Best Authentic Restaurants in Waterfront

185 restaurants available nearby

1. Olio e Più - DC

new

4.5

Awesome(101)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Washington

Booked 103 times today

Located at 699 14th Street on the coveted corner of 14th and G Street NW, OLIO E PIÙ, is situated on the most high-profile street in Washington D.C., just one block away from the White House, bringing Italian tradition and a true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the Penn Quarter. As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments. OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.

2. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19291)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 261 times today

Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’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, DC.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

3. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1157)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 33 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

4. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17050)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 164 times today

Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!

5. Oyamel

4.7

Exceptional(9549)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 98 times today

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.

6. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(1955)

Price: Expensive

• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 72 times today

Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past. The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino. CHEF'S TABLE EXPERIENCE:Book an exclusive dining experience at our chef’s table tucked behind the main bar facing into the open kitchen. Chef will prepare eight courses for 160.00 per guest, with an optional beverage pairing for 75.00 per guest. Please visit our Chef's Table OpenTable page to book:https://www.opentable.com/r/dlena-chef-table-washington

A photo of Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant

7. Rumi's Kitchen - DC

4.8

Exceptional(2387)

Price: Expensive

• Persian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 65 times today

Rumi's Kitchen is a beloved Persian restaurant in Washington DC. Its authenticity is confirmed by reviews like 'Great authentic Persian food with excellent customer service' and 'Absolutely delicious authentic Persian food'. The restaurant's dedication to traditional Persian dishes is noted in reviews like 'The menu, a symphony of flavors, offered a tantalizing selection of traditional Persian dishes'. It's not just about the food though, the overall dining experience is praised with comments like 'Rumi Kitchen proved to be more than a restaurant; it was a journey through Persian culture and gastronomy'.

8. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(10905)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 105 times today

Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

9. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.5

Awesome(1079)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 902 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.

10. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(3851)

Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 125 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.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brittany
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was so tasty and the ambiance and staff were so professional
More info
Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
•
4.5
L
Lucy
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Filomena does not disappoint! Always perfectly cooked pasta, chicken and seafood. The place is already decorated for Christmas which makes it quite an experience with a polar bear dressed in his best and Santa not to mention all the streamers and stuff hanging from the ceiling. No place like it. Only downside is they fill the place up and it gets tight and warm down in that basement. A must for any trip to DC and Georgetown!
More info
Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
•
4.8
R
roy
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Never fails to be a great experience. The only issue we've had in many years of coming back to Zatinya is noise. This time we arrived at 5 PM for a 6 PM reservation and it was quieter than usual. They were simply fantastic, acknowledged our anniversary and made the night special. But all visits to this superb restaurant are special
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
K
KHESHA
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The ambience was great and the food was magnificent. The waiter was very attentive and brought out samples of wine.
More info
Caruso's Grocery - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Capitol Hill
•
4.8
L
Larry
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great food, friendly service, nice atmosphere. And the specials are reasonably priced. Ordering ala carte could get expensive, but still great food.
More info
OyamelPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in Waterfront

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

185 restaurants available nearby

1. Olio e Più - DC

2. Zaytinya - DC

3. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4. Filomena Ristorante

5. Oyamel

6. dLeña

7. Rumi's Kitchen - DC

8. Jaleo - DC

9. La Grande Boucherie - DC

10. Succotash PRIME

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable