This guide was originally created by me, Anela Malik, in 2020 after eating my way through hundreds local spots. Since then, it’s been lovingly updated with help from Crystal Jones, a DMV-based food blogger, writer, and carry-out critic for The Washington City Paper.

What you’ll find here isn’t a best-of list. It’s a curated collection of favorites, organized so you can find something for every occasion.

This guide includes both Black-owned businesses and places with Black folks in leadership roles in recognition of how longstanding bias often prevents Black folks from owning their own operations. In addition, we’ve deliberately included folks from across the diaspora.

Think of this as an invitation: to eat well, support intentionally, and explore the depth of Black culinary talent shaping the region.

And a note on how we evaluate:

I (Anela) tend to focus more on food and drink than service or vibe. I want balanced flavors, a variety of textures, and prefer things not to be too sweet. I am a lover of fine dining, forgiving of almost all service issues other than rudeness, and gravitate towards craft cocktails.

Crystal places more emphasis on customer service, creativity in the menu, and atmosphere. She’s going to choose casual dining more often and loves a spin on a classic that incorporates local flavors or cultural depth.

Grounded is a Black women-owned plant shop, cafe, and wellness studio in SE DC housed in a gorgeous space. Take a class, grab a matcha, get a plant, and just vibe. They also host regular events for the community.

Woman-owned Turning Natural offers juices, smoothies, and foods such as black bean burgers and vegan pastries from multiple locations.

Others Coffee is a small but mighty coffee spot in Adams Morgan with a few tables to work or chill, great seasonal drinks, and don't forget to pick up a bag of coffee to bring home.

Civic. on Eighth is a vibrant hub in Barrack’s Row. It gets busy, especially with folks trying to post up and work, but the team is super friendly and they have a selection of cocktails as well as coffee and matcha.

Named for the owner’s daughter, Prim’s Cafe is a casual neighborhood cafe in Shaw. The owner is so kind and there’s additional seating in the back. Ask which syrups are made in house and order your fave coffee or matcha with one of those.

Kaldi's is an Ethiopian-owned coffee cafe with multiple locations in Northern VA and Maryland that offers bustling spaces to grab a meal, snag your favorite coffee, or settle in to work for a bit.

The rest of the guide is free. You just have to be on the Unfiltered & Fed email list. Six more categories below, including date night, cocktails, and a full interactive map.