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Best Historic Restaurants in Bethesda

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54 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Passage to India - Bethesda restaurant
1. Passage to India - Bethesda
4.6
Exceptional(812)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Bethesda
Booked 7 times today
Passage to India serves a great selection of Indian food in an elegant decor, reminiscent of the dining rooms of the Maharajahs. Chef Sudhir Seth introduced the concept of Regional Cuisines of the Indian subcontinent and showcases food from all over India with local ingredients and home blended spices. The restaurant is located on Cordell Ave, just 3 blocks from the Bethesda metro (Red Line).
A photo of Pacci's Trattoria restaurant
2. Pacci's Trattoria
4.5
Awesome(164)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Silver Spring
Booked 19 times today
Influenced by the Neapolitan tradition and a passion for fine food, our philosophy is simple: to use fresh and high quality ingredients, to prepare our food as Nonna taught us, and to serve it with love. Our wood-fired pizza ovens are what make our hand-crafted pizzas come alive with flavor and bring inspiration to the rest of our menu.Pacci's Trattoria offers authentic Neapolitan pizza, home-made pastas, regional seafood and meat dishes and your favorite Italian sweets. Our beverage selection prides itself on hand-crafted cocktails, Italian and local beers and a wine list that features both Italian classics and new vintages.As a family owned restaurant, we want to bring our family to yours so we welcome you to spend a delicious meal with us!
A photo of Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
3. Old Ebbitt Grill
4.8
Exceptional(29698)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 301 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 Tabard Inn restaurant
4. Tabard Inn
4.7
Exceptional(3786)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle
Booked 54 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.
A photo of The Hamilton restaurant
5. The Hamilton
4.7
Exceptional(11829)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 187 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.
A photo of The Dabney restaurant
6. The Dabney
4.7
Exceptional(265)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Shaw
Booked 12 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 Chez Billy Sud restaurant
7. Chez Billy Sud
4.8
Exceptional(2963)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Georgetown
Booked 55 times today
Welcome to Chez Billy Sud, your classic neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown! We accept reservations for dinner on a rolling 30 day basis. Reservations can be made for parties up to 6 guests for bistro dining. Our private dining room can be reserved for large parties (7-16 guests) by contacting our event coordinator at cbsud.events@gmail.com. Depending on the weather, our patio is available on a first-come basis. Please check with your host upon arrival for patio seating.Our Bar à Vin (located right next door) is open for dinner and drinks 7 days a week and requires no reservations. Please visit our website ChezBillySud.com or check us out on Instagram @ChezBillySud.We look to hosting you!
A photo of 1789 Restaurant restaurant
8. 1789 Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6304)
Price: Expensive
• American • Georgetown
Booked 29 times today
1789 is a historic fine dining restaurant and bar located in the heart of Georgetown with a charming and elegant atmosphere. Known for its elevated American cuisine, 1789 offers a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. In addition to an exceptional menu, 1789 also boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of domestic and international wines. With its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and warm ambiance, 1789 Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the nation's capital.
A photo of Iron Gate restaurant
9. Iron Gate
4.6
Exceptional(3006)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle
Booked 27 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.
A photo of Willard Peacock Alley Tea restaurant
10. Willard Peacock Alley Tea
4.6
Exceptional(852)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Downtown
Booked 20 times today
Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, amongst the elegant sounds of the harp, Willard's traditional Afternoon Tea offers a tempting array of savory sandwiches, decadent pastries, and teas.Afternoon Tea at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with two seatings available at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.Afternoon Tea makes for an elegant way to celebrate a special occasion. Contact willardtea@ihg.com for more information for groups of ten and more.All specialty menus and any modifications must be requested at the time of the booking or at least 48 hours before your reservation via phone

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • susan
    Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was delicious. Our server was very friendly and accommodating. Restaurant was cozy and inviting.
    More info
    Pacci's TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Silver Spring
    •
    4.5
  • Cynthia
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Christmas Eve dinner at OEG is a 24-year tradition for my daughter and me. As always, the food was awesome. My daughter and I were quite surprised and disappointed by the lackluster greeting and overall experience when we walked in. The word "dismissive" comes to mind. Because our previous experiences were fabulous, I will look at this visit as a "one-off" one. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025!!!
    More info
    Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Paul
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The restaurant, bar and lounge areas spread out across multiple rooms / terraces / levels so it is a really intimate and fun layout. Excellent service and value. Price for classic drinks skewed a tad high in my opinion. I'll try and catch a happy hour sometime and the jazz performances.
    More info
    Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
    •
    4.7
  • C.VIP
    Las Vegas •109 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were greeted with a big smile at the front stand and promptly seated. This vibrant spot featured fresh, well-prepared sushi and an array of American and Italian selections. Every dish we selected was excellent. Though the place was packed and the noise level was predictably high, I had requested a quiet table when reserving and we were seated in a private booth complete with a door and coat hooks - the closest thing to our own dining room. The star of the evening was was our server Brian S. He was cheerful, informative, professional, welcoming, and everything one wants to insure a good experience when dining out. Kudos to The Hamilton - everyone got everything right!
    More info
    The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • JackVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    We have dined here more than once and have never been disappointed. We are particularly partial to the "chef's special", a selection of appetizers and small dishes. There is a vegetarian and and meat-eater's version. Both are outstanding. The other interesting thing about Passage of India is the variety of Indian cuisines represented on the expansive menu. There is something for everyone and lots to explore. All is well prepared and nicely presented. Staff is friendly and informative. Highly recommended
    More info
    Passage to India - BethesdaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Bethesda
    •
    4.6

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