In a city of $15 cocktails and entrees crossing the $30 mark, it’s easy to cringe when the bill hits the table. Restaurant Week offers us the opportunity to dine at places we would otherwise only dream about—when a meal priced upwards of $80 per person is slashed to less than half the price. If you’re looking for a true splurge this week, we’ve explored the list of the participating restaurants and collected those which provide the absolute best deal.
Know before you go:
Pro Tip #1: Although we’re halfway through Restaurant Week, many participants are offering their prix-fixe menus through Monday, August 31. View this list to see which restaurants are offering an extension.
Pro Tip #2: Most restaurants only leave a set number of seats for online reservations. When a fellow Zerocater employee tried unsuccessfully to make a reservation for the number one restaurant on this list through Open Table, I suggested calling the restaurant directly. He was able to make a same-day reservation, for the exact time he requested.
Here’s our run-down of restaurants offering the best deals. Prices include a three-course meal, drinks not included.
- Fiola (Penn Quarter)
Voted the number one Best Restaurant in D.C. 2015 by Zagat, this high-end Italian restaurant typically offers a four-course menu for $95, with wine pairings an additional $75 (what a steal). Even if you order a ‘la carte, a simple garden salad will run you $18, and a side of potatoes costs $12.
Regular Price: $65 – $95
Restaurant Week Price: $22 lunch, $35 dinner
- BlackSalt (Palisades)
Potentially the most coveted restaurant within the Black Restaurant Group, BlackSalt is known for their rare seafood dishes, including several caviar plates costing $120 – $250 per ounce.
Regular Price: $65 – $90
Restaurant Week Price: $22 lunch only
- Sushi Taro (Dupont)
Ranked thirty-sixth in the 100 Best U.S. Restaurants by Forbes in 2012, Sushi Taro is known for their Kaiseki dining experience. While an experience, no doubt, a Kaiseki tasting ranges will cost $80 – $180, with drinks bringing the total to $245.
Regular Price: $80 – $145
Restaurant Week Price: $22 lunch, $35 dinner
- Tosca (Downtown)
A top-ten D.C. restaurant by Zagat, Tosca offers four-course meals starting at $85, with six courses approaching triple digits. If you’re on a budget, no worries—you can still order sautéed cauliflower for $8, or drink your dinner with a 4 course wine pairing for $65.
Regular price: $65 – $85
Restaurant Week Price: $35 dinner
- Kapnos (U Street Corridor)
Ranked as one of the Best Restaurants in D.C. 2014 by the Washington Post, this Greek restaurant offers a mezze spread averaging $14 for a tiny portion. Tasting menus run $65 – $85, while family-style entries run $38 – $79.
Regular Price: $65 – $85
Restaurant Week Price: $35
- Casa Luca (Penn Quarter)
Where an antipasti dish runs $28 and a simple side order of Swiss chard costs $10, Casa Luca may offer one of the best deals this week. Entrees You can receive an entire three-course meal at the same price as single item on the regular menu.
Regular Price: $65 – $85
Restaurant Week Price: $22 lunch, $35 dinner
- Zaytinya (Thomas Circle)
This year, all of Jose Andres’ restaurants are participating in Restaurant Week (except minibar…damnit). Zaytinya is recognized as one of the “Best Restaurants worth the Hype” and “The Most Important Restaurants in D.C.,” but their mezze sampling will cost you $55, with an additional $30 for drinks.
Regular Price: $55 – $80
Restaurant Week Price: $22 lunch, $35 dinner
- Rasika (West End and Penn Quarter)
Named the third Best Restaurant in D.C. by Zagat, this modern Indian restaurant typically charges $8 – $14 for a simple side dish, and $50 – $58 for a four course tasting menu (with drinks running you another $30).
Regular Price: $50 – $75
Restaurant Week Price: $22, lunch only
We tried Fiola this week, where are you headed off to? Tell us your Restaurant Week plans in the comments!
