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Best Historic Restaurants in Waterfront

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62 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
1. Old Ebbitt Grill
4.8
Exceptional(29731)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 277 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 The Hamilton restaurant
2. The Hamilton
4.7
Exceptional(11855)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 221 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 The Dabney restaurant
3. The Dabney
4.7
Exceptional(269)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 17 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.
A photo of Tabard Inn restaurant
4. Tabard Inn
4.7
Exceptional(3795)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 42 times today
Christmas Eve is dinner will be a curated $92/per person prix fixe. Large parties of 6+ will be invited to our family friendly, buffet-style seating. Parties of 1-5 will be served a la carte in our main dining rooms. Since our early days as a tea room, we’ve been a respite for locals and visitors alike, offering a haven for conversation and memorable cuisine. The tradition continues as our culinary team has curated an inventive and elevated menu through New American cuisine while paying homage to the beloved dishes that have been served at the Tabard Inn for years. A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home. Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir came to the Tabard in 2023, bringing with him experience from various fine dining restaurants around D.C. such as minibar by José Andrés, Cranes, Revelers Hour.
A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant
5. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown
4.3
Awesome(10365)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 148 times today
Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday
A photo of Amazonia restaurant
6. Amazonia
4.7
Exceptional(138)
Price: Very Expensive
• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 28 times today
Venture into the relaxed ambiance of Amazonia, our inviting upstairs bar, dining room and rooftop hideaway. As one of the first Amazonian restaurants in the U.S., discover the exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru's rainforest, as well as favorite Peruvian staples. Here you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of pisco and imaginative cocktails. The dishes you'll enjoy in Amazonia are meant for sharing, and are expertly prepared by the very same skilled kitchen team from Causa downstairs.
A photo of Chez Billy Sud restaurant
7. Chez Billy Sud
4.8
Exceptional(2969)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Georgetown
Booked 45 times today
Welcome to Chez Billy Sud, your classic neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown! We accept reservations for dinner on a rolling 30 day basis. Reservations can be made for parties up to 6 guests for bistro dining. Our private dining room can be reserved for large parties (7-16 guests) by contacting our event coordinator at cbsud.events@gmail.com. Depending on the weather, our patio is available on a first-come basis. Please check with your host upon arrival for patio seating.Our Bar à Vin (located right next door) is open for dinner and drinks 7 days a week and requires no reservations. Please visit our website ChezBillySud.com or check us out on Instagram @ChezBillySud.We look to hosting you!
A photo of Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant
8. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.
4.8
Exceptional(4362)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 39 times today
Located in the historic Colorado Building at 1341 G Street NW and just steps away from the White House,Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, dynamic seafood & steakhouse from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality. Reservations are recommended.Ocean Prime strives to provide an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Our associates’ priority is to ensure your experience is memorable. We ask for attire that is both polished and suited to our restaurant.THANK YOU FOR NOT WEARING: Clothing emitting excessive marijuana odor Excessively revealing clothing or exposed undergarments Clothing with offensive language or graphics Admittance to Ocean Prime is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed.
A photo of Willard Peacock Alley Tea restaurant
9. Willard Peacock Alley Tea
4.6
Exceptional(859)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, amongst the elegant sounds of the harp, Willard's traditional Afternoon Tea offers a tempting array of savory sandwiches, decadent pastries, and teas.Afternoon Tea at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with two seatings available at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.Afternoon Tea makes for an elegant way to celebrate a special occasion. Contact willardtea@ihg.com for more information for groups of ten and more.All specialty menus and any modifications must be requested at the time of the booking or at least 48 hours before your reservation via phone
A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
10. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.7
Exceptional(1088)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

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