Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in Southwest Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillCleveland Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel restaurant

1. Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

4.2

Awesome(2286)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Foggy Bottom

Booked 24 times today

We are offering breakfast weekdays from 7am-10:30am and lunch from 11:30am-2pm. Our Kingbird Bar hour from 2pm-9pm Tuesday through Fridays. Weekends, we are offering Brunch on Sundays from 11am to 2pm. Join us for High Tea on Saturday & Sunday 1pm-2:30pm. We require all High Tea reservations to be pre-paid, to make a reservation for High Tea please select the Spill the Tea Experience. For children under 12 please email dining@thewatergatehotel.com. We are located within The Watergate Hotel, our elegant yet contemporary restaurant features fine dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Valet Parking is $15 for dining.

A photo of Lafayette Restaurant restaurant

2. Lafayette Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1629)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 26 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.

3. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3862)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 50 times today

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. 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, as well as Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore, MD. He also shares the Tabard's longstanding commitment to sourcing ingredients locally. Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.

4. La Tomate

4.7

Exceptional(1417)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dupont Circle

Booked 33 times today

Since 1987, La Tomate has been Dupont Circle's neighborhood bistro, featuring affordable regional Italian cuisine in a warm ambiance. A window-clad bar and dining room offer charming avenue views onto Connecticut avenue. Enjoy an extended season of “al fresco” dining on our lush outdoor patio. We are committed to providing quality service and excellent food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We invite you to join us for breakfast a casual lunch, happy hour, dinner, weekend brunch or group events.

A photo of Mazaro Italian Restaurant restaurant

5. Mazaro Italian Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(367)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Arlington

Booked 16 times today

A new Modern Italian Restaurant that will offer classic Italian cuisine and Neapolitan pizza baked in specialized, Wood-fired oven imported from Italy

6. Green Pig Bistro

4.3

Awesome(1669)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 53 times today

Green Pig Bistro (GPB) serves up classic, rustic French cooking with a decidedly American push. GPB embraces a seasonal menu of hearty entrées, sourcing most ingredients locally to satisfy the palate & support the local community. It has a casual setting with a lively and energetic vibe and delicious farm-to-table food prepared in an open kitchen alongside unique craft cocktails & beer and an extensive, thoughtfully curated wine list.GPB is open for Happy Hour every day from 4pm-6pm, Dinner every day from 5pm-close, and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2:30pm. Reservations highly encouraged. Reservations not accepted for Happy Hour - just stop in.We look forward to welcoming you!

7. Any Day Now

3.8

Excellent(37)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Navy Yard

Booked 1 time today

ANY DAY NOW is a Dual concept casual and comforting space from celebrated chef and restaurateur Tim Ma, along with chef and partner Matt Sperber. In a nod to the current ways in which we live and work, Any Day Now welcomes guests for breakfast and coffee in a coworking-friendly space during the day, then transitions to a full-service restaurant and bar at night with creative takes on the intersection of American and global cuisines.

8. Brasserie Liberté

4.4

Awesome(2364)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French / American • Georgetown

At Brasserie Liberté traditional French meets modern luxury in the heart of Georgetown. Our menu reflects the comfort food of the cuisine served in a cozy and laidback setting.Please note the Fabergé Egg seats 4 guests.

A photo of Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar restaurant

9. Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2672)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 19 times today

Dear guests,Now open for Lunch, Brunch and Dinner from Tuesday to Sunday for dining in, carry-outs and delivery through Door-Dash and UberEats.Celebrating its 30th year Anniversary, this Grand Little restaurant is definitely part of Georgetown’s culinary landscape!We are offering classic, regional and contemporary French cuisine. At the Wine Bar, you will feel as comfortable and relaxed as you would in your home.For Jazz night, please request a table in the Wine Bar. The Jazz performances are every Wednesday nights, from 6pm to 9pm.In July, a 3% service fee will be added to all guest checks and will be used to cover the increasing server wages.This fee is not a tip.Visit our Sister Bistrot, La Piquette on 3714 Macomb Street Nw. in Cleveland Park - Tel: 202 686 2015 - info@lapiquettedc.com

10. RT's Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2286)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Alexandria

Booked 13 times today

RT's Alexandria's renowned neighborhood restaurant has been the place for fresh seafood in Northern Virginia for over 34 years. RT's has been a fixture on the Washingtonian Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants" list in the metropolitan area and is one of the highest rated seafood restaurants in the nationally acclaimed "Zagat Survey". Their unique menu features many Creole and Cajun specialties including Jack Daniel's Shrimp, Spicy She-Crab Soup, Crawfish Etouffée , Jambalaya and their popular "Death" by Gumbo . This "Little Gem" is located in the heart of Alexandria only steps away from The Birchmere music hall and not only features a great menu but also has an extensive special list that changes on a weekly basis.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Douglas
1 review
4.0
Dined today
Storied location. Impeccably mannered staff at every level. Lunch meal was very good - but can’t give the cuisine five stars. Still so worth it to dine there.
More info
Lafayette RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.8
D
Dennis
Baltimore / Maryland •9 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great service, but even better was the food. Staff was attentive, the wine list was great, and the food (ravioli) was amazing! Definitely will return.
More info
La TomatePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dupont Circle
•
4.7
T
Teba
Washington, D.C. Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always great menu choices and excellent customer service! Great vibes and beautiful interior architecture!
More info
Kingbird at The Watergate HotelPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Foggy Bottom
•
4.2
KL
KathyL
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
The food and service were excellent, but the ambiance was staid. The interior decor could use use a serious updating and brightening.
More info
Mazaro Italian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Arlington
•
4.4
F
FredVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 3, 2025
Super great food, pleasant and warm staff, good live music, comfortable, cozy, sophisticated vibe.
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.7

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