Best Historic Restaurants in Bethesda

49 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Passage to India - Bethesda restaurant

1. Passage to India - Bethesda

4.7

Exceptional(811)

Price: Moderate

• Indian • Bethesda

Booked 5 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).

2. Pacci's Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(157)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Silver Spring

Booked 17 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!

3. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29573)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 260 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.

4. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3753)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 40 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.

5. Iron Gate

4.6

Exceptional(2987)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle

Booked 18 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.

6. 1789 Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(6287)

Price: Expensive

• American • Georgetown

Booked 17 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 Clyde's of Georgetown restaurant

7. Clyde's of Georgetown

4.6

Exceptional(4128)

Price: Moderate

• American • Georgetown

Booked 75 times today

Clyde's of Georgetown, situated in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, is a beloved institution offering classic American cuisine in a charming setting. The menu showcases fresh, seasonal dishes ranging from seafood and steaks to innovative salads and hearty sandwiches. Clyde's also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list, perfect for pairing with any meal. Known for its warm hospitality and timeless ambiance, Clyde's of Georgetown provides a delightful dining experience for both locals and visitors alike. Indoor, Bar, and Outdoor seating available with lunch, dinner, brunch, late night, and raw bar service.

8. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2943)

Price: Moderate

• French • Georgetown

Booked 63 times today

Welcome to Chez Billy Sud, your classic neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown! We are now taking reservations for dinner 30 days in advance. 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 and requires no reservations. You can also visit our sister bistro Cafe Colline in Arlington which also offers reservations via OpenTable.Please visit our website ChezBillySud.com or check us out on Instagram @ChezBillySud.We look to hosting you!

9. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(245)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 21 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 Willard Peacock Alley Tea restaurant

10. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

4.7

Exceptional(836)

Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Downtown

Booked 37 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

M
Mickeyvip
Washington, D.C. Area •72 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
GM Raj, Owner Sonali, Chef Paul, and Team made our Thanksgiving Feast an absolutely spectacular one, every dish and bite of way! From the personalized touches in each dish to the pampering and timely service, we thoroughly love the simultanteously fine and comforting food to brighten up the cool and damp weather!
More info
Passage to India - BethesdaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Bethesda
•
4.7
A
Aimeevip
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a GORGEOUS dinner with my in-laws the night before Thanksgiving. We've heard great things about Iron Gate, but truly everything from the service, to the items we ordered (and multiple little extras the chef sent out) were extraordinary. The chocolate dessert, we all agreed, was one of the best of our lives. Truly a hospitality-driven experience and we can't wait for an excuse to head back.
More info
Iron GatePrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Dupont Circle
•
4.6
E
Elliot
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It's been many years since I've been to the Tabard Inn, so long ago that I was living in Dupont on Riggs Place. It was low key and funky and much smaller. The present version is very different but equally enjoyable. Larger, still good food, but more space and fewer distractions. A great place to meet for breakfast and escape from the bustling of one of Washington's friendliest circles.
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.7
O
Omarvip
Hawaii •43 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wow, as advertised, great host, server, manager!!!! The food we ordered was all superb!!! Crab cake to start, wife ordered the meatloaf, I had the short rib stroganoff. We had reservations and thankful we thought ahead, the 1330 lunch rush was visible on the weekend. I ordered a bloody mary, only portion of the meal which I thought lacked attention. Manager passed by the table and was very nice!!! Thank you for the Carrot cake, it was phenomenal. Highly would recommend and glad we came!!!
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
M
Mark
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 22, 2024
One of our favorites, we've been eating there close to weekly for years
More info
Pacci's TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Silver Spring
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

Bethesda

Best Historic Restaurants in Bethesda

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

49 restaurants available nearby

1. Passage to India - Bethesda

2. Pacci's Trattoria

3. Old Ebbitt Grill

4. Tabard Inn

5. Iron Gate

6. 1789 Restaurant

7. Clyde's of Georgetown

8. Chez Billy Sud

9. The Dabney

10. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable