Best Restaurants for People Watching in U Street Corridor

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanPizzeria

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaDowntownDupont Circle

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

37 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Dauphine’s

4.5

Awesome(1455)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 36 times today

Dauphine’s is a modern day incarnation of the dramatic Grande Dame establishments of New Orleans, brought to you by the award winning Long Shot Hospitality - the team behind DC's beloved The Salt Line Restaurants. Dauphine’s utilizes Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic New Orleans fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the legendary city. All brought to you in a breathtaking spacious downtown restaurant setting with the most beautiful bar in downtown DC, plenty of patio dining, and a festive outdoor bar and garden area. Located in the Midtown Center, Dauphine's is just steps from the White House, National Theater, Convention Center, Cap One Arena and most downtown attractions and provides an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere for any occasion. Dauphine’s serves Dinner seven nights a week and Brunch on weekends, with Happy Hour every day 4pm-7pm and an ALL DAY Happy Hour on Sundays - plus don't miss our signature Sunday Live Jazz Brunch! We hope to see you soon!

A photo of Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DC restaurant

2. Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DC

4.7

Exceptional(64)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Washington

Booked 10 times today

A signature in Waldorf Astoria hotels across the globe, Peacock Alley remains the place “to see and be seen” just as it was all those years ago for Manhattan’s high society. Set in the soaring grand atrium, Peacock Alley offers an eclectic menu of refined cuisine, innovative cocktails, and an impeccable wine selection.

3. Sette Osteria

4.4

Awesome(1638)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 49 times today

Sette, meaning seven in Italian for that extra luck, is your spot for a fusion of comfort and traditional Italian vibes. Beyond a restaurant, Sette Osteria is a destination for locals and wanderers alike. Our decor is all about people, featuring an open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza station and views of vibrant Connecticut Avenue and R Streets. It's inviting, sophisticated, and buzzing with an international flair.Dive into our $20 Bottomless Weekend brunch (2 hours) or catch the daily Happy Hour from 4pm-7pm, extended on Sun & Mon until 10pm. Sette isn't just a restaurant; it's a lifestyle. Come for the food, stay for the vibes, and let Sette redefine your dining scene.

A photo of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant

4. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.7

Exceptional(1611)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Logan Circle

Booked 39 times today

With an ambience steeped in rustic charm and a menu filled with treasures from the sea, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace focuses on fresh produce and quality ingredients in its welcoming eatery. Specializing in a wide variety of oysters, from such places as Virginia, Japan, Rhode Island, British Columbia and Washington state, Peal Dive Oyster Palace takes oyster preparation seriously, complementing the delicate taste of the oyster. Appetizer options include crispy crawfish fritters, barbecue shrimp and wood-grilled oysters. Besides oysters, house specialties have a decidedly Cajun flair, with items such as seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee and Gulf Coast Redfish, all of which have an amazing balance of spices. The rich entrées at Pearl Dive Oyster Bar are further replicated in its dessert menu, with winning options like Beignets and Brazos River Bottom Pecan Pie.

A photo of The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea restaurant

5. The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea

4.4

Awesome(361)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Luxuriate in the hotel’s grand lobby lounge for one of our most cherished afternoon traditions. Enjoy the finest selection of teas from Dammann Frères, exquisite tea sandwiches, delicious sweets, and homemade scones. Feel free to lavish your experience with our selective optional Champagne pairings. $109,00 per person, excluding tax & gratuity. Available Thursday - Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:45pm.

A photo of Chef Geoff's West End restaurant

6. Chef Geoff's West End

4.5

Awesome(1680)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West End

Booked 47 times today

A vibrant, modernized iteration of the original Chef Geoff’s offering seasonal dishes full of flavor. You will feel welcome here for any occasion large or small. Our made from scratch menu offers something for everyone. From pizza, salads and burgers to our more elaborate main dishes, one thing is for certain, we don’t skimp on flavor! Our bar covers all ends of the spectrum from our famous Supermugs (giant beers) to our handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy our open air dining, people watching on the patio or or our beautifully designed dining room!

A photo of CIRCA at Clarendon restaurant

7. CIRCA at Clarendon

4.7

Exceptional(1492)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 41 times today

All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!Our Dining Room and Patio are Open!

8. The Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1517)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 44 times today

Chef Roberto Santibañez presents a new American menu focused on Woodfired cooking, with an emphasis on steak, seafood and vegetarian fare. His Mexican roots and French training lend an inspired touch to the American table.

9. Tosca

4.9

Exceptional(4572)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

Currently open for lunch and dinner. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Tosca serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy. Tosca combines modern style and elegance to create an intimate and comfortable setting. Tosca implements a dress code and proper attire is required. We do not allow athletic wear, shorts, beach attire, tank tops, flip flops, or torn or excessively revealing clothing. We reserve the right to determine if a guest needs to adjust their attire before being seated.We no longer offer valet parking, we do validate at dinner in our parking garage located on 11th St, NW

10. Peacock Café

4.8

Exceptional(2024)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Georgetown

Booked 41 times today

Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes. Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Michelle
1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Better than the high tea at their NYC location. Just lovely.
More info
Peacock Alley - Waldorf Astoria DCPrice: Expensive• American• Washington
•
4.7
K
KevinVIP
London •62 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was great, with the exception of the Dauphine's Martini. It is described as "scented with anise", but in actuality it is like drinking straight Pernod. Happily they switched it out for something more pleasing. The BBQ Shrimp were good, and passable for DC, but do not expect Pascal's Manale. Destiny was a rockstar! Perfectly attentive without being overbearing.
More info
Dauphine’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.5
E
Elizabeth
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was delicious and came out quickly. Sette really knows how to do pasta.
More info
Sette OsteriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Dupont Circle
•
4.4
C
christa
Baltimore / Maryland •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The service and food are always good. The oysters are the best in the city. The cocktails always GREAT.
More info
Pearl Dive Oyster PalacePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Logan Circle
•
4.7
A
Aaron
Houston •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great tea and great food. Our favorite place to go for afternoon tea in DMV area. We've tried Ritz and Waldorf as well; St. Regis does it the best!
More info
The St Regis DC - Afternoon teaPrice: Very Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Downtown
•
4.4

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