Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

Exceptional(1068)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 14 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.

2. Alhambra

4.6

Exceptional(694)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

*2023 WINE SPECTATOR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE*Taking inspiration from the landmark Alhambra Palace and Fortress in southern Spain, one of the most famous monuments of Islamic and Spanish Renaissance architecture, our new menu exemplifies the blending of cultures and cuisines across the region. Showcasing their rich bounty of produce and fish in a modern and convivial setting, Chef Brian Bladfält Landry presents a seasonally inspired menu enhanced with the bold flavors across a variety of the region’s cultures. With distinct menus offered across brunch, lunch and dinner, the dining concept focuses on four sections of small plated dishes – sea, land, garden and table – all meant to be shared. Alhambra is located on the lobby-level of The St. Regis Washington, D.C. at 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW in the heart of downtown D.C. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner from Monday through Saturday and brunch on weekends.

3. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29552)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 290 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.

4. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(241)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 16 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.

5. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3743)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 48 times today

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. 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, as well as Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore, MD. He also shares the Tabard's longstanding commitment to sourcing ingredients locally. Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.

A photo of Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant

6. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

4.8

Exceptional(4306)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 33 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 Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

7. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10265)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 129 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

8. Petite Cerise

4.7

Exceptional(118)

Price: Expensive

• French • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 34 times today

Part neighborhood café, part energetic bistro, Petite Cerise is located in a bright and lively historic corner space in Shaw/Mount Vernon Triangle. Petite Cerise features separate à la carte menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, Petite Cerise has a Coffee Counter open Tuesday - Friday opening at 8am serving classic coffee and espresso preparations, housemade pastries, and other breakfast items to go or sit down.Dinner offers both an à la carte menu along with a Prix Fixe option. The focus in the evening is to craft unique and innovative dishes utilizing the very best ingredients within the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond skillfully prepared through a French lens.If you decide to join us for a morning coffee, quick mid-day bite, stretch out your lunch over a glass of wine, or gather with friends for an indulgent and creative dinner, we invite you here to celebrate and enjoy.

9. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2937)

Price: Moderate

• French • Georgetown

Booked 55 times today

Welcome to Chez Billy Sud, your classic neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown! We are now taking reservations for dinner 30 days in advance. 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 and requires no reservations. You can also visit our sister bistro Cafe Colline in Arlington which also offers reservations via OpenTable.Please visit our website ChezBillySud.com or check us out on Instagram @ChezBillySud.We look to hosting you!

10. Floriana

4.7

Exceptional(3835)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 22 times today

Floriana offers authentic Italian recipes with handmade pastas in the most comfortable of environments. Located in DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, in a historic brick stone row house that has been converted into a cozy restaurant, but hasn't given up the feel of coming over to someones home for dinner. Offering a seasonal menu of fresh and local ingredients Floriana has developed a reputation for consistent, high quality, authentic, feel good dishes at a great value. Our pledge of superior service is matched only by our ability to make every guest feel welcome and comfortable when joining us for a DC dining experience.We pay special attention to every guest that chooses Floriana.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
aron
New York City •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a celebratory anniversary dinner at the Tabard - which was outstanding in every way. First, we were seated promptly and in the quiet corner we had requested. Secondly, the place simply drips with a warm and comforting atmosphere. Thirdly, our server was friendly and super attentive. Fourth, the manager came over twice to make sure all was OK. Fifth, to help us celebrate bubbly and super delicious limoncello arrived on the house. Sixth, our food was simply delicious - frisee salad, hangar steak, rockfish, a side of carrots, bread with mushroom butter, and earl grey creme brulee - all super tasty and beautifully plated and served. This was not inexpensive but was a superb value for the money. We were visiting Washington - if we lived here we'd be regulars!
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Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
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4.7
T
Tracy
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We went to celebrate my cousin's birthday and our waitress, Angie (I think that was her name) was awesome. She greeted us well, knew there was a birthday celebration and offered great recommendations. The food was superb - mussels, fried oysters, crab cake, and spinach & artichoke dip was also very good! Always a fun and great time Old Ebbitt and look forward to coming back again - an old staple for us!!!
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Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
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4.8
M
Meghanvip
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food with complex flavors. Fantastic service and a lovely atmosphere. One of our favorite spots in DC that we return to again and again for a special night out.
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The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
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4.7
J
Josephvip
Baltimore / Maryland •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Breakfast Food was delicious. Love the ambience of the restaurant. Service was excellent. For breakfast - 2 people - including tip - we spent $150. Value is just OK. Expensive breakfast.
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The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
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4.8
M
Mohaimina
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
We enjoyed a nice afternoon at Alhambra. Food was nothing mind blowing but ambience was nice.
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AlhambraPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
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4.6

Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

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42 restaurants available nearby

1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

2. Alhambra

3. Old Ebbitt Grill

4. The Dabney

5. Tabard Inn

6. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

7. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

8. Petite Cerise

9. Chez Billy Sud

10. Floriana

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