It’s easy to get bogged down in over-zealous green marketing campaigns when trying to find high-quality food that is also produced in an environmentally responsible way. Check out the following compilation of local restaurants with local, fresh and eco-friendly menus.
Big Bear Café
Big Bear Café features seasonal produce and dishes, homemade sausages and house-cured fish and bacon. The iconic Bloomingdale spot, a hipster haven, is now open for dinner. The newly expanded patio is the perfect place to enjoy the warming weather. 1700 First St. NW ? 202-643-9222 ? bigbearcafe-dc.com.
Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets is a widely popular restaurant with a cozy atmosphere for all ages. Whether for brunch with friends or a romantic date, the menu is well stocked with sustainable food and locally cultivated organic ingredients. Browse the bookstore’s environmental selection while you wait to be seated or after your meal. 2021 V. St. NW ? 202-387-7638 ? busboysandpoets.com
Café du Parc
This authentic French bistro provides a casual dining atmosphere, complimented by its one-of-a-kind menu, enhanced with locally grown produce. The restaurant has three-star certified status from the Green Restaurant Association.1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW ? 202-942-7000 ? cafeduparc.com
Commissary
Another three-star certified Green Restaurant, Commissary offers a place to sit down for a meal at any time of day, plus a bar and a coffeehouse. The P Street venue serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, along with snacks, desserts and smoothies. There’s a cozy lounge area, an outdoor café and free Wi-Fi. This local dining spot obtains its ingredients from the Eatwell Natural Farm in Maryland. 1443 P St. NW ? 202-299-0018 ? commissarydc.com
Table
Boasting menus that change daily depending on the seasonal ingredients on hand, it’s no wonder that hours are spent handwriting each of Table’s menus – in pencil. Tucked away on N Street in Shaw, Table gained the honor of being one of the first restaurants in the United States to be REAL (Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership) Verified by the United States Healthful Food Council. 903 N St. NW ? 202-588-5200 ? tabledc.com
The Pig
As its name would imply, the Pig has a pork-centric menu. The restaurant features locally sourced food, which changes based on the availability of the freshest ingredients. The vegetables used in its dishes are grown on its farm in nearby La Plata, Maryland. In addition, the Pig uses only humanely raised animals and works to create minimal waste. 1320 14th St. NW ? 202-290-2821 ? thepigdc.com
Restaurant Nora
Nora was the first restaurant in America to be certified organic. The venue uses solely organic ingredients and prides itself on farm-to-fork dining. Restaurant Nora utilizes sustainable cooking methods and offers a seasonal dinner menu. 2132 Florida Ave. NW ? 202-462-5143 ? noras.com
1789 Restaurant
An institution in Georgetown, 1789 also happens to be a great place to sample cuisine made with local and organic ingredients. The restaurant’s website features a list of local farms where it obtains its fresh ingredients. Make sure you make a reservation if you plan to dine at 1789. A jacket is required for men. 1226 36th St. NW ? 202-965-1789 ? 1789restaurant.com
