Whether you’ve come to watch a baseball game at Nationals Park or simply hang out in nearby Yards Park, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your biggest cravings.
The Salt Line
Situated on the Capitol Riverfront, this nautical seafood house offers abundant outdoor seating on its riverside patio and sweeping views of the Anacostia River. The menu features classic New England dishes influenced by the charm of the Chesapeake, with options such as grilled swordfish served atop sugar snap peas and baby bok choy in a roasted sunchokes puree and mint pesto sauce. The raw oyster bar should not be overlooked, boasting a rotating selection of local Chespaeake and New England oysters, highlighting the eatery’s proprietary Cthulhu oyster, a perfect balance of crisp and briny flavors and textures. 79 Potomac Ave. SE, 202.506.2368, thesaltline.com
Hatoba
Inspired by flavors from Hawaii, the Daikaya Food Group’s first Sapporo-style ramen shop recently expanded its menu to include favorites and classics from the fiftieth state. The curated slate of tonkatsu ramens will remain on the menu and will be joined by new menu items pay homage to Hawaii’s native population, including dishes such as ahi tuna poke tossed in shoyu-sesame dressing with sweet onion, scallion and macadamia nuts, as well as beef skewers grilled and marinated in teriyaki sauce. 300 Tingey St. SE, Ste., 170, 202.488.4800, hatobadc.com
Osteria Morini
Situated steps from the water, Chef Michael White’s Northern Italian eatery is known for its traditional house-made pastas and picturesque riverfront views. Notable menu items include the cappelletti, a truffled ricotta ravioli topped with prosciutto in a melted butter sauce, as well as a bone-in pork Hampshire pork chop served with spinach, fennel and soppressata in a pork glaze. The osteria also offers a comprehensive wine list focused on Italy, with options ranging from small-production boutique wineries to older vintages and rare selections. 301 Water St. SE, 202.484.0660, osteriamorini.com
Gatsby
This reimagined American diner transports its guests to the roaring ’20s with its art deco-inspired decor. The second floor dining room gives baseball fans a glimpse into the stadium as they munch on must-try menu items, such as the savory Monte Cristo sandwich, which includes turkey, Virginia ham, gruyere cheese, mustard aioli and cherry marmalade held together by a crispy battered brioche. Be sure to save some room for dessert, because you don’t want to miss out on sweets specially crafted in collaboration with famed New York City bakery Mah Ze Dahr, such as the Oreo cookie-crusted heavenly cheesecakes or tin roof ice cream sundae. 1202 Half St. SE, Ste. 205, 202.817.3005, gatsbyrestaurant.com
Due South
Located just three blocks from National’s Park, this upscale Southern eatery brings the spice, sweets and sips of the South to the waterfront. Chef Rusty Holman prepares a menu filled with cherished family recipes and Southern classics, such as the 12-hour Texas-style brisket drenched in Due South’s famous barbecue sauce and served with Yukon gold potato salad, bacon-braised collard greens and cornbread. The menu also features lighter Southern fare, such as a spring succotash bowl filled with roasted corn, farro, feta and heirloom tomatoes in a basil vinaigrette. 301 Water St. SE, 202.479.4616, duesouthdc.com
Agua 301
Established in 2013, this modern Mexican spot upgrades traditional Latin flavor profiles through quality ingredients and experimental techniques. Located in the historic lumber shed building, this waterside eatery offers an ample list of small bites, such as jumbo lump crab cake topped with shishito-corn relish and a piquillo puree. Additionally, the main menu serves a host of classic Mexican dishes with a contemporary twist, such as boneless braised short ribs in a mild guajillo sauce atop rice and crema Mexicana, as well as a host of taco platters consisting of three tacos served with Mexican white rice and black beans. 301 Water St. SE, 202.484.0301, agua301.com
Chloe
Named for the ancient Greek goddess of agriculture, this Michelin-star destination offers Chef Haidar Karoum crafts a menu that reflects his own culinary journey and Lebanese roots, with starters such as garbanzo falafel with pickled vegetables in a roasted garlic yogurt. Main courses run the gamut from spiced veal hummus with pickled radish and buttered almonds atop snowshoe naan in a Beiruti hot sauce to spice roasted chicken covered in a toasted chili-lime dipping sauce atop a bed of Vietnamese style greens. 1331 Fourth St. SE, 202.313.7007, restaurantchloe.com
Photography by: Sung Shin on Unsplash
