This guide covers 7 fine dining restaurant options in Washington. Guests rate them 4.5 out of 5 on average. Most of them are spread across Northwest Washington, Downtown, Penn Quarter, so those are the areas to start with.

All Fine dining restaurant in Washington

San Lorenzo

4.5 463 reviews

San Lorenzo is a premier Italian restaurant in Washington, DC, specializing in exquisite tasting menus perfect for large groups, weddings, and private dining experiences. The restaurant offers a unique and intimate setting, where guests can indulge in exceptional cuisine and curated wine events that elevate any gathering. The restaurant is led by Chef Massimo Fabbri, who brings the warmth, flavors, and hospitality of his native Tuscany to the dining room. With 30 years of experience, Chef Massimo has crafted a menu that features handmade pasta, steak, and seasonal fish, all cooked to perfection. The restaurant's wine list is also carefully curated, featuring a selection of Italian wines and classic cocktails. San Lorenzo is an ideal destination for special occasions, including weddings, corporate dinners, and private events. The restaurant's beautifully appointed space can accommodate up to 20 guests, and the chef's tasting menu is designed to suit any group's needs. With its exceptional cuisine, curated wine events, and intimate setting, San Lorenzo is the perfect choice for any gathering, whether it's a romantic dinner, a corporate event, or a celebration with friends.

Opening hours
  • Monday5:30–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday5:30–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday5:30–9:30 PM
  • Thursday5:30–9:30 PM
  • Friday5–10:30 PM
  • Saturday5–10:30 PM
  • Sunday5–9 PM

Ristorante TOSCA

4.5 621 reviews

Ristorante Tosca is a restaurant located in Washington, DC, offering exceptional Italian cuisine and service in a relaxed, beautiful space. It specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, using only the freshest ingredients, including local produce and farm-raised proteins, plus fresh, house-made pastas. The restaurant features a variety of signature dishes, modern interpretations, and creative desserts, all paired with an extensive wine, cocktail, and spirits selection. The restaurant's interior is designed to provide a light, bright feel, with artful Italian tilework, a white marble bar, and warm brass and wood throughout. A few notable features include a stunning bar and lounge area, an expanded private dining space for special occasions, and cozy, semi-private seating options. The restaurant still offers its exclusive Chef's Table, which seats a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 people, providing a unique dining experience with the chef creating a seasonal, ingredient-driven, six-course feast. Ristorante Tosca is suitable for dinner, large parties, and special occasions, offering a unique experience for guests. The restaurant's menu is designed to prompt little whoops of pleasure and encourage discussion, with dishes that are both visually and gastrically appealing. With its exceptional service and beautiful space, Ristorante Tosca is a great choice for those looking for a unique Italian dining experience in Washington, DC.

  • 1112 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Northwest Washington
  • (202) 367-1990
  • toscadc.com
  • Today: 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM
Opening hours
  • Monday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PM
  • Tuesday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PM
  • Wednesday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PM
  • Thursday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9 PM
  • Friday11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–9:30 PM
  • Saturday5:30–9:30 PM
  • SundayClosed

Philippe Chow DC

4.4 1,374 reviews

Philippe Chow is a luxury restaurant brand offering upscale Beijing-style cuisine. The brand operates several locations worldwide, including New York City, Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Kuwait City. Philippe Chow's cuisine is a fusion of traditional Chinese flavors with modern twists, making it a popular choice among food connoisseurs. The restaurant brand is known for its exquisite dining experience, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and impeccable service. Philippe Chow's menus feature a range of dishes, including Peking duck, dumplings, and other Chinese delicacies. The brand also offers private dining and catering services, making it a popular choice for special events and celebrations. Philippe Chow is a premium dining experience that caters to a sophisticated audience. The brand's upscale atmosphere, combined with its exceptional cuisine, makes it a popular destination for special occasions and business events. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply looking for a unique dining experience, Philippe Chow is an excellent choice.

Opening hours
  • Monday5–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday5–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday5–9:30 PM
  • Thursday5–9:30 PM
  • Friday5–10:30 PM
  • Saturday5–10:30 PM
  • Sunday4–9:30 PM

Matera Italian Restaurant & Bar

4.5 163 reviews

Matera Italian Restaurant & Bar is a dining establishment that serves Italian cuisine. It offers a variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts, as well as a selection of wines and other beverages. The restaurant is located in the lobby of the historic River Inn and is a convenient and welcoming destination for guests, tourists, and local families alike. Matera Italian Restaurant & Bar is designed to provide a relaxed, neighborhood ambiance while serving creative and inventive cuisine. The restaurant's menu features bold flavors and masterful pairings, with dishes crafted to awaken the palate with fresh ingredients and vibrant presentation. Whether dining in or ordering online, the restaurant's cuisine is designed to delight and surprise, with a focus on delivering a memorable experience. The restaurant offers private event services, allowing customers to celebrate life's special moments in a unique and elegant setting. The private event experience includes creative menus, curated libations, and attentive service, with the option to reserve a table in advance to ensure a seamless and memorable dining experience.

Opening hours
  • Monday7–10 AM, 5–8:30 PM
  • Tuesday7–10 AM, 5–8:30 PM
  • Wednesday7–10 AM, 5–8:30 PM
  • Thursday7–10 AM, 5–8:30 PM
  • Friday7–10 AM, 5–8:30 PM
  • Saturday8–10 AM, 5–9 PM
  • Sunday8–10 AM, 5–9 PM

LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar

4.4 920 reviews

LiLLiES Restaurant & Bar is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant located in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is a cozy eatery offering farm-fresh bistro cooking with Mediterranean and Italian influences. The restaurant features a menu that evolves throughout the day, offering lighter options for lunch and a more sophisticated selection for dinner. LiLLiES offers a variety of pasta dishes, as well as gluten-free options like Caprese salad, pan-seared trout, and T-bone steak with potatoes and vegetables. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine selection. Visitors praise the prompt and friendly wait staff, generous portion sizes, fresh ingredients, and comfortable atmosphere. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem near the zoo, offering great food and fantastic service in an upscale environment. The restaurant caters to diverse dietary preferences, with gluten-free and multi-grain options available for many dishes. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a family gathering, or a casual evening out, LiLLiES offers something for everyone, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere where tradition meets modern Italian flair.

Opening hours
  • Monday11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
  • Tuesday11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
  • Wednesday11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
  • Thursday11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
  • Friday11 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
  • Saturday10 AM–9 PM
  • Sunday10 AM–6 PM

Fiola

4.6 938 reviews

Fiola is a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant led by chef Fabio Trabocchi. It focuses on traditional Italian cuisine made with fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. The restaurant is recognized for its exceptional farm-fresh ingredients and award-winning wines, making it a top choice for discerning diners. Fiola offers a multicourse dinner tasting menu, as well as à la carte options at the bar. The tasting menu options include the nine-course "Brumidi" menu, which draws inspiration from Italian heritage, and a four-course "Leggero" menu, which is a more concise experience. The restaurant also offers a selection of seasonal menus, each with a unique theme, such as traditional meat dishes, exceptional fish, and vegetables at the center of the plate. Fiola is a flagship restaurant of chef Fabio Trabocchi, who has earned Michelin stars in New York and accolades across two continents. The restaurant has been recognized with a Michelin star since 2017, the Wine Spectator Grand Award, and a ranking of #7 Best Italian Restaurant in the World by 50 Top Italy. Fiola's menu is built around the finest local and imported ingredients, and the restaurant offers exquisite venues for intimate events.

  • entrance on Indiana Ave, 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Penn Quarter
  • (202) 628-2888
  • fioladc.com
  • Today: 5–9 PM
Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday5–9 PM
  • Wednesday5–9 PM
  • Thursday5–9 PM
  • Friday5–9 PM
  • Saturday5–9 PM
  • SundayClosed

Fiola Mare

4.5 2,584 reviews

Fiola Mare is an award-winning Italian seafood restaurant located at the iconic Georgetown Waterfront in Washington DC. It is an ode to Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi's Mediterranean roots, featuring exceptional, fresh seasonal ingredients with flavorful innovation. The restaurant offers a refined, yet comfortable, vibrant environment, along with Potomac River views, providing an elevated experience. Fiola Mare is a grand enterprise, sprawling over 9000 square feet of space, and is not a quiet refuge of refinement, but a bold stage for opulence. The staff is intuitive, and the cooking is inspired by the Marche region on the Adriatic coast, where Chef/Owner Fabio Trabocchi grew up. Fiola Mare is open for dine-in and take-out, and they continue to let customers raid the wine cellar for in-home savoring. They have switched from Opentable to Tock for reservations. The restaurant is worth paying for, with a 3-star rating from Tom Sietsema of the Washington Post, and ranked #33 in 2019 by Washingtonian.

Opening hours
  • Monday3–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Friday11:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–10:30 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9:30 PM