Washington, D.C.’s U Street and Georgetown communities hold a rich history in Black entrepreneurship. This history makes D.C. the perfect home for Black-owned restaurants and bars.

We’ve compiled a list of Black-owned restaurants you should go to for date night ideas in the city. We chose the restaurants according to their social proof which we determined from Google Reviews, firsthand experiences, and social media presence.

Support the city’s Black-owned businesses by visiting one of the restaurants below.

1. Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen

Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen | 3632 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010

Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen is currently owned by Booker Parchment.

Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen is an American bistro with an international flair. The menu features international flavors like New Zealand lamb, hemp-crusted salmon, and crème brûlée.

2. Cane

Cane | 403 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Cane DC is currently by Jeanine Prime.

Cane is a Caribbean restaurant with Trinidad cuisine that features Spanish, French, East Asian, and Indian flavors. Dishes on the menu range from cumin-spiced pork belly to jerk wings.

3. St. James

St. James | 2017 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

St. James is currently owned by Jeanine Prime. 

St. James is a Caribbean restaurant that provides a modern twist to traditional Caribbean dishes like callaloo.

4. Jojo Restaurant and Bar

Jojo Restaurant and Bar | 1518 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Jojo Restaurant and Bar is currently owned by Chef Ben Kibour.

Jojo Restaurant and Bar is a traditional American restaurant that adds a luxe fill to your traditional American menu. Plus, the restaurant features live jazz or R&B music nightly. 

5. Causa

Causa | 920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Causa is currently owned by Glendon Hartley, Chef Carlos Delgado, and Chad Spangler.

Causa is a fine dining Peruvian restaurant with a menu that is inspired by the following geographical areas in Peru: the Pacific coast and the Amazon rainforest. Amazonia is a rooftop bar and dining room on the second level of Causa.

6. The Delegate

The Delegate | 901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Delegate is currently owned and operated by Thompson Hospitality. Thompson Hospitality is the largest Black-owned food service and facilities management company. The company was founded by Warren Thompson.

The Delegate is an American restaurant located inside the Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/ Convention Center. Order a dish off their American menu that ranges from seafood to traditional American cuisine.

7. Lydia on H

Lydia on H | 1427 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Lydia on H is currently owned by Chef Victor Chizinga.

Lydia on H is an Afro-Caribbean restaurant with dishes that are traditional to Malawi and the Caribbean Islands. Lydia on H is the perfect place to order spicy jerk chicken, rum cake, and cabbage.

8. Creole on 14th

Creole on 14th | 3345 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Creole on 14th was founded by Chef Jeffeary Miskiri. Creole on 14th is currently owned by Chef Jeffeary Miskiri. He is also the co-founder of Po Boy Jim.

Creole on 14th is a Creole restaurant that offers New Orleans-inspired plates for brunch, lunch, and dinner. This spot is well known for their Brunch menu.

9. Matchbox

Matchbox | 521 8th SE, Washington, DC 20003

Matchbox is currently owned and operated by Thompson Hospitality. Thompson Hospitality is the largest Black-owned food service and facilities management company. The company was founded by Warren Thompson.

Matchbox is an American restaurant known for its brick-oven pizza. The restaurant has industrial-style decor with dimmed lighting making it the perfect scene for a romantic night out.

Restaurants Near Washington, D.C.

10. Magnolia’s On King

Magnolia’s On King | 703 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Magnolia’s On King is currently owned and operated by Leonard Holton.

Magnolia’s On King is a Southern restaurant that offers a traditional Carolina cuisine. The restaurant also has a lounge on the upper level. 

11. Papi Cuisine

Papi Cuisine | 2 E Wells St #116, Baltimore, MD 21230

Papi Cuisine is currently owned by Chef Alex Perez.

Papi Cuisine is an Afro-Latin fusion restaurant that offers a nice twist to familiar dishes like seafood alfredo, lamb chops, and crab cakes.

12. Hen Quarter

Hen Quarter | 801 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Hen Quarter is a Southern restaurant that has a Dixie-inspired menu.