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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown

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A photo of Georgia Brown's restaurant
1. Georgia Brown's
4.3
Awesome(8853)
Price: Expensive
• Low Country • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Come and experience our lively interpretation of South Carolina Low-Country cuisine. Enjoy good southern food, servers who bubble over with hospitality, and a dining room that is truly distinctive. With its golden woods and bronze sculptures that crawl across the ceiling, designer Adam Tihany has created an atmosphere to awaken your senses. What better place to enjoy low country cuisine than in this contemporary environment celebrating the south. Offering the flavor of the South - the Soul of Washington; where we will be sure to leave a light burning in the window for you, our guests.22% service charge is included on every check. 18% is distributed directly to service workers on top of their base wages, and the remaining 4% is used to help pay for all staff costs due to the District of Columbia's Initiative 82. You may choose to leave an additional tip!https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaBrownsRestaurant/https://www.instagram.com/georgiabrowns_dc/http://gbrowns.com/
A photo of Dauphine’s restaurant
2. Dauphine’s
4.6
Exceptional(1436)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 33 times today
Dauphine’s is a modern day incarnation of the dramatic Grande Dame establishments of New Orleans, brought to you by the award winning Long Shot Hospitality - the team behind DC's beloved The Salt Line Restaurants. Dauphine’s utilizes Mid-Atlantic ingredients to prepare classic New Orleans fare while also creating original dishes inspired by the legendary city. All brought to you in a breathtaking spacious downtown restaurant setting with the most beautiful bar in downtown DC, plenty of patio dining, and a festive outdoor bar and garden area. Located in the Midtown Center, Dauphine's is just steps from the White House, National Theater, Convention Center, Cap One Arena and most downtown attractions and provides an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere for any occasion. Dauphine’s serves Dinner seven nights a week and Brunch on weekends, with Happy Hour every day 4pm-7pm and an ALL DAY Happy Hour on Sundays - plus don't miss our signature Sunday Live Jazz Brunch! We hope to see you soon!
A photo of Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant
3. Via Sophia Washington DC
4.3
Awesome(784)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 31 times today
Via Sophia reimagines the osteria experience for downtown D.C; where classic Italian dishes and fresh-from-the-oven pizzas are paired with bespoke beverages and a discerning wine list. With a focus on quality, consistency, and hospitality, we offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest, at any time of the day.
A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
4. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.7
Exceptional(1107)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 16 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 Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC restaurant
5. Rare Steakhouse - Washington DC
4.6
Exceptional(1157)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 13 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.
A photo of Lafayette Restaurant restaurant
6. Lafayette Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1631)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 27 times today
Lafayette Restaurant is a gem in the heart of Washington, D.C. With its prime location, it offers a stunning view of Lafayette Park and the White House. The reviews consistently mention the 'elegant surroundings', 'impeccable service' and 'fresh and delicious food'. It's the go-to place for a quiet, intimate dining experience, and its ambiance is described as 'sophisticated', 'romantic' and 'elegant'. The staff is also highly praised for being 'professional', 'pleasant' and 'joyful'.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
7. Il Piatto
4.4
Awesome(695)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 47 times today
Il Piatto is the modern expression of the classic Italian cuisine. Enjoy a selection of antipasto, pastas, gnocchi, and more! Our private dining package seats 35 guests or holds a reception for 50 guests. With a view of the wine cellar, our Italian restaurant is perfect for all kinds of events.Il Piatto is open for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour. *Please note, we serve brunch on holiday Mondays and the 4th of July*
A photo of Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave. restaurant
8. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.
4.5
Awesome(2439)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 22 times today
Bobby Van’s Grill has a very loyal following of patrons who appreciate its first-rate, dry-aged steaks and seafood, phenomenal wine list, and exceptional professional wait staff – many of whom have worked for Bobby Van’s Grill for more than 15 years. We have the largest private dining space of any restaurant in DC; Bobby Van’s Grill can accommodate guests in 7 different rooms! In the fall of 2018, it unveiled a newly renovated atrium (now known as The Atrium @ Bobby Van’s) that accommodates up to 330 people for private events.
A photo of The Hamilton restaurant
9. The Hamilton
4.7
Exceptional(11992)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 266 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.
A photo of Zaytinya - DC restaurant
10. Zaytinya - DC
4.7
Exceptional(19646)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Penn Quarter
Booked 409 times today
Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and concept chef Michael Costa, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington, DC.

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Downtown

Discover the charm of Washington, D.C.'s Downtown neighborhood with its array of "neighborhood gem" restaurants that promise an exceptional dining experience. These eateries are renowned for their unique ambiance, combining elegance with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes each location a true hidden treasure in the heart of the city. Whether you're in the mood for the sophisticated flavors of prime-aged steak, the creative delights of mixed cuisine, or the fresh zest of seafood, these restaurants offer top-notch food praised by locals and visitors alike. The dining scene in Downtown D.C. is vibrant and diverse, catering to both casual outings and special occasions with impeccable service and beautifully crafted meals. Each restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality, from the ingredients used to the professional, joyful staff serving each meal. When looking for a memorable meal in the Downtown district, these neighborhood gems provide not just a meal, but a remarkable dining experience that reflects the culinary excellence of the area.

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