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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Downtown

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191 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 28 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 45 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
4.8
Exceptional(1094)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
The Greenhouse at The Jefferson is a perfect spot for special occasions. It's not just a restaurant, it's an experience. With a beautiful setting under the historic skylight, it offers a light and fresh menu that's perfect for any celebration. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent food and service, with one stating, 'Fabulous special occasion restaurant! Lovely ambiance and even when full was easy to have a normal level conversation.' The Greenhouse at The Jefferson is a must-visit for any special occasion in DC.
A photo of Michele’s restaurant
4. Michele’s
3.9
Excellent(298)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • West Loop
MICHELIN-starred Chef Matt Baker's second restaurant is an homage to his late mother. Join us for Summer Restuarant Week, August 12th-25th for $35 lunch options and a $55 dinner menu! Guests can enjoy the bar and lounge, perfect for dining solo or gathering with friends. Weekends are reserved for delectable brunch options, served alongside craft cocktails. A slight departure from his highly-acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, Gravitas- the approach to all things culinary at Michele's is just as seasonal and serious, but playful and accessible. We have a celebration fit for any occasion: the perfect blend of delicious food, live entertainment, and great company! Now offering lunch, Mondays-Fridays 11:00am-3:00 pm.Ask about our specialty features:Monday Burger Night Wine Down WednesdaysLive Music & Prime Steaks Every ThursdayHalf-Shell Happy HoursSeasonal Happenings & More!
A photo of Lafayette Restaurant restaurant
5. Lafayette Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1622)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Lafayette Restaurant is the go-to spot for special occasions in Washington, D.C. Reviewers consistently rave about its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and exquisite food. Many have praised the restaurant for its romantic atmosphere, perfect for intimate dinners, while others highlight the attentive staff and beautiful views of Lafayette Park and the White House. A recurring sentiment in the reviews is the excellent quality of the food and the overall high-end dining experience.
A photo of Il Piatto restaurant
6. 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 Bombay Club restaurant
7. 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.
A photo of Alhambra restaurant
8. Alhambra
4.7
Exceptional(719)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
*2023 WINE SPECTATOR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE*Taking inspiration from the landmark Alhambra Palace and Fortress in southern Spain, one of the most famous monuments of Islamic and Spanish Renaissance architecture, our new menu exemplifies the blending of cultures and cuisines across the region. Showcasing their rich bounty of produce and fish in a modern and convivial setting, Chef Brian Bladfält Landry presents a seasonally inspired menu enhanced with the bold flavors across a variety of the region’s cultures. With distinct menus offered across brunch, lunch and dinner, the dining concept focuses on four sections of small plated dishes – sea, land, garden and table – all meant to be shared. Alhambra is located on the lobby-level of The St. Regis Washington, D.C. at 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW in the heart of downtown D.C. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner from Monday through Saturday and brunch on weekends.
A photo of Lincoln - DC restaurant
9. Lincoln - DC
4.2
Awesome(3409)
Price: Moderate
• American • McPherson Square
Booked 15 times today
Founded in 2011 our seasonal menu features comfort food with a twist. LINCOLN pays tribute to one of the greatest US Presidents, with nods to many of his favorite foods including our signature chicken pot pie & another star on the menu, our kale salad. The menu is focused but varietal. Our cocktails are truly one-of-a-kind. Our barkeeps have created one of the city’s thoughtful bar programs highlighted by infused bourbons and DC's first moonshine-list served in antique-style copper cups. Our patio is open all year-round, offering a relaxed, urban landscape. Don't miss our butcher cut NY Strip or the city's best Mac & Cheese. LINCOLN is the right place for your next private event with many options for private dining from 10 to 200. Original paintings & distinctive interior design by homegrown artist, Maggie O’Neill. LINCOLN is your destination for Lunch, happy hour, dinner or brunch. We are open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter & Mother's Day for your special celebration.
A photo of Opaline Bar and Brasserie restaurant
10. Opaline Bar and Brasserie
4.4
Awesome(300)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
The French way of dining – often en plein air, typically unhurried and with a strong commitment to quality ingredients – is one of the cornerstones of l’art de vivre. Join us at Opaline Bar for thoughtful, French-inspired cuisine and specialty drinks in the heart of Washington DC. We also offer a special curated afternoon tea every Saturday afternoon.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SamuelVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •33 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great venue and great food! I’m looking forward to my next visit.
    More info
    Michele’sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• West Loop
    •
    3.9
  • 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
  • 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
  • Eric William
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    The food is wonderful - always above average (it's on the small side though) I have eaten at The Lafayette often - nice for a special evening. Every bite was extremely flavorful. A beautiful experience. The piano melodies make the atmosphere regal. * * * * *
    More info
    Lafayette RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • 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

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Downtown

Discover the perfect dining destinations for special occasions in the heart of Washington, D.C. Area, Downtown. Renowned for its vibrant and diverse dining scene, this area offers a plethora of restaurants that specialize in creating memorable experiences for any celebratory event. From intimate settings ideal for romantic dinners to lively venues that cater to larger gatherings, each restaurant ensures a unique combination of exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere. Patrons can expect a delightful culinary journey, with menus featuring everything from gourmet seafood to expertly cooked steaks and contemporary global dishes. Each establishment is dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality and service, making them top picks for both locals and visitors looking to celebrate important milestones. Immerse yourself in the sophistication and charm of Downtown D.C.'s dining scene, where every meal is an occasion in itself. Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or any special moment, these restaurants promise an exceptional dining experience that will make your celebration truly unforgettable.

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