05/15/2025
The Wharf, Washington, D.C., is a dynamic destination for dining, entertainment, and waterfront lifestyle. Officially launched in 2017 and expanded through 2022, this one-mile stretch along the Potomac River is a standout example of 21st-century urban planning. Developed by Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, the area blends cultural spaces, hospitality, retail, and residential living in a walkable, scenic setting just south of the National Mall.
As part of our initial phase, CivicVisitors LLC is highlighting 41 restaurants located across three categories: rooftop dining, casual & international cuisine, and snacks/lounges/other concepts. These selections were curated based on diversity of offerings, experiential value, and verified operational presence at The Wharf. This series is strictly informational and was compiled using public directories, business websites, and field verification.
Please Note: We are not publishing restaurant reviews or customer ratings at this stage due to the changing nature of online feedback and the volatility of review platforms. Readers are encouraged to visit each restaurant’s official website or public listing (Google, Yelp, OpenTable) for the most up-to-date reviews, menus, and payment options. Each restaurant’s address and host building (if applicable) are included in our profiles for convenience and accuracy.
This guide will be continually updated as CivicVisitors expands its mapping and visitor insight tools across the district.
Rooftop Dining Options – The Wharf
1. 12 Stories
This high-style rooftop bar atop the InterContinental Hotel offers sweeping views of the Potomac River and the Washington skyline. Known for its inventive cocktails and small plates, it’s a top choice for upscale evening outings.
Address: 75 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 (InterContinental Hotel) | Hours: Evenings & weekends | Reservations: Recommended | Website: 12storiesdc.com
2. La Vie
La Vie is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a glamorous rooftop terrace overlooking the marina. It’s celebrated for its upscale seafood, handcrafted pastas, and high-end design.
Address: 88 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 (La Vie Building – District Square) | Hours: Daily | Reservations: Encouraged | Website: lavie-dc.com
3. Moonraker
Located on the top floor of the Pendry Hotel, Moonraker features Japanese small plates, craft cocktails, and panoramic marina views. Its sleek atmosphere makes it a favorite for date nights and refined socializing.
Address: 655 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Pendry Hotel) | Hours: Dinner to late night | Reservations: Preferred | Website: pendry.com/washington-dc/dining/moonraker
4. Officina (Terrazza)
Officina’s third-floor rooftop lounge offers an Italian garden-style atmosphere with fire pits, cocktails, and handmade pasta. A stylish retreat for both casual and curated experiences.
Address: 1120 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Officina Building – Market Pier vicinity) | Hours: Lunch through evening | Reservations: Not required for rooftop bar | Website: officinadc.com/wharf
5. Tiki TNT
A lively rooftop tiki bar above Potomac Distilling Company, Tiki TNT serves tropical cocktails and island-inspired snacks. Its playful vibe and waterfront perch make it a local favorite.
Address: 1130 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Potomac Distilling Co.) | Hours: Afternoon to late night | Reservations: Walk-ins welcome | Website: tikitnt.com
6. Cantina Bambina
Cantina Bambina is an open-air, second-story bar with views over the Transit Pier. It offers frozen margaritas, cold beer, and a relaxed environment for casual visitors.
Address: 960 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Above Transit Pier / Water Taxi Terminal) | Hours: Seasonal operations | Reservations: Not accepted | Website: cantinabambina.com
Snacks, Lounge Concepts and Others – The Wharf
1. Ben & Jerry’s
This world-famous scoop shop is known for its rich, creamy ice creams, served in cones, cups, and sundaes. It’s a favorite for families and waterfront strollers.
Address: 705 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Daytime to early evening | Reservations: Not required | Website: benjerry.com/districtwharf
2. Boardwalk Bar & Arcade
Combining retro arcade games with casual bar bites and drinks, this venue offers nostalgic fun with trivia nights and seasonal outdoor seating.
Address: 715 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Afternoon to late-night | Reservations: Not required | Website: boardwalkwharf.com
3. Camp Wharf at the Firepit
This seasonal firepit concept features s’mores kits, warm drinks, and relaxed outdoor seating for cozy evenings by the water.
Address: 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Friday–Sunday (Seasonal) | Reservations: Not required | Website: wharfdc.com/restaurants/camp-wharf-at-the-firepit
4. Canopy Central Bar & Café
Located inside the Canopy by Hilton, this stylish café serves coffee, cocktails, and light bites in a lobby lounge environment.
Address: 975 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Canopy by Hilton) | Hours: Daily | Reservations: Not required | Website: hilton.com/dcacupy/dining
5. Chopsmith
This fast-casual health concept specializes in customizable salads, grain bowls, and proteins in a sleek, grab-and-go atmosphere.
Address: 11 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Lunch through dinner | Reservations: Not required | Website: chopsmith.com
6. Cru Classé – Sea Table D.C.
This exclusive private dining venue operates aboard a docked luxury yacht, serving seafood and curated wine pairings by reservation only.
Address: 650 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Private bookings | Reservations: Required | Website: seatabledc.com
7. Easy Company
A European-style wine bar offering curated wines by the glass, shareable plates, and an intimate, cozy setting off Blair Alley.
Address: 98 Blair Alley SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Evenings | Reservations: Encouraged weekends | Website: easycowharf.com
8. Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream
Known for handcrafted fudge, caramel apples, and old-fashioned ice cream, Kilwins is a nostalgic sweet stop with classic charm.
Address: 663 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Daily | Reservations: Not required | Website: kilwins.com
9. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
This New England–style eatery delivers buttery lobster rolls and seafood baskets in a casual counter-service format.
Address: 681 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: All day | Reservations: Not required | Website: masonslobster.com
10. Pearl Street Warehouse
A live music venue with a bar menu and American fare, this high-energy spot offers standing shows and weekend dance floors.
Address: 33 Pearl St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Evenings & show nights | Reservations: Tickets recommended | Website: pearlstreetwarehouse.com
11. Shake Shack
An iconic American burger chain offering burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and shakes with vegetarian-friendly options and waterfront views.
Address: 975 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Daily | Reservations: Not required | Website: shakeshack.com/location/wharf-dc
12. The Watering Hole (Seasonal)
An open-air, seasonal bar offering cold cocktails and snacks near the promenade, popular during weekend foot traffic.
Address: 850 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Spring–Fall (Weekends) | Reservations: Not accepted | Website: wharfdc.com/the-watering-hole
13. Twisted Pretzel
Serving gourmet pretzels both sweet and savory, this grab-and-go kiosk offers fast snacks with fun, festival energy.
Address: 1162 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Municipal Fish Market) | Hours: Daytime | Reservations: Not required | Website: twistedpretzel.com
14. Whitlow’s on Water
A reincarnation of the D.C. classic, this casual bar serves burgers, brews, and hosts weekly live music and local events.
Address: 949 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Brunch to late night | Reservations: Not required | Website: whitlows.com
15. Z O O Z Cocktail Garden
An upscale cocktail and dessert lounge with floral interiors, offering a unique setting for date nights and late-night sweets.
Address: 636 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Amaris Building) | Hours: Evenings | Reservations: Encouraged | Website: wharfdc.com/zooz
16. Live-K Karaoke Bar
A futuristic Japanese-style karaoke bar with neon-lit rooms, bottle service, and a vibrant atmosphere for groups.
Address: 730 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Evenings & weekends | Reservations: Recommended | Website: wharfdc.com/live-k
17. Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery
This elegant bakery café serves artisan pastries, croissants, and espresso in a refined, relaxed setting.
Address: 1201 Half Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Morning to afternoon | Reservations: Not required | Website: mahzedahrbakery.com
18. Pink Taco
A colorful, edgy taco bar offering bold margaritas, tacos, and a high-energy nightlife vibe.
Address: 100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Lunch to late night | Reservations: Optional | Website: pinktaco.com
Casual & International Cuisine – The Wharf
1. Mi Vida
Modern Mexican cuisine with bold flavors, colorful interiors, and waterfront views. Known for street-style tacos, ceviche, and margaritas.
Address: 98 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 (District Square) | Hours: Brunch, lunch & dinner | Reservations: Recommended | Website: mividamexico.com
2. Kaliwa
A Southeast Asian fusion restaurant offering Filipino, Thai, and Korean dishes in a stylish, open-air venue. Known for its grilled meats and street-food twists.
Address: 751 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Transit Pier area) | Hours: Dinner daily, brunch weekends | Reservations: Recommended | Website: kaliwadc.com
3. ilili DC
Elegant Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean dining with mezze platters, grilled meats, and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, upscale atmosphere.
Address: 100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Amaris Building vicinity) | Hours: Lunch & dinner daily | Reservations: Strongly recommended | Website: ililirestaurants.com
4. Limani
Greek-Mediterranean seafood restaurant offering coastal flavors, mezedes, and grilled fish in a sophisticated two-level setting.
Address: 670 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Lunch & dinner | Reservations: Encouraged | Website: limani.com
5. Del Mar by Fabio Trabocchi
Upscale Spanish seafood restaurant offering tapas, paella, and fine wines in a luxurious marina-facing setting.
Address: 791 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Brunch, lunch & dinner | Reservations: Required | Website: delmardc.com
6. Milk & Honey
Southern-style brunch restaurant known for chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and vibrant daytime service.
Address: 675 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Breakfast, brunch & lunch | Reservations: Recommended weekends | Website: milkandhoneycafe.com
7. Bistro Du Jour
A Parisian-style all-day café serving espresso drinks, croissants, steak frites, and French pastries in a cozy bistro setting.
Address: 99 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Breakfast to dinner | Reservations: Accepted | Website: bistrodujourdc.com
8. Nara-Ya
Contemporary Japanese izakaya serving sushi, robata grill items, and signature cocktails in an elegant setting.
Address: 88 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 (La Vie Building) | Hours: Dinner only | Reservations: Strongly recommended | Website: naraya.com
9. bartaco
Laid-back coastal restaurant offering tacos, rice bowls, and Latin-inspired cocktails in a beachy, casual space.
Address: 645 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Lunch & dinner | Reservations: Not required | Website: bartaco.com/location/wharf-dc
10. Lucky Buns (Closed)
Formerly known for gourmet burgers with global flavor profiles and spicy sauces. Location at The Wharf is now permanently closed.
Address: Removed from current list
11. Moon Rabbit (Closed)
Former modern Vietnamese-American fine dining restaurant blending heritage dishes with upscale techniques. No longer active at The Wharf.
Address: Removed from current list
12. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips
Fast-casual British eatery serving crispy cod, crinkle fries, and house sauces in a grab-and-go format.
Address: 652 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: All day | Reservations: Not accepted | Website: gordonramsayrestaurants.com/fish-and-chips
13. The Grill
California-inspired American grill offering wood-fired dishes, burgers, and craft cocktails in a modern setting.
Address: 99 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Pendry vicinity) | Hours: Lunch & dinner | Reservations: Encouraged | Website: thegrillwharf.com
14. Willowsong
A seasonal American restaurant highlighting local ingredients, rotating dishes, and rustic charm in a cozy indoor space.
Address: 699 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Dinner only | Reservations: Encouraged | Website: willowsongdc.com
15. Fish Shop DC
Scottish-inspired seafood restaurant with sustainable, tail-to-tip cooking and dishes like smoked trout crumpets and crab bisque.
Address: 610 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 | Hours: Lunch & dinner | Reservations: Accepted | Website: fishshopdc.com
16. Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen
Modern American fine dining with signature Ramsay dishes like Beef Wellington, in a high-energy, TV-inspired setting.
Address: 652 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Same complex as Fish & Chips) | Hours: Dinner service | Reservations: Required | Website: gordonramsayrestaurants.com/hells-kitchen
17. Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Laid-back raw bar and seafood eatery offering Virginia oysters, crab cakes, and craft drinks by the water.
Address: 1150 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 (Municipal Fish Market) | Hours: Lunch & dinner | Reservations: Accepted | Website: rappbarrwharf.com
