Best Cozy Restaurants in Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBaileys CrossroadsBethesdaBrookland / Brentwood

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

Wheelchair access

251 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Hen Quarter Prime

4.5

Awesome(188)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern • Washington

Booked 10 times today

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 Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

2. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1276)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 50 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.

3. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19815)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 301 times today

Under the direction of celebrated Chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup team, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on José'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.

4. SHIA Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(136)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 12 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.**

5. Limani - DC

4.2

Awesome(1184)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 41 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.

6. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3919)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 62 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 Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien restaurant

7. Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien

4.8

Exceptional(672)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Vietnamese • Washington

Booked 66 times today

Moon Rabbit is a highly-regarded Vietnamese restaurant situated in the heart of Washington D.C., drawing inspiration from the virtuous rabbit depicted in the Buddhist Jataka tale. Led by acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, the restaurant embodies an innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing a menu that is both unique and complex. Chef Tien's main objective is to pay tribute to his heritage as a first-generation Asian American, using Moon Rabbit as a platform for expressing his love for Vietnamese culture and food.

8. The Park at 14th

4.8

Exceptional(3076)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 58 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

9. Iron Gate

4.7

Exceptional(3070)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle

Booked 38 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.

10. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(341)

$$$$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.

‘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

S
Shima
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The best restaurant ever with delicious food and dessert
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
B
Brandon
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our server Cornell gave us A+ service. The food was excellent and my entire group had a wonderful time
More info
Hen Quarter PrimePrice: Expensive• Southern• Washington
•
4.5
C
Cedric
Baltimore / Maryland •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Very good seafood and service. Attended the Sunday brunch and the food was plentiful, very fresh and seasoned well. Though somewhat pricey, it was worth it. The service was extra special also.
More info
Limani - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.2
I
Irene
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was definitely an unforgettable experience. I strongly recommend having the alcohol pairing.
More info
SHIA RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Korean• Washington
•
4.8
T
Trish
Atlanta •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 6, 2025
The fresh pasta was amazing. Flavors were on point, loved the fact they can make dishes extra spicy for us pepper lovers. Wine from Tuscany. Portions were generous too! Service was impeccable, just as good or better than multiple star rated places.
More info
Caruso's Grocery - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Capitol Hill
•
4.8

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