Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.7

Exceptional(1090)

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 Lafayette Restaurant restaurant

2. Lafayette Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1619)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 16 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 Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC restaurant

3. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC

4.7

Exceptional(1124)

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.

4. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29763)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 364 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.

5. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3802)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 72 times today

Christmas Eve is dinner will be a curated $92/per person prix fixe. Large parties of 6+ will be invited to our family friendly, buffet-style seating. Parties of 1-5 will be served a la carte in our main dining rooms. 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.

6. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11867)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 190 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.

7. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(273)

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.

8. Amazonia

4.7

Exceptional(143)

Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 48 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(4372)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 68 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 Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

10. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.3

Awesome(10382)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 146 times today

Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Bill
Wisconsin •10 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Intimate, charming romantic atmosphere. Great service! Great food!
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
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4.7
H
Hunter
Houston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was probably the best experience I’ve had at Old Ebbitt Grill. We got seated in the bar area, which was warm and comforting on a cold, snowy night. Our waiter was awesome…incredible competent with just the right amount of sass. The food was amazing…everything we ate was delicious. And the company was wonderful. I can’t wait for others to come into town to take them here.
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Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
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4.8
N
Nicole
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The greenhouse is an elegant brunch and dinner spot with beautiful ambience and decor, as well as great service and presentation of food and drinks. It is a great spot for birthdays, brunch, and other events. I recently did my bridesmaid proposals here, and the staff was very accommodating and helpful in pulling together the small event. I would recommend for romantic date nights, birthdays, and future brunches.
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The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
C
catherineVIP
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great meal and great service. Really enjoyed the atmosphere. We’d definitely go back.
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Rare Steakhouse - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
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4.7
R
Ramon
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This is my favorite spot to dine and celebrate with my family and friends, it never disappoints, the service is always great , the staff make us feel that warm welcoming since the arrival , the food quality is always outstanding , requests are always accomplish , Jose is been our server most of the time , since the first time when we met Geovanny , Jose at the door , Efrain and rest of the back servers , our experience was great , thank you all for your hard work and dedication …. Ramon Enamorado
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Lafayette RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.8

Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

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64 restaurants available nearby

1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

2. Lafayette Restaurant

3. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC

4. Old Ebbitt Grill

5. Tabard Inn

6. The Hamilton

7. The Dabney

8. Amazonia

9. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

10. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

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