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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Downtown

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182 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Park at 14th restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2917)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 128 times today
The Park at 14th is a restaurant, lounge, and event venue on four floors overlooking Franklin Square in Downtown D.C. Offering a sense of timeless elegance, beautiful views, and a warm and welcoming interior, The Park at 14th is the perfect place dining, socializing, and hosting your next event. We invite you to join us. For reservations over 10 people, please TEXT (202) 550-0300
A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(10098)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 118 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 Georgia Brown's restaurant
4.4
Awesome(8803)
Price: Expensive
• Low Country • Downtown
Booked 74 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 Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant
4.3
Awesome(759)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 14 times today
Via Sophia reimagines the osteria experience for downtown D.C; where classic Italian dishes and fresh-from-the-oven pizzas are paired with bespoke beverages and a discerning wine list. With a focus on quality, consistency, and hospitality, we offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest, at any time of the day.
A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1084)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson is a perfect spot for special occasions. It's not just a restaurant, it's an experience. With a beautiful setting under the historic skylight, it offers a light and fresh menu that's perfect for any celebration. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent food and service, with one stating, 'Fabulous special occasion restaurant! Lovely ambiance and even when full was easy to have a normal level conversation.' The Greenhouse at The Jefferson is a must-visit for any special occasion in DC.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(658)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 46 times today
Il Piatto is the modern expression of the classic Italian cuisine. Enjoy a selection of antipasto, pastas, gnocchi, and more! Our private dining package seats 35 guests or holds a reception for 50 guests. With a view of the wine cellar, our Italian restaurant is perfect for all kinds of events.Il Piatto is open for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour. *Please note, we serve brunch on holiday Mondays and the 4th of July*
A photo of Lafayette Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1611)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Lafayette Restaurant is the go-to spot for special occasions in Washington, D.C. Reviewers consistently rave about its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite food. Many have praised the restaurant for its romantic atmosphere, perfect for intimate dinners, while others highlight the attentive staff and beautiful views of Lafayette Park and the White House. A recurring sentiment in the reviews is the excellent quality of the food and the overall high-end dining experience.
A photo of Michele’s restaurant
4.3
Awesome(291)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • West Loop
Booked 5 times today
MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker's second restaurant is an homage to his late mother. Join us for Summer Restuarant Week, August 12th-25th for $35 lunch options and a $55 dinner menu! Guests can enjoy the bar and lounge, perfect for dining solo or gathering with friends. Weekends are reserved for delectable brunch options, served alongside craft cocktails. A slight departure from his highly-acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, Gravitas- the approach to all things culinary at Michele's is just as seasonal and serious, but playful and accessible. We have a celebration fit for any occasion: the perfect blend of delicious food, live entertainment, and great company! Now offering lunch, Mondays-Fridays 11:00am-3:00 pm.Ask about our specialty features:Monday Burger Night Wine Down WednesdaysLive Music & Prime Steaks Every ThursdayHalf-Shell Happy HoursSeasonal Happenings & More!
A photo of Bombay Club restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5319)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown
Booked 31 times today
The Bombay Club emulates characteristics of the old clubs of India. The elegant environment with pale pastels, ceiling fans, and a profusion of greenery is designed to create a warm and inviting gathering place for relaxation and regeneration. The cuisine is the finest of India, utilizing only the best quality ingredients to create a harmony of subtle flavors. Specialties prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, include tandoori salmon and green chili chicken. The sophisticated cuisine is enhanced by refine service and live piano music. Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award.
A photo of Alhambra restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(704)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 7 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • 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
  • Necker
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our dining experience (me and my family) that perfectly blends impeccable cuisine with an elegant atmosphere and top-notch service. From the moment you walk in, the attention to detail and spotless environment make you feel welcomed and valued. The meal begins with their famous bread basket, which is a true standout. The parmesan bread is soft and flavorful, while the cornbread, with its subtle hint of jalapeño, adds a unique twist. It’s hard to resist asking for a second basket. Their Negroni is nothing short of perfection—expertly balanced, showcasing the classic cocktail’s rich and sophisticated character. It’s the ideal pairing for any dish on the menu. The tuna steak was absolutely outstanding. Perfectly seared and paired with a ginger ponzu sauce, it delivered a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that left a lasting impression. The lobster claws were another highlight—simply spectacular. The freshness and quality of the seafood, paired with flawless preparation, made them an absolute treat. Finally, the Key Lemon Pie was the perfect way to end the meal. Creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, and a perfectly crisp crust, it was an unforgettable dessert. We were fortunate to be served by Megan, who was attentive, friendly, and made the experience even more delightful. Her professionalism and warm demeanor truly elevated our visit. In summary, Joe’s Seafood is not just about excellent food—it’s about a complete dining experience, elevated by impeccable service and a refined atmosphere. A must-visit in Washington, D.C.! Highly recommended!
    More info
    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    4.8
  • Suzanne
    Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Amazing food, spectacular service. You cannot go wrong. We are here for Christmas 🎄 and it was perfect for us. I love the ambiance. It really is like sitting in a greenhouse.
    More info
    The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    4.7
  • RenaVIP
    Caribbean •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    TiShonda was absolutely great. She triple checked our orders against food allergies in our group. She kept checking on us. She was friendly and very helpful. Everything we ordered was simply delicious.
    More info
    Georgia Brown'sPrice: Expensive• Low Country• Downtown
    4.4
  • ColletteVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Having been to Italy recently, I found the food to be "authentically Italian" -- not overly seasoned but very flavorful. Portions were perfect -- not too large. Pasta was al dente, which is not common here in the U.S. Will definitely go back.
    More info
    Via Sophia Washington DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.3

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Downtown

Discover the perfect dining destinations for special occasions in the heart of Washington, D.C. Area, Downtown. Renowned for its vibrant and diverse dining scene, this area offers a plethora of restaurants that specialize in creating memorable experiences for any celebratory event. From intimate settings ideal for romantic dinners to lively venues that cater to larger gatherings, each restaurant ensures a unique combination of exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere. Patrons can expect a delightful culinary journey, with menus featuring everything from gourmet seafood to expertly cooked steaks and contemporary global dishes. Each establishment is dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality and service, making them top picks for both locals and visitors looking to celebrate important milestones. Immerse yourself in the sophistication and charm of Downtown D.C.'s dining scene, where every meal is an occasion in itself. Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or any special moment, these restaurants promise an exceptional dining experience that will make your celebration truly unforgettable.

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