Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Washington

98 restaurants available nearby

1. The Park at 14th

4.7

Exceptional(2917)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 134 times today

At The Park at 14th in Downtown Washington D.C., seafood enthusiasts are treated to an exquisite dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its high-quality and authentic seafood dishes. Nestled with a stunning view of Franklin Square, this venue is consistently praised for its culinary delights. Guests rave about the "amazing" seafood options, with particular shout-outs to the "blackened salmon that was worth every penny" and the "exceptionally delicious grits." The atmosphere is matched by the vibrant and attentive service, ensuring every seafood dish is a hit. As one reviewer put it, the food is "outstanding," making The Park at 14th a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood experience in the heart of the capital.

A photo of Proper 21 - F Street restaurant

2. Proper 21 - F Street

4.2

Awesome(916)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 33 times today

Proper 21, brought to DC from the New York City restaurateurs Rob Zahn and Will Strozier that own Manhattan Proper and Proper West, opened in early October 2016. Located at 1319 F Street NW, Proper 21 is a high end sports bar serving All American classics with a gourmet twist. Proper 21 is the third location of NIEUW Group Inc. Like its predecessors, located in New York City, Proper 21 serves contemporary American cuisine. The space maintains the modern aesthetic and New York style of the Manhattan locations, which have best been described as Tom Ford meets Thomas Edison. The restaurant provides the best audio & visual for sports, corporate functions, nightlife and other events. Proper 21 requests reservations be made 45 minutes in advance.

3. Cafe Du Parc

4.3

Awesome(2569)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 40 times today

Café du Parc, a Parisian-inspired gem in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers an authentic café experience reminiscent of a sidewalk café in Europe. Nestled steps from the National Mall, this café provides not only a prime location but also serves top-notch coffee and pastries that transport you straight to France. Patrons rave about the "perfectly flaky delicious almond croissant and ham and cheese croissant," which are both splendid highlights of their dining experience. The café's atmosphere is praised as "welcoming and cozy," making it a preferred spot for both locals and visitors. It's the attention to traditional French culinary details and the bustling, yet inviting ambiance that makes Café du Parc a standout destination for café cuisine lovers looking for quality and authenticity in the capital city.

A photo of Willard Holiday Brunch restaurant

4. Willard Holiday Brunch

4.6

Exceptional(93)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Join us at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. for a special Thanksgiving Brunch on Thursday, November 28. You will be seated in the famed Willard and Crystal Ballrooms, the two most iconic rooms in the hotel. Seating will be offered at 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Enjoy this scrumptious presentation of epicurean delights created by Executive Chef Gyo Santa and Willard’s culinary team. This year’s highlights include a Fruit de Mer and Charcuterie & Cheese Displays, a carving station featuring Roasted Herb-Marinated Turkey, Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, and Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon for Thanksgiving, and Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Baked Ham, and Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb for Christmas, plus all the holiday fixings. $195 per adult | Includes bottomless Mimosas, Bellinis, and Bloody Marys.$85 per child (5-12 years of age)All prices are subject to a 24% service charge and sales tax. Each seating will have a time limit of 2 hours.

5. Sax

4.3

Awesome(1265)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Penn Quarter

SAX is the only East Coast modern Supper Club, serving up reinvented New American cuisine with a variety of seafood, steak entrees and unique craft cocktails alongside continuous live entertainment including choreographed dance sets, aerialists, pole ballet and contortionists. SAX also transforms late night into DC's hottest nightclub/lounge with live DJs, entertainment and VIP bottle service.Reservation cancellation or decrease in party size less than 24 hours before your event is subject to a fee of $15 per person and will be charged to the provided credit card. SAX can only hold your reservation for 15 minutes after it has passed, if no guests have checked in, it is considered a no-show with the $15 per person fee.SAX is your perfect special occasion celebration destination whether a birthday or bachelorette party, holiday or corporate party, or private event space.Valentines Day the minimum spending requirement per couple is $200, anything over 2 people will be $75 per person

6. Spotted Zebra

3.7

Very Good(8)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

WE ARE THE SPOTTED ZEBRAMany ask about our name, well it is whimsical, and one might say esoteric, and derives from a misquote by a prominent former US Senator from Tennessee, who confidently proclaimed, "A zebra does not change its spots". In this new DC hot-SPOT, we shine a tongue-in-cheek SPOT-light on the contradictory, and often irreverent and humorous words from politics. They are weaved into the names of dishes and cocktails and found on the top of tables, the bar, and people's minds.

A photo of Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave. restaurant

7. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.

4.4

Awesome(2416)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

Bobby Van's Grill on New York Avenue stands out as a premier destination for authentic American cuisine in Downtown Washington, DC. Renowned for its top-notch, dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood, this restaurant draws both locals and visitors who seek a sublime dining experience. The glowing reviews emphasize not only the exceptional quality of the food but also the outstanding service, with one patron noting, "BEST dining experience I ever had in DC." The restaurant's long-tenured professional staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring every meal is a memorable event. Whether it's for the "delicious and perfectly cooked" filet diablo or the "magnificent" seafood tower, Bobby Van's Grill promises an unparalleled American dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone in the capital.

8. Michele’s

4.3

Awesome(291)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 5 times today

Michele's, located in the vibrant West Loop of Washington, offers a delightful take on Contemporary French cuisine, crafted by MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker. This restaurant stands out for its commitment to seasonal and high-quality ingredients, presented in a manner that's both sophisticated and accessible. Guests rave about the innovative dishes, like the "beef tartare and the potato truffle tarte … WOW," highlighting the unique blend of flavors that Chef Baker brings to the table. The atmosphere is described as perfect for any occasion, from a casual burger night to a special date, with live music and prime steaks enhancing the experience. Michele's not only promises but delivers a "delightful dining experience" with each visit, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of fine Contemporary French dining in Washington D.C.

9. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3787)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Dupont Circle

Booked 50 times today

At the heart of Dupont Circle in Washington lies the Tabard Inn, a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Continental cuisine. Since 1922, this historic venue has served as a charming retreat, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and beautifully crafted dishes. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir, whose stellar background includes stints at notable D.C. establishments, the Tabard Inn offers a sophisticated menu that skillfully blends traditional favorites with inventive new offerings. Diners rave about the "delightful seasonal treats" like the gazpacho and rockfish, and the "succulent" chicken fricassee. The ambiance, described as a "cozy restaurant with great foods and warm services," complements the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether enjoying a meal on the picturesque patio or in the eclectic dining rooms, guests at the Tabard Inn are treated to a slice of Continental excellence that's both comforting and exciting.

10. Bresca

4.7

Exceptional(878)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • U Street Corridor

Booked 28 times today

Bresca, nestled in the vibrant U Street Corridor of Washington, DC, is a beacon of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant has garnered glowing accolades for its innovative approach to French dining, skillfully blending Eastern and Western culinary traditions under the guidance of Chef Ryan Ratino. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the Potato Pierogi and Diver Scallop, highlighting the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients which "sing of summer." The atmosphere is described as a perfect mix of cozy bistro charm and refined elegance, making every visit memorable. With accolades like "best duck I’ve ever had" and experiences that exceed expectations, Bresca stands out as a pinnacle of culinary excellence and creativity.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brooklin
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The park is a wonderful restaurant. The service is wonderful and the staff is very friendly. It’s a great place the celebrate a special occasion or just to dine at for dinner.
More info
The Park at 14thPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
F
Farah
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a wonderful time at Christmas Brunch. The staff was so welcoming and attentive. We really enjoyed all of the food selections. Thank you for a lovely Christmas.
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Willard Holiday BrunchPrice: Very Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
First timer - service was good and we even got fresh coffee. Food was excellent. The birria huevos rancheros was delicious.
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Proper 21 - F StreetPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.2
R
Rajesh
Washington, D.C. Area •14 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 27, 2024
It is inside a Mariott hotel. So a slightly upscale place but very good food.
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Spotted ZebraPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
3.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore / Maryland •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 18, 2021
The only thing that turned me off was that every table around me were greeted by a server or performers. We had to ask for someone to come and explain to us how to order and what would make our first visit more enjoyable. Now that I’ve “experienced” the restaurant, I will know what to do and not waste 45 minutes trying to figure out how to order and not miss more performances. Since time was limited to two hours, I was worried that we would not have enough time to eat or drink. After placing an order we waited an additional 30+ minutes for our first drink to arrive then our food. Wasn’t sure if we had enough time to order a second drink, which we did but had to drink it fast as our two hour dining experience was over.
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SaxPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Penn Quarter
•
4.3

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Washington

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98 restaurants available nearby

1. The Park at 14th

2. Proper 21 - F Street

3. Cafe Du Parc

4. Willard Holiday Brunch

5. Sax

6. Spotted Zebra

7. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.

8. Michele’s

9. Tabard Inn

10. Bresca

See what locals rave about

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