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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown

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187 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Park at 14th restaurant
1. The Park at 14th
4.7
Exceptional(2915)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 18 times today
The Park at 14th is a restaurant, lounge, and event venue on four floors overlooking Franklin Square in Downtown D.C. Offering a sense of timeless elegance, beautiful views, and a warm and welcoming interior, The Park at 14th is the perfect place dining, socializing, and hosting your next event. We invite you to join us. For reservations over 10 people, please TEXT (202) 550-0300
A photo of Georgia Brown's restaurant
2. Georgia Brown's
4.4
Awesome(8801)
Price: Expensive
• Low Country • Downtown
Booked 29 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 The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
3. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.7
Exceptional(1080)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 2 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 Via Sophia Washington DC restaurant
4. Via Sophia Washington DC
4.3
Awesome(758)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 13 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 Il Piatto restaurant
5. Il Piatto
4.5
Awesome(657)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 45 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 Lafayette Restaurant restaurant
6. Lafayette Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1611)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 7 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 Lincoln - DC restaurant
7. Lincoln - DC
4.2
Awesome(3404)
Price: Moderate
• American • McPherson Square
Booked 8 times today
Lincoln - DC is a beloved neighborhood gem with a unique blend of fresh, creative food and an eclectic bar program. This place is a gem, a hidden gem, a bastion of consistency, great food and service, and a great spot for brunch. The ambiance is warm, and the menu is full of Lincoln nostalgia. It is recommended by many for its excellent service, delicious food, and unique atmosphere.
A photo of Bombay Club restaurant
8. Bombay Club
4.8
Exceptional(5316)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
The Bombay Club emulates characteristics of the old clubs of India. The elegant environment with pale pastels, ceiling fans, and a profusion of greenery is designed to create a warm and inviting gathering place for relaxation and regeneration. The cuisine is the finest of India, utilizing only the best quality ingredients to create a harmony of subtle flavors. Specialties prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, include tandoori salmon and green chili chicken. The sophisticated cuisine is enhanced by refine service and live piano music. Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award.
A photo of Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave. restaurant
9. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.
4.4
Awesome(2415)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 6 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 Old Ebbitt Grill restaurant
10. Old Ebbitt Grill
4.8
Exceptional(29693)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 161 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RobertVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    service and food were excellent, Christmas menu was well chosen.
    More info
    Il PiattoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • HowardVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Christmas Day lunch was great! Food was delicious and the service was great. The Jefferson is an unusual hidden gem downtown - a really elegant and interesting ambiance.
    More info
    The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • RenaVIP
    Caribbean •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    TiShonda was absolutely great. She triple checked our orders against food allergies in our group. She kept checking on us. She was friendly and very helpful. Everything we ordered was simply delicious.
    More info
    Georgia Brown'sPrice: Expensive• Low Country• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • ColletteVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Having been to Italy recently, I found the food to be "authentically Italian" -- not overly seasoned but very flavorful. Portions were perfect -- not too large. Pasta was al dente, which is not common here in the U.S. Will definitely go back.
    More info
    Via Sophia Washington DCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.3
  • TimothyVIP
    Orlando / Central Florida East •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    What the heck. This place was quite the surprise. It blew us away. The food was surprisingly good. We ordered several different times, and each time the food came out fresh, hot, quickly, and looked like an artist put it together. The jumbo shrimp with cilantro goodness was amazing. Calamari better than it should have been. The service was amazing. The prices? Way too low. Happy hour prices are ridiculous. I mean so ridiculously low. I think maybe they just love people. I’m not sure. I’d make this my go to spot if I lived here.
    More info
    The Park at 14thPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.7

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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