20 Best Soul Food Restaurants In Waterfront, Washington, D.C. Area

A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC restaurant

1. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC

4.4

$$$$

• Soul food • Downtown

Booked 49 times today

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC is a must-visit destination for authentic American cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC. This vibrant restaurant brilliantly reimagines classic comfort foods with a flavorful twist, offering delights like shrimp and grits, and creative waffles that leave diners raving about the "extraordinary food." Patrons praise the "amazing" atmosphere and the "friendly and attentive staff" who make every visit feel special. As a culinary mecca for southern food, Kitchen + Kocktails ensures a ten out of ten dining experience, capturing the essence of American cuisine with its seasoned-to-perfection dishes and unique kocktails.

A photo of Kinfolk Southern Kitchen restaurant

2. Kinfolk Southern Kitchen

4.2

Awesome(158)

$$$$

• Soul food • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 19 times today

Kinfolk Southern Kitchen is a celebration of Southern comfort, soul, and hospitality, rooted in tradition and served with heart. Located in Washington, DC, Kinfolk brings people together around soulful dishes inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the American South.Our menu features slow-braised meats, buttery biscuits, bold sides, and seasonal produce - honoring generational recipes with a modern twist. We are proud to serve Halal offerings, making our kitchen inclusive for all who gather at our table. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and curated wines that pair beautifully with our Southern flavors.Whether you're joining us for brunch, a family dinner, or a night out with friends, Kinfolk offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like family.Come hungry. Come as you are. Come home to Kinfolk.

3. Art and Soul

4.1

Excellent(3865)

$$$$

• Soul food • Capitol Hill

Booked 6 times today

Our kitchen serves simple, honest food that reflects a devotion to quality and responsibility made possible by partnerships with like-minded farmers, artisans and growers who provide products that are sustainably sourced, whenever possible. Art and Soul exudes true warmth and hospitality. Playful regional elements such as hand-painted farm signs and traditional folk art are also used throughout the space in honor of the D.C. restaurants regional influences. In warmer weather, an expansive front patio provides an al fresco dining option with a fire-pit and grill.

4. Marcus DC

4.6

Exceptional(350)

$$$$

• Soul food • NoMa

Booked 17 times today

MARCUS DC, by celebrated Chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, blends modern American cooking with Black culinary traditions from D.C. to Ethiopia, and beyond. Inspired by heritage, the seasons and a sense of place, the menu features mambo-sauced roast chicken, grilled whole bass and dry-aged tomahawk steak. Executive Chef Anthony Jones, a true Marlyander, brings his own story with dishes like Mel's Crab Rice with early summer mushroom, hot sauce pickled okra, and uni béarnaise, an ode to his favorite crab shack in Calvert County. Located steps from the NoMA metro, Marcus DC is both a neighborhood gathering place and destination restaurant in the greater Union Market neighborhood. We look forward to seeing you soon.

5. Sly Rooftop Bar

4.1

Excellent(86)

$$$$

• Soul food • NoMa

Booked 19 times today

High above NoMa, SLY is where the city unwinds in style. Perched atop The Morrow Hotel, this rooftop bar by Marcus Samuelsson and Chef Anthony Jones serves up hand-crafted cocktails, great bites, shared plates, and DC skyline views that steal the show. Golden hour hits different up here-come for the food & drinks, stay for the vibe.

A photo of Succotash, National Harbor restaurant

6. Succotash, National Harbor

4.6

Exceptional(3761)

$$$$

• Soul food • National Harbor

Booked 34 times today

Experience the true flavors of Southern Barbecue at Succotash - National Harbor, where "every bite is exquisite!" This culinary gem expertly fuses Korean influences with authentic Southern recipes, creating a Barbecue experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Diners rave about the "BBQ pork ribs" and smoked meats, which are consistently praised for their tenderness and rich, smoky flavor. With dishes that embody the heart and soul of Southern cooking, Succotash offers a "Taste of the South" that leaves guests "eye-rolling, out-of-this-world" impressed. Visit Succotash to savor Barbecue cuisine that is both comforting and extraordinary.

7. Kramers

4.4

Awesome(430)

$$$$

• Soul food • Dupont Circle

Booked 41 times today

All Day by Kramers in Dupont Circle, Washington, is a breakfast haven where authenticity and quality reign supreme. As one diner enthused, "Best breakfast I have had in several years! Such an amazing menu." The breakfast offerings, like the delectable avocado toast and the indulgent caramel French toast, are crowd-pleasers that keep patrons returning. Guests appreciate the "quick service with a smile" and enjoy dining in the charming outdoor setting. With a menu that delights with both classic and innovative dishes, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere and excellent coffee, All Day by Kramers ensures every morning meal is a memorable experience.

8. Ten Ten

4.7

Exceptional(189)

$$$$

• Soul food • West End

Booked 2 times today

a.kitchen+bar D.C. offers an extraordinary French dining experience in the heart of Washington DC's West End. With an innovative menu that captures the essence of French cuisine through "fresh, flavorful, beautiful presentation," this restaurant stands out for its inventive yet authentic approach. Guests are consistently impressed by the "impeccable" service and expertly curated wine list, which features natural varieties that perfectly complement the delectable dishes. The restaurant's ambiance exudes warmth and elegance, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. Diners rave about the "delicious, complex flavors," ensuring that a.kitchen+bar D.C. provides an authentic taste of France in every bite.

9. KILN

4.0

Excellent(212)

$$$$

• Soul food • Alexandria

Kiln in Old Town Alexandria is a standout destination for Grill cuisine, celebrated for its authentic, live-fire cooking techniques. Nestled at the corner of Prince & Washington, the restaurant's open kitchen features a mesmerizing live-fire hearth, allowing guests to watch as their dishes are expertly crafted. Diners rave about the "incredible flavors and combinations," with dishes like the coulotte steak "grilled to perfection" and an 18-hour cabbage dish that showcases Kiln's commitment to quality and innovation. The warm, inviting atmosphere, combined with attentive service, makes Kiln a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable grill experience.

A photo of Emmy Squared Pizza - Navy Yard restaurant

10. Emmy Squared Pizza - Navy Yard

4.6

Exceptional(145)

$$$$

• Soul food • Navy Yard

Booked 6 times today

Emmy Squared Pizza: Navy Yard offers Washington DC's best Detroit-style pizza, alongside craveable bites and a full bar featuring specialty cocktails. Join us for Happy Hour Monday–Thursday from 4 PM–6 PM. The top choice for crafted pizza in Washington DC.In 2014, Emily and Matt opened their first restaurant in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, with a goal to create quality pies. A trip to Detroit changed everything: they loved the local style, the crispy cheese edge, airy dough, and bold red sauce. They knew pairing this base with chef-inspired toppings would be special.Back in Brooklyn, they began experimenting with organic flour, aged cheeses, fresh tomatoes, and combinations like truffle/mushrooms or pesto/Calabrian chilies, perfecting that crave-worthy cheese crust. In 2016, they unveiled their Detroit-style take with Emmy Squared Pizza. They remain committed to crafting the country's most thoughtful pizzas. We hope you enjoy them!Detroit-Style Soul, Brooklyn Born.

Best Soul Food Restaurants in Waterfront, Washington, D.C. Area

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20 restaurants available nearby

1. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC

2. Kinfolk Southern Kitchen

3. Art and Soul

4. Marcus DC

5. Sly Rooftop Bar

6. Succotash, National Harbor

7. Kramers

8. Ten Ten

9. KILN

10. Emmy Squared Pizza - Navy Yard

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