Culinary Arts Schools in Washington, D.C.

With the exception of Senate bean soup, a daily fare offered in the U.S. Senate's restaurant, America’s busy capital city only has a few specialties to call its own. That doesn't mean that Washington D.C. isn't a town for foodies - quite the contrary. Washington D.C. is the ultimate ethnic food destination, fostering chefs such as Chef José Andrés, the charismatic guru of small-plate dining known as tapas in his native Spain. Within its small area, the capital is an enormous melting pot, and as such, cuisines from all over the world are easy to find: think Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Himalayan, etc. Vegetarian and vegan options also abound, reflecting the city's interest in cruelty-free, alternative food. With these resources, students of culinary schools in Washington D.C. and nearby areas have good reasons to eat, to study and to cook in this unique region.

Careers and Culinary Schools in DC

As reported by the 2012 Zagat Survey Summary, Washington D.C. residents are frequent diners, eating out an average of 2.6 times per week. And according to data from the National Restaurant Association, there are plenty of employment opportunities for aspiring chefs, pastry chefs and other restaurant professionals, with 2,035 bars and restaurants within the city limits as of 2010. Employment in this sector is expected to grow by more than 6 percent from 2012 to 2022, resulting in the potential creation of more than 3,000 new jobs.

In the culinary world, experience in the kitchen is important in working your way up through the kitchen ranks, but having a degree in culinary arts may also be beneficial. Have a look at the available culinary schools in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas, such as culinary schools in Maryland and culinary schools in Virginia, to help you figure out what food and beverage path might be best for you.

Additional Resources for Culinary Students
The 2012 Zagat Survey on dining trends
Information on Chef José Andrés
National Restaurant Association information on the Washington D.C. restaurant sector

Browse Top District Of Columbia Schools Near You!

Note: This list also contains schools that accept culinary students from District Of Columbia.

The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes system of schools offers a range of master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs specializing in the creative and applied arts. We also offer a variety of online, evening, and weekend learning options, so there's an education solution to fit your schedule. And our professional-grade technology can give you the practical skills to match your ideas—helping you transform your creative energy into a fulfilling career.

Programs:

Culinary Arts (AA)
Culinary Arts (D)
Baking & Pastry (D)

Campus Locations:

Arlington
Argosy University

Argosy University

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

Master of Science in Service Sector Management (M.S.)

Campus Locations:

Arlington