Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillColumbia Heights

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

67 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.7

Exceptional(1105)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 12 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 Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC restaurant

2. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC

4.6

Exceptional(1152)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 15 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 Lafayette Restaurant restaurant

3. Lafayette Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1628)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 23 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.

4. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29919)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 369 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 Filomena Ristorante restaurant

5. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17394)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 252 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!

6. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3862)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 53 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. Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir came to the Tabard in 2023, bringing with him experience from various fine dining restaurants around D.C. such as minibar by José Andrés, Cranes, Revelers Hour, as well as Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore, MD. He also shares the Tabard's longstanding commitment to sourcing ingredients locally. 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.

7. The Dabney

4.8

Exceptional(313)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 20 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

8. Amazonia

4.8

Exceptional(195)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 44 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.

A photo of Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant

9. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

4.8

Exceptional(4467)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 86 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.

10. Iron Gate

4.7

Exceptional(3045)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle

Booked 23 times today

Iron Gate, located near Dupont Circle, stands as one of the district’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and is split between a sumptuous dining room, a wisteria covered patio and a handsomely enclosed carriageway that houses the bar.Chef Anthony Chittum, a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and his team have revitalized the space with a menu that takes inspiration for the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinian and Southern Italy, interpreting those traditions and techniques using the finest products and seasonal ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic.Iron Gate also serves as an idyllic oasis for fine private events both large and small, so please consider us when planning your next fête, we'd love to have you as our guests.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Douglas
1 review
4.0
Dined today
Storied location. Impeccably mannered staff at every level. Lunch meal was very good - but can’t give the cuisine five stars. Still so worth it to dine there.
More info
Lafayette RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.8
K
Kaxiomara
Caribbean •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food is delicious and the portions are enough to share ( unless you eat a lot 😉 ). Our server was super friendly and attentive.
More info
Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
•
4.8
C
Carole
Greater Boston •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Always a wonderful experience…delicious food, fantastic staff and a lovely atmosphere.
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
J
JeffreyVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful service, perfectly prepared and served food.
More info
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
KC
KimC
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 Feb 2025
The food was incredible. Drinks equally good. Sat at the bar as I was alone, just as happy hour was wrapping up, so it was incredibly noisy. But main restaurant would have been much quieter. Totally worth it and will dream of this bone-in rib eye for days to come.
More info
Rare Steakhouse - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.6

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