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The Best National Harbor Restaurants in Washington DC

SUCCOTASH
Grace's Mandarin
Bobby McKey's
McCormick & Schmick's
Public House National Harbor
The Walrus Oyster & Ale House
Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen
Thai Pavilion
Crab Cake Cafe
Cadillac Ranch
Rosa Mexicano
Bond 45
Old Hickory Steakhouse
The Brass Tap
Redstone American Grill
SUCCOTASH
Grace's Mandarin
Bobby McKey's
Public House National Harbor
The Walrus Oyster & Ale House
Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen
Thai Pavilion
Crab Cake Cafe
Cadillac Ranch
Rosa Mexicano
Bond 45
charcuterie platter with a variety of cheese from old hickory steakhouse cheese in DC
Old Hickory Steakhouse
pretzel bites from brass tap pretzels in DC
The Brass Tap
pan of freshly baked cornbread from redstone american grill in DC
Redstone American Grill

The National Harbor is a waterfront area in Washington, D.C. This area offers state-of-the-art meeting spaces, high fashion stores, local boutiques, and restaurants led by top chefs. There are high-end restaurants in the National Harbor that are some of the best in the country. Here are some of the Best National Harbor Restaurants in Washington DC.

Photo Credit: https://succotashrestaurant.com/

1. SUCCOTASH

186 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD 20745

SUCCOTASH is a Southern restaurant with Asian flairs. The restaurant is found in Penn Quarter and offers a dynamic menu of signature dishes. Chef Edward Lee creatively integrates his Korean roots into his Southern cooking to create a unique take on the classic dishes. SUCCOTASH is an elaborate and breathtaking restaurant. The interior features a high ceiling, an open floor plan, and two levels of dining. Guests can sit below at a table or at the eye-catching bar area, or have a birds-eye view of the restaurant from the second floor. There is another more intimate dining area as well. SUCCOTASH is an innovative restaurant that offers guests fantastic food and drinks options. Visit them today for a memorable dining experience. https://succotashrestaurant.com/

Photo Credit: FaceBook

2. Grace’s Mandarin

188 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Grace’s Mandarin is another great restaurant in Washington D.C. Each dish is crafted with elegance and flair. Grace’s Mandarin is a fusion-inspired approach to modern Asian dishes. The restaurant offers traditional Asian cuisine that references local and regional culinary inspirations. Choose from dishes like the hot and spicy cashew chicken, or the ‘land, sky, sea delight’, which features beef, chicken, organic shrimp and an accompaniment of tasty ingredients complemented with white truffle oil. In addition to the extensive and delicious food options, the restaurant has breathtaking views of the Potomac River. In the summer, patio seating overlooking the water is an option for guests. If you are considering dining at the restaurant, keep in mind that proper attire is required. Check out Grace’s Mandarin food and drink options online, as well as their dining policy. http://www.gracesrestaurants.com/

Photo Credit: faceBook

3. Bobby McKey’s

172 Fleet St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Another one of the best restaurants in the National Harbor area is Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar. At Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar, pianists take audience requests and compete against one another. Show bar is lively and fun, even the staff dance along to the music! It costs money to purchase tickets for each show depending on how big the party is and what the featured event is. Food and drinks are available for purchase as well. Additionally, this is a great location for birthdays, parties, and other group gatherings. If you are looking for a memorable evening like none other, look no further than Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar! https://www.bobbymckeys.com/

Photo Credit: FaceBook

4. McCormick & Schmick’s

1652 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks is another great restaurant in the National Harbor area. This restaurant is a high-end steak and seafood chain that is known for its ambiance and happy hour deals. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks is located directly on the water at the National Harbor. Guests can enjoy a delicious dinner while enjoy a beautiful view. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks’ menu features seafood from the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the restaurant sources ingredients from local farms, ranches, and wineries. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks aims to feature cuisine that reflects the local products. Moreover, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks has sustainable fishing practices. If you are looking for an up-scale restaurant with breath-taking views, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks is the place for you! https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/location/mccormick-schmicks-national-harbor-md/

Photo Credit: FaceBook

5. Public House National Harbor

199 Fleet St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Public House National Harbor is an American-style restaurant in the area. Public House offers a wide variety of food that is sure to please every guest. No matter the occasion, this restaurant can do it all. If guests are wanting breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, or a late-night meal, Public House has the right food and drink options for any time. Additionally, patrons can use the space for reserved events, such as cocktail parties or for a business event. Another great feature of Public House is the late-night atmosphere. The restaurant offers occasionally live music that creates a fun atmosphere for guests. Whether you want to start or end your night, Public House has the drinks and food to make it happen. Check out Public House today. https://www.publichousenationalharbor.com/home

Photo Credit: FaceBook

6. The Walrus Oyster & Ale House

152 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

The last of the six best restaurants is The Walrus Oyster & Ale House. The Walrus Oyster & Ale House is a casual seafood restaurant with fresh and local fare. From lobster mac and cheese to waffle and chicken to even a half-pound walrus burger, The Walrus Oyster & Ale House has a meal for everyone in the family. Additionally, there are numerous drink options available for patrons to enjoy. No matter the occasion, The Walrus Oyster & Ale House is a great restaurant for any meal. The restaurant is locally owned and operated. Additionally, the restaurant has breathtaking views of the Potomac River and Old Town Alexandria. Nothing is better than fresh seafood and a beer while looking out over the water. If fresh seafood and a casual atmosphere is on your checklist for a restaurant, look no further than The Walrus Oyster & Ale House. Explore their menu today! https://www.walrusoysterandale.com/nationalharbor No matter what type of cuisine you are looking for, there are many of the Best National Harbor Restaurants in Washington DC.

7. Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen

152 National Plaza National Harbor, MD 20745

Looking for authentic Italian charm? Then look no further than Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen. With gorgeous views of the Potomac, Fiorella’s offers outdoor dining during the summer months that easily transform into a cozy retreat during the winter. Fiorella’s is most well-known for its housemade pasta, chicken parmesan, and pizza options to suit any taste. If you get a chance to visit Fiorella’s Italian Kitchen, try the “Taste of Italy” four-course meal. For only $45 dollars, you can enjoy a bowl of Meatballs or mozzarella balls as an appetizer, a house salad, any of their signature pizzas or pasta for an entree, and a warm caramel bread pudding for dessert.

8. Thai Pavilion

151 American Way, National Harbor, MD 20745

Using the finest ingredients, Thai Pavillion explores flavors of traditional Thai to exotic culinary creations. With over 30 years of experience, restaurant owner Thomas Ukrit takes pride in preparing each dish and believes the service and the overall experience are just as important as the meal. Thai Pavilion has an extensive menu featuring signature items such as Shrimp Basil Fried Rice, Ka Pow Grilled Salmon, and Masaman Curry. Thai Pavilion even offers a wide-ranging selection of sushi for those who aren’t as keen on authentic Thai food. Make sure to put this restaurant at the top of your list next time you are in the National Harbor area!

9. Crab Cake Cafe

140 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Are you obsessed with crab cakes? Us too, and at Crab Cake Cafe, you’re in for a real treat. With more than 40 years of experience, this family-owned restaurant guarantees you’ve never had a crab cake like this before. These one-of-a-kind crab cakes are hand-picked jumbo lump crab cakes with no fillers- ever. Crab Cake Cafe offers flavors from the Traditional Maryland Crab Cake to the Hawaiian Crab Cake to even the New Orleans Style Crab Cake. Heighten your experience by ordering a side of their homemade Seafood Gumbo, Old Bay Cheddar Corn Muffins, or Maryland Vegetable Crab soup. This restaurant will “take the cake” next time you’re in the National Harbor area.

Photo Credit: Facebook

10. Cadillac Ranch

186 Fleet St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

If you’re looking for a decent enough gameday spot, Cadillac Ranch isn’t for you. If you want the best gameday spot in town, with multiple bars, even more TVs, and a mechanical bull, then look no further. In addition to beer, wine, and Ranch Signature cocktails, you can partake in flatbreads, tacos, jumbo wings, and their iconic Cadillac Cowboy Burger loaded with cheddar, grilled onion, BBQ mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Then cap off your meal with S’mores Bread Pudding, which has toasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate fudge sauce.

Photo Credit: RosaMexicano.com

11. Rosa Mexicano

153 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

With a robust menu and an even bigger drink lineup, Rosa Mexicano is a no-brainer regardless of what time of day you’re posting up. For just $20 per person with the purchase of an entree (including huevos rosa and churros french toast), partake in bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. If you’re feeling lunch or dinner instead, take your pick of the vast list of street tacos, or maybe some fresh and zesty ceviche. And it wouldn’t be a true outing with the agave margaritas, or maybe get even classier with a tequila flight!

Photo Credit: Facebook.com

12. Bond 45

149 Waterfront St #1138, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Bond 45 was made famous in New York City’s theater district, and now brings that New York pace to the Potomac. No need to choose between steakhouse eats and Italian, because they offer up dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood (such as seafood-stuffed branzino), and handcrafted pastas. Put them all together and you can enjoy the indulgent lobster chicken parmigiana (make sure you’re splitting this one). Don’t miss their happy hour specials, every weekday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Artisanal Cheese Plate | Photo Credit: M. Fromage

13. Old Hickory Steakhouse

201 Waterfront St National Harbor, Maryland 20745

Old Hickory Steakhouse is located inside the lovely Gaylor Hotel, but you can enjoy this classy establishment whether you’re a local or a visitor. Come for the artisanal cheese plate, stay for the steaks! 

The cheese selection is one of the most highly praised in the DMV area. You can select three or six of a wide variety, including Midnight Moon Aged Goat, Clothbound Cheddar, Truffle Tremor, and Double Crème Brie. You better save room for the fabulous steaks and other meat cuts, including the Bison Ribeye, Wagyu New York Strip, and the 21-day dry-aged Tomahawk Steak!

Brass Tap Pretzels | Photo Credit: Brass Tap

14. The Brass Tap

164 Fleet St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

With over 150 beers from all around the world and a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home at The Brass Tap. And don’t fret, there’s plenty of perfectly prepared pub food, fitting for all tastes.

If you have a go-to bar snack, you can bet that The Brass Tap will do it justice. Their wings are crispy and drowning in any of their ten flavorful sauces, the pretzels are freshly baked and are the perfect vessel for spicy brown mustard or queso, and the tater tots are as crunchy as you can imagine.

Redstone’s Lodge Cornbread | Photo Credit: Redstone

15. Redstone American Grill

155 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Whether you’re taking that special someone out for an intimate date or enjoying a relaxed lunch with a coworker, Redstone is the perfect spot. With a wood-burning rotisserie and open flame grill, each dish is made with love and packed with insane amounts of flavor.

We have yet to find a weak item on the menu, but here are a few highlights. Redstone’s Lodge Cornbread is a perfect table treat, baked in a cast iron skillet and served with house-made maple butter. The Bang Bang Cauliflower is coated in a Firecracker Batter and fried, then served with sriracha aioli. The area may be known for crab, but you should see what they can do with their Lobster-Shrimp Cakes, served with a tomato corn salad, sriracha aioli, and a side of (what else?) Old Bay fries. The Rotisserie Chicken is one of their most popular items, and the General Tso Turkey Burger is a unique and drool-worthy entree as well.

 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on December 1, 2020 and last updated on April 6, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.