The Best Hotel Restaurants in Washington D.C.
Once upon a time, most of Washington D.C.’s hotel restaurants were bland and uninspired, places to go simply so you won’t go to bed hungry. But at some point, they started getting personality. Flavors! Celebrity chefs! Designer décor! Michelin stars! Here are some of the best.
Willard InterContinental
Why it made the list
Café du Park is this legendary hotel’s main restaurant, offering outstanding French bistro fare (don’t miss the French onion soup); the patio overlooking Pennsylvania venue is popular in warmer weather.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C
Why it made the list
While the St. Regis is very Grand Hotel, its St. Regis Restaurant is decidedly midcentury, with white, mod furniture and walls of wine highlighting its dining room. The Mediterranean-inspired menu showcases seasonal dishes by executive chef Sébastien Rondier's childhood experiences in southern France.
Rosewood Washington DC
Why it made the list
You feel like you’ve entered a manor’s drawing room at the elegant Grill Room, regal in its marron, gold and white decor. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out on the tree-shaded C&O Canal, where you can dine in warmer weather. And yes, true to its name, the American-style, seasonal menu is meat heavy (though the seafood is good, too—the grilled octopus is prepared to perfection).
The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C
Why it made the list
It may look casual, but the Westend Bistro offers a finely crafted menu of American and Mediterranean bistro classics garnered from local farms and waters. One of the more creative dishes is the pan-seared skate wing with roasted maitake, though rest assured, burgers are on the menu too. The patio is popular in warmer months.
Park Hyatt Washington DC.
Why it made the list
The bounty of regional farmers and producers is transformed into culinary works of art through age-old cooking methods—a fact not lost on the Michelin judges, who bestowed the Blue Duck Tavern with one star. There’s a Tea Cellar, four private tables (enclosed in glass) and the city’s best apple pie. Culinary fanatics will appreciate the showpiece Molteni range in the open kitchen.
Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant
Why it made the list
Contemporary American cuisine with regional accents is served in one of the most palatial dining rooms around: a temple of marble fireplaces, gilded mirrors, and floor-to-ceilings. No wonder the Morrison-Clark Inn Restaurant has won awards.
Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
Why it made the list
At Arroz, Top Chef Mike Isabella takes on regional Spanish (and Moroccan and Portuguese) cuisine with a contemporary twist: rabbit terrine, grilled octopus with chickpea puree, a 28-inch ribeye with harissa butter and patatas bravas. The seductive Spanish/Moroccan setting transports you straight to the Mediterranean.
Mandarin Oriental
Why it made the list
Muze’s East-West kitchen prepares local ingredients with an Asian or American twist. That is, you may find Virginia with a spicy Thai sauce and Maine lobster with xo sauce and ginger crispy locus root on the East side; and a 16-oz dry-aged prime beef ribeye in a bordelaise sauce on the west side. There’s seasonal terrace dining overlooking the gardens.
The Jefferson
Why it made the list
The Michelin-starred Plume restaurant pays homage to Thomas Jefferson’s life and times, including a seasonal local menu, a commanding wine list, and colonial inspired décor (including wallpaper depicting Jefferson’s estate). Waiters decked out in suits and white gloves serve your dinner on silver platters.
Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C
Why it made the list
Grilled steak in all its buttery goodness is the raison d’être of Bourbon Steak by chef Michael Mina. Though the super-fresh seafood is excellent too.
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