Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Waterfront

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillChevy Chase

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

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

229 restaurants available nearby

1. Hen Quarter Prime

4.4

Awesome(153)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern • Washington

Booked 18 times today

Now Open! Hen Quarter Prime brings elevated southern cuisine to the waterfront in Southwest D.C. The dinner menu features southern classics like Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Shrimp & Grits while showcasing an amazing steak selection staring our Tomahawk Ribeye from Creekstone Farms. The star of Saturday and Sunday brunch is the GRANDE BRUNCH BUFFET with a showstopping chilled seafood bar, carving stations, charcuterie stations, bottomless mimosas, bloody mary bars & more! We offer discounted validated parking and valet parking daily.

A photo of Caruso's Grocery - DC restaurant

2. Caruso's Grocery - DC

4.8

Exceptional(1239)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Capitol Hill

Booked 46 times today

Please note that we are not offering Restaurant Week at our DC location. Located at 914 14th Street SE in Washington, DC.Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American "red sauce" joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken parmesan, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef's take on the classics, you won’t find them here. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.

3. SHIA Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(99)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Washington

Booked 27 times today

SHIA (shee-uh) is a modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Our tasting menu-only experience spotlights the intersection of local agriculture and premium Hansik ingredients, using fresh, seasonal elements with minimal manipulation to honor the environment. As a non-profit restaurant, SHIA is more than just a dining destination; it’s a platform for tackling key challenges in the restaurant industry, from environmental responsibility to fair labor practices and culinary heritage preservation.**Please Note: Chef Lee's appearance is not guaranteed, and his availability is not given to the team or guests.**

4. Succotash PRIME

4.6

Exceptional(4039)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 119 times today

Succotash PRIME is a progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner Edward Lee brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern Steakhouse menu.SUCCOTASH is named after the classic dish that has been a longstanding staple of the Southern table. While many know “Succotash” when they see it, the dish has been interpreted, modified, and passed from generation to generation for centuries. Our “Succotash” is special to us and we invite you to experience the South from our point of view.

A photo of Mi Vida, District Wharf restaurant

5. Mi Vida, District Wharf

4.6

Exceptional(2424)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 60 times today

Chef Roberto Santibañez creates a menu inspired by Mexican street food and traditional home cooking of his country, but in a modern, elevated presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as Carne Asada, a variety of Tacos, Seasonal Fish, Ceviches and other Contemporary Mexican creations.

6. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11951)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 229 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.

7. Moonraker

4.5

Awesome(378)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 34 times today

Welcome to Moonraker at Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf, a signature rooftop hideaway with a Japanese inspired menu of light bites and sushi alongside handcrafted cocktails, a curated selection of Japanese whiskeys, and more. All set around a stunning central bar boasting panoramic views of the waterfront. A laidback lounge by day evolves into a buzzy nightlife scene alongside a handsome bar that sets the scene for intimate soirées and nighttime meet ups, all by the Potomac.Introducing Capitol Brunch. Meet us at Moonraker for an all-new weekend brunch menu, featuring everything from bottomless brunch cocktails to Japanese-infused breakfast classics. Please note the following for your reservation:Reservations are limited to (2) Hour Dine Times. Our Culinary Offerings conclude at 10:00 PM weekdays, and 11:00 PM weekends.Moonraker does not have a dress code but does recommend appropriate casual wear.

A photo of Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom restaurant

8. Founding Farmers DC: Foggy Bottom

4.6

Exceptional(34534)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Foggy Bottom

Booked 327 times today

Our award-winning Founding Farmers DC flagship restaurant opened in 2008 just three blocks west of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes and drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, weekday happy hour, and a la carte weekend brunch. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday neighborhood restaurant.

9. Ruthie's All-Day

4.8

Exceptional(3271)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 134 times today

The menu follows a Southern-fried meat-and-three concept, meaning diners order a meat, plus three sides. Those will include Ruthie’s mac and cheese, of course, but also white-soy-braised greens, stewed chickpeas and smoked cauliflower with a spicy soy glaze. “We’re going to be changing it a lot based on seasonality,” Hill says of the menu. “ Every vegetable has got to be fantastic because it has to stand on its own.” One thing that will help that: Hill is already growing all of the restaurant’s own herbs at his South Arlington community garden plot.

A photo of Mi Vida Penn Quarter restaurant

10. Mi Vida Penn Quarter

4.6

Exceptional(448)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Penn Quarter

Booked 32 times today

“Mi Vida” translates to “My Life.” However, in Mexico, “Mi Vida” means much more. “Mi Vida” is a term of endearment bestowed on close family and friends to signify love, care and importance. When one says, “Mi Vida,” they are telling someone special how much they mean to them. MI VIDA describes how we feel about our team and our guests. It is our expression of Mexican culture and cuisine as interpreted through the lens of Chef Roberto Santibañez. Our menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KenVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Always an excellent experience no matter which of their restaurants we dine at.
More info
Bistro AracosiaPrice: Moderate• Afghan• Palisades Northwest
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
New York City •21 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
the lasagna was the best.... fettuccine alfredo was delish but the lasagna won hands down. $4.95 for a small glass of soda was upsetting....
More info
Fiorella Italian KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• National Harbor
•
4.4
KC
KipnCandiVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Grabbed a bite to eat after a Caps game. Great everything. Margaritas are small and pricey for the portion. But overall a great place to pre/post game.
More info
Mi Vida Penn QuarterPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Penn Quarter
•
4.6
L
LoriVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •24 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
Excellent food and service for our large party! Oysters were great! Everyone enjoyed this restaurant lively but not too loud!
More info
The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4
SO
SteveO
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
The food was delicious but the service was slow. We waited a half hour before we received our drinks. I had to ask twice for our check because we had an event in the area.
More info
EthiopicPrice: Moderate• Ethiopian• H Street Corridor
•
4.9

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