Your guide to DC dining with a riverfront view in this evolving neighborhood
In DC's Southwest and The Wharf neighborhood, all flavors of waterfront dining come together, from family-friendly fast casual to upscale date-night destinations, with seafood as a star attraction.
Grab Lunch or Dinner from a Barge
The neighborhood holds the distinction of being home to the country’s oldest, continually operating fish market. The Municipal Fish Market is a rite of passage for any local or visitor, and it’s worth dropping by its barges that carry pre-steamed and shucked edibles. Snag some ready-to-eat blue crabs at Jessie Taylor Seafood – a quintessentially DC experience. If you have access to a kitchen, pick up today’s fresh catch to cook at home.
To get out on the water yourself, consider a meal aboard the City Cruises fleet.
Riverfront Dining at The Wharf
After mastering seaside Mediterranean cuisine from his native Italy at Georgetown’s Fiola Mare, chef Fabio Trabocchi forays into Mallorcan fare at Del Mar. Start with fresh-off-the-boat seafood before diving in to paella or savoring the Secreto Iberico with cuts of tender pork so delicious they’re shrouded in secrecy.
Mi Vida
If you’re looking for a guacamole and margarita-fueled fiesta, then Mi Vida is the place for you. The massive restaurant offers plenty of classics from America’s southern neighbor, as well as great happy hour deals and Instagram-worthy waterfront views.
For South American-meets-Asian cuisine, try Pink Tiger, a family-owned spot that embraces playfulness in its menu and decor. It's entirely unique along the bustling Wharf, but not without the area's classic floor-to-ceiling windows.
Fish Shop provides an ideal summer experience: fresh seafood by the water. The rich traditions of Chesapeake Bay fishing communities are reflected in the vibrant restaurant’s menu, which highlights local shellfish and dayboat fish along with select meats and vegetables from nearby farms. The house-made Hardy Negroni pays homage to Fish Shop’s sister restaurant in Scotland. We also recommend the signature crumpets and checking out the global wine list.
What would waterfront dining be without oysters? Slurp down bivalves at local favorites at Rappahannock Oyster Bar or Hank’s Oyster Bar. At Hank's, named for her father, chef and restauranteur Jamie Leeds has built a revered local brand with her fresh “urban beach food," which always attracts a crowd.
Another bustling, coastal-inspired spot is bartaco. The 60-seat bar is perfect for a pit stop while strolling along the waterfront: order a few street-style tacos, pick out a juiced-to-order beverage or take advantage of a High Tide Hour deal.
Hotel Hotspots
Bar Pendry © Liz Clayman
Southwest & The Wharf is home to the uber luxurious spots like Salamander DC and the Pendry, which feature gorgeous waterfront views and extravagant spas.
The Salamander is where James Beard Award-winner Chef Kwame Onwuachi chose to open his newest concept Dōgon. Inspired by African American intellectual Benjamin Banneker – specifically, his contributions as a land surveyor for what would become the District – Onwuachi's vibrant dishes highlight this history and other Afro-Caribbean traditions that have shaped DC as we know it.
The Pendry's rooftop restaurant Moonraker combines Japanese flavors with an urban cocktail bar vibe. Don't miss an afternoon boozy tea in the moody Bar Pendry.
All the World’s an [Arena] Stage
If you’re near Southwest & The Wharf, it’s hard to miss Arena Stage. The glittering, glass theater mounts productions by American playwrights under the direction of artistic director Molly Smith. One fantastic option for pre- or post-theater dining is Station 4. Helmed by chef Orlando Amaro of Venezuela, Station 4 serves creative American fare (including a pre-theater prix-fixe menu) and, on Wednesdays, paella night inspired by his Venezuelan roots. Masala Art is another Arena Stage staple, which serves authentic Indian dishes and also offers a pre-theater, prix-fixe menu.