Local Businesses

Acqua Bistecca is an elegant Italian steakhouse in Tenleytown where refined decor, a striking bar, and a vibrant, dressed-up crowd set the stage. With a 4.8 rating across more than a thousand reviews, it's beloved for exquisite pasta, tender steak, seafood, and inventive cocktails. A standout choice for special occasions and stylish nights out.

4.8 (1136)

Sfoglina Van Ness brings Chef Trabocchi's housemade pastas and hearty Italian fare to Tenleytown, set in warm villa-style surroundings. With a 4.5 rating across more than a thousand reviews, it's a beloved spot for date nights and special occasions where the pasta rarely disappoints.

4.5 (1095)

Millie's is a Tenleytown favorite serving Nantucket-inspired seafood, New England classics, and Baja-style eats like fish tacos. With a bright, beachy atmosphere and a 4.5-star rating across nearly 1,000 reviews, it draws crowds for friendly service, generous portions, and fresh, well-executed dishes.

4.5 (991)

I'm Eddie Cano is a warm, family-run Italian restaurant in Tenleytown serving homemade pasta and familiar favorites alongside wine and beer. With a 4.5 rating across nearly 400 reviews, it's a neighborhood go-to for delicious dishes in a lively yet conversation-friendly setting.

4.5 (389)

Tikka is a warm, sophisticated eatery in Tenleytown serving traditional Indian dishes alongside Nepalese specialties. With a 4.8 rating across more than 300 reviews, it's beloved for flavorful food, modern decor, and friendly, attentive service.

4.8 (305)

Matisse is an upscale French-Mediterranean restaurant in Tenleytown, where contemporary cooking meets an elegant, airy setting. With a 4.5 rating across nearly 200 reviews, it's a favorite for celebrations and date nights, praised for flawless service and a gorgeous atmosphere. A mature, dress-up crowd comes here to mark special occasions in style.

4.5 (192)

Rosemary Bistro Cafe is a cozy Tenleytown restaurant putting a global spin on French classics, from salmon tartare and steak frites to bouillabaisse. With a 4.6 rating across 145 reviews, it's beloved for fresh, beautifully presented dishes, warm service, and an inviting, art-filled setting that feels like a special occasion or a home-cooked meal.

4.6 (145)

No-menu steakhouse serving one thing: culotte steak with secret sauce, hand-cut fries, mixed greens, and artisan bread. Reservations recommended.

Casual pasta house featuring handmade Emilia-Romagna style pasta. Sister restaurant to the acclaimed Fiola. Known for fresh pasta made daily on-site.

Tex-Mex restaurant known for generous portions, strong margaritas, and a spacious patio. A neighborhood institution since 1990.

Pizza restaurant with ping pong tables and live music venue. Known for wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and all-ages shows.

Pan-Asian restaurant offering sushi, noodles, and fusion dishes in a contemporary setting.

French bistro serving classic small plates in an intimate setting. Known for wine selection and authentic Parisian atmosphere.

Contemporary Indian restaurant offering creative takes on traditional dishes. Known for lunch buffet and elegant dinner service.

Family-style Italian-American restaurant with generous portions, classic dishes, and private dining rooms.

Bluestone Lane Spring Valley Café is a beloved Tenleytown coffee spot earning a stellar 4.8 rating, known for smooth, well-crafted lattes and cappuccinos alongside a satisfying breakfast menu. With a spacious, comfortable interior and outdoor seating, it draws regulars who appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and attentive service. It's a welcoming pick for coffee lovers, including those seeking gluten-free and non-dairy options.

4.8 (531)

Compass Coffee brings a friendly, hardworking vibe to Tenleytown, pouring solid cups in a pleasant, atmospheric space. This local outpost of the veteran DC coffeehouse is a popular spot to linger with friends, and it welcomes four-legged visitors with dog treats too.

4.2 (351)

Davenport Coffee Lounge is a cozy, well-loved coffee spot in Tenleytown, popular with students and neighbors alike for its friendly baristas and quality espresso pulled from a La Marzocco. With a relaxed vibe and fair prices for the city, it's a favorite for studying, working, or catching up with a friend.

4.4 (36)

WFM Coffee Bar is a casual spot tucked inside the Whole Foods in Tenleytown, offering fresh drip coffee and bakery items. With tables both upstairs and down, it's a convenient place to pause before or after running errands and grocery shopping.

4.3 (8)

Coffee shop chain offering espresso drinks, teas, pastries, and light fare. Popular study and meeting spot.

Neighborhood cafe serving breakfast and lunch with hearty American fare, friendly service, and reasonable prices.

A lively Tenleytown mainstay for Tex-Mex, Guapo's Cocina & Bar serves sizable burritos, tacos, and classic dishes alongside margarita pitchers and cocktails. With a 4.5 rating across more than 2,000 reviews, it's a longtime neighborhood favorite known for generous portions and warm, attentive service.

4.5 (2205)

Le Chat Noir brings a touch of French bistro charm to Tenleytown, pouring well-chosen wines and classic cocktails alongside crêpes and bistro fare. With a relaxed neighborhood feel, a romantic ambiance, and an upstairs lounge, it's a longtime local favorite for both casual evenings and special occasions.

4.4 (460)

Aura Bar & Grill is a cozy Tenleytown neighborhood spot pouring cocktails, beer, and wine alongside a mix of Mediterranean, Italian, and Moroccan bites. With a 4.5 rating across nearly 280 reviews, it's earned a loyal following for friendly service, good prices, and a relaxed setting where games add to the fun.

4.5 (279)

A casual Italian shop in Tenleytown where you order coffee at the counter, sip a cappuccino standing at the bar, and linger over an Aperol Spritz or espresso martini. Beloved for Lavazza espresso, artful pastries and gelato, panini and pizza, plus an authentic, artsy atmosphere. With a 4.7 rating across 110 reviews, it's a neighborhood favorite for both morning coffee and evening aperitivo.

4.7 (110)

ZaoAn Café is a warm, welcoming Tenleytown spot known for its standout drinks, from beautifully presented teas and bubble tea to cocktails like the lychee highball. With a cozy, modern atmosphere and room to gather, it draws neighbors, students, and groups of all ages looking for a relaxed place to sit and stay a while.

4.4 (80)

Max's Tavern Tenley is a family-run neighborhood bar bringing fresh energy to Tenleytown. With a warm, welcoming environment and Max himself a hands-on host, it's already winning over locals eager for a good local spot to call their own.

5.0 (10)

Bread Furst is a bustling, European-style bakery in Tenleytown known for fresh, expertly made breads and pastries, plus coffee and light cafe fare. With a warm atmosphere and wonderful staff, it draws everyone from lunch-break regulars to visitors making repeat morning stops.

4.4 (1695)

Tatte Bakery & Cafe at City Ridge is a spacious, relaxed spot in Tenleytown for breakfast, lunch, pastries, and desserts. Reviewers love it as a comfortable place to work, meet, or simply sit and unwind, with plenty of seating and music kept at a pleasant volume. Experiences with food and service can be mixed, but the easygoing atmosphere keeps regulars coming back.

3.9 (181)

SakuSaku Flakerie is a laid-back Tenleytown bakery blending French pastry technique with Japanese flavors, from almond croissants and cinnamon buns to creative cruffins and seasonal matcha soft serve. With a 4.3 rating across more than 150 reviews, it draws fans who praise its lattes, atmosphere, and inventive treats, though some find the prices steep and the experience uneven.

4.3 (158)

Call Your Mother Deli on Connecticut Avenue is a playful, beloved bagel spot in Tenleytown serving honey-sweetened bagels, generous sandwiches, roasted coffee, and pastries. With a 4.4 rating and a loyal following, it draws everyone from weekly regulars to out-of-towners who make a point of visiting on every DC trip.

4.4 (140)

BerryBlueBakes is a custom bakery in Tenleytown specializing in beautifully detailed cakes and decorated cookies for celebrations. With a 4.7 rating across 59 reviews, it earns praise for both stunning, photo-perfect designs and treats that taste as good as they look. Families and party hosts love working with this responsive, professional shop.

4.7 (59)

Paris Baguette in Tenleytown is a bright, modern bakery beloved for its beautifully presented pastries, cakes, and drinks. With a 4.8 rating and warm, attentive staff, it has quickly become a favorite spot along Wisconsin Avenue for treats and easy conversation.

4.8 (53)

Cakery Zivine is a beloved Tenleytown bakery earning a perfect 5.0 rating for cupcakes and custom cakes that reviewers can't stop raving about. Known for light, fluffy cupcakes made to order and beautifully designed celebration cakes, it has fans declaring it well above big-name competitors. Repeat customers and milestone celebrations keep them coming back for more.

5.0 (14)

Wegmans Bakery is a neighborhood bakery in the Tenleytown area of Washington, DC. With a modest handful of reviews so far, it's a spot for picking up baked goods close to home.

3.0 (2)

This Tenleytown outpost of the classic fast-food chain delivers the familiar McDonald's experience: hot, consistent food served quickly by a friendly team. With a solid 3.7 rating across more than 2,000 reviews, it's a reliable go-to for burgers, fries, and a quick bite on the run.

3.7 (2070)

Crisp & Juicy is a beloved counter-serve spot in Tenleytown known for Peruvian charbroiled chicken and its signature dipping sauces. With a 4.8 rating across nearly 1,900 reviews, it's a local favorite for tender, juicy chicken at affordable prices.

4.8 (1889)

This Tenleytown outpost of Chick-fil-A serves up the chain's signature chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries with the friendly, quick service the brand is known for. Convenient and clean, it's a reliable stop for a fast meal in the neighborhood, popular with locals and families on the go.

3.9 (1120)

Dog Haus Biergarten is a big, laid-back spot in Tenleytown serving handcrafted hot dogs, sausages, and burgers alongside a standout craft beer selection. With a 4.4 rating across 142 reviews, it draws regulars who come for the easygoing vibe, solid food, and attentive staff. It's the kind of casual place locals return to for a juicy burger and a good pour.

4.4 (142)

Roaming Rooster is a relaxed Tenleytown fast-food spot built around fried-chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, and a signature honey-butter sauce. With a 4.3 rating and a steady stream of orders, it draws fans who come for juicy, well-seasoned chicken and that standout honey butter sandwich.

4.3 (137)

A Wawa convenience store and fast food stop in Tenleytown, known for made-to-order sandwiches, coffee, and grab-and-go staples like yogurt, fruit, pastries, and chips. The vibe is exactly what you'd expect from a convenience store, and it's a familiar fixture for nearby students and on-the-go locals.

2.7 (123)

Nash & Smashed is a fast-casual spot in Tenleytown serving Nashville-style hot fried chicken and smashed burgers, earning a strong 4.7 rating across more than 100 reviews. Fans praise the hot, fresh food, generous portions, and great value, with crispy spicy chicken bites and flavorful burgers leading the charge.

4.7 (107)

This Tenleytown outpost of Five Guys serves up made-to-order burgers, fresh-cut fries, and hot dogs, with free peanuts to snack on while you wait. Many reviewers praise the fast service, clean space, and friendly booths, though experiences with customer service vary.

3.7 (103)

DC Halal Shawarma is a quick-service halal spot in Tenleytown serving shawarma, gyros, and platters for pickup and delivery. With a 2.2 rating across 26 reviews, it currently draws more criticism than praise, with diners citing small meat portions, order mix-ups, and lackluster value.

2.2 (26)

Fast-casual burger joint known for build-your-own burgers, creative milkshakes, and Halal-certified meat. Popular with students and families.