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Best Authentic Restaurants in Waterfront

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185 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Olio e Più - DC restaurant
1. Olio e Più - DC
new
4.4
Awesome(94)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Washington
Booked 88 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.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
2. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19271)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 270 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(1154)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Capitol Hill
Booked 26 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
4.7
Exceptional(17033)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 247 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!
A photo of Oyamel restaurant
5. Oyamel
4.7
Exceptional(9547)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Penn Quarter
Booked 120 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.
A photo of Jaleo - DC restaurant
6. Jaleo - DC
4.7
Exceptional(10898)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Penn Quarter
Booked 135 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 dLeña restaurant
7. dLeña
4.7
Exceptional(1950)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 67 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
8. Rumi's Kitchen - DC
4.8
Exceptional(2380)
Price: Expensive
• Persian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 83 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'.
A photo of Succotash PRIME restaurant
9. Succotash PRIME
4.6
Exceptional(3847)
Price: Moderate
• American • Penn Quarter
Booked 126 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.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - DC restaurant
10. La Grande Boucherie - DC
4.5
Awesome(1063)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Washington
Booked 192 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.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Ruth
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Filomena has always been our go-to restaurant, and it never fails to exceed our expectations. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance that sets the tone for an incredible dining experience. The food, as always, was absolutely delicious—each dish crafted with care and bursting with flavor. What truly elevated our evening was the outstanding service we received from Nebil. His professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine friendliness made us feel truly valued as guests. Nebil anticipated our needs effortlessly, provided thoughtful recommendations, and ensured everything was perfect from start to finish. It’s rare to encounter such exceptional service, and it made an already great meal even more memorable. Filomena, once again, proved why it remains our favorite dining spot!
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    •
    4.7
  • Larry
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 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
  • Molly
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Zaytinya is one of my go to places to take friends, family, and out of town people because the food is great and the price is great! Our waitress took a while to take our order but the food came out fast and the drinks were great!
    More info
    Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
    •
    4.7
  • Leo
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Outstanding food and friendly, efficient service. We always enjoy Caruso's, and we go for most special occasions.
    More info
    Caruso's Grocery - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Capitol Hill
    •
    4.8
  • neil
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Nov 2024
    Greeted with a warm smile, I opted to sit at the bar. Chris made some great recommendations, I chose the Basil rye old fashioned. For appetizer, I enjoyed the octopus carpaccio, which was delightful and perfectly flavored. Main course I went for the club sandwich. Definitely tasty combination of flavors. They also gave me some focaccia bread with what appeared to be kalamata olives! I can never resist a good tiramisu, so I opted for one, and I am glad I did. Overall, it was a great experience with good food and welcoming staff. Justin checked on me several times. The chef also came by to inquire about the food and some feedback, which shows how much they truly care about guest's experience. Definitely recommend!
    More info
    Olio e Più - DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Washington
    •
    4.4

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