Southwest Waterfront Restaurants
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Old Ebbitt Grill
$$$$•American•4.8(30,990)Downtown - 2
Zaytinya - DC
$$$$•Mediterranean•4.7(20,379)Penn Quarter - 3
Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom
$$$$•American•4.6(34,180)Foggy Bottom - 4
Filomena Ristorante
$$$$•Italian•4.8(18,276)Georgetown - 5
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC
$$$$•Seafood•4.8(10,933)Downtown
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Dirty Habit | The Glass House
$$$$•Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service•4.3(2,434)Penn Quarter - 2
Succotash PRIME
$$$$•American•4.7(4,453)Penn Quarter - 3
Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.
$$$$•Seafood•4.8(4,902)Downtown - 4
The Pembroke
$$$$•Contemporary American•4.6(2,239)Dupont Circle - 5
Bresca
$$$$•Contemporary French / American•4.5(1,267)U Street Corridor
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Award winning restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area
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ilili - DC
$$$$•Lebanese•4.7(15)ilili DC brings the celebrated flavors of Lebanon and the Mediterranean to Washington, D.C.’s vibrant Wharf neighborhood, led by Executive Chef and Founder Philippe Massoud. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, our menu showcases fresh ingredients, bold spices, and dishes designed for sharing.
As the sister restaurant to ilili New York City, our flagship location, ilili DC reflects the same commitment to refined hospitality, thoughtful design, and a globally acclaimed culinary vision—reimagined for the waterfront setting of the nation’s capital.
Set in an elegant, contemporary space overlooking the D.C. waterfront, ilili is ideal for intimate dinners, special occasions, and private events. Join us for a memorable dining experience or allow our team to bring ilili to your next gathering through our full-service catering.
We look forward to welcoming you.Mi Vida, District Wharf
$$$$•Mexican•4.6(2,673)Chef Roberto Santibañez creates a menu inspired by Mexican street food and traditional home cooking of his country, but in a modern, elevated presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as Carne Asada, a variety of Tacos, Seasonal Fish, Ceviches and other Contemporary Mexican creations.
The Grill, District Wharf
$$$$•American•4.5(1,671)Chef Roberto Santibañez presents a new American menu focused on Woodfired cooking, with an emphasis on steak, seafood and vegetarian fare. His Mexican roots and French training lend an inspired touch to the American table.Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DC
$$$$•American•4.4(2,047)Inspired by the iconic television series, Hell’s Kitchen Washington DC brings open-kitchen energy to Penn Quarter. Designed to mirror the drama and pace of the show, the restaurant offers refined cuisine, theatrical service, and a striking interior. It’s a dining experience that’s bold, immersive, and unforgettable.
La Vie
$$$$•Mediterranean•4.4(3,762)La Vie is inspired by the sun drenched coasts of the Mediterranean. Our menu celebrates bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and timeless hospitality. From the shores of Southern Europe to North Africa, each dish is designed for sharing and savoring, meant to transport you to a place where food, drinks, and good company are always in season.
Located at The Wharf in Washington, DC, La Vie is led by Culinary Director Carlos Delgado whose's vision brings an elegant and modern approach to coastal cuisine.
Our expansive space offers a variety of rooms to match your mood and occasion, from dining rooms with sweeping views through floor to ceiling windows, to a lush terrace for an alfresco experience, and a stunning rooftop perfect for sunset cocktails and celebration.
We are excited to welcome you to La Vie.Makers Union Wharf
$$$$•American•4.4(490)Coming Soon!
Kinfolk Southern Kitchen
$$$$•Southern•4.3(131)Kinfolk Southern Kitchen is a celebration of Southern comfort, soul, and hospitality, rooted in tradition and served with heart. Located in Washington, DC, Kinfolk brings people together around soulful dishes inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the American South.
Our menu features slow-braised meats, buttery biscuits, bold sides, and seasonal produce - honoring generational recipes with a modern twist. We are proud to serve Halal offerings, making our kitchen inclusive for all who gather at our table. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and curated wines that pair beautifully with our Southern flavors.
Whether you're joining us for brunch, a family dinner, or a night out with friends, Kinfolk offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like family.
Come hungry. Come as you are. Come home to Kinfolk.Fogo de Chão - The Wharf, DC
$$$$•Steakhouse•4.1(332)Experience continuous fire-roasted cuts including tender Picanha, juicy Fraldinha, and buttery Filet Mignon-each grilled over an open flame and carved tableside. Visit the nutrient-dense Market Table featuring seasonal salads, exotic fruits and more. Enhance your experience with fresh seafood like butter-bathed lobster tail, tender Wagyu strip and hand-crafted cocktails. Join us at the Recreation Pier, or bring the Fogo Experience home with Fogo To-Go and Catering. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo de Chão elevates the centuries-old Art of Churrasco into a cultural dining experience of discovery.
See what locals rave about in Southwest Waterfront
- AAliWashington, D.C. Area •1 review5.0Dined 2 days agoAmazing experience and wonderful day The staff was so kindMore infoLa Vie$$$$• Mediterranean• Southwest Waterfront•4.4
- KKristineHouston •18 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoWe are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary tonight, and Melinda, our server was the absolute best! She moved us to a lovely corner table overlooking the water and went above and beyond, opening the outside dining area and took our picture with the sunset. It’s like she read my mind. The wine recommendation (Trombetta Pinot Noir) and 3-course prefix dinner were perfect! The scallops were delicious, the beef Wellington was cooked to perfection, and the toffee sticky pudding was excellent! I must say, it was a perfect anniversary dinner! We’ve celebrated anniversary dinners in France, Italy, Monaco, and Thailand; we were saying to each other, this has been a memorable anniversary dinner! Compliments to the chef and staff! Thank you so much for a wonderful anniversary getaway in Washington DC!More infoGordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DC$$$$• American• Southwest Waterfront•4.4
- NNicholeCleveland / Akron / Canton •3 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoWe had a wonderful time at Willowsong! My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary at the Wharf for a few days. Up until that point, we had very mediocre "tourist food" and we were disappointed with the quality. We did some internet digging and Willowsong was suggested to us. The staff was warm, friendly and very attentive. I mentioned it was our anniversary and we could tell they were taking special care of us. We even received a dessert at the end of our meal that was complimentary and had "Happy Anniversary" written on it. Each dish was delicious and visually stunning! It was the first time we felt like we had a well-rounded meal. Would definitely come back and would recommend to anyone who is tired of overpriced tourist food and wants a good quality meal with great staff and a great view!More infoWillowsong$$$$• American• Southwest Waterfront•4.5
- BBryantGoldTampa / Central Florida West •29 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoI cannot tell you how much fun I had at the restaurant! They treated us like family! The staff was great! The manager was fantastic! The beverages and the food was fantastic! We will be back soon!More infoPink Tiger$$$$• American• Southwest Waterfront•4.1
- VVeraAtlantic City / South Jersey Shore •1 review5.0Dined on May 23, 2026My experience was amazing!!! My server Johnathan went above and beyond to make my experience what it was. 10/10More infoMi Vida, District Wharf$$$$• Mexican• Southwest Waterfront•4.6
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Discover Southwest Waterfront
The Southwest Waterfront of the Washington Channel from Fisherman's Wharf to Fort McNair is a prime location offering restaurants and nightly live entertainment. The waterfront is evolving into 3 million square feet of residences, offices, restaurants, and retail stores. The Fish Market Eatery, established in 1805, serves freshly caught blue crabs and other seafood, vegetables, and desserts with a "monumental view" of our nation's capitol. Restaurants and grills on the Channel evolved from family-owned multimillion dollar seafood packers. You're also surrounded by international cuisine. French, Indian, and Italian cafes and bistros bake bread and cut homemade pasta on their premises for authentic old world flavor. Wines of the world compliment your entrée and your choice of dessert.
Frequently asked questions
Healthy restaurants located in Southwest Waterfront include Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DC, La Vie and Limani - DC
Restaurants with gluten-free options in Southwest Waterfront are Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DC, La Vie and Fogo de Chão - The Wharf, DC
Bottomless brunch in Southwest Waterfront is available at La Vie, Limani - DC and Milk & Honey - The Wharf
The most romantic restaurant in Southwest Waterfront is Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DC
Restaurants in Southwest Waterfront with a great view include Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen - Washington DC, La Vie and Limani - DC
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