Where to Eat Fancy or Casual at the District Wharf

Restaurant kitchens at the District Wharf are busy these days satisfying the pent-up urge to once again get back to meals with friends and family. For some, this means dressing up and making reservations for  long meals with fancy cocktails and shared bottles of wine over three or more courses, for others it means a more casual approach. Whether you are ready to go classy or keep it casual, there’s a dining option for you at the Wharf.  Below is Wharf Life DC’s quick index of food options at the District Wharf. 

Fancy, fancy

These top-rated restaurants include exquisite service, remarkable presentations, and compelling flavors. Each is a good opportunity to impress future in-laws; celebrate anniversaries; dazzle clients; or to get out of the proverbial dog house.

• Del Mar – This Spanish restaurant, an ode to Palma Mallorca’s seafood tradition, this Fabio Trabocchi creation has earned a Michelin star. 
• La Vie – Mediterranean menus and spectacular views of the Wharf marinas and the Washington Channel. 
• Moon Rabbit – A contemporary Vietnamese restaurant led by Chef Kevin Tien, who has been recognized as one of the 10 “Best New Chefs” by Food & Wine Magazine. 
• Nara-Ya -An innovative Japanese restaurant that offers sushi and non-sushi options with spectacular views of the Washington Channel. 
• Officina – This Italian restaurant is the vision of Michelin star winning Chef Nicholas Stefanelli. 

Casual sit-down

Nice sit down restaurants good for first dates; birthdays; and any occasions.  

• Hank’s Oyster Bar – A seafood restaurant with full menus and sit down options, it has the feel of a neighborhood gathering place. 
• Kaliwa – An amazing Asian fusion restaurant featuring cuisine from Thailand, the Philippines, and Korea.
• Kirwans – No neighborhood is complete without an Irish restaurant where one can find pints along with a full menu and Irish music. 
• Lupo Marino – Authentic, rustic, Italian fare in a waterside setting inspired by the Amalfi coast
• Mi Vida – High-end Mexican menu in a spectacular setting overlooking the Southwest waterfront. 
• Rappahannock Oyster Bar – Comfy oyster bar with outdoor seating adjacent to the historic fish market.  

Fast casual 

Quick eats to fill the belly pre-show; take care of the family. 

• Colada Shop – Fresh Cuban cuisine providing delicious food, strong coffee, and refreshing cocktails morning till night. 
• Chopsmith – Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to a daily homemade market. 

• Grazie Grazie – The place for Jersey Shore-style subs, salads, and sandwiches. 
• Pearl Street Warehouse – Grab an order of loaded tater-tots and a cheeseburger from the flatiron grill during happy hour, pre-show, or post show. 
• Shake Shack – Burgers, dogs, fries, and shakes to feed the family after a long day of walking. 
• Surfside – Great spot for tacos, burritos, salads & fresh-Mex, pre and post-show.
• Toastique  – Specializing in fresh pressed juices, smoothies, Acai bowls, and avocado toasts, it’s a perfect place to start the day or for that midday bump.

Street food   

Food to walk and talk.

• Captain White’s Seafood City / Jessie Taylor Seafood  – pick up fresh fish, chilled oysters on the half-shell or hot steamed crabs at the historic Municipal Fish Market. 
• Falafel Inc, – $3 falafel and the best fries at the Wharf!
• Kaliwa Kiosk – Check out this street vendor for bulgogi, Kaliwa Burger, and Filipino Street BBQ
• Twisted at the Wharf – Get your hot pretzels and pretzel dogs while you cruise the Wharf.
• Union Pie – Pick up a New Jersey style, “bar pie” by the slice or full pie.