D.C’s Newest Culinary Destination: The Wharf

‘Where DC Meets Water’

The Wharf is Washington D.C’s newest neighborhood development, a $2 billion waterfront district that sits along the Potomac River near the National Mall. This entire space is a mile-long, or 47 acres, and is technically still in Phase 1 of development, aiming to be complete in October 2017 (October 12th).

The area this neighborhood sits in is also known as the Southwest Waterfront, the two considered to be the same neighborhood with only slight location and business differences. In the 3.2 million square foot Wharf area you will find flashy new residences, offices, retail stores, hotels, and cultural institutions, as well as marinas, parks, and plazas. It’s easy to see why this spot is being dubbed ‘Washington’s Great Meeting Place’!

Enjoy amazing views, water recreation options, new sightseeing cruises and water transportation options, all with plenty of easy transportation options. The Wharf will be ‘one of the most uniquely connected and accessible neighborhoods in D.C’, with access to the Metro and VRE, close distance to Reagan International and Union Station, and new bike share and water taxi opportunities.

So what do we like most about the massive new neighborhood? The culinary options! This spot is playing host to some of the hottest new restaurants in the city. Bon Appetit puts it best when it comes to eating at the Wharf this fall:

‘There’s never been a better time to go out to eat in our nation’s capital’.

Here are the 20 deliciously tempting new eateries hitting the waterfront this fall!


(80% of these eateries will open in October 2017, with the pre-existing exceptions and 2018 openings).

  • Del Mar - A Spanish-style eatery featuring 2-levels of fresh seafood reminiscent of the city of Mallorca. 
  • Mi Vida - Authentic Mexican home cooking and street foods. 
  • Florentijn - A Belgian Bistro serving such fares as mussels and beer.
  • Requin - Mediterranean inspired food inside a French style restaurant.
  • Jenny’s at the Wharf (Pre-Existing) - An Asian-fusion delight serving classics such as drunken noodles.
  • Kaliwa - Sit down or grab n go at this southeastern Asian staple.
  • Kirwan's Irish Pub - Live music and exciting decor play along with this former Guinness’ employees pub theme.
  • Stefanelli's Italian Market (Spring 2018) - This future 3-story artisanal Italian market will also feature a 2nd level restaurant and third level bar.
  • Cantina Marina (Pre-Existing) - This is D.C’s original dock bar, serving up some of the best fish tacos with a side of live music.
  • La Vie - A coastal delight serving an excellent Moules Frites menu.
  • The Brighton (Pre-Existing)- Head to The Brighton for a high-energy waterfront pub experience unlike any other.
  • Blue Bottle - A cafe serving coffee no more than 48 hours out of the roaster. Talk about fresh!
  • District Hardware & Bike + Cafe - A 40-year running coffee shop, bistro, cafe, and water sports recreation rental.
  • Dolcezza Gelato - Local is important here at the top gelato spot in D.C, also serving amazing espresso and sorbet.
  • Shake Shack - The ever-expanding American ‘roadside’ burger classic.
  • Hank’s Oyster Bar - ‘Urban beach food’ critically acclaimed by many, such as Bon Appetit. 
  • Rappahannock Oyster Company - World-class fresh oysters amid a historic oyster shed. 
  • Pearl Street Warehouse - Live music accompanies all-day American classic cuisines and cocktails. 
  • Potomac Distilling Company - An in-house rum distillery with 3 bars sitting within a 2-story tavern. 
  • Taylor Gourmet - Seasonal and from-scratch delights featuring the much sought after Philly style hoagies.