Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillChevy ChaseCleveland Park

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

50 restaurants available nearby

1. Gatsby

4.3

Awesome(1132)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Navy Yard

Booked 25 times today

Gatsby is a reimagined American diner by KNEAD Hospitality + Design. With favorites like the famous monte cristo sandwich, fried chicken or today's blue plate special, Gatsby brings you back to the days of the diner, but from a fresh perspective. Whether you crave breakfast at any time of day or a smashburger & a milkshake, Gatsby is the perfect place. Located at the corner of Half and N Streets, directly in front of Nats Park's Centerfield Gate, and overlooking the ballpark from our second floor dining room, Gatsby is the perfect pre/post game venue from which to celebrate.

2. Limani - DC

4.3

Awesome(1096)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 47 times today

Welcome to Limani at the District Wharf, redefining waterfront dining. Enjoy stunning multi-level views and a culinary journey from timeless classics to innovative dishes, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and globally sourced fish and seafood. Our approach combines modern and traditional culinary methods, supported by a diverse beverage selection, including fine wines, champagnes, and a dynamic cocktail program with non-alcoholic options. Experience upscale dining with white tablecloths on our first and second floors, or embrace the open air on our 190-seat third-floor Terrace. Here, enjoy the same exquisite menu in a lively, open-air setting with a fresh breeze, string lights, and panoramic water views creating a casual upbeat ambiance. Our Mediterranean-inspired dishes promise an exceptional dining experience. This is Limani, your table awaits.

3. Zaytinya - DC

4.7

Exceptional(19617)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter

Booked 356 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 Socci at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel restaurant

4. Socci at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel

4.2

Awesome(108)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Arlington

Booked 1 time today

Savor the spirit and flavors of Tuscany in the heart of Arlington at SOCCi. Freshly prepared pastas, succulent steaks, the finest Italian wines, decadent desserts, and craft cocktails take center stage at this modern take on old world Italy. This stylish spot offers an industrial-chic atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dining experience. SOCCi is located inside the Renaissance Arlington Capital View just steps away from National Landing and the best of Crystal City. Reservations recommended. SOCCi also offers private dining in our modern, intimate private dining room. It’s the ideal way to elevate a rehearsal dinner, a retirement party, a celebration with your leadership team, or whatever brings you together to raise a glass and share an unforgettable meal.

5. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11952)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 235 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.

6. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4039)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 123 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 Ambar Capitol Hill restaurant

7. Ambar Capitol Hill

4.7

Exceptional(5044)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Balkan style • Capitol Hill

Booked 88 times today

Welcome to Ambar, the gem of Capitol Hill, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines.Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events.

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

8. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

4.8

Exceptional(4465)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 80 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 The Salt Line - Navy Yard restaurant

9. The Salt Line - Navy Yard

4.4

Awesome(2624)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Navy Yard

Booked 43 times today

The Salt Line - Navy Yard offers indoor STANDARD seating and OUTDOOR Patio Seating. Our OUTDOOR riverfront patio seating has been winterized and is now comfortably available all year round. The OUTDOOR reservations area has been tastefully enclosed in clear insulated curtains that still provide a scenic river view and is well protected, well heated and honored all weather. Additionally we offer FIREPIT LOUNGE reservations in our large outdoor bar area and first come first served bar, hightop and lounge seating. Please note: the Outdoor Bar area with hightops is covered and well heated but the fire pit and lounge seating is uncovered and so weather permitting. If your desired reservation is not available online or of you have any reservations questions please call the restaurant for more up to the minute information and assistance. For groups larger than 14 contact events@thesaltline.com.

A photo of Mi Vida, District Wharf restaurant

10. Mi Vida, District Wharf

4.6

Exceptional(2424)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 62 times today

Chef Roberto Santibañez creates a menu inspired by Mexican street food and traditional home cooking of his country, but in a modern, elevated presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as Carne Asada, a variety of Tacos, Seasonal Fish, Ceviches and other Contemporary Mexican creations.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent service e and environment Food very good
More info
The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.7
D
DarrinVIP
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Carlos was great and the food was amazing. The service was slightly slow, especially for it to be empty, but had a great experience
More info
Limani - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We went all in for the chef's tasting menu with wine pairing. It was excellent. Our waiter was charming and available. It is a loud, vibrant space. I wish it was a little less loud and a little more intimate but that is of course prefernce. The support staff is everywhere, dropping off and picking up plates, filling water, replenishing bread. Only once did they mistime pick-up to remove a plate before we were done. Particular favourites included the cretan dakos salad, hommus, garides saganaki, saffron pilaf, steak mishwi, and lemony potatoes. Tapas can be tough if you're not sure what to get. The tasting menu was great. After a full day of being very thoughtful and on our feet at a couple museums, we only had to be mindful when enjoying each plate, not choosing it.
More info
Zaytinya - DCPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
D
DuaneVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •86 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 Mar 2025
Excellent place to spend quality time with friends
More info
GatsbyPrice: Moderate• American• Navy Yard
•
4.3
J
julia
Tampa / Central Florida West •1 review
5.0
Dined on 17 Feb 2025
The three little pigs! But everything was very good.
More info
Socci at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View HotelPrice: Expensive• Italian• Arlington
•
4.2

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