Regional participants include Montgomery County, Alexandria, and more.