Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ada's on the River

4.7

4.7 (3785)

$30 and under

American

Old Town Alexandria

About the restaurant

Built around a custom wood-burning oven and featuring stunning panoramic views of the Potomac River, Ada's on the River draws inspiration from the ingenuity of Ada Lovelace, one of the greatest mathematicians of the 19th century. Ada's menus feature a selection of wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood and vegetarian fare, in addition to an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list.

Top review

alex

Dined 1 day ago

A superb restaurant with excellent food - highly recommend!

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Jula's on the Potomac

4.6

4.6 (3069)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Best known for its spectacular panoramic views, Jula’s on the Potomac is one of the most sought-after dining spots in Metro DC. Offering exquisitely crafted cocktails, an ever-evolving wine list, and an impressive array of alcohol-free options, you can be sure to find something to fit your taste. The menus feature American cuisine classics with an innovative approach to brunch, lunch and dinner. Whether you’re dining for business or pleasure, a meal at Jula’s is sure to make a lasting impression.

Top review

SharonVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We celebrated a birthday tonight and staff could not have been friendlier. The bartender, Carlos, was awesome! The food was yummy and the craft cocktails were delightful. Can’t beat the view!

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Popular dish

FRENCH TOAST BREAD PUDDING

4.5

4.5 (1677)

$31 to $50

American

Alexandria

About the restaurant

Established in 1941, Cedar Knoll is a historic restaurant with sweeping views of the Potomac River. Cedar Knoll is set just off the beautiful George Washington Parkway, which makes for a scenic drive. The restaurant was built around a log cabin dating back to the early 1800's, so the history is apparent from the moment you step inside. Each room possesses charming qualities adding to the ambiance. Whether you dine in the comfortable elegance of the Presidential Room or the natural splendor of the Botanical Room, both set the perfect stage for an evening with family, friends, and loved ones. Cedar Knoll is conveniently located minutes between Old Town Alexandria and George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate.

Top review

Connie

Dined 7 days ago

This was our first visit to the restaurant and it was lovely. We were nearly the only guests because we just had a snow event a few days prior. So it was quiet and it allowed us to talk easily and walk around and enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant. Food was excellent and I highly recommend. For dessert, we had the Chai soufflé. I would not classify it as a soufflé, but it was even better than expected. It was dense and flavorful and I would have loved a bigger piece!! We would love to visit again during sunlight hours so we can see the water!

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Popular dish

Local Oyster Stew

Tony & Joe's Seafood Place

4.3

4.3 (2657)

$30 and under

Seafood

Georgetown

About the restaurant

Dine with a view of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center and the beautiful Washington Harbour fountains. Located in The Washington Harbour in Georgetown, we serve only the freshest seafood.

Top review

Ray

Dined on Dec 30, 2024

Excellent seafood and accompaniments with everything served efficiently. Nice wine selection with range of price points. Only negative was white wine served initially at too high temperature and noise of plate gathering from party group was loud. The overall atmosphere diminished by the outside covering (apparently for New Year’s Eve)

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Redstone American Grill - National Harbor

4.3

4.3 (2709)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

National Harbor

About the restaurant

From the moment you walk into Redstone, you know you’re in for a truly special experience. Each guest is warmly greeted at the door with a genuine smile. The people here are glad to see you and it shows. As you pass the cozy fireplace and take in the view of the bustling bar, you know you’ve arrived.

Dining at Redstone is so much more than a delicious meal; it’s a memorable experience – from the carefully selected music to the first class service.

Redstone features a wood-burning grill, rotisserie and an open exhibition kitchen where our signature steaks, chicken and the freshest seafood available are creatively prepared.

The rugged yet romantic atmosphere is perfect for any occasion.

Adventurous and uncompromising, Redstone’s attention to detail is evident in our commitment to making everything from scratch and to our relentless pursuit of guest satisfaction.

Top review

Margie

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent service and cornbread was delicious. My Thai salad was a little soggy. Excellent mocktail.

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Sauciety at The Westin Washington National Harbor

4.3

4.3 (733)

$30 and under

American

National Harbor

About the restaurant

Sauciety Restaurant - serving American classics with an unusual twist with flavorful sauces, dips and more, encouraging you and your friends to share while enjoying a fresh take on regional cuisine along the waterfront. Come and Enjoy amazing sunset views in our Sauciety Restaurant or hand-crafted cocktails in our lobby bar.

Top review

ShannonVIP

Dined 3 days ago

This is our go to brunch spot after church on Sunday. The staff is very courteous.

Top of the Gate at The Watergate Hotel

4.1

4.1 (466)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Foggy Bottom

About the restaurant

Top of the Gate is closed for the season. We will see you in the spring!

The energetic and sophisticated rooftop bar and lounge at The Watergate Hotel has views of the Potomac River, the Key & Arlington bridges, and Georgetown. It is the perfect place for an after-work cocktail or the season’s most talked-about event.

Parties of 8 to 19 are subjected to a $100 minimum per person. This includes separate reservations that are together. By making your reservation(s) you agree to these terms. If we close for the day for any reason (such as weather), all reservations will automatically be cancelled, and an email will be sent to alert you.

There is a cancellation fee of $50 per person. See our cancellation policy for more. We can hold your table for 15 minutes before we release it & charge the no-show fee. Should you have questions you may call our reservations team at 844-617-1972 or email us at dining@thewatergatehotel.com.

Top review

James

Dined on Oct 22, 2024

Perfect evening- drinks and food surpassed- great vibe

The Commentary

3.9

3.9 (90)

$30 and under

American

Arlington

About the restaurant

Located in the bustling neighborhood of Ballston, The Commentary sets the tone to come together and connect over shared experiences and conversation. A new All American Eatery and Social House, The Commentary infuses East Coast ingredients with a West Coast flair. From business breakfasts to power lunches and happy hours, the dynamic space accommodates groups large and small for a variety of purposes. In our bar and lounge, enjoy shareable appetizers, shareable cocktails, local draft beers and a well rounded wine selection sure to please all palates.

Top review

LeslieVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Slow service but food was good. Space was quiet. One meal came out 10 minutes later than the rest.

Harry's

3.8

3.8 (118)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Warrenton

About the restaurant

Welcome to Harry's!

Named for Harry C. Groome, the original owner of Airlie House, this signature smart casual Warrenton restaurant honors our agricultural heritage with true pasture-to-plate cuisine. Most ingredients travel just 400 yards from our production farm to our kitchen. And you get to savor these hyperlocal flavors in our cozy, winery-inspired dining room or al-fresco on our inviting lakeside patio.

House specialties include Harry’s Burger (made with our angus beef), smoke spiced wings, Airlie garden salad, and seasonal Flat Breads. Pair your favorite meal with a vast selection of mircobrews, Virginia wines or farm-to-table cocktails.

Please note, we do not accept reservations for our outdoor Patio. This is always on a first come first serve basis.

Top review

Pearson

Dined on Dec 5, 2024

Food and service were good. Great burger and fries. Price is OK. Problem is this place is always deserted. Airlie resort and it’s amenities like Harry’s are so under marketed and I’m afraid it’s not going to survive. You’ve got to spend money to make money, and they simply do not invest in marketing this gem in our community. Sadly, the grounds are deteriorating and it appears they don’t have the funds to maintain the property appropriately. Walkways are crumbling, lighting is broken and insufficient. I hope they give this property some TLC and revive it.

Bar Harbor

3.7

3.7 (72)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

National Harbor

About the restaurant

A Safe Harbor to Feed Your Soul. Bar Harbor is a comfortable refuge where fresh-dough, artisan pizza and exceptional tacos highlight a fun menu loaded with familiar flavors. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, a featured local micro-brew, or a meticulously planned wine offering.

Top review

Harrton

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Bar Harbor is located in the Hyatt Place Hotel. Believe the restaurant is used for the hotel breakfast area as well. Eric greeted us at the entrance and was able to seat us prior to our reservation. He was very courteous and accommodating. Maurice was our waiter and he also was friendly and attentive. The restaurant was very busy and the staff earned their pay this evening. All the team appeared to help each other out. The food came out fast and was hot, obviously right off the grill. We decided on sandwiches and were pleased. One of us tried a mixed drink and the other a soft drink (Pepsi products served here). The desserts were the best.

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