Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaBuzzard PointCapitol HillChevy Chase

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

159 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

1. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17356)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 229 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!

2. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(2125)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 75 times today

dLeña is a vibrant restaurant in Washington D.C. that invites you to explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Step into a warm space illuminated by wood-fired ovens and adorned with Latin American art. Savor a culinary journey with fresh, local ingredients, starting with their signature guacamole, a blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Continue your adventure with ceviches, aguachiles, and wood-fired specialties like Tomahawk steak and Wagyu Steak a la Piedra. dLeña's menu caters to all tastes, featuring pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian options. Pair your meal with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're after a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a late-night gathering, dLeña's trendy ambiance and attentive service promise an unforgettable experience. Join them for a taste of Mexico's vibrant culture and culinary artistry.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant

3. La Grande Boucherie - DC

4.3

Awesome(1576)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • Washington

Booked 157 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.

4. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11924)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 172 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. Bresca

4.5

Awesome(924)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • U Street Corridor

Booked 17 times today

Bresca offers A La Carte and Tasting Menu options! Parties of 5 or more will be required to do our Chef's Tasting Menu. We are a Contemporary French restaurant and cocktail bar located in the bustling 14th Street neighborhood. Our team explores the finest in seasonal ingredients paired with genuine hospitality.

6. Amazonia

4.8

Exceptional(181)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 47 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 skilled kitchen team from Causa downstairs.

7. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19571)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 337 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.

8. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4018)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 91 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.

9. Causa

4.9

Exceptional(83)

$$$$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.

10. RPM Italian - DC

4.7

Exceptional(4584)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 110 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

MS
MicheleS
Atlanta •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing experience!! Loved it would definitely highly recommend
More info
dLeñaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
E
EdVIP
Fort Lauderdale •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had a fantastic dinner at this restaurant. Best dinner I've had in DC. Allison was my server, and she is a gem. My wife has Celiac, and she went above and beyond to accommodate her allergy. Will be back when I'm in town again.
More info
The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
Houston •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food and experience here was exceptional per usual. They had a nightly special called The Crab Purse that was phenomenal. The food was superb as always!
More info
Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
•
4.8
C
Claudia Resch
Philadelphia County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The venue of a 100 year old bank was splendid - beautiful gilded coffered ceiling, rails, etc. Lovely chandelier. The music was too loud for the large space. Our server was excellent and attentive. We lucked into 50% wine night, and almost all bottles were included. Nice treat. We opted for the chateaubriand which was very good in an updated way with marrow (great for dipping the filet) the best garlic mashed potatoes and garlicky broccoli rabe. Simplified but not. I felt the price was over the top at $185 for 2. A splurge, but... Will be returning the next time in town.
More info
La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
•
4.3
V
VincentVIP
Montreal / Quebec •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic food and wine pairing with excellent service throughout the night. One of the best restaurants in DC!
More info
BrescaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• U Street Corridor
•
4.5

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Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Reston
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