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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Washington

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183 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(29708)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 269 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 The Hamilton restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(11842)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 155 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.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1313)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 218 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 Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(10100)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 132 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.
A photo of The Park at 14th restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2917)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 101 times today
The Park at 14th is a restaurant, lounge, and event venue on four floors overlooking Franklin Square in Downtown D.C. Offering a sense of timeless elegance, beautiful views, and a warm and welcoming interior, The Park at 14th is the perfect place dining, socializing, and hosting your next event. We invite you to join us. For reservations over 10 people, please TEXT (202) 550-0300
A photo of Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4357)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 49 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 Willard Peacock Alley Tea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(855)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, amongst the elegant sounds of the harp, Willard's traditional Afternoon Tea offers a tempting array of savory sandwiches, decadent pastries, and teas.Afternoon Tea at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with two seatings available at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.Afternoon Tea makes for an elegant way to celebrate a special occasion. Contact willardtea@ihg.com for more information for groups of ten and more.All specialty menus and any modifications must be requested at the time of the booking or at least 48 hours before your reservation via phone
A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - DC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4956)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Penn Quarter
Booked 47 times today
Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.
A photo of Tosca restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4517)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
Currently open for lunch and dinner. Ristorante Tosca offers the finest in contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Tosca serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, using a creative approach that respects the great traditions of Tuscan gastronomy. Tosca combines modern style and elegance to create an intimate and comfortable setting. Tosca implements a dress code and proper attire is required. We do not allow athletic wear, shorts, beach attire, tank tops, flip flops, or torn or excessively revealing clothing. We reserve the right to determine if a guest needs to adjust their attire before being seated.
A photo of Modena restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1191)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Modena presents Italian-inspired cuisine that takes heavy cues from seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients. Modena balances classic cuisine with a modern approach, all enhanced by Chef Joshua Hunt's passionate and creative touch.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kevin
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    A great dining experience combines excellent food, impeccable service, and a pleasant atmosphere. Here are key elements that contribute to an exceptional dining experience: 1.Ambiance: A well-designed setting with comfortable seating, suitable lighting, and pleasant background music creates a welcoming atmosphere. 2.Attentive Service: Friendly and knowledgeable staff who anticipate needs without being intrusive make guests feel valued and cared for. 3.Quality Food: Fresh, flavorful dishes prepared with attention to detail and beautifully presented leave a lasting impression. 4.Personalization: Customizing recommendations or adapting dishes to dietary preferences enhances the experience. 5.Pacing: A smoothly paced meal, with just the right time between courses, ensures a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - DCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Washington
    4.4
  • Brooklin
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The park is a wonderful restaurant. The service is wonderful and the staff is very friendly. It’s a great place the celebrate a special occasion or just to dine at for dinner.
    More info
    The Park at 14thPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    4.7
  • Necker
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our dining experience (me and my family) that perfectly blends impeccable cuisine with an elegant atmosphere and top-notch service. From the moment you walk in, the attention to detail and spotless environment make you feel welcomed and valued. The meal begins with their famous bread basket, which is a true standout. The parmesan bread is soft and flavorful, while the cornbread, with its subtle hint of jalapeño, adds a unique twist. It’s hard to resist asking for a second basket. Their Negroni is nothing short of perfection—expertly balanced, showcasing the classic cocktail’s rich and sophisticated character. It’s the ideal pairing for any dish on the menu. The tuna steak was absolutely outstanding. Perfectly seared and paired with a ginger ponzu sauce, it delivered a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that left a lasting impression. The lobster claws were another highlight—simply spectacular. The freshness and quality of the seafood, paired with flawless preparation, made them an absolute treat. Finally, the Key Lemon Pie was the perfect way to end the meal. Creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, and a perfectly crisp crust, it was an unforgettable dessert. We were fortunate to be served by Megan, who was attentive, friendly, and made the experience even more delightful. Her professionalism and warm demeanor truly elevated our visit. In summary, Joe’s Seafood is not just about excellent food—it’s about a complete dining experience, elevated by impeccable service and a refined atmosphere. A must-visit in Washington, D.C.! Highly recommended!
    More info
    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    4.8
  • Cynthia
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Christmas Eve dinner at OEG is a 24-year tradition for my daughter and me. As always, the food was awesome. My daughter and I were quite surprised and disappointed by the lackluster greeting and overall experience when we walked in. The word "dismissive" comes to mind. Because our previous experiences were fabulous, I will look at this visit as a "one-off" one. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025!!!
    More info
    Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    4.8
  • C.VIP
    Las Vegas •109 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We were greeted with a big smile at the front stand and promptly seated. This vibrant spot featured fresh, well-prepared sushi and an array of American and Italian selections. Every dish we selected was excellent. Though the place was packed and the noise level was predictably high, I had requested a quiet table when reserving and we were seated in a private booth complete with a door and coat hooks - the closest thing to our own dining room. The star of the evening was was our server Brian S. He was cheerful, informative, professional, welcoming, and everything one wants to insure a good experience when dining out. Kudos to The Hamilton - everyone got everything right!
    More info
    The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    4.7
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