Best Historic Restaurants in Southwest Waterfront

62 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf restaurant

1. Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Oyster Bar • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 7 times today

Rappahannock Oyster Bar (Wharf) occupies the restored historic oyster shed (circa 1912) building at the Municipal Fish Market (the oldest fish market in the United States). The restaurant serves a line up of small plate offerings, wines, craft beers, unique cocktails, and of course, our very own celebrated shellfish.

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29556)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 360 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.

3. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(243)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 12 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.

4. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3745)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 53 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 Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

5. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10266)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 102 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

6. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2940)

Price: Moderate

• French • Georgetown

Booked 54 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!

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

7. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

4.8

Exceptional(4307)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 50 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

8. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

4.7

Exceptional(835)

Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Downtown

Booked 7 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

9. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

Exceptional(1068)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 19 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.

10. Iron Gate

4.6

Exceptional(2987)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle

Booked 31 times today

Iron Gate, located near Dupont Circle, stands as one of the district’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and is split between a sumptuous dining room, a wisteria covered patio and a handsomely enclosed carriageway that houses the bar.Chef Anthony Chittum, a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and his team have revitalized the space with a menu that takes inspiration for the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinian and Southern Italy, interpreting those traditions and techniques using the finest products and seasonal ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic.Iron Gate also serves as an idyllic oasis for fine private events both large and small, so please consider us when planning your next fête, we'd love to have you as our guests.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gerryvip
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Wonderful cuisine - not the old Tabard Inn restaurant! Always innovative cuisine and beautifully served. Highly professional servers. A pleasure to be in the setting too, especially the covered patio.
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.7
O
Omarvip
Hawaii •42 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wow, as advertised, great host, server, manager!!!! The food we ordered was all superb!!! Crab cake to start, wife ordered the meatloaf, I had the short rib stroganoff. We had reservations and thankful we thought ahead, the 1330 lunch rush was visible on the weekend. I ordered a bloody mary, only portion of the meal which I thought lacked attention. Manager passed by the table and was very nice!!! Thank you for the Carrot cake, it was phenomenal. Highly would recommend and glad we came!!!
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
E
Ed
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Was such a wonderful night. The restaurant was full but not so loud that you could not enjoy the conversation with your group. The food was outstanding. We could not stop talking about how cool it was that all of the ingredients came from the mid-Atlantic part of the USA. Service was wonderful. Cannot wait to go back again!
More info
The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
•
4.7
M
Maria
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 19, 2024
This restaurant has great ambiance, food, drinks, and staff. While the farm to table aspect is impressive itself, the fact that they make their own spirits is an added bonus. I had the G&T Fizz, recommended by our waiter Lucas, and it was excellent. Lucas was attentive and knowledgeable making the overall experience 10 out of 10.
More info
Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: ChinatownPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.4
J
Jason
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
A must stop whenever in that part of the city, check it out
More info
Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The WharfPrice: Moderate• Oyster Bar• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.4

Best Historic Restaurants in Southwest Waterfront

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

62 restaurants available nearby

1. Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

3. The Dabney

4. Tabard Inn

5. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

6. Chez Billy Sud

7. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

8. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

9. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

10. Iron Gate

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable