11 of the Tastiest Restaurants in Navy Yard, Washington D.C.
Navy Yard is a neighborhood in DC that’s home to the Nationals Park baseball stadium and tons of sports bars, beer gardens, and trendy eateries that offer different types of cuisine. If you’re planning to visit DC soon, or you live in the area and want to try a new restaurant or two, here are some of the best restaurants in Navy Yard, Washington DC to try, no matter what you’ve got a taste for.
1. Osteria Morini
301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 484-0660
When you’ve got a taste for authentic Italian food, you’ll find a number of fresh, delicious entrees at Osteria Morini. This restaurant, which has a friendly ambiance and modern decor, is fairly new to Navy Yard and offers a variety of hearty Italian dishes including handmade pasta. The mortadella is the most popular dish at the eatery, closely followed by the crostini. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth at Osteria Morini by ordering pesche or tiramisu.
2. Agua 301 Restaurant
301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 484-0301
The swanky atmosphere and beautiful natural views from the dining room make Agua 301 one of the best places in DC to enjoy tasty Mexican food. This eatery is popular among DC restaurant enthusiasts, and the locals recommend the house-made guacamole. Of course, you can find a variety of authentic Mexican entrees at Agua 301 as well, including enchiladas and seafood dishes. The restaurant also has happy hour every day of the week, and you’ll love the open floorplan and modern decor, which is perfect for date night.
3. The Arsenal
300 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 524-4862
The decor of The Arsenal dates all the way back to 1919, so this is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat if you’re into restaurants that have a historic ambiance. The restaurant is inside Bluejacket brewery and The Arsenal uses fresh and locally-sourced fruits and vegetables to make pasta and charcuterie in-house. The Arsenal is also one of the best restaurants in Navy Yard Washington DC to get a delicious gourmet sandwich or an entree that features fresh and delicious seasonal veggies if you prefer a meat-free meal. You can also stop by the brewery after your meal for a quality after-dinner beverage.
4. Cornercopia
1000 3rd St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 525-1653
Cornercopia is known for these house-made sandwiches. The Stadium is the most popular sandwich at Cornercopia; it’s made from locally sourced ingredients and fresh deli meat. The casual eatery also offers vegan and vegetarian sandwiches, and you’ll love the cafe-style decor, which is ideal for a small lunch with friends or solo dining.
5. TaKorean
1212 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
TaKorean is a Mexican and Korean fusion eatery. The restaurant started as a food truck and is quickly creating a favorable reputation in the Navy Yard area. You can choose from tasty dishes like Korean BBQ tacos and pickled cabbage served with avocado. TaKorean also has a number of vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options for individuals with special dietary preferences or restrictions.
6. Leo’s Eatery
7 N St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 808-9344
Leo’s Eatery is one of the most popular eateries in the city amongst the locals. You can choose from 25 sauces for your whole or boneless wings. The prices are affordable, so you can easily get enough food for a gathering with friends and family. Leo’s doesn’t offer dine-in seating, but you can count on fast delivery when you’re in the mood for a pizza with your favorite toppings or an entree of chicken wings seasoned to perfection. The restaurant also offers a breakfast menu with large portions that are perfect for sharing.
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7. The Salt Line
79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 506-2368
The Salt Line takes full advantage of its proximity to the sea, serving devastatingly fresh oysters, shellfish, and other types of seafood. In fact, they’re one of the best seafood restaurants in town. They’re well known for their lobster roll, though if it’s not peak season, their Chesapeake Shrimp Roll is just as satisfying. Whether you’re a pescatarian or a carnivore, you’ll be very happy with your meal. Start off with their fluffy Parker House Rolls and the Baked Pimento Crab Dip (with homemade Old Bay chips of course), and you can’t go wrong with an order of oysters for the table. When it’s time for the main course, you can opt for any of the fresh seafood selections, but their North Shore Roast Beef Sandwich is a hearty and delicious option. They’re also known for having one of the best Smash Burgers in the area, so if you’re feeling more turf than surf, you have great options.
8. GATSBY
1205 Half St SE Suite #205, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 817-3005
The Navy Yard has a bit of everything! Including a 1920’s themed restaurant called The Gatsby, serving American brunch and dinner. They are located right near the Nationals Stadium with outside seating. Try any of their amazing food like chicken pot pie and steak eggs which contains a great combination of morning eggs and evening steak. The Gatsby can host any private events (weddings, cocktail parties, birthdays), and for more information check out their website.
9. Hatoba
300 Tingey Street SE #170, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 488-4800
Ramen over here to Hatoba! Enjoy any of their ramen dishes or starter dishes for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery. Some great ramen recommendations are red miso clam ramen and spicy miso bowl. Their atmosphere has high ceilings and a full bar. Hatoba is closed on Mondays so plan accordingly.
10. La Famosa
1300 4th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 921-9882
Not saying you will become famous when visiting this restaurant, but they are famous for their Puerto Rican food. La Famosa is serving the Navy Yard with flavorful, soulful Puerto Rican food. From indoor to outdoor seating, try any of their drinks and coffee. You can not go wrong with their mofongo and grilled swordfish. If you want a quick bit to go, enjoy their sandwiches and pastries to the max.
11. Chicken + Whiskey
70 N Street SE Washington, DC 20003
(202)991-8100
Chicken + Whiskey serves a combination of flavorful chicken with a great whiskey drink. Chicken + Whiskey is a great place for big groups for sharing plates and who love rotisserie chicken. There are also wraps and their famous savory mac n queso con pollo. Enjoy every dish with one of their 99+ whiskey drinks.
If you’re looking for more information on where to eat and drink in The District, check out our city page!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 21, 2021 and last updated on May 18, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.