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Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

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69 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.8
Exceptional(1128)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 8 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.
A photo of The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea restaurant
2. The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea
4.3
Awesome(370)
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 Lafayette Restaurant restaurant
3. Lafayette Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1657)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Washington’s destination for power dining, the Lafayette Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With large windows opening onto Lafayette Park and the White House, this sun-lit dining room is one of the most elegant settings in the capital and is certain to complement any dining experience.
A photo of Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC restaurant
4. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC
4.7
Exceptional(1179)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Centrally located in downtown Washington DC, RARE Steakhouse & Tavern (RARE) is a one-of-a-kind fine dining concept that brings together the best qualities of world-class dining venues with USDA prime, dry-aged steaks, exquisite wines and first-class service bolstered with Midwestern charm. Created by Wisconsin natives, RARE boasts a classic and elegant atmosphere, striving to bring the nostalgia and romance of the classic steakhouse to life, to a time when eating out was meant to be an experience.
A photo of Elizabeth's restaurant
5. Elizabeth's
4.9
Exceptional(1335)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vegan • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Elizabeth's offers an extraordinary dining experience every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. We merge our gorgeous venue with a prix fixe Vegan Tasting Menu at $110 per person. Elizabeth's is a destination for special occasions and adventurous cuisine.Our sommelier curates a pairing of wines and beverages sourced from around the world at an additional $85 per person. We also offer a non-alcoholic beverage pairing comprised of non-alcoholic wines, mocktails, and infusions for $65 per person.Fully raw menus are not available. Please call the restaurant (202-347-8349) in reference to any allergies prior to making your reservation. Regarding reservations of 5 or more, please call the restaurant directly. Reservations of more than 8 require a $150 minimum spend per person and a 50% up front deposit.
A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
6. Old Ebbitt Grill
4.8
Exceptional(30328)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 322 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
7. Tabard Inn
4.7
Exceptional(3951)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 52 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 The Dabney restaurant
8. The Dabney
4.8
Exceptional(364)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 20 times today
Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, The Dabney has been honoring the farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the Mid-Atlantic since 2015. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2025, our team remains deeply committed to showcasing the best of the region through thoughtful, seasonal cooking prepared over our signature wood-burning hearth.Guests are welcome to join us in the dining room for our 5-course prix fixe menu, or enjoy an à la carte experience with a reservation in the dining room, at the bar, or on the patio.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne received the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic award in 2018, and The Dabney was named Washingtonian’s #1 restaurant in 2023.Please note: We are currently unable to accommodate severe allium or dairy allergies, or vegan dietary restrictions.
A photo of Amazonia restaurant
9. Amazonia
4.7
Exceptional(246)
Price: Very Expensive
• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 60 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
10. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.
4.8
Exceptional(4586)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 44 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.

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