Winter DC Restaurant Week Returns with 385+ Restaurants Across the DMV
January may traditionally be a slower month for restaurants, but Winter DC Restaurant Week turns it into an opportunity for both diners and the hospitality industry. This year, more than 385 restaurants across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are participating, offering three-course brunch, lunch, and dinner menus at accessible price points. Brunch and lunch menus range from $25 to $35, while dinner options are priced at $40, $55, or $65, with optional beverage pairings including cocktails, wine, and zero-proof selections. Nycci Nellis of The List Are You On It highlights Restaurant Week as a true win-win: diners get the chance to explore new spots or revisit longtime favorites, while restaurants benefit from increased traffic during an otherwise quiet season. This year also brings an exciting mix of new participants—such as Aqua, Besteca Bar, Buzzard, Bully’s Steakhouse, and Marcus, whose chef Anthony Jones was recently named a James Beard Award semifinalist—alongside beloved staples like Iron Gate, Kyōgen, Osteria Al Volo, Rasika, The Point, and Vagabond. Nycci also shared important tips for making the most of Restaurant Week: review menus and pricing ahead of time, book reservations early, tip generously, and lead with kindness, especially as staffing challenges remain a reality. For those feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, there’s good news—many restaurants are extending their Restaurant Week menus beyond the official dates, with some carrying offerings into February, making it easier to plan and enjoy at your own pace. Winter DC Restaurant Week serves as both a celebration of the region’s vibrant dining scene and a reminder of how meaningful dining out can be for the local restaurant community.