Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Palisades Northwest

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaBuzzard PointCapitol HillChevy Chase

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

183 restaurants available nearby

1. Bistro Aracosia

4.8

Exceptional(2735)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Afghan • Palisades Northwest

Booked 26 times today

Bistro Aracosia is a critically acclaimed authentic Afghan gourmet and Chop House located in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, DC. Aracosia has been acknowledged as 1 of 50 best restaurants in the nation for Vegetarians on Forbes Magazine, written up and reviewed by top food critics from the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and numerous other publications. Bistro Aracosia has been awarded 100 Best restaurants for 2 years in a row in the Washingtonian. Aracosia accommodates any diet and is proud of taking cooking back to its origins. Chef Sofia Masroor diligently ensures top grade quality cuts of meat and the freshest produce in the market. All foods prepared at Aracosia are prepared with love. No artificial ingredients MSG& or preservatives are used, nor do we cook anything with nuclear such as microwaves and pre-made stations. Full Bar , extensive Wine and Beer menu Come and experience authentic and classical Afghan Gourmet and hospitality at its finest.

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

2. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17393)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 256 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 La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

3. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.3

Awesome(1622)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 146 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.

4. BlackSalt

4.7

Exceptional(6743)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Palisades Northwest

Booked 44 times today

BlackSalt is the much anticipated concept restaurant from Chef Jeff Black, featuring an upscale fish market fronting a vibrant bar and elegant restaurant.**A 4% charge is applied to all sales for card processing fees. Charge will be waived if paying with cash

5. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(2146)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 78 times today

dLeña is a vibrant restaurant in Washington D.C. that invites you to explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Step into a warm space illuminated by wood-fired ovens and adorned with Latin American art. Savor a culinary journey with fresh, local ingredients, starting with their signature guacamole, a blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Continue your adventure with ceviches, aguachiles, and wood-fired specialties like Tomahawk steak and Wagyu Steak a la Piedra. dLeña's menu caters to all tastes, featuring pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian options. Pair your meal with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're after a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a late-night gathering, dLeña's trendy ambiance and attentive service promise an unforgettable experience. Join them for a taste of Mexico's vibrant culture and culinary artistry.

6. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11954)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 211 times today

The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.

7. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19619)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 347 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.

8. Amazonia

4.8

Exceptional(196)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 46 times today

Venture into the relaxed ambiance of Amazonia, our inviting upstairs bar, dining room and rooftop hideaway. As one of the first Amazonian restaurants in the U.S., discover the exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru's rainforest, as well as favorite Peruvian staples. Here you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of pisco and imaginative cocktails. The dishes you'll enjoy in Amazonia are meant for sharing, and are expertly prepared by the very same skilled kitchen team from Causa downstairs.

9. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4039)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 124 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 Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant

10. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(13902)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Georgetown

Booked 178 times today

Farmers Fishers Bakers - DC is a special place perfect for all occasions. As one reviewer puts it, 'Truly fantastic food experience. Everything from the meal selection, drink and appetizers far exceeded expectations. Highly recommend for all occasions.' It's a place where 'quality is all aspects', with top-notch food and great service. Plus, the ambiance is described as 'festive, clean and relaxed', making it the perfect spot for a 'little special dinner'. So whether you're celebrating a birthday, graduation, or just want to treat your loved ones to a special dinner, this restaurant is the place to be.

‘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

KW
KristieWVIP
Las Vegas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing food! Amazing ambiance! Attractive crowd! Would def recommend
More info
dLeñaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
MS
MarlinS
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Exquisite afghan cuisine with knowledgeable caring waiter. Always a nice evening of good food and friends and comfort
More info
Bistro AracosiaPrice: Moderate• Afghan• Palisades Northwest
•
4.8
K
Kaxiomara
Caribbean •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food is delicious and the portions are enough to share ( unless you eat a lot 😉 ). Our server was super friendly and attentive.
More info
Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
•
4.8
TS
TashaSVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Nice spot for a business lunch! Beautiful space and friendly staff. Food was delicious!
More info
La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
•
4.3
N
NancyVIP
South Carolina •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful, fresh, inventive seafood dishes for very enjoyable evening out while traveling. We will definitely be back. Kenny was a very attentive server without excessive hovering. Lots of locals were there for happy hour. Their happy hour offerings must be very good! We were reserved for the dining room, and the service was wonderful even though we were on the early side of dinner. Loved the daily specials that seemed super fresh. Red Snapper tartare was amazing. The ahi tuna and crab cakes entrees were also fantastic. Drinks were well prepared and portioned. The cranberry orange crème brulee had a refreshing flavor and was just the right touch for a shared dessert. Thank you.
More info
BlackSaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Palisades Northwest
•
4.7

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