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Best Cozy Restaurants in Waterfront

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227 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hen Quarter Prime restaurant
1. Hen Quarter Prime
4.4
Awesome(139)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Washington
Booked 19 times today
Now Open! Hen Quarter Prime brings elevated southern cuisine to the waterfront in Southwest D.C. The dinner menu features southern classics like Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Shrimp & Grits while showcasing an amazing steak selection staring our Tomahawk Ribeye from Creekstone Farms. The star of Saturday and Sunday brunch is the GRANDE BRUNCH BUFFET with a showstopping chilled seafood bar, carving stations, charcuterie stations, bottomless mimosas, bloody mary bars & more! We offer discounted validated parking and valet parking daily.
A photo of SHIA Restaurant restaurant
2. SHIA Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(80)
Price: Very Expensive
• Korean • Washington
Booked 29 times today
SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**
A photo of Limani - DC restaurant
3. Limani - DC
4.3
Awesome(1065)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Southwest Waterfront
Booked 36 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 Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant
4. Caruso's Grocery - DC
4.8
Exceptional(1220)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Capitol Hill
Booked 59 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 Filomena Ristorante restaurant
5. Filomena Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(17329)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 249 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
6. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.3
Awesome(1540)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 112 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 Tabard Inn restaurant
7. Tabard Inn
4.7
Exceptional(3841)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 46 times today
Tabard Inn is a cozy restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many reviews praise its 'quaint European setting', 'cozy and beautiful' bar/lounge area, and 'charming ambiance'. The restaurant's commitment to comfort is also evident in its 'home away from home' ethos. The intimate dining rooms, and fireplace lounge add to the warm, inviting feel. The restaurant's historic ambience, and thoughtful touches like decorative floor screens between tables, enhance the comforting environment.
A photo of dLeña restaurant
8. dLeña
4.7
Exceptional(2111)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 75 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.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
9. The Dabney
4.7
Exceptional(305)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 15 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.
A photo of Iron Gate restaurant
10. Iron Gate
4.7
Exceptional(3036)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle
Booked 25 times today
Iron Gate is a cozy spot with a charming, cabin-like ambiance that customers love. It's got a romantic vibe, perfect for a special occasion. The fireplace in the dining room adds to the coziness, and the outdoor seating is beautifully designed and warm even on chilly nights. The staff is friendly and attentive, contributing to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
‘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
  • Rafael
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The experience was beyond incredible. The service and the food were always on point throughout the whole experience.
    More info
    Limani - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Southwest Waterfront
    •
    4.3
  • Kristin
    Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Entrees and desserts were amazing. Wine was not worth the price. Everything was amazing although rather pricey.
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    •
    4.8
  • Martice
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had an incredible dining experience at Hen Quarter Prime. From the moment I walked in, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the perfect tone for the evening. The lighting was just right—cozy but not too dim—while the soft background music added to the relaxing ambiance. The service was impeccable, with friendly and attentive staff who made excellent recommendations. The food was the real star of the night—every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, which was cooked to perfection and paired wonderfully with a glass of wine. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner spot, a place to catch up with friends, or just a great meal in a welcoming setting, Hen Quarter Prime is a must-visit. We will definitely be coming back.
    More info
    Hen Quarter PrimePrice: Expensive• Southern• Washington
    •
    4.4
  • Neil
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    One of the best restaurants in DC. Great food, perfect portions, good wine list, and great pacing of the meal. The calamari is fresh and flavorful. We split a Caesar Salad, and it came out on two separate plates, which was nice. I got the Chicken Parmesan, and my wife got a Seafood pasta dish. We both loved our entrees. We ended with an Oreo Cheesecake that was also delicious! The server didn't make eye contact with me at all, only my wife which was weird. Other than that it was an amazing experience!
    More info
    Caruso's Grocery - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Capitol Hill
    •
    4.8
  • Isaac
    Toronto / Ontario •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Lee, who was incredibly kind and took the time to personally greet everyone. The staff were just as welcoming, demonstrating excellent communication and attentiveness. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy warmth. The course meal exceeded all expectations—each dish was thoughtfully designed with exceptional taste, creativity, and a seamless flow of service. The alcohol pairing was also expertly curated, enhancing the overall experience. What stood out most was Chef Lee’s dedication to sustainability in his restaurant. I recommend visiting the website prior to your visit to understand his intent with the non-profit org. His vision is truly inspiring, and I deeply respect his ambition. Highly recommended to everyone. - Isaac
    More info
    SHIA RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Korean• Washington
    •
    4.9

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