Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area

Best Historic Restaurants in Waterfront

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

70 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
1. Old Ebbitt Grill
4.8
Exceptional(30216)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 378 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.
A photo of Tabard Inn restaurant
2. Tabard Inn
4.7
Exceptional(3928)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 36 times today
Since our early days as a tea room, we’ve been a respite for locals and visitors alike, offering a haven for conversation and memorable cuisine. The tradition continues as our culinary team has curated an inventive and elevated menu through New American cuisine while paying homage to the beloved dishes that have been served at the Tabard Inn for years. Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
3. Succotash PRIME
4.6
Exceptional(4142)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 94 times today
Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.
A photo of The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC restaurant
4. The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC
4.7
Exceptional(1248)
Price: Moderate
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 59 times today
Set in the historic Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C., this Bazaar is the culmination of a 30-year dream for Chef José Andrés. Drawing inspiration from this iconic location, which first opened in 1899, the decor is crafted as an ode to the grand architecture, befitting of the avant-garde and Americana-infused delights within.
A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant
5. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown
4.5
Awesome(10579)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 73 times today
Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. Please know that a 22% auto-gratuity will be applied to parties of 8 or more. We look forward to serving you!
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
6. The Dabney
4.7
Exceptional(344)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 27 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.
A photo of Amazonia restaurant
7. Amazonia
4.7
Exceptional(228)
Price: Very Expensive
• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 51 times today
Venture into the relaxed ambiance of Amazonia, our inviting upstairs bar, dining room and rooftop hideaway. As one of the first Amazonian restaurants in the U.S., discover the exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru's rainforest, as well as favorite Peruvian staples. Here you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of pisco and imaginative cocktails. The dishes you'll enjoy in Amazonia are meant for sharing, and are expertly prepared by the very same Michelin awarded kitchen team from Causa downstairs.We offer our Sour Hour happy hour at are bar and bar tables Monday thru Friday from open till 7 pm. Bar seating is available first come, first served. Reservations are not available for Sour Hour.
A photo of Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant
8. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.
4.8
Exceptional(4557)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 79 times today
Located in the historic Colorado Building at 1341 G Street NW and just steps away from the White House,Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, dynamic seafood & steakhouse from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality. Reservations are recommended.Ocean Prime strives to provide an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Our associates’ priority is to ensure your experience is memorable. We ask for attire that is both polished and suited to our restaurant.THANK YOU FOR NOT WEARING: Clothing emitting excessive marijuana odor Excessively revealing clothing or exposed undergarments Clothing with offensive language or graphics Admittance to Ocean Prime is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed.
A photo of Petite Cerise restaurant
9. Petite Cerise
4.7
Exceptional(251)
Price: Expensive
• French • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 23 times today
Part neighborhood café, part energetic bistro, Petite Cerise is located in a bright and lively historic corner space in Shaw/Mount Vernon Triangle. Petite Cerise features separate à la carte menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, Petite Cerise has a Coffee Counter open Tuesday - Friday opening at 8am serving classic coffee and espresso preparations, housemade pastries, and other breakfast items to go or sit down.Dinner offers both an à la carte menu along with a Prix Fixe option. The focus in the evening is to craft unique and innovative dishes utilizing the very best ingredients within the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond skillfully prepared through a French lens.If you decide to join us for a morning coffee, quick mid-day bite, stretch out your lunch over a glass of wine, or gather with friends for an indulgent and creative dinner, we invite you here to celebrate and enjoy.
A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
10. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.8
Exceptional(1120)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo