Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in Penn Quarter

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillDowntown

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

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

24 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(30366)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 339 times today

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.

2. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(3079)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 42 times today

Welcome to Chez Billy Sud, your classic neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown! We accept reservations for dinner on a rolling 30 day basis. Reservations can be made for parties up to 6 guests for bistro dining. Our private dining room can be reserved for large parties (7-16 guests) by contacting our event coordinator at events@chezbillysud.com. For general inquiries, please contact us at info@chezbillysud.com.Depending on the weather, our patio is available on a first-come basis. Please check with your host upon arrival for patio seating.Our Bar à Vin (located right next door) is open for dinner and drinks 7 days a week and requires no reservations. Please visit our website ChezBillySud.com or check us out on Instagram @ChezBillySud.We look to hosting you!

A photo of Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel restaurant

3. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

4.4

Awesome(2327)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom

Booked 13 times today

We are offering breakfast weekdays from 7am-10:30am and lunch from 11:30am-2pm. Our Kingbird Bar hour from 2pm-9pm Tuesday through Fridays. Weekends, we are offering Brunch on Sundays from 11am to 2pm. Join us for High Tea on Saturday & Sunday 1pm-2:30pm. We require all High Tea reservations to be pre-paid, to make a reservation for High Tea please select the Spill the Tea Experience. For children under 12 please email dining@thewatergatehotel.com. We are located within The Watergate Hotel, our elegant yet contemporary restaurant features fine dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Valet Parking is $15 for dining.

4. Ambar - Arlington

4.6

Exceptional(4177)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Arlington

Booked 46 times today

Welcome to Ambar, the gem of Arlington, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines. Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events. At Ambar, our custom catering services add that extra sparkle to your events. At Ambar, we are revolutionizing dining with inventive Balkan cuisine that blends tradition and innovation, seamlessly. We ensure an unforgettable gastronomic experience with award-winning, extraordinary hospitality. Step into Ambar, the pinnacle of Balkan dining.

5. La Tomate

4.7

Exceptional(1449)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 11 times today

Since 1987, La Tomate has been Dupont Circle's neighborhood bistro, featuring affordable regional Italian cuisine in a warm ambiance. A window-clad bar and dining room offer charming avenue views onto Connecticut avenue. Enjoy an extended season of “al fresco” dining on our lush outdoor patio. We are committed to providing quality service and excellent food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We invite you to join us for breakfast a casual lunch, happy hour, dinner, weekend brunch or group events.

6. Green Pig Bistro

4.3

Awesome(1699)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 31 times today

Green Pig Bistro (GPB) serves up classic, rustic French cooking with a decidedly American push. GPB embraces a seasonal menu of hearty entrées, sourcing most ingredients locally to satisfy the palate & support the local community. It has a casual setting with a lively and energetic vibe and delicious farm-to-table food prepared in an open kitchen alongside unique craft cocktails & beer and an extensive, thoughtfully curated wine list.GPB is open for Happy Hour every day from 4pm-6pm, Dinner every day from 5pm-close, and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2:30pm. Reservations highly encouraged. Reservations not accepted for Happy Hour - just stop in.We look forward to welcoming you!

A photo of Minetta Tavern DC & Lucy Mercer restaurant

7. Minetta Tavern DC & Lucy Mercer

4.7

Exceptional(46)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French American • NoMa

Booked 32 times today

Keith McNally brings Minetta Tavern to Washington DCMINETTA TAVERN ORIGINALLY OPENED IN 1937Named after the Minetta Brook — which ran southwest from 23rd Street to the Hudson River — the Tavern was frequented by various layabouts and hangers-on including Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, Eugene O'Neill, E. E. Cummings, Dylan Thomas, and Joe Gould, as well as by various writers, poets, and pugilists.Since its renovation, Minetta Tavern has best been described as "Parisian steakhouse meets classic New York City tavern."We hope — and believe — that's a somewhat accurate description of the place.

A photo of Mazaro Italian Restaurant restaurant

8. Mazaro Italian Restaurant

4.2

Awesome(380)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Arlington

Booked 5 times today

A new Modern Italian Restaurant that will offer classic Italian cuisine and Neapolitan pizza baked in specialized, Wood-fired oven imported from Italy

9. Any Day Now

4.5

Awesome(37)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Navy Yard

ANY DAY NOW is a Dual concept casual and comforting space from celebrated chef and restaurateur Tim Ma. In a nod to the current ways in which we live and work, Any Day Now welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and coffee in a coworking-friendly space during the day, then transitions to a full-service restaurant and bar at night with creative takes on the intersection of American and global cuisines. During Breakfast & Lunch hours, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, we welcome guests to join us at anytime, order at the counter and grab any table, bar stool, or comfy chair for seating. We accept reservation for dinner service, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A photo of The Tavern at the Henley Park restaurant

10. The Tavern at the Henley Park

4.0

Excellent(803)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

The Henley Park Hotel welcomes you to The Tavern at the Henley Park (Formerly known as Coeur De Lion), a favorite among the DC locals. This restaurant is adorned with a stunning skylight atrium, ornate chandeliers, and a natural brick face. Our Chef offers a diverse New American menu featuring the freshest regional ingredients. For a less formal atmosphere, we offer a light Small Plates menu in the Blue Bar.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Shree
Oklahoma City •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious food and good service. I wish the restaurant had a way to reduce the noise levels. Hard to talk when dining inside.
More info
Ambar - ArlingtonPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Arlington
•
4.6
S
Scott
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding service and excellent food. Great presentation. Fantastic ambiance!
More info
Chez Billy SudPrice: Very Expensive• French• Georgetown
•
4.8
H
Hannah
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was truly amazing! We had the scallops and the burrata appetizers - both were fantastic! We shared the ravioli, the squid ink pasta, and the vegan vegetable dish, and again, they were incredible! We had great service from everyone, the drinks were great, we were able to hang out there for a few hours. Would recommend this spot
More info
La TomatePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dupont Circle
•
4.7
J
Jill
Portland / Oregon •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food was excellent and the service was incredible.
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
D
DarrylVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •30 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jun 20, 2025
We had a very good experience dining here. Good food and excellent service. Special thanks to Henry, our server. He definitely goes above your standard expectations. Very friendly and professional. Highly recommend special occasions or business gatherings. The top of the gate rooftop has the best views in the city. Donovan also deserves a special thank you! Darryl & Tina Groom
More info
Kingbird at The Watergate HotelPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Foggy Bottom
•
4.4

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