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Best Authentic Restaurants in Waterfront

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192 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
1. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19424)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 244 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.
A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant
2. Caruso's Grocery - DC
4.8
Exceptional(1188)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Capitol Hill
Booked 62 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.
A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
3. Olio e Più - DC
4.4
Awesome(196)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 64 times today
Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
4. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.4
Awesome(1368)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 172 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.
A photo of Limani - DC restaurant
5. Limani - DC
4.5
Awesome(973)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 42 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 Filomena Ristorante restaurant
6. Filomena Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(17207)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 238 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!
A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
7. Jaleo - DC
4.7
Exceptional(10994)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 119 times today
Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
8. Succotash PRIME
4.6
Exceptional(3942)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 88 times today
Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.
A photo of dLeña restaurant
9. dLeña
4.7
Exceptional(2026)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 60 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
A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant
10. Rumi's Kitchen - DC
4.8
Exceptional(2440)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 128 times today
Rumi's Kitchen is a beloved Persian restaurant in Washington DC. Its authenticity is confirmed by reviews like 'Great authentic Persian food with excellent customer service' and 'Absolutely delicious authentic Persian food'. The restaurant's dedication to traditional Persian dishes is noted in reviews like 'The menu, a symphony of flavors, offered a tantalizing selection of traditional Persian dishes'. It's not just about the food though, the overall dining experience is praised with comments like 'Rumi Kitchen proved to be more than a restaurant; it was a journey through Persian culture and gastronomy'.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • SidneyVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our waitress Sara was amazing! She made sure we were always taken care of and came back often to check on us and held a great conversation with us! I recommend to ask for Sara as your waitress!
    More info
    Limani - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Southwest Waterfront
    •
    4.5
  • Forkmachete
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I recently dined at La Grande Boucherie, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! As someone with celiac disease, dining out can often be stressful, but the team at La Grande Boucherie went above and beyond to ensure my safety and comfort. Before my visit, I reached out to let them know about my dietary restrictions, and their response was incredibly reassuring. They informed me that their head chef and kitchen team were fully aware of my needs and took meticulous care to prevent cross-contamination. While their fryer isn’t gluten-free (so fries were off the menu for me), they made excellent alternative recommendations and ensured that everything I ordered was completely safe. The food was great! The salads were fresh and vibrant, and the steak and eggs were absolutely delicious—cooked to perfection. What made the experience even better was the effort the chef took to make all the appetizers gluten-free, so I could safely share them with my friends. The service was impeccable, and I left feeling both satisfied and safe, which is rare for someone with celiac disease. La Grande Boucherie has set a high standard for gluten-free dining, and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
    •
    4.4
  • Gustavo
    Indiana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My wife and I loved our visit to Zaytinya in DC! If you’re in downtown, you’ve got to check it out. They specialize in Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish food, and everything is meant to be shared, which makes it even more fun. The flavors were amazing, and the vibe was relaxed but still classy. Definitely try their mezze dishes—they’re so good!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • Bryan
    Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    What a great dining experience at Caruso’s Grocery! Excellent service and Amazing food!
    More info
    Caruso's Grocery - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Capitol Hill
    •
    4.8
  • Emma
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Incredible service and 10/10 food! Expected standard brunch food, but was pleasantly surprised. Order the foccacia, burrata, and pork pasta!
    More info
    Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
    •
    4.4

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