By Antonia DePace By Antonia DePace | September 16, 2020 | Food & Drink,
A variety of plates from Officina
It’s no secret that DC’s $2.5 billion waterfront neighborhood has one of the best outdoor and rooftop dining scenes in the city— and just in time too. Here are some of our favorites along the waterfront.
1. Officina
Take a trip to Italy—or at least feel like it—at this three-story eatery. Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli is cooking up must-eat plates of fusilli verdi and branzino to be enjoyed on the second-floor balcony and terrazza rooftop. If you’re looking for cocktails only (Positano Punch, anyone?), they can be best enjoyed next to one of the fire pits on the rooftop. Buon appetito! officinadc.com
2. Camp Anthem
Intimate outdoor dining is at its finest thanks to tent-covered tables at the District Pier pop-up led by The Anthem. Each table fits up to six people—so gather all of your closest, socially distanced friends for shrimp po’boy sandwiches and an indulgent chocolate Belgian waffle dessert. theanthemdc.com
3. Whiskey Charlie
For pristine views of the Wharf, head to the 10th-floor “roofscape,” where nautical-themed sips like the Mermaid Margarita (Mi Campo blanco tequila, strawberry, cardamaro and lime) and frozen whiskey cocktails wash down executive chef Megan Robbins’ pimento cheese dip, lobster rolls and pulled pork empanadas. whiskeycharliewharf.com
4. Mi Vida
Culinary director and chef Roberto Santibañez—the same face behind New York City’s Fonda restaurants—now brings Mexico to you with his indoor-outdoor 10,700-square-foot concept. Open for brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner, there are a ton of dishes to try. Our suggestion? Pan Frances (banana custard French toast dotted with sugared pecans), tacos pescados and enchiladas de mole negro—all of which can be enjoyed outdoors via contact-free ordering, thanks to QR code menus. mividamexico.com
5. Canopy Central Cafe and Bar
Head to Canopy by Hilton and its outdoor lawn for a lush outdoor dining experience. Healthy eats like the watermelon salad and seared tuna are popular among diners, along with creamy pesto pasta. canopycentralcafeandbar.business.site
6. The Grill
This 5,400-square-foot eatery comes with a patio facing the Southwest Waterfront. Featuring American cuisine—think wood-fired steaks and fish—the menu also caters to lighter, California-inspired fare. More magic can be found in the gin-centric cocktail program, where guests may order one of many curated options or create their own martini. thegrilldc.com
Photography by: Photos courtesy of the Wharf, Washington DC