The Wharf continues to wow visitors with its mix of food, shopping and exceptional hospitality. Here, we round up the best and brightest of this waterfront destination.
Pendry Washington DC—The Wharf
Pendry Washington DC—The Wharf
This boutique stay features 131 guest rooms, including 38 sumptuous suites with light, contemporary interiors—think old-world flooring, metal detailing and plush textiles. With three signature dining destinations and an inviting pool terrace, this waterfront resort is a must-stay. 655 Water St. SW, 202.843.1111, pendry.com
InterContinental Washington DC—The Wharf
Sumptuously appointed suites at the InterContinental include cozy king beds, spacious closets, an executive work desk, separate living areas and spa-inspired bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling rainfall showers, luxe soaking tubs and double vanities. Our fave? The Constellation is a stunning corner suite with a luxurious wraparound balcony boasting copious views. 801 Wharf St. SW, 202.800.0844, wharfintercontinentaldc.com
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
Maritime influences abound at Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf, from wood barn-style doors to sprawling marina views. Other favored amenities include the state-of-the-art fitness center and Canopy Central Bistro & Bar for dinner. 975 Seventh St. SW, 202.488.2500, hilton.com
Hyatt House Washington DC
Hyatt House boasts 237 luxuriously appointed rooms with separate seating areas and sofa beds—some rooms even have full-size kitchens. Complimentary breakfasts at Morning Spread ensure guests start their day right, while H Bar and H Market offer drinks and bites. 725 Wharf St. SW, 202.554.1234, hyatt.com
Del Mar
Traditional Spanish cuisine abounds at Del Mar, from traditional and seasonal tapas to Catalan-style charcoal-grilled entrees, signature paellas and more. The two-story space serves up bright, savory Mediterranean flavors, such as fine Spanish cured meats and cheeses, tuna crudo salad, cherry gazpacho, jamon croquetas and sumptuous seafood paella with Maine lobster, giant black tiger prawns, PEI mussels and monkfish. 791 Wharf St. SW, 202.588.7272, delmardc.com
Officina
Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s three-story flagship Italian market and eatery is a smash success. The space hosts multiple experiences, including a specialty Italian market, a casual cafe inspired by all-day dining culture, a Roman trattoria serving handmade pasta and prime meats, an intimate bar and lounge, and a rooftop events space. 1120 Maine Ave. SW, 202.747.5222, officinadc.com
Philippe Chow
Philippe Chow
Head to Philippe Chow for upscale Chinese cuisine guaranteed to hit the spot. Enjoy Eastern favorites like salt and pepper calamari, honey-glazed spare ribs and grand walnut sesame seed prawns. The lobster satay is a stunner, while the drunken sea bass is a flavorful affair. 635 Wharf St. SW, 202.601.8888, philippechow.com
Rappahannock Oyster Bar
This fresh fish eatery, helmed by executive chef Danny Ahn, occupies the restored historic oyster shed building at the Municipal Fish Market, the oldest fish market in the country. Explore various small plate offerings highlighting local catch like Rappahannock River oysters from Topping, VA, Rochambeau oysters from Yorktown, VA and Olde Salt oysters from Chincoteague. 1150 Maine Ave. SW, 202.484.0572, rroysters.com
Flora Flora.
Flora Flora
Situated inside the Pendry Washington DC—The Wharf, Flora Flora is a Latin American-inspired resto offering light and seasonally inspired small plates. Appetizers include creamy guacamole, Mexican street corn and Orchard Point oysters. The rest of the menu focuses on ceviches, crudos and large-format dishes like foraged mushrooms in salsa verde and Chesapeake rockfish with chantarelles and summer squash. 655 Water St. SW, 202.843.1114, pendry.com
Moonrakers boasts some of the best views in the city.
Moonraker
A Japanese-inspired rooftop hideaway at the Pendry, Moonraker offers a refreshing menu of highball cocktails, Japanese whisky, light bites, sushi and more. The laidback lounge offers a stunning central bar and a cozy roaring fireplace, where guests sip concoctions like the Shogun Soda (Ichiros Japanese malt whisky, Domaine de Canton, lemon juice, Fever Tree ginger beer) with a variety of small bites. 655 Water St. SW, 202.843.1115, pendry.com
12 Stories
The top of the InterContinental Hotel is home to 12 Stories, a seriously chic cocktail bar and terrace. Sip a classic Negroni or French 75 while enjoying copious views—13-foot floor-to-ceiling windows highlight sprawling marina vistas. Care for a bite? Chips and salsa, grilled shrimp, crab drip and impossible sliders dot the menu. 75 District Square SW, 202.894.9700, 12storiesdc.com
CityBar
Sip boozy batched cocktails like the Riverfront Bordeaux (Edelheiss Reisling, white grape juice, vodka, lemon juice) or The Lost Puma (Don Q Anejo rum, coconut water) at CityBar, Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall’s chic rooftop bar and lounge. Craft cocktails and light bites—think deepfried Brussels sprouts, southern fried chicken wings and grilled shrimp tacos—round out the luxe offerings. 400 E St. SW, 202.795.2919, citybardc.com
La Vie
Head to La Vie for a Mediterranean-inspired happy hour like no other. Cocktail offerings, including a weekly specialty concoction, house wines and beers, and even oyster shooters abound. The boozy beverages complement flavorful fare like hummus, arancini, grape leaves, truffle fries, meatballs and spanakopita. 88 District Square SW, 202.560.5501, lavie-dc.com
Spa Pendry
Peruse Spa Pendry’s bespoke menu of beauty and body treatments for a full day of pampering, from HydraFacials to massages. Treatments of 90 minutes or longer include access to the hotel’s outdoor heated terrace pool and world-class fitness center. 655 Water St. SW, 202.843.1113, pendry.com
The Spa at The Wharf
The Spa at The Wharf customizes massages for each guest, personalizing services according to wellness goals, areas of preference and more. Exquisite add-ons include dry brush exfoliation, hot stones, Privai body butter, aromatherapy and an exfoliating foot treatment. Other luxe services include facials, peels, LED therapy, mani-pedis and waxing. 801 Wharf St. SW, 202.878.8484, thespaatthewharf.com
GLO30 District Wharf
Get glowing at GLO30, where cutting-edge technology combines AI, expertly researched treatments and knowledgeable providers to ensure professional results. Offerings include Botox and wrinkle relaxers, the Clear and Brilliant Laser facial and a nano-needling facial powered by topical filler and Botox infusions. 40 District Square SW, Ste. 215, 855.456.3030, glo30.com
Bella Moda Salon and Spa
Founder and salon director Dogan Set has been beautifying DC’s finest for over 30 years, and his cut, color, styling and spa treatments are highly coveted. Don’t just spruce up your ’do—other exclusive offerings include makeup application, facials and cleanses, mani-pedis, waxing and Keratin treatments. 780 Maine Ave. SW, 202.290.1950, bellamoda.salon
Photography by: CHRISTIAN HORAN; COURTESY OF PHILIPPE CHOW; LIZ CLAYMAN; CHRISTIAN HORAN
