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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Washington DC

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38 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peacock Café restaurant
1. Peacock Café
4.8
Exceptional(1974)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Georgetown
Booked 26 times today
Maziar Farivar, Chef/Proprietor serves contemporary American cuisine with flavors of around the world in an elegant, comfortable & cosmopolitan setting. Celebrating over 28 year Anniversary in Georgetown, Peacock Cafe is a dining experience not to be missed when in Georgetown. In addition to our wonderful lunch menu, we do offer a selection of our popular breakfast items as well on weekdays (11am-4pm). Chef Maziar, on dinner menu offers a greater variety of small plates and entrees from contemporary American to small selection of Contemporary Iranian (Persian) dishes. Enjoy a comprehensive wine list from boutique wineries to large labels and fabulous signature cocktails from the bar to compliment your dining experience.
A photo of Dauphine’s restaurant
2. Dauphine’s
4.6
Exceptional(1391)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 19 times today
Dauphine’s is a modern day incarnation of the dramatic Grande Dame establishments of New Orleans, brought to you by the award winning Long Shot Hospitality - the team behind DC's beloved The Salt Line Restaurants. Dauphine’s utilizes Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic New Orleans fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the legendary city. All brought to you in a breathtaking spacious downtown restaurant setting with the most beautiful bar in downtown DC, plenty of patio dining, and a festive outdoor bar and garden area. Located in the Midtown Center, Dauphine's is just steps from the White House, National Theater, Convention Center, Cap One Arena and most downtown attractions and provides an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere for any occasion. Dauphine’s serves Dinner seven nights a week and Brunch on weekends, with Happy Hour every day 4pm-7pm and an ALL DAY Happy Hour on Sundays - plus don't miss our signature Sunday Live Jazz Brunch! We hope to see you soon!
A photo of The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea restaurant
3. The St Regis DC - Afternoon tea
4.5
Awesome(329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
Luxuriate in the hotel’s grand lobby lounge for one of our most cherished afternoon traditions. Enjoy the finest selection of teas from Dammann Frères, exquisite tea sandwiches, delicious sweets, and homemade scones. Feel free to lavish your experience with our selective optional Champagne pairings. $109,00 per person, excluding tax & gratuity. Available Thursday - Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:45pm.
A photo of CIRCA at Clarendon restaurant
4. CIRCA at Clarendon
4.7
Exceptional(1459)
Price: Moderate
• American • Arlington
Booked 12 times today
All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!Our Dining Room and Patio are Open!
A photo of Chef Geoff's West End restaurant
5. Chef Geoff's West End
4.3
Awesome(1584)
Price: Moderate
• American • West End
Booked 28 times today
A vibrant, modernized iteration of the original Chef Geoff’s offering seasonal dishes full of flavor. You will feel welcome here for any occasion large or small. Our made from scratch menu offers something for everyone. From pizza, salads and burgers to our more elaborate main dishes, one thing is for certain, we don’t skimp on flavor! Our bar covers all ends of the spectrum from our famous Supermugs (giant beers) to our handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy our open air dining, people watching on the patio or or our beautifully designed dining room!
A photo of Georgia Brown's restaurant
6. Georgia Brown's
4.4
Awesome(8786)
Price: Expensive
• Low Country • Downtown
Booked 58 times today
Come and experience our lively interpretation of South Carolina Low-Country cuisine. Enjoy good southern food, servers who bubble over with hospitality, and a dining room that is truly distinctive. With its golden woods and bronze sculptures that crawl across the ceiling, designer Adam Tihany has created an atmosphere to awaken your senses. What better place to enjoy low country cuisine than in this contemporary environment celebrating the south. Offering the flavor of the South - the Soul of Washington; where we will be sure to leave a light burning in the window for you, our guests.22% service charge is included on every check. 18% is distributed directly to service workers on top of their base wages, and the remaining 4% is used to help pay for all staff costs due to the District of Columbia's Initiative 82. You may choose to leave an additional tip!https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaBrownsRestaurant/https://www.instagram.com/georgiabrowns_dc/http://gbrowns.com/
A photo of Das Ethiopian - Georgetown restaurant
7. Das Ethiopian - Georgetown
4.7
Exceptional(1534)
Price: Expensive
• Ethiopian • Georgetown
Booked 8 times today
DAS Ethiopian offers you a cozy two story setting, with rare outside dining views and al fresco patio dining in season. DAS is located at the eclectically brilliant historic corner of the internationally renowned shopping district of Georgetown. A tent under which all come to feast is the very Amharic definition of DAS, and that is what you will enjoy here. From neighborhood diners, nearby students, journalists, to international visitors and performers, all enjoy the casual but refined atmosphere that serves up the freshest Ethiopian dishes from local and sustainable food sources. Let us know of your dining plans now so we may accommodate any extra needs or private dining desires you may have. We look forward to serving you again and again!
A photo of CIRCA at Foggy Bottom restaurant
8. CIRCA at Foggy Bottom
4.7
Exceptional(3041)
Price: Moderate
• American • Foggy Bottom
Booked 47 times today
All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!Our patios accommodate service animals only.
A photo of La Tomate restaurant
9. La Tomate
4.8
Exceptional(1383)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dupont Circle
Booked 24 times today
Since 1987, La Tomate has been Dupont Circle's neighborhood bistro, featuring affordable regional Italian cuisine in a warm ambiance. A window-clad bar and dining room offer charming avenue views onto Connecticut avenue. Enjoy an extended season of “al fresco” dining on our lush outdoor patio. We are committed to providing quality service and excellent food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We invite you to join us for breakfast a casual lunch, happy hour, dinner, weekend brunch or group events.
A photo of Floriana restaurant
10. Floriana
4.7
Exceptional(3840)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Dupont Circle
Booked 24 times today
Floriana offers authentic Italian recipes with handmade pastas in the most comfortable of environments. Located in DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, in a historic brick stone row house that has been converted into a cozy restaurant, but hasn't given up the feel of coming over to someones home for dinner. Offering a seasonal menu of fresh and local ingredients Floriana has developed a reputation for consistent, high quality, authentic, feel good dishes at a great value. Our pledge of superior service is matched only by our ability to make every guest feel welcome and comfortable when joining us for a DC dining experience.We pay special attention to every guest that chooses Floriana.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Renee
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    It was the perfect afternoon. An Afternoon Tea for one my at preferred seat by the window. The Christmas blend tea was delightful and the savory treats were my absolute favs, especially the quiche. The vestibule was simply decorated with a beautiful tree and accompanying nutcrackers to go along with this year's tea theme. A classy experience, as always. Thank you to the amazing staff for your attentiveness.
    More info
    The St Regis DC - Afternoon teaPrice: Very Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Kris
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The pizza was absolutely delicious! ALso, our server was so helpful and personable.
    More info
    Chef Geoff's West EndPrice: Moderate• American• West End
    •
    4.3
  • Kelley
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    When booking the reservation, everything was very smooth. The receptionist were all nice. I had to adjust our reservation due to traffic and it was no problem. The dining experience was excellent. The servers were nice and responsive. The food was delicious.
    More info
    CIRCA at ClarendonPrice: Moderate• American• Arlington
    •
    4.7
  • PaulaVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Dauphine’s is an absolute gem in Washington, DC, blending the vibrant flavors of New Orleans Creole cuisine with a contemporary twist. From the moment you walk in, the warm and welcoming ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The food is nothing short of outstanding. Their menu offers a variety of small and large plates, allowing you to sample a wide range of their creative dishes—including a fantastic raw bar. Every bite bursts with flavor, showing their dedication to both tradition and innovation. The bar menu is equally impressive, with options for every palate. What truly sets Dauphine’s apart is the exceptional service. The wait staff is attentive, striking the perfect balance between being available and giving you space to enjoy your meal. The manager stopping by after each course to ensure we were happy was a thoughtful touch that elevated the experience even further. If you’re visiting DC, I can’t recommend Dauphine’s enough. Whether you’re a lover of Creole cuisine or just looking for an incredible meal, this restaurant is a must-visit. Five stars all the way!
    More info
    Dauphine’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • SteveVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Dec 2024
    Outstanding dining experience today — delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, and exceptional service and courteousness. Great restaurant and super nice manager and staff!
    More info
    Peacock CaféPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Georgetown
    •
    4.8

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