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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown

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194 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Park at 14th restaurant
1. The Park at 14th
4.7
Exceptional(2973)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 27 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
4.3
Awesome(8831)
Price: Expensive
• Low Country • Downtown
Booked 38 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
3. Dauphine’s
4.6
Exceptional(1427)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 27 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 The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
4. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.8
Exceptional(1094)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 6 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(1147)
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(1622)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 5 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
4.5
Awesome(679)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 25 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 Lincoln - DC restaurant
8. Lincoln - DC
4.2
Awesome(3409)
Price: Moderate
• American • McPherson Square
Booked 15 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 Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave. restaurant
9. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.
4.5
Awesome(2430)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
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 Bombay Club restaurant
10. Bombay Club
4.8
Exceptional(5335)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown
Booked 15 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kimball
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great meal, it was Valentine's Day so they had a pre- fixed menu, which I didn't know was going to be the case when I booked the table. It worked out fine, though I was looking forward to their regular menu or first time dining there. Service was excellent, now at all hurried, despite the busy night, and we enjoyed all 3 courses.
    More info
    Georgia Brown'sPrice: Expensive• Low Country• Downtown
    •
    4.3
  • BrianVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our first time dining here we requested a booth or table near the window which we were able to get upon arriving so we were happy with that. We got Salads as our appetizers And we each got the capital cut Along with the crab cake entree Our food was absolutely delicious Worth every penny And our service was really awesome as well I can't remember our server's name but he was really attentive and did a good job explaining the menu specials we will definitely be back might be our new favorite Steakhouse in DC.
    More info
    Rare Steakhouse - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Jasmine
    Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    WENT FOR MY BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY, (FIRST TIME EXPERIENCE).. IN THE BEGINNING I WAS A LITTLE SKEPTICAL BUT AFTER A VERY SHORT WHILE, IT WAS DEFINITELY A VIBE!! IM A SKINNY BIG GIRL WHO LOVES TO EAT, AND THE FOOD WAS FOODIN BABY!! PRICES WERE VERY REASONABLE, DRINKS WERE OK IF YOU LIKED FRUITY DRINKS (SO I STUCK TO SHOTS)!! LEWIS AND THYNIS ( I PRAY THATS THE CORRECT SPELLING OF THE YOUNG LADY NAME) WERE DEFINITELY DOIN THEIR BIG ONE!! GREAT PERSONALITY, VIBE, SERVICE, EVERYTHING!!! THEY DEFINITELY MADE MY BIRTHDAY WORTH IT!!!!
    More info
    The Park at 14thPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Tom
    Portland / Oregon •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 7, 2025
    My favorite venue for a morning breakfast meeting. Service is always excellent, food is superior, coffee is great!
    More info
    The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DCPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • William
    Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 4, 2025
    My goodness, the roux--it is perfect, making the gumbo the best I've had outside of NOLA and H-town in years. That alone made the meal. Also loved the hush puppies (who knew). For my main the pork tender was perfectly cooked and beautifully matched with mustard cream. My friend had the short rib, which I tried and loved. The only misfire was the strawberry shortcake, which was too sweet, breading too dense, and only one strawberry. My friend's bread pudding was superb. The service was excellent, water refilled consistently, food arrived at a nice pace. Kudos to Dauphine's, I'll be back with a cajun spring in my step. Thank you!
    More info
    Dauphine’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.6

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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