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Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

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64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1094)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 6 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
4.6
Exceptional(1147)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 13 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
4.8
Exceptional(1622)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 5 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.
A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(29835)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 377 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
4.8
Exceptional(17326)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Georgetown
Booked 260 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 Tabard Inn restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3839)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 47 times today
We're happy to offer a $80/per person chef-curated prix fixe to celebrate Valentine's Day with your special someone. The full menu can be found below. We will not be offering our normal dinner menu on that day.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. A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home. 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.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(305)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 14 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.
A photo of Amazonia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(175)
Price: Very Expensive
• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square
Booked 43 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
4.8
Exceptional(4431)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 43 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 Iron Gate restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3036)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle
Booked 20 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
From verified diners like you
  • Nat
    Virginia •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had an amazing evening. The food was amazing. Thank you to Fernando, who made the night unforgettable. His attention to detail and warm hospitality made us feel like we were the only people in the restaurant. He anticipated our needs, made thoughtful recommendations, and added a personal touch that elevated the entire evening. It’s rare to find such genuine service these days, and Fernando truly made us feel at home. We can’t wait to return! Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food and an even better experience.
    More info
    Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
    4.8
  • BrianVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our first time dining here we requested a booth or table near the window which we were able to get upon arriving so we were happy with that. We got Salads as our appetizers And we each got the capital cut Along with the crab cake entree Our food was absolutely delicious Worth every penny And our service was really awesome as well I can't remember our server's name but he was really attentive and did a good job explaining the menu specials we will definitely be back might be our new favorite Steakhouse in DC.
    More info
    Rare Steakhouse - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.6
  • stewart
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    They have had since 1856 to perfect the art of service. They have not wasted a bit of that time. We had a server and he was fantastic. With that, the entire brigade worked as a fantastic machine and supported the goal of quick and perfect service for the guest. I have never had apps arrive so quickly at a restaurant before. I even threw another order in while ordering our main course and it was on the table 2 minutes later. The quality of the food is top notch as well. The roast beef sandwich had a bit of bite on it that was unexpected but definitely not unappreciated. As I was dinning with my 13 year old son tonight, I also appreciated the non alcoholic options on the drink menu. It was great to have a delicious option that wasn't a soda. Overall, this is a MUST for any visit to DC.
    More info
    Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    4.8
  • Eric William
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 8 Feb 2025
    The food is wonderful - always above average (it's on the small side though) I have eaten at The Lafayette often - nice for a special evening. Every bite was extremely flavorful. A beautiful experience. The piano melodies make the atmosphere regal. * * * * *
    More info
    Lafayette RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
    4.8
  • Tom
    Portland / Oregon •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Feb 2025
    My favorite venue for a morning breakfast meeting. Service is always excellent, food is superior, coffee is great!
    More info
    The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    4.8
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