Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sushi By Bou - DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza

4.7

4.7 (225)

$50 and over

Sushi

Washington

About the restaurant

Step into Sushi By Bou DC, our one-of-a-kind Disco Sushi Omakase Experience. Our curated Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice," promises an exhilarating journey through delectable flavors and disco beats. Choose from our classic 12-course offering at $65, or indulge in the opulent 'Bougie' Omakase, $125 for 17 pieces, seated hourly. Located on the roof of the CitizenM Hotel near L'Enfant Plaza, You can take in the views while you feel the beat of 80s disco set in a pop-culture visual wonderland. Elevate your experience with exotic cocktails and premium sake, perfect for sushi pairing. Date Nights, Birthdays, or intimate private seatings, let us whisk you away on a journey of urban mystique. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe! Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

Emily

Dined on Jul 18, 2025

This was my second time coming back and it was even better than the first. Chef Sean was absolutely amazing and was so accommodating and personable. He made the experience so amazing and the sushi was great!

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Experience

60 MINUTE, 12-COURSE SIGNATURE OMAKASE $65

Experience

60 MINUTE, 17-COURSE BOUGIE OMAKASE $100

Jula's on the Potomac

4.6

4.6 (3401)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Best known for its spectacular panoramic views, Jula’s on the Potomac is one of the most sought-after dining spots in Metro DC. Offering exquisitely crafted cocktails, an ever-evolving wine list, and an impressive array of alcohol-free options, you can be sure to find something to fit your taste. The menus feature American cuisine classics with an innovative approach to brunch, lunch and dinner. Whether you’re dining for business or pleasure, a meal at Jula’s is sure to make a lasting impression.

Top review

jenniferVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We were nicely welcomed and shown to a great table - as requested in my reservation. The food and beverage choices were very good, and the service was excellent. I plan to ask for Quintin Smith every time I return as he was both very attentive and a positive personality.

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Popular dish

FRENCH TOAST BREAD PUDDING

4.4

4.4 (1285)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Southwest Waterfront

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Laura

Dined on Jul 18, 2025

I booked this place for my parents wedding anniversary and the staff was very accommodating to my requests. I was very happy to hear that my parents enjoyed the service, ambiance, and loved the food!

Cedar Knoll

4.3

4.3 (1709)

$31 to $50

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Established in 1941, Cedar Knoll is a historic restaurant with sweeping views of the Potomac River. Cedar Knoll is set just off the beautiful George Washington Parkway, which makes for a scenic drive. The restaurant was built around a log cabin dating back to the early 1800's, so the history is apparent from the moment you step inside. Each room possesses charming qualities adding to the ambiance. Whether you dine in the comfortable elegance of the Presidential Room or the natural splendor of the Botanical Room, both set the perfect stage for an evening with family, friends, and loved ones. Cedar Knoll is conveniently located minutes between Old Town Alexandria and George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate.

Top review

steveVIP

Dined on Jul 12, 2025

Beautiful view, excellent service and very good food

CUT Above

4.2

4.2 (15)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Set against the capital's iconic skyline, CUT Above is the ideal cozy destination for socializing with a view. Outfitted with plush and modern lounge furniture, the rooftop oasis offers an abbreviated menu of seasonal, elevated bar fare and refreshing cocktails.

From May 27, 2025 to June 10, 2025 CUT Above is featuring a specialty Pride menu in addition to the seasonal menu! Indulge in bold, flavorful cocktails and a signature dish crafted for the occasion.

*Monday–Friday Food Service is from 5–10 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday Food Service is from 3–10 p.m.
*The rooftop is covered and heated.

Top review

KathyVIP

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Beautiful location with amazing views. Great drinks and great service.

Fred & Stilla

4.1

4.1 (127)

$30 and under

International

Dupont Circle

About the restaurant

Discover the kind of place that connects people with the world through the power of food. It requires a flair for sharing one's own culture, and the empathetic understanding of the culture of another. Our fare, like our space, is simple and modern—letting the natural beauty of globally inspired comfort foods shine through—but plated to impress.

At Fred and Stilla, peace meets style. Linger over bold pour over coffee until the last message in your inbox is finally cleared away. Settle into an inviting corner for an after-work drink that turns into dinner that turns back into drinks.

Top review

TerryVIP

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Fred & Stilla served wonderful cocktails and dishes. Presentation was elegant. The service was friendly and attentive.

Officina at The Wharf

4.1

4.1 (382)

$31 to $50

Italian

Southwest Waterfront

About the restaurant

Officina [oh · fee · she · nah], or “workshop,” is an Italian-inspired culinary collective from Chef Nicholas Stefanelli of Michelin-star Masseria, Philotimo, and the newly opened Le Clou. Officina seeks to bring the very best of Italian gastronomy to Washington, D.C., and is an ode to Stefanelli’s travels, training, and distinctly Italian-American upbringing.

We look forward to welcoming you for unique experiences that capture the essence of Italy. From sunset cocktails atop our Terrazza or a weekday lunch in our Cafe.

Top review

SaraVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Staff was incredibly kind and accommodating to large business group that changed numbers. Really appreciate their hospitality and excellent service!

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SYN Rooftop Lounge & Bar

4.0

4 (33)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Reston

About the restaurant

All-season rooftop lounge located atop the new AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Reston Marriott.

When you step into our rooftop space, we want you to feel a sense of excitement. Up here, above the city’s pulse, we invite you to let go of the world below. We’ll be with you every step of the way, sharing flavors, stories, and moments that linger long after your last sip or bite.

At Syn, we’re more than a lounge. We’re a space for connections, new faces becoming old friends, laughter that fills the air like music, and tables that unite people from every walk of life. Your evening begins with breath taking views of the skyline and comes alive at the table, where carefully crafted cocktails, vibrant dishes, and shared plates tell a story of togetherness.

So come as you are, and let the night unfold. Welcome to Syn, where every visit feels like a celebration of connection. We’ll see you on the rooftop soon—we’ll be waiting for you.

Top review

Todd

Dined on Jul 15, 2025

First time visiting SYN and it’s in a great location off the Toll Road in Reston. I went with some co-workers, we hesitantly chose outdoor seating and glad we did, it was like SYN planed which side of the restaurant would be outdoors based on the sun. Long story short, the sun wasn’t an issue and the breeze on the rooftop made for a pleasant event with co-workers.

Sly Rooftop Bar

4.0

4 (30)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

NoMa

About the restaurant

High above NoMa, SLY is where the city unwinds in style. Perched atop The Morrow Hotel, this rooftop bar by Marcus Samuelsson and Chef Anthony Jones serves up hand-crafted cocktails, seasonal plates & seafood, and DC skyline views that steal the show. Golden hour hits different up here—come for the food & drinks, stay for the vibe.

Top review

Khalon

Dined today

This place is such a gem. I sat on the patio, our waitress (I wish I would have gotten her name!) was so attentive and had great energy. Food was bomb, drinks were great.

Agua 301

3.8

3.8 (812)

$30 and under

Mexican

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

Aqua 301 celebrates the culture and cuisine of Mexico taking contemporary Mexican cuisine and infusing it with modern flair. This is not Tex Mex! Chef Jaime Pelayo tweaks traditional Mexican ingredients and flavor profiles through experimental ingredient combinations and serves it up waterside in Yards Park.

Top review

Etheal

Dined on May 24, 2025

Really affordable and excellent food. If you want real mexican food, this is the place!

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