Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

65 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.7

Exceptional(1084)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 9 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(1612)

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(1121)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 22 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(29705)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 271 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. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11841)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 159 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. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(265)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 11 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.

7. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3788)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 52 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 Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant

8. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

4.8

Exceptional(4356)

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

9. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Awesome(10351)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 224 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

A photo of Willard Peacock Alley Tea restaurant

10. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

4.6

Exceptional(853)

Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Downtown

Booked 12 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

O
Oscar
Veneto •1 review
5.0
Dined today
we had a great time, great welcome, beautiful environment, good food too and William very polite and kind. Thanks to everyone
More info
Lafayette RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.8
D
Dennis
Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
The best steak I’ve had in the DC area. The ribeye was incredible. Whipped potatoes were amazing as well.
More info
Rare Steakhouse - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.7
S
Suzanne
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food, spectacular service. You cannot go wrong. We are here for Christmas 🎄 and it was perfect for us. I love the ambiance. It really is like sitting in a greenhouse.
More info
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
C
Cynthia
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 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
C
C.VIP
Las Vegas •109 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 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!
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The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.7

Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

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65 restaurants available nearby

1. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

2. Lafayette Restaurant

3. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC

4. Old Ebbitt Grill

5. The Hamilton

6. The Dabney

7. Tabard Inn

8. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

9. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

10. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

See what locals rave about

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