Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaBrookland / BrentwoodCapitol Hill

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

58 restaurants available nearby

1. Reverie

4.8

Exceptional(37)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Georgetown

Booked 5 times today

Inspired by Chef Johnny Spero’s global travels, yet rooted in his Mid-Atlantic upbringing, Reverie is a Michelin-starred fine-dining experience that focuses on an entirely seafood driven menu. Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience.Our tasting menu is offered at $245 per guest exclusive of beverage, service charge, taxes, or gratuities. Corkage is offered at $75 per 750ml.We can accommodate some but not all food allergies so please inquire before booking via info@reveriedc.com. We are unable to provide dairy-free or fully vegetarian versions of our experience.

A photo of The Salt Line - Navy Yard restaurant

2. The Salt Line - Navy Yard

4.4

Awesome(2624)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Navy Yard

Booked 50 times today

The Salt Line - Navy Yard offers indoor STANDARD seating and OUTDOOR Patio Seating. Our OUTDOOR riverfront patio seating has been winterized and is now comfortably available all year round. The OUTDOOR reservations area has been tastefully enclosed in clear insulated curtains that still provide a scenic river view and is well protected, well heated and honored all weather. Additionally we offer FIREPIT LOUNGE reservations in our large outdoor bar area and first come first served bar, hightop and lounge seating. Please note: the Outdoor Bar area with hightops is covered and well heated but the fire pit and lounge seating is uncovered and so weather permitting. If your desired reservation is not available online or of you have any reservations questions please call the restaurant for more up to the minute information and assistance. For groups larger than 14 contact events@thesaltline.com.

A photo of Josephine - Old Town restaurant

3. Josephine - Old Town

4.7

Exceptional(991)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Alexandria

Booked 66 times today

Welcome to Josephine, a French brasserie located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Inspired by classic Parisian eateries, Josephine brings the timeless charm and culinary traditions of France to the local dining scene.

A photo of Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C. restaurant

4. Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar - Washington D.C.

4.7

Exceptional(2768)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Downtown

Booked 126 times today

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar adds a modern twist to Peruvian cuisine. Inspired by Peru’s top eateries, the new DC outpost serves up bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers.Situated in the bustling and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar brings people together in a space that’s packed with personality and soul. Our vibrant bar with open kitchen views is the perfect spot for sipping, socializing, and savoring our crazy good ceviche. Come experience a celebration of good eats and good times for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour.Looking for the perfect venue? Plan your next event at the best ceviche bar this side of the Andes. Call today and ask about our private dining options.

A photo of DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYA restaurant

5. DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYA

4.5

Awesome(2136)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Penn Quarter

Booked 22 times today

Please be advised that the reservation is for the Izakaya on the second floor and not the ramen shop on the first floor. The ramen menu is not available at the Izakaya. The Izakaya, located on the second floor of Daikaya, is a casual restaurant that serves Japanese comfort food to accompany a diverse selection of bar offerings. The izakaya experience is perfect for after work, before a big night out, as a full supper, or for late-night bites with friends. The cuisine is freestyle and adaptive in nature. Each izakaya in Japan puts its own touch on its menu items. The plates are typically small so that one can sample many different items.

A photo of CUT by Wolfgang Puck restaurant

6. CUT by Wolfgang Puck

4.5

Awesome(641)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Georgetown

Booked 23 times today

CUT by Wolfgang Puck is a gem in Georgetown, DC, renowned for its exceptional food and service. The contemporary American cuisine, especially the selection of beef, is highly praised by customers. The restaurant's unique design and ambiance, paired with its exceptional service, makes it a go-to destination. One reviewer noted, 'The food & service were exquisite. My spouse and I already decided to splurge a little & come back at least once a month.' Another stated, 'Food & service were top notch. I would highly recommend and will definitely be back!'

A photo of Sixty Vines DC - Washington Circle restaurant

7. Sixty Vines DC - Washington Circle

4.7

Exceptional(278)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Washington

Booked 82 times today

Often referred to as “the wine lover's restaurant,” Sixty Vines delivers simple, yet flavorful cuisine paired perfectly with 60 wines on its sustainable tap system. Every plate and pour is designed to inspire adventure and discovery of wine culture reimagined. Guests are encouraged to experience abundance over shared plates, enjoy wine “pinkies down” and to visit for brunch, lunch and dinner. Signature menu items include charcuterie boards, seasonal proteins, wood fired pizzas and innovative pasta dishes all inspired by ingredients found in wine country.

A photo of a.kitchen+bar D.C. restaurant

8. a.kitchen+bar D.C.

4.6

Exceptional(92)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • West End

Booked 11 times today

Located in the West End neighborhood of Washington DC, James Beard Foundation Award-winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin's High Street Hospitality Group brings their acclaimed Philadelphia restaurant, a.kitchen+bar, to the nation's capital. Exploring the seasonality of the Chesapeake, the menu is a culmination of hyper-seasonal American small plates and an acclaimed natural wine and beverage program.Join us from 4-6PM at the bar for Golden Hour. Our team has thoughtfully curated a selection of off-menu cocktails and bites, perfectly paired to indulge you after a long day. Immaculate vibes, soulful tunes and our talented team await. We look forward to welcoming you.

9. San Lorenzo

4.6

Exceptional(328)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Shaw

Booked 14 times today

Come in and feel transported to the streets of Italy. Enjoy light, wholesome dishes - beautiful stucco walls and black and white photos of the chef/owner’s quaint hometown. Chef Massimo believes in creating dishes that honor the heritage and flavors of his native Tuscany. The magic of this cuisine is the exceptional preparation — fresh, simple ingredients paired with unique herbs and seasonings for a taste that’s anything but simple. With over 30 years of culinary training - Chef Massimo delivers homemade pastas, sauces, Florentine steak, veal, lamb, fresh fish and exceptional risotto. Stay tuned for the not-to-be missed tasting menus offered nightly. Also inquire about the unique communal wine lunch experiences on Saturday afternoons that can be booked only directly with management because they book up quickly. If you enjoy dining in Chef Massimo’s ‘San Lorenzo’ home - know he will also come to your home for special occasions or even travel with you within the US and Italy.

A photo of Cheesetique - Del Ray restaurant

10. Cheesetique - Del Ray

4.8

Exceptional(692)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Alexandria

Booked 27 times today

Cheesetique, established in 2004, is the go-to neighborhood spot for fine cheeses, food-friendly wine, and an eclectic, cheese-centric menu. We’re a specialty cheese and wine shop. We’re a comfortable, cheese-centric restaurant. We’re all things to all cheese lovers, so join us to shop, dine, or both!

‘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

鉞享
Taichung •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A very great restaurant and food is very delicious
More info
CUT by Wolfgang PuckPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Georgetown
•
4.5
B
BosephusVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was very good, and the atmosphere was nice. Great portions, although there were not a lot of customers. I've dined here many times before and always had a pleasant experience.
More info
Smokecraft Modern BarbecuePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Arlington
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
I came to have happy hour with my husband to celebrate my birthday! Our waitress Takiya(sp) was great and tended to all of our needs, she even provided great drink recommendations!
More info
Wild DaysPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon
•
4.1
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 8, 2025
The server was amazing very tentative and the food was good….i think there was speed dating happening during my dinner so the vibe was a lot however I enjoyed my time
More info
RewindPrice: Moderate• American• Dupont Circle
•
3.8
J
JordanVIP
Scranton / Poconos •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 1, 2024
Went on a slow, cold Sunday afternoon so it wasn’t not busy at all. For some reason, though, our server was difficult to find throughout our meal. Food/drinks were really good, & they had fun holiday themed drink decorations. Definitely bundle up though if you’re seated on the patio.
More info
Tokyo PearlPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Dupont Circle
•
4

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Worth the drive

Waterfront

Tysons Corner / McLean
Downtown
Alexandria
Dupont Circle
Lansdowne
Georgetown
New Market
Glover Park
Logan Circle
H Street Corridor
West Loop
Rockville
College Park
West End
Cleveland Park
Petworth
Potomac
Mount Rainier
Kensington
Vienna