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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Bethesda

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of matchbox Bethesda restaurant
1. matchbox Bethesda
4.3
Awesome(204)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Bethesda
Booked 5 times today
We’re known for wood-fired pizzas, mini burgers, fresh salads and chef-inspired entrées, like pan-seared sea bass and oven-roasted filet mignon. It’s American bistro fare, crafted from high quality ingredients with a chef at the helm in every kitchen.Matchbox draws in passersby with oversized windows lining the sidewalk and a front-row view of the blazing pizza oven. Once indoors, the vibe remains warm and residential, as though guests are being welcomed into the Matchbox home. The design achieves this effect through elements like draperies to soften some of the more industrial edges and add texture, open shelving and wine displays, light gray wood wainscotting, and hardwood flooring throughout to lend natural warmth. Hand-painted murals from local artists add further context to the neighborhood, and bring in a touch of personality as well.Outdoor seating on patios along both Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street offer plentiful people-watching in warmer months.
A photo of LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar restaurant
2. LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar
4.2
Awesome(551)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Woodley Park
Booked 7 times today
Just steps from the Smithsonian National Zoo, Marriott Wardman-Park and Omni Shoreham, LiLLiES Restaurant & Bar is a family-owned restaurant which serves a mix of traditional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary edge. When the weather is warm, diners can relax around mosaic tables on the terrace patio. On cooler days, the hardwood floors, candlelight and exposed brick inside make for a snug retreat. Brunch is served on both Saturdays and Sundays, and offers options for health-conscious patrons, such as a Greek yogurt parfait, and for those looking to indulge—say, in the Nutella-smothered French toast.
A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC restaurant
3. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC
4.8
Exceptional(10235)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 190 times today
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is the culmination of a partnership between Lettuce Entertain You and Joe's Stone Crab, the legendary seafood restaurant of Miami Beach. Joe's features an extensive selection of seafood, flown in fresh daily, to complement the world's finest Florida Stone Crab claws. Joe's also features signature Prime steaks, hand-carved by master butchers, such as the 24 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye or Bone-in Filet Mignon. Matched with Joe's famous side dishes, dinner only gets better when capped with a slice of key lime pie.
A photo of Dauphine’s restaurant
4. Dauphine’s
4.6
Exceptional(1432)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 33 times today
Dauphine’s is a modern day incarnation of the dramatic Grande Dame establishments of New Orleans, brought to you by the award winning Long Shot Hospitality - the team behind DC's beloved The Salt Line Restaurants. Dauphine’s utilizes Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic New Orleans fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the legendary city. All brought to you in a breathtaking spacious downtown restaurant setting with the most beautiful bar in downtown DC, plenty of patio dining, and a festive outdoor bar and garden area. Located in the Midtown Center, Dauphine's is just steps from the White House, National Theater, Convention Center, Cap One Arena and most downtown attractions and provides an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere for any occasion. Dauphine’s serves Dinner seven nights a week and Brunch on weekends, with Happy Hour every day 4pm-7pm and an ALL DAY Happy Hour on Sundays - plus don't miss our signature Sunday Live Jazz Brunch! We hope to see you soon!
A photo of The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC restaurant
5. The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC
4.7
Exceptional(1131)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 75 times today
Set in the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, The Bazaar is the culmination of a 30-year dream for Chef José Andrés. Drawing inspiration from this iconic location, which first opened in 1899 and served as DC’s General Post Office until 1914, The Bazaar is a multi-level destination reinvented with avant-garde and Americana-inspired decor.
A photo of CIRCA at Clarendon restaurant
6. CIRCA at Clarendon
4.8
Exceptional(1474)
Price: Moderate
• American • Arlington
Booked 14 times today
All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!Our Dining Room and Patio are Open!
A photo of Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DC restaurant
7. Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DC
4.6
Exceptional(21)
Price: Expensive
• American • Washington
Booked 65 times today
A signature in Waldorf Astoria hotels across the globe, Peacock Alley remains the place “to see and be seen” just as it was all those years ago for Manhattan’s high society. Set in the soaring grand atrium, Peacock Alley offers an eclectic menu of refined cuisine, innovative cocktails, and an impeccable wine selection.
A photo of The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea restaurant
8. The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea
4.3
Awesome(346)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Luxuriate in the hotel’s grand lobby lounge for one of our most cherished afternoon traditions. Enjoy the finest selection of teas from Dammann Frères, exquisite tea sandwiches, delicious sweets, and homemade scones. Feel free to lavish your experience with our selective optional Champagne pairings. $109,00 per person, excluding tax & gratuity. Available Thursday - Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:45pm.
A photo of Georgia Brown's restaurant
9. Georgia Brown's
4.3
Awesome(8846)
Price: Expensive
• Low Country • Downtown
Booked 73 times today
Come and experience our lively interpretation of South Carolina Low-Country cuisine. Enjoy good southern food, servers who bubble over with hospitality, and a dining room that is truly distinctive. With its golden woods and bronze sculptures that crawl across the ceiling, designer Adam Tihany has created an atmosphere to awaken your senses. What better place to enjoy low country cuisine than in this contemporary environment celebrating the south. Offering the flavor of the South - the Soul of Washington; where we will be sure to leave a light burning in the window for you, our guests.22% service charge is included on every check. 18% is distributed directly to service workers on top of their base wages, and the remaining 4% is used to help pay for all staff costs due to the District of Columbia's Initiative 82. You may choose to leave an additional tip!https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaBrownsRestaurant/https://www.instagram.com/georgiabrowns_dc/http://gbrowns.com/
A photo of Peacock Café restaurant
10. Peacock Café
4.8
Exceptional(2008)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Georgetown
Booked 31 times today
Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes. Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.

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