Best Restaurants with Bar Seating in Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodJapanesePizzeriaTapas / Small Plates

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaBrookland / BrentwoodCapitol HillCollege Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Ambar Capitol Hill restaurant

1. Ambar Capitol Hill

4.8

Exceptional(5081)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Balkan style • Capitol Hill

Booked 58 times today

Welcome to Ambar, the gem of Capitol Hill, 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.

2. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(131)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 16 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 Founding Farmers VA: Alexandria restaurant

3. Founding Farmers VA: Alexandria

4.3

Awesome(246)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Alexandria

Booked 139 times today

Our newest location is now open! Founding Farmers Alexandria is located just a short walk from Potomac Yard in Oakville Triangle. Open every day – serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour 3:30pm-6pm, and weekend brunch – their expansive made-from-scratch menus offer American-inspired dishes including their famous fried chicken & waffles, farmhouse sushi, a variety of salads, fresh pastas, premium seafood & more. A full-service bar features cocktails made with Founding Spirits, their DC distillery. Majority owned by American family farmers and committed to thoughtful sourcing, sustainability, and creating exceptional dining experiences, Founding Farmers Alexandria is your neighborhood restaurant, where scratch-made food meets purpose. Please know that a 22% auto-gratuity will be applied to parties of 8 or more. We look forward to serving you!

4. Ottoman Taverna

4.6

Exceptional(1740)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Turkish • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 18 times today

Ottoman Taverna provides flavors and dishes from the Turkish cuisine. Enjoy house made kebaps, dips, hot mezes, desserts and more at our Turkish restaurant. Ottoman Taverna has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status since opening in 2017.

A photo of Sushi By Bou - DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant Plaza restaurant

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

4.6

Exceptional(192)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Washington

Booked 19 times today

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.

6. RPM Italian - DC

4.7

Exceptional(4677)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 111 times today

Located in Washington, D.C.’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit and features a contemporary, chef-driven menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly

7. Causa

4.9

Exceptional(100)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Shaw

Booked 8 times today

Causa is our Michelin-Starred tasting room where the world of Peruvian culinary tradition comes to life, thanks to the artistry of Chef Carlos Delgado. Here, you'll embark on a journey through the gastronomic heritage of the Peruvian geographical regions.Reservations can be booked two months in advance. This prix-fixe menu is $179 (tax & gratuity not included). Enhance your experience further with a Remarkable Wine Pairing to compliment your 6-courses or venture into North America's rarest pisco selection and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of Peru's national spirit.If you have any questions or clarifications on allergens or restrictions, reach out to info@causadc.com prior to booking. Gift Card? Please use a credit card to book hold your reservation and we will refund you upon completion of your meal. Causa accepts inKind House Account credit and is unable to accept general inKind credits. Please reach out to inKind support for further clarification.

A photo of Clyde's of Georgetown restaurant

8. Clyde's of Georgetown

4.7

Exceptional(4212)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Georgetown

Booked 79 times today

Clyde's of Georgetown, situated in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, is a beloved institution offering classic American cuisine in a charming setting. The menu showcases fresh, seasonal dishes ranging from seafood and steaks to innovative salads and hearty sandwiches. Clyde's also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list, perfect for pairing with any meal. Known for its warm hospitality and timeless ambiance, Clyde's of Georgetown provides a delightful dining experience for both locals and visitors alike. Indoor, Bar, and Outdoor seating available with lunch, dinner, brunch, late night, and raw bar service.

A photo of Tony & Joe's Seafood Place restaurant

9. Tony & Joe's Seafood Place

3.9

Excellent(2698)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Georgetown

Booked 23 times today

Dine with a view of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center and the beautiful Washington Harbour fountains. Located in The Washington Harbour in Georgetown, we serve only the freshest seafood.

10. Morris

4.7

Exceptional(116)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Mount Vernon

Named after Morris Sheppard, a U.S. Congressman considered the father of Prohibition in the early 1930s, Morris provides pastel-pretty Wes Anderson inspired surrounds for artisan cocktails with an inviting bar, laid-back seating & a patio. Within it's first year, Morris has established itself as one of the best cocktail programs in the city, and has won multiple "Best Of" awards. To make regular reservations, please call us at 202-759-2001.Morris American Bar is a VERSUS Concept - VERSUS is a multi-vertical lifestyle brand with best-in-class hospitality venues, a cutting-edge marketing agency and an innovative venture arm. At VERSUS, we use our core beliefs as the foundation to create our own unique way of doing things. This resulting culture is our “x-factor” that differentiates us from our competitors and allows us to create spaces, campaigns, experiences, and products unlike anyone else. Learn more about who we are, what we do, and how to get involved.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Emily
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We have a wonderful time every time we visit Ambar. The food and drinks are delicious. The service is incredible - quick, attentive, and friendly. We came for brunch for my 7 year old's birthday and they really made her feel special.
More info
Ambar Capitol HillPrice: Moderate• Balkan style• Capitol Hill
•
4.8
J
Jesse
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My first omakase experience and it did not disappoint! Every employee from the person who called to confirm the reservation to the staff in the restaurant including Bill, were 10’s as far as customer service and knowledgeable about the menu. Overall was the best food experience I’ve ever had!
More info
Sushi By Bou - DC @ CitizenM Hotel L'enfant PlazaPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Washington
•
4.6
Y
Yue Man
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Authentic ingredients and flavours creatively put together. Delicious and balanced 5 course meal.
More info
SHIA RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Korean• Washington
•
4.9
M
Michael
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
At a very enjoyable business meeting and the food was good
More info
Founding Farmers VA: AlexandriaPrice: Moderate• American• Alexandria
•
4.3
A
Anand
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 25, 2025
It’s an exceptional dining experience with authentic Turkish cuisine, as good as what you would experience in Turkiye.
More info
Ottoman TavernaPrice: Moderate• Turkish• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.6

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