The days of bland hotel restaurant food are long gone. Hotel restaurants all over the world are not only working hard to get their guests into their restaurants but also the local community. Washington, DC hotel restaurants are stepping up to the plate when it comes to inventive menus and award-winning dishes. Here is a list of some of my recommended spots:
Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt DC
Year after year, Blue Duck Tavern continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Washington, DC. Located at the Park Hyatt DC, the dining room is refined without being pretentious. Its hyper-seasonal modern American menu and top-notch service make it one of my go-to places for a special occasion meal. Bonus: you can go any time of the day for a meal (my personal favorite is breakfast), and have an elevated culinary experience. Order the pancakes, and you will thank me later!
Blue Duck Tavern, Park Hyatt Washington, DC, 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Bourbon Steak at Four Seasons Washington, DC
If you’re looking for a proper spot to entertain clients or a cozy restaurant for a date night, Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons is always a great bet. As the name implies, steak is the star of the menu; however, you can also indulge in other dishes such as the lobster pot pie. Start with a drink at its lively bar (and perhaps spot a celebrity). This DC hotel restaurant is located in Georgetown, perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
Bourbon Steak, Four Seasons Washington, DC, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website
Via Sophia at The Hamilton Hotel
The Hamilton Hotel recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, which included the transformation of its former restaurant 14K into Via Sophia. Via Sophia is a modern and intimate restaurant that is a bit of an oasis from the bustling 14th Street and K St neighborhood. If you want a bit of the action, there’s also a patio.
Their menu offers wood-fired oven pizzas, handmade pasta, and main courses. My favorite was the beautiful whole-roasted branzino which as deboned tableside by our server. Save room for a few scoops of refreshing gelato made in-house.
Via Sophia, The Hamilton Hotel, 1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Plume at The Jefferson Hotel
In my humble opinion, Plume at The Jefferson Hotel is one of the most romantic DC hotel restaurants. Actually, it’s one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, Plume is the perfect restaurant for a proposal or anniversary.
With its stunning crystal chandeliers, bronze accents, and dapper servers, it is a luxurious dining experience from beginning to end. The tasting menu is seasonal, with heavy use of local ingredients. The prix-fixe menu features classics such as a decadent lobster gratiné to a delicate duck breast. After your dinner, head to The Jefferson Hotel bar, Quill. Their creative cocktails and quaint atmosphere make it the perfect place for a nightcap.
Plume, The Jefferson Hotel, 1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC, Website
The Pembroke at The Dupont Circle Hotel
The Pembroke at the Dupont Circle Hotel is one of the most beautifully designed DC hotel restaurants. The newly renovated restaurant gets tons of natural light thanks to its wraparound patio. Its coral leather booth makes for the perfect place to be seen while eating one of their colorful salads. Tip: make room for dessert. The key lime at The Pembroke pie to die for.
The Pembroke, The Dupont Circle Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website
Photo Credit: Brothers and Sisters
Brothers and Sisters at The Line Hotel
It’s fair to say that The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan has one of the liveliest lobbies in the city with its open plan and hip crowd. One of the restaurants at the hotel is Brothers and Sisters by renowned local chef Eric Brunner-Yang. From udon noodles to blue cheese wontons, the menu is as diverse as the city. I still think about the dry-aged beef burger, easily one of the best burgers I’ve had in the city.
Brothers and Sisters, The Line Hotel, 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC, Website
Cherry at the W Washington, DC
The W Hotel Washington, DC just underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, and it’s totally worth the trip to check out Cherry, their new restaurant. The restaurant Sunday brunch is a must-go: a buffet brunch with a cocktail for $40. In a party mood? You can also order bottomless mimosas and bellinis for an additional $25. There is also an a-la-carte menu. Get dressed up with your crew and enjoy brunch with a live D.J. After brunch take in the fantastic views from P.O.V., their famous rooftop bar.
Cherry, W Hotel Washington, DC, 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC, Website
DC Hotel Restaurants: The Verdict
There are so many DC hotel restaurants to choose from. From swanky to hip, the variety is as diverse as the city.
