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Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,

The 10 Best Restaurants For Outdoor Dining In DC

By Rachel Yu By Rachel Yu | April 17, 2025 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,

From plush patios to tranquil terraces, these DC restaurants elevate dining alfresco.Michele’s lush outdoor patio, paired with French-American-inspired bites, makes for the perfect alfresco evening. PHOTO BY LEADING DCMichele’s lush outdoor patio, paired with French-American-inspired bites, makes for the perfect alfresco evening.

MICHELE’S
Michele’s lush outdoor patio, paired with French-American-inspired bites, makes for the perfect alfresco evening. Guests can enjoy the signature Michele’s double cheeseburger while sipping refreshing cocktails during happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. 1201 K St. NW,michelesdc.com

Moonraker, Pendry Washington, DC—The Wharf. PHOTO COURTESY OF PENDRY WASHINGTON, DC—THE WHARF
Moonraker, Pendry Washington, DC—The Wharf.

MOONRAKER
With breathtaking waterfront views, this rooftop bar offers the perfect outdoor dining ambiance. Located in the Pendry Washington DC—The Wharf, Moonraker serves Japanese-inspired bites, fresh maki and unique cocktails, like the Apricot ‘Ya. 655 Water St. SW,pendry.com/washington-dc

23-dc-outdoor-bourbon-patio.jpgOutdoor courtyard at Bourbon Steak

BOURBON STEAK
Firepits and lush greenery in Bourbon Steak’s courtyard offer the perfect outdoor dining ambiance. While enjoying fresh air, delight in the Chai Tai cocktail and woodfired bites like the worldwide Wagyu. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,bourbonsteakdc.com

Salmon at Osteria Morini. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Salmon at Osteria Morini.

OSTERIA MORINI
Enjoy waterfront views while sipping a Bourbon Milanese or Aperol Crush. Foodies can share signature Battilardo boards or housemade pasta while dining outdoors. 301 Water St. SE,osteriamorini.com

23-dc-outdoor-restos-opaline.jpgOutdoor seating at Opaline Bar & Brasserie

OPALINE BAR & BRASSERIE
People-watch while dining outside at Opaline Bar & Brasserie in Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. Foodies can sit on the patio for breakfast, lunch or dinner while indulging in bites like croque madame, steak frites and homemade fettucini puttanesca. 806 15th St. NW,opalinedc.com

23-dc-outdoor-restos-thegrill-header.jpg
The Grill restaurant front

THE GRILL
Developed by KNEAD Hospitality + Design, The Grill offers woodfired American cuisine. Enjoy waterfront views of the Washington Channel while tasting the banana cakes for brunch or the skirt steak for dinner. 99 Market Square SW,thegrilldc.com

23-dc-outdoordine-fiolamare.jpg Fiola Mare Waterfront Dining

FIOLA MARE
This elegant coastal Italian restaurant offers upscale dining experiences with outstanding food, service and views. Indulge in the freshest selection of seafood or try authentic pasta while dining alongside the river. 3100 K St. NW,fiolamaredc.com

23-dc-outdoor-resto-chloe.jpgPatio seating at Chloe

CHLOE
Situated in the Yards and Capitol Riverfront area, this Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand List-recognized eatery serves Lebanese cuisine with European and Southeast Asian influences. Sit on the patio while discovering chef Haidar Karoum’s creations, like the caramelized cauliflower and the hamachi crudo. 1331 4th St. SE,restaurantchloe.com

Tomahawk ribeye at Shilling Canning Company PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHILLING CANNNING COMPANY
Tomahawk ribeye at Shilling Canning Company

SHILLING CANNING COMPANY
The fine-dining experience at Shilling Canning Company showcases the bold flavors of the Chesapeake region. Shaded and sun-drenched patio seating allows guests to enjoy signature dishes, like the Elysian Fields lamb. 360 Water St. SE,shillingcanning.com

The cherry blossom-themed Ciel Lychee Martini at Ciel Social Club. PHOTO: BY JOHN ROBINSOIN
The cherry blossom-themed Ciel Lychee Martini at Ciel Social Club.

CIEL SOCIAL CLUB
Located in the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center, this lavish penthouse lounge and restaurant features spectacular city skyline views. Sip craft cocktails while savoring Latin American flavors like the chimichurri steak. 601 K St. NW,cielsocialclub.com



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Photography by: Courtesy of Osteria Morini; Courtesy of Leading DC (Michele’s); Courtesy of Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square (Opaline); Courtesy of The Grill; Courtesy of Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants (Fiola); Courtesy of Chloe

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