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Best Authentic Restaurants in Southwest Waterfront

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192 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mi Vida, District Wharf restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2380)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 48 times today
Chef Roberto Santibañez creates a menu inspired by Mexican street food and traditional home cooking of his country, but in a modern, elevated presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as Carne Asada, a variety of Tacos, Seasonal Fish, Ceviches and other Contemporary Mexican creations.
A photo of Officina at The Wharf restaurant
4.1
Excellent(317)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 27 times today
Officina [oh · fee · she · nah], or “workshop,” is an Italian-inspired culinary collective from Chef Nicholas Stefanelli of Michelin-star Masseria, Philotimo, and the newly opened Le Clou. Officina seeks to bring the very best of Italian gastronomy to Washington, D.C., and is an ode to Stefanelli’s travels, training, and distinctly Italian-American upbringing. We look forward to welcoming you for unique experiences that capture the essence of Italy. From sunset cocktails atop our Terrazza or a weekday lunch in our Cafe.
A photo of Bistro Du Jour District Wharf restaurant
4.5
Awesome(555)
Price: Moderate
• French • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 20 times today
The way we French ...Bistro Du Jour is an all-day Parisian bistro serving traditional fare like Coq Au Vin, Croque Madame, French Onion Soup, Steak Frites and Duck Confit, as well as an extensive selection of bubbly and an exciting list of cocktails and aperitifs. Open for Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Lunch and Dinner.Note: We offer full serving dining during Dinner (Daily) and Weekend Brunch only. During Breakfast (Daily) & Lunch (Weekday)
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(110)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 143 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(19311)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 232 times today
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.
A photo of Oyamel restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9553)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 117 times today
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.
A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10913)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 123 times today
Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1101)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 549 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.
A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17058)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 199 times today
Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!
A photo of dLeña restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1957)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 57 times today
Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington

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Discover best authentic restaurants in Southwest Waterfront

Explore the vibrant dining scene in Washington D.C.'s Southwest Waterfront, where authenticity shines at every corner. Here, you'll discover a curated selection of restaurants that pride themselves on delivering genuine culinary experiences, deeply rooted in tradition and local flavors. Each establishment in this area offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region, making it a magnet for those seeking authentic dining options. From expertly crafted dishes that have stood the test of time to innovative menus that breathe new life into classic recipes, these restaurants cater to a diverse palate. The serene ambiance of the Southwest Waterfront complements your dining experience, allowing the authentic flavors to take center stage. Ideal for both locals and tourists, this dining locale promises not only a meal but a journey through the essence of true culinary artistry.

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