50 Best Seafood Restaurants in Washington

“Have eaten here 4 of 5 days visiting DC. Fantastic food and great service. Highly recommend!“

“The best lobster roll I've had in a long time! Now I understand why people say the roll is as important as the lobster. 10/10 I also had a crab cake which was good. Surprisingly, the coated fries were great! As a French fry purist, I have never said that before. Cannot go wrong with the hush puppies. Finished my meal with coffee and cheesecake. The friendly staff made this a memorable visit. I can't wait to come back.“

“Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. It was a time!“

“The food was good and I have already recommended Moon Rabbit to others. That being said, we had the tasting menu and I wanted something with a little more of a kick a little more heat and maybe just a little bit more or an additional course.“

“My daughter and son-in-law treated me for my birthday and what a treat it was! From the birthday champagne treat to the special popcorn to the dessert and all meals in between—nothing disappointed. The food was delicious. Filet mignon prepared to perfection. Lamb chops, braised beef, shrimp—all delicious. The sides; I could go on. My husband also enjoyed his meal. Our particular teenaged granddaughter loved her chicken tenders. Even our 2 year old granddaughter enjoyed her kids meal. Definitely will return. This was our first time but it won’t be our last. And last but not least—our server, Micaiah, was the best. Her recommendations were on point. Top notch and so professional!“

“One of the best places in Dc and right on the water!“

“Thanks you so much #psychiczabaza“

“Dauphines is a good happy hour spot. The outdoor bar was mad busy but the vibe was terrific and you could enjoy music from the restaurant next door which was jamming. Marvin is one of the best bartenders in D.C. - kind, super attentive, made great suggestions. Despite the fact that our party was sitting in the courtyard area he bought our drinks over and took our food order. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. We ordered the devil eggs with crabmeat, shrimp cocktail, po boy sliders, raw oysters -- everything was tasty. A little pricey but worth it. Fun spot!“

“We (a group of out-of-towners looking for seafood) had the perfect experience at Hank's. We arrived around 6pm on a weeknight and were seated immediately. Our server was detailed, thorough, and thoughtful. Our drinks were delicious and the food was incredible. We shared their proprietary oysters and all loved them! Whenever I'm back in DC, I'll be returning for sure!“

“What an amazing experience at BlackSalt! Everything was absolutely five star, from the delicious food to the beautiful atmosphere and exceptional service. But WOW, JJ truly took our experience to another level! His outstanding service, attention to detail, and warm hospitality made our evening extra special. BlackSalt is a gem, and JJ is a superstar! Highly recommend! 👏✨“

“Came here for the first time for dinner and had an amazing experience! Our waiter Marlon was lovely and provided us with great food and drink suggestions. The service was top tier and everyone was great. Would definitely recommend coming here and will be back again!“

““Everything was delicious and fresh! The seafood tasted incredibly fresh, especially the fish, and every dish was beautifully presented. And the tamarind mezcal margaritas were absolutely amazing—definitely a must-try! Great place for a fun Mexican seafood experience. I’ll definitely be back!”“

“Friendly staff and delish food! Sitting on the rooftop was excellent too !“

“We loved having dinner so much on Friday night that we had lunch on Saturday! Lobster roll was delicious. Great selection of raw oysters. PEI mussels were the best! Service was on point. Friday night Ashley was great and sorry I didn’t get our great servers name on Saturday. Manager Ronald Vasquez was so personable and made us feel like regulars. Wish we lived a bit closer because we would be. Highly recommend!“

“Unreal 5 star arrive and food . I agree Michelin for sure“

“Hottest new seafood restaurant near DuPont Circle. Best Lobster Risotto I’ve had in my life! The Lobster Bisque was very creamy with large chunks of fresh meat. Topped it off with Key Lime Pie in a cup. The owners are very friendly and the service was excellent. Definitely a 5-star place!“

“The food was phenomenal. It is a great atmosphere and the customer service was outstanding! I’d recommend trying all the different type of oysters on the menu!“

“Returning to Washington from a France worn down by its own melancholy — a nation led by a presidential couple seemingly disconnected from l'esprit de grandeur — was a relief. The Monocle, nestled just a short pas de géant from Capitol Hill, felt like an antidote. Walking through its doors, I immediately felt transported, like one of the CIA operatives from Lioness Psy-Ops, covertly meeting allies in a safe haven of quiet luxury. Opened in October 1960 by Connie and Helen Valanos, The Monocle has seen more political deals sealed over its crab cakes than perhaps in the chambers of Congress themselves. As the Washingtonian noted, “The Monocle is a better restaurant than it’s given credit for,” serving dishes like “pan-fried Chesapeake Bay oysters baked in a light curry sauce” that feel like culinary diplomacy at its finest. What strikes one immediately is the duality of the space: half public house, half refined eatery. In the restaurant's more elegant quarters, I chose a glass of Sancerre, its mineral brightness pairing effortlessly with the signature crab cakes — plump, golden, and loaded with chair de crabe so sweet it could make a New Englander weep. A red wine-braised New York strip followed, its sauce reminiscent of the old-world simplicity one finds in France’s brasseries, yet undeniably American in its confident presentation. The maître d’, Nick Selimos — a fixture here for nearly three decades — greeted every guest with the kind of warmth that makes even the most hardened lobbyist feel comme chez soi. “There’s nothing more satisfying,” said John Valanos, the owner, “than having someone say, ‘We’ll come back ourselves.’” And come back they do — senators, staffers, and curious tourists alike. Sipping a digestif, I glanced at the black-and-white photos adorning the walls — Kennedy, Nixon, and other Washington titans. It’s said JFK dined here regularly during his Senate days. As The Washington Post humorously observed, "Intentions are spoken here, alliances formed, and deals sealed," all over dishes that balance simplicity and sophistication. Leaving The Monocle, I felt reconnected to the vibrancy of Washington, its pulse steadied by the legacy of places like this — where history, gastronomy, and a touch of joie de vivre blend into something unforgettable.“

“Absolutely incredible food with each course being better than the last. All flavours work well together to give the dishes something to be remembered. Service was fast and friendly and described what they dishes were when placed on table. Highly recommend this place and will be back often.“

“Fabulous meal! The food was excellent. We had a show at Constitution Hall and the staff was so accommodating. They made the food was out on time, check resolved quickly and a small cookie plate on the table before we raced out the door. What a fun night!“

“Food was delicious and the sauce off the hook“

“The Tacos and clam chowder was really good. The frozen Rose’ was good as well. Great service“

“The food is amazingly fresh and delicious.“

“Delicious! Loved the lobster roll!!“

“Visiting from St Louis and so glad we came across Luke’s Lobster! We ordered Luke’s flight so we could try all three rolls. Each one was so delicious. We also got the lobster bisque and NE clam chowder. Very good!! Friendly service and neat atmosphere.“

“Great meal recently at Cucina Morini !!! The food, service and drinks were all on point !! See the photos for our recommendations !!! You can order half orders of pasta !! Perfect if you want to try different things.“

“Great food in a fun location“

“The food was great and the atmosphere was nice. The staff were very friendly and professional. A bit pricey but well worth it.“

“Great Drinks Good Lobster Tails stuffed with Blue Crab Great Asparagus Excellent Baked Alaska Excellent Service“

“The best experience. Great food. Service and atmosphere.“

“great happy hour until 7pm“

“Ma and Eam are the best people u ever want to meet they showed nothing but respect and a lot of. Love in there food 5 stars sis“

“My wife & I had a wonderful and delicious dinner while catching-up with our son & his girlfriend last evening. Fantastic meal & our server Michael was outstanding.“

“When my Wife & I arrived we truly were not expecting a 1st Class treatment. From the Hostess to almost every waiter & waitress all greeting us & telling us to enjoy was amazing. Everyone one was warm, polite, & kind.

The environment was very welcoming & our waitress made both my wife & I feel at home. She explained the menu for both food & drink very well to us & we got some very nice mocktails (a plus since not many restaurants offer non-alcoholic beverages).

The food was amazing, fresh seafood pasta & great risotto. We will definitely be back not just for the food but the great hospitality.

Parking was also very nice where it was not crowded on the street but they also are next to a Parking Garage.

We will be back again soon, thank to everyone there that made my wife & I feel so special on our Anniversary.“

“Delicious! Greetings from Finland with love.“

“Food is on point!!! Staff is friendly and great customer service with a little comedy 😃!! Highly recommend! I had the catfish and hush puppies and was not disappointed at all...Definitely coming back to try all their fish and that mango sauce...so bomb!!!“

“The food was great. However this is not the Milk and Honey location you should plan to sit and eat. It’s very small and got packed quickly. They took over 45 minutes to get my food out. Although y the food was great, the service is more like call to order and pick it up. They don’t even bring the food on a plate. You get it in a plastic container even if you are dining in.“

“I was introduced to The Capital Grille by dear friends who have been dining here for over 10 years, and after enjoying several dinners with them, I can confidently say that this restaurant never disappoints.

What truly sets this place apart is its remarkable consistency. From the valet and the warm welcome at the entrance to the exceptional food and attentive service, every detail is handled with care and professionalism. The entire experience is seamless from beginning to end.

A special recognition goes to Mustafa, whose outstanding service deserves to be highlighted. He is genuinely kind, welcoming, attentive, and professional. His attention to detail and dedication to making guests feel comfortable and well cared for truly elevate the dining experience. Hospitality at its finest!

The food is consistently outstanding, the atmosphere is inviting, and the level of service remains exceptional visit after visit. Whether you're enjoying dinner with friends, a casual evening out, or a romantic occasion, The Capital Grille is always a wonderful choice.

It's rare to find a restaurant that maintains such high standards so consistently, and that's exactly what makes this place special.

Thank you to Mustafa and the entire team for another wonderful evening. Looking forward to many more!“

“I love the shrimp basket with the Cajun fries🥰“

“Our experience at the Occidental last night was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, every detail was executed with perfection. The menu showcased incredible range and creativity — the twin lobster tails were tender and sweet, the steak tartare was beautifully balanced, and the smoked pheasant under glass was a showstopper both in flavor and presentation. Each dish felt carefully crafted and elevated, yet approachable. The wine list was equally impressive — clearly curated with thought and depth, offering the perfect pairings to complement the meal without ever feeling overwhelming. Service was another highlight. Warm, attentive, and genuinely inviting, the staff struck that rare balance of professionalism without a hint of stuffiness, making us feel truly welcome. Though we couldn’t save room for dessert, it simply gives us the perfect excuse to return soon. The Occidental delivers a dining experience that lingers in memory — refined, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Highly recommended!“

“Delicious! Loved the lobster roll!!“

“Still a great place after all these years. Lovely atmosphere, great food, attentive service. A wonderful night out.“

“Came in late Sunday and the restaurant was super accommodating to my reservation growing from 4 to 5 people. Had an amazing meal and great drinks. Tre was an awesome server and we even got helped by a really sweet bartender named Christina. We will def be back.“

“Friendly and attentive staff! Had a few questions about some menu items and my waitress Lucy was quick to answer and give me some amazing suggestions. I ended up going with the sizzling bulgolgi. Was extremely delicious!! Will be coming back, thanks so much!“

“The Fish Shop DC was amazing. My family went for my husband's birthday lunch and I would say this place is one of the best spots in Wharf. The restaurant space was made with such creative ideas and a lot of space. We took our infant and had enough space for strollers. The food was incredibly delicious and our server Nishi was amazing! We will definitely return for more food!“

“We had a nice time ! Love the food ! Excellent service !😀👌👏👏😃🥰“

“their lobster salad was amazing! And as someone who's had NOLA gumbo, theirs ranked up! Would definitely visit again“

“Don’t let Atxondo’s modest looks deceive you. I was skeptical but some friends wanted to try this place so I went along. I was very pleasantly surprised. We ate vegetarian and everything was excellent. I can recommend the brussel sprouts, tortilla española, crispy potatoes, coliflor, golden beets, fried shishitos, and risotto. I almost forgot to mention the interesting drink menu and the best flan I’ve ever had. Service was great too. Go with a group so you can try everything!“

“10/10, took my wife for our 15 year anniversary and she loved, every delicious bite, every plate had a story to tell,such a wonderful and memorable experience. Gracias!!!“