The Best Seafood Restaurants in Washington

Kinkead's

This restaurant is located near George Washington University and is about four blocks up the street from the White House. It was voted the No. 1 restaurant in D.C. by Zagat's survey every year from 2000 to 2007. The menu includes items like fresh grilled fish, the shellfish so popular in the area, a selection of artisanal cheese, and Southern-inspired dishes like North Atlantic cod with Virginia ham and spoonbread. There are private dining rooms for parties, and parking is validated in for nearby garage.

Kinkead's
2000 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 296-7700
kinkead.com

Johnny's Half Shell

Johnny's Half Shell is located around the corner from Union Station, making it a good stop for those who are finishing up their day of seeing the sights near the U.S. Capitol. In 2000, it was described by Gourmet magazine as one of America's best restaurants. Despite the political power-player setting, the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, with an ambiance set by jazz and blues music. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the happy hour raw bar is one of D.C.'s best kept secrets. The 2009 menu had entrees priced between $18.25 for creole-style chicken and $32.50 for Maryland crab cakes.

Johnny's Half Shell
400 N. Capitol St. N.W. #175
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 737-0400
johnnyshalfshell.net

Black Salt

Black Salt's location qualifies it as almost being a neighborhood secret--it is situated far from where any tourist would venture in the Foxhall area. The eatery doubles as both a restaurant and a fish market, and they are committed to sustainable fishing practices. That means you won't find any fish or shellfish on their menu that are threatened or endangered or taken using unsustainable methods. Lunch is a "choose one from column A, column B and column C" style menu, with the dinner menu being a la carte with nightly specials.

4883 MacArthur Blvd. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 342-9101
blacksaltrestaurant.com