Best Oyster Bars in Washington

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf restaurant

1. Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Oyster bar • Southwest Waterfront

Booked 18 times today

Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf is a seafood lover’s paradise located in the historic heart of the Southwest Waterfront in Washington. Housed in a restored oyster shed, the restaurant dazzles with its array of fresh, flavorful seafood, particularly its celebrated oysters. Patrons rave about the "exceptional quality of the oysters" and the "perfectly cooked" branzino, noting that each dish showcases a "burst of fresh, briny flavor." The restaurant's atmosphere, enhanced by its scenic waterfront views, complements its culinary offerings, making every dining experience memorable. Guests consistently praise the attentive service and the vibrant ambiance, making Rappahannock Oyster Bar a must-visit for authentic, high-quality seafood dining.

A photo of Pearl Dive Oyster Palace restaurant

2. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

Exceptional(1559)

Price: Expensive

• Oyster bar • Logan Circle

Booked 27 times today

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace in Logan Circle, Washington, DC, is a seafood lover’s delight, renowned for its fresh, high-quality oysters and authentically flavored Cajun dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness and quality shines through its diverse oyster selection from Virginia, Japan, and beyond, making it a must-visit for connoisseurs. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, with one noting, "the oysters Tchoupitoulas were amazing" and another celebrating the "fresh and juicy" oysters as a highlight. Pearl Dive’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with its expertly crafted seafood gumbo and wood-grilled oysters, ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning. Whether it’s for a lively dinner or a special brunch, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace stands out as a top destination for exceptional seafood in DC.

A photo of King St Oyster Bar - City Ridge restaurant

3. King St Oyster Bar - City Ridge

4.2

Awesome(88)

Price: Moderate

• Oyster bar • Tenleytown

Booked 11 times today

King St Oyster Bar - City Ridge in Tenleytown, Washington DC, is celebrated for its exceptional Oyster Bar, offering an eclectic array of freshly shucked oysters that make it a go-to destination for seafood lovers. Diners particularly rave about the "delicious but our go to/ seconds and thirds are KUMAMOTO, queens cup, sweet Jesus, and raspberry point," highlighting the quality and variety available. The atmosphere is praised as "perfect for happy hour," with a "relaxed and chill" vibe ideal for unwinding while enjoying top-notch seafood. The consistent accolades for their "fresh and very tasty" oysters and their dynamic happy hour menu affirm that King St Oyster Bar is a standout in the DC area for both casual and celebratory occasions.

A photo of The Salt Line - Navy Yard restaurant

4. The Salt Line - Navy Yard

4.4

Awesome(2608)

Price: Expensive

• Oyster bar • Navy Yard

Booked 26 times today

At The Salt Line - Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., the shellfish cuisine is not just a meal; it's an experience that captures the essence of high-quality seafood. With glowing reviews that highlight dishes like the "Dancing Molly" oysters and the praised "Nashville Hot Soft-shell crab," it’s clear why patrons keep returning. One delighted diner raved, "If you are looking for oysters, this is the place." Another emphasized the authenticity and quality, declaring the oysters "heavenly." Located right on the waterfront, The Salt Line combines a scenic view with exceptional shellfish dishes, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of the sea. Whether it's the flavorful lobster rolls or the expertly prepared crab dip, this spot is a shellfish lover's paradise.

A photo of The Salt Line - Ballston restaurant

5. The Salt Line - Ballston

4.7

Exceptional(783)

Price: Expensive

• Oyster bar • Arlington

Booked 45 times today

The Salt Line - Ballston in Arlington is a gem for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine, particularly those with a penchant for exemplary seafood and classic culinary delights. As the DC area's tribute to New England's renowned fish and oyster houses, it offers a unique blend where "New England meets the Chesapeake." Celebrated for its "DELECTABLE" oysters and the "best lobster rolls around," this eatery ensures every dish like the "perfectly seared scallops" bursts with authentic flavor, consistently meriting rave reviews. Patrons frequently praise not just the food but also the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, making The Salt Line a must-visit for an authentic and memorable dining experience.

A photo of Shilling Canning Company restaurant

6. Shilling Canning Company

4.8

Exceptional(44)

Price: Expensive

• Oyster bar • Navy Yard

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the vibrant Navy Yard of Washington D.C., Shilling Canning Company offers an exceptional Oyster Bar experience, making it a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. The restaurant prides itself on serving "superbly fresh" oysters that are a hit among guests, complementing its modern American cuisine that highlights the best of the Chesapeake region. Patrons rave about the quality and size of the oysters, describing them as “fresh and huge,” which showcases the restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality. The restaurant's ambiance, combined with its expertly crafted seafood dishes, ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Shilling Canning Company's Oyster Bar is poised to offer not just a meal, but a remarkable culinary journey.

A photo of The Salt Line - Bethesda restaurant

7. The Salt Line - Bethesda

4.5

Awesome(601)

Price: Expensive

• Oyster bar • Bethesda

Booked 67 times today

The Salt Line in Bethesda is celebrated for its exceptional Oyster Bar, offering a delightful fusion of New England and Chesapeake traditions. Patrons rave about "the best raw oysters" and an impressive variety of options described from "least to most salty," making it a haven for oyster enthusiasts. The atmosphere, blending a New England vibe with inviting booth seating and a lively bar area, adds to the charm. Reviewers consistently highlight the freshness of the seafood and the "outstanding service," making The Salt Line a must-visit for a genuine Oyster Bar experience. Whether it's the oyster shooters or the full raw bar, guests leave with memorable dining experiences, eager to return.

A photo of Black's Bar & Kitchen restaurant

8. Black's Bar & Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(3402)

Price: Moderate

• Oyster bar • Bethesda

Booked 29 times today

At Black’s Bar & Kitchen in Bethesda, the Oyster Bar is a true highlight, offering an unparalleled selection of fresh bivalves sourced from the coasts of the Americas. Praised for their exceptional quality, the oysters are a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Guests rave about the experience, mentioning that the oysters are “so good and fresh” and perfect for anyone looking to indulge in premium seafood. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing further enhances the dining experience, ensuring that each oyster is not only tasty but also responsibly harvested. Coupled with a stellar wine list, the Oyster Bar at Black’s is the go-to destination for an authentic and enjoyable seafood experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
vera
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Outstanding server John. He was very accommodating and helpful as well as personable. I will say that the choice of tables when we came in was Limited and so we sat at a booth, which turned out to be fine, but I think on the patio it might be nice if you had seating for parties greater than four. Otherwise, everything was very, very good.
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The Salt Line - BallstonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Arlington
•
4.7
J
Jessica
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent food, excellent atmosphere, and excellent service! Thank you!!
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King St Oyster Bar - City RidgePrice: Moderate• Oyster Bar• Tenleytown
•
4.2
K
Kathryn
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
It was my first visit to Pearl Dive and the food was fresh and fantastic. It won’t be my last visit.
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Pearl Dive Oyster PalacePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Logan Circle
•
4.8
N
NicoleVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
Food was absolutely delicious and our server was knowledgeable and amazing!
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Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The WharfPrice: Moderate• Oyster Bar• Southwest Waterfront
•
4.4
A
Amanda
Philadelphia County •1 review
4.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Food was delicious and drink was good. Service was terrible. Waiter was uninterested and didnt want to be there. He did not introduce himself and never check on us. Other servers were having to do his work. Unfortunate because food is so good.
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The Salt Line - Navy YardPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Navy Yard
•
4.4

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Rappahannock Oyster Bar at The Wharf

2. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

3. King St Oyster Bar - City Ridge

4. The Salt Line - Navy Yard

5. The Salt Line - Ballston

6. Shilling Canning Company

7. The Salt Line - Bethesda

8. Black's Bar & Kitchen

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