Restaurants near Smithsonian Institution

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

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Award-winning

MICHELIN

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Wheelchair access

102 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(30290)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 362 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. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19888)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 263 times today

Under the direction of celebrated Chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup team, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on José's deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington.

A photo of The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC restaurant

3. The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC

4.7

Exceptional(1286)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 38 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.

4. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(12146)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 180 times today

The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.

5. Oyamel

4.6

Exceptional(9737)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 106 times today

At Oyamel, José Andrés and his team combine Mexico's rich regional diversity with the vibrant urban atmosphere of Mexico City. The liveliness of the dining room is matched by the creativity of the menu and cocktail list, featuring antojitos--Mexican small plates--ceviches and tacos.

A photo of The Capital Grille - Washington DC restaurant

6. The Capital Grille - Washington DC

4.8

Exceptional(4974)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Capitol Hill

Booked 62 times today

Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.

7. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(11211)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 107 times today

Imagined through the creative lens of Chef José Andrés and his team, Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain by showcasing the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine. Celebrating the traditional as well as the cutting-edge, Jaleo offers a taste of Spain in a festive, stylish, and casual atmosphere.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

8. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.3

Awesome(1942)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 63 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, La Grande Boucherie is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House. The restaurant is built in elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style, evoking the sense of optimism from the turn of the 20th century. The brasserie’s menu features both classic and modern French dishes, with focus on the meat program, raw bar and extravagant large-format meats, ideal for sharing and celebrating. Mahogany wood and glass partitions divide the gargantuan space to create intimate dining experiences. These pieces are adorned in gilded accents and uniquely curved arches inspired by the 20th-century Art Nouveau movement of Paris. The main dining room highlights a massive curved bar with a metal top imported from Paris, a signature piece of Boucherie.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Washington DC restaurant

9. Fogo de Chao - Washington DC

4.6

Exceptional(5332)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown

Booked 79 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC restaurant

10. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC

4.8

Exceptional(10423)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 126 times today

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is the culmination of a partnership between Lettuce Entertain You and Joe's Stone Crab, the legendary seafood restaurant of Miami Beach. Joe's features an extensive selection of seafood, flown in fresh daily, to complement the world's finest Florida Stone Crab claws. Joe's also features signature Prime steaks, hand-carved by master butchers, such as the 24 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye or Bone-in Filet Mignon. Matched with Joe's famous side dishes, dinner only gets better when capped with a slice of key lime pie.

Dining near Smithsonian Institution at a glance

Updated on 6/13/2025

Bistro Du Jour District Wharf

4.6

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From verified diners like you

D
Donald
Washington, D.C. Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
They had great lunch specials and service was attentive.
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
S
SusanVIP
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Favorite restaurant in DC We asked for a different table that was more private- no issues. Very accommodating
More info
Founding Farmers DC: Foggy BottomPrice: Moderate• American• Foggy Bottom
•
4.5
A
AnaVIP
Dallas - Fort Worth •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food and service is always excellent. Love the history of this restaurant and the ambiance. I would suggest a more organize check in process, however once that is handled, the experience is superb! Always a go to when visiting DC
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
T
Todd
Nashville •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had a great experience and the food was amazing.
More info
The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.7
J
JordanVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Absolutely amazing! Everything was 5 stars across the whole board
More info
La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
•
4.3

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