Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Waterfront

178 restaurants available nearby

1. The Point - DC

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Buzzard Point

Booked 8 times today

The Point brings the thrill and robust flavors of open flame cooking with the freshest seafood in the city. Perfectly situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, our contemporary design, tranquil open-air patio and premium fire pits, compliment the picturesque and panoramic views. Although we cannot guarantee outdoor patio dining for all of our guests. We will try to accommodate as many requests as we can on a first come first serve basis.

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29693)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 242 times today

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

3. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17157)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 132 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!

4. Limani - DC

4.5

Awesome(951)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 40 times today

Welcome to Limani at the District Wharf, redefining waterfront dining. Enjoy stunning multi-level views and a culinary journey from timeless classics to innovative dishes, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and globally sourced fish and seafood. Our approach combines modern and traditional culinary methods, supported by a diverse beverage selection, including fine wines, champagnes, and a dynamic cocktail program with non-alcoholic options. Experience upscale dining with white tablecloths on our first and second floors, or embrace the open air on our 190-seat third-floor Terrace. Here, enjoy the same exquisite menu in a lively, open-air setting with a fresh breeze, string lights, and panoramic water views creating a casual upbeat ambiance. Our Mediterranean-inspired dishes promise an exceptional dining experience. This is Limani, your table awaits.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

5. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1176)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 35 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

6. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11824)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 135 times today

The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

7. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.4

Awesome(1289)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 108 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.

8. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(1997)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 62 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

9. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19381)

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.

10. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(266)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 10 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Katie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
From the awesome front desk to the great server and the attentive support staff all helped to make our Christmas Eve dinner truly fabulously. I would highly recommend this place!
More info
Caruso's Grocery - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Capitol Hill
•
4.8
C
Cynthia
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Christmas Eve dinner at OEG is a 24-year tradition for my daughter and me. As always, the food was awesome. My daughter and I were quite surprised and disappointed by the lackluster greeting and overall experience when we walked in. The word "dismissive" comes to mind. Because our previous experiences were fabulous, I will look at this visit as a "one-off" one. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025!!!
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
C
Cara
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great atmosphere and delicious food! Almost canceled our 9:30 pm reservation but so glad we didn’t. The place was packed but the service was efficient. We had both kinds of gnocchi, vegetable frites, Caesar salad and fusilli with three kinds of meat- it was all excellent!
More info
Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
•
4.8
H
Hugh
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had a great time! The food was excellent and the staff was fantastic. We has a corner table with a great view of the water and Christmas decorations. The food was magnificent and the service was great. We will visit again sometime.
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Limani - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.5
S
Sabrina
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was so fresh, and well prepared. The service was impeccable and drinks were tasty. I will definitely return. Job well done!
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The Point - DCPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Buzzard Point
•
4.5

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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Waterfront

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178 restaurants available nearby

1. The Point - DC

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

3. Filomena Ristorante

4. Limani - DC

5. Caruso's Grocery - DC

6. The Hamilton

7. La Grande Boucherie - DC

8. dLeña

9. Zaytinya - DC

10. The Dabney

See what locals rave about

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