Washington, DC is known for its historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and world-class restaurants. And whether you want to escape the winter chill with a glass of whiskey inside a subterranean bar or post up at a historic, fireplace-filled Mediterranean gem, there are plenty of cozy restaurants in DC to choose from.

Head to Georgetown for a cozy farm-to-table favorite known for hearty comfort foods. Visit an award-winning bar in Mount Vernon Square for innovative cocktails and one of the city’s best fried chicken sandwiches. Enjoy Mid-Atlantic-inspired dishes from a James Beard Award-winning chef at MICHELIN-Starred destination in Shaw.

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Read on for a guide to the top 10 cozy restaurants in DC.
For MICHELIN-Starred Mid-Atlantic cuisine cooked over an open hearth – head to The Dabney (Shaw)
A serving platter with sliced steak at the center surrounded by sides like grapes, sauces, vegetables, and more at The Dabney, one of the best cozy restaurants in DC, available on OpenTable.
Expect bold, seasonal dishes with Mid-Atlantic influences at MICHELIN-Starred The Dabney. Credit: The Dabney
Open since 2015, MICHELIN-Starred The Dabney is where you go for bold, seasonal tasting menus with Mid-Atlantic influences from James Beard Award-winning chef Jeremiah Langhorne. Settle into the modern farmhouse space with a roaring open hearth for a feast of dishes that could include Maryland blue crab with black truffle and pork shoulder-stuffed squash. Bonus points for a rootsy soundtrack and warm service that make every meal here feel like dining in someone’s hip living room.

For farm-to-table food in one of the best cozy restaurants in DC – check out Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC (Georgetown)
A dining room with dark wood tables and chairs and an alcove with comfy booths and warm lighting at Founding Farmers in Georgetown, one of the best cozy restaurants in DC, bookable via OpenTable.
Founding Farmers is a DC favorite for its stellar farm-to-table menu. Credit: Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC
A longstanding DC favorite, Founding Farmers goes all in on crowd-pleasing American fare starring the very best ingredients sourced from top farmers and purveyors. Located on the Potomac River, the Georgetown outpost has an urban farmhouse vibe with dramatic archways, warm lamp lighting, and comfortable red booths—perfect for digging into standout dishes into hearty comfort fare like burgers, BBQ pork ribs, and chicken pot pie.

For standout contemporary American dishes in a charming historic setting – visit Tabard Inn (Dupont Circle), one of the best cozy restaurants in Washington DC
A cozy dining room with all wood furnishings, red velvet sofas with gold accents, and old art hanging on the walls at Tabard Inn, one of the best cozy restaurants in DC, found on OpenTable.
Tabard Inn is known for its cozy, fireside lounge. Credit: Tabard Inn
One of the best special occasion restaurants in DC, Tabard Inn is one of the District’s longest-running employee-owned hotels. The intimate, parlor-like setting complete with plush sofas and a fireside lounge makes every meal here a cozy and memorable one. Come for chef Matthew Zafrir’s elegant takes on contemporary American dishes that could include duck confit with Carolina gold rice or seared scallops with corn succotash; stay for rare whiskeys and live music on Sunday and Monday evenings.

For elegant fine dining in the heart of Georgetown – head to 1789 Restaurant (Georgetown)
A dining room with table settings with white tablecloths and small white lamps in front of a large fireplace surrounded by a green wall at 1789 Restaurant, available on OpenTable.
1789 Restaurant is a Georgetown fine-dining gem known for its innovative American menu and intimate dining rooms with fireplaces. Credit: 1789 Restaurant
Located inside a historic Georgetown home, 1789 Restaurant goes all in on cozy design accents like roaring fireplaces, antiques, and crisp white tablecloths. It’s the perfect setting for chef Charles Kreiser’s refined menu of American dishes ranging from wagyu tartare to lamb bolognese and duck breast with foie gras dirty rice. If you’re drinking, don’t miss the stellar cocktails like an old fashioned made with butter-washed bourbon.

For Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy venue – visit Iron Gate (Dupont Circle)
A dining room with dark wood and brick walls, a fireplace, and red cushioned booths and chairs at Iron Gate, found on OpenTable.
Iron Gate is set in a former carriage house and complete with a fireplace, pink banquettes, and vintage accents for days. Credit: Iron Gate
This Italian and Greek favorite is set in a former carriage house and home to a cozy dining room with a fireplace, lanterns, and leather banquettes—perfect for digging into Mediterranean small plates and dishes like trumpet mushroom arancini and tagliatelle with pork ragu. Don’t miss the wisteria-clad courtyard, outfitted with fire pits for cooler evenings.

For top-notch cocktails paired with upscale bar bites – check out Bar Pendry (Southwest Waterfront), one of the best cozy restaurants in DC
A bar with dark wood furnishings and candles on the tables with plush booths and gold accents at Bar Pendry, one of the best cozy restaurants in DC, found on OpenTable.
Bar Pendry is a stylish setting for enjoying elevated bar snacks and stellar cocktails. Credit: Bar Pendry
Located inside the five-star Pendry hotel, this stylish lobby bar dials up the cozy factor with glam accents like dramatic velvet curtains, and dark wood galore. Cozy up at one of the sleek marble tables for a round of cocktails, premium whiskey flights, and fancy bar snacks like caviar deviled eggs. Don’t miss the “boozy tea menu,” complete with tea-infused cocktails like a vodka-based dirty chai paired with sweet and savory snacks.

For innovative cocktails at an award-winning cocktail spot – visit Service Bar (Mount Vernon Square)
A yellow cocktail with foam and sprinkled garnish on top sitting on a wooden table at Service Bar, one of the best cozy restaurants in DC that you can find on OpenTable.
Cozy Service Bar is an industry favorite and one of the city’s top cocktail spots. Credit: Service Bar
Open since 2016, Service Bar is known for innovative cocktails that have landed this neighborhood drinking den a coveted spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars list multiple years running. Sip on favorites like a tropical-inspired pisco punch and a celery-infused martini in the cozy, wood-paneled space beloved by industry insiders. Pair them with the fried chicken sandwich, one of the city’s best.

For Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at a family-owned favorite – visit LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar (Woodley Park)
A dining room with red walls and wooden floors and furnishings with candles on each table and warm lighting throughout at LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar in DC, found on OpenTable.
Elegant red wallpaper and wooden furnishings add to the cozy, old-school atmosphere at LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar in Woodley Park. Credit: LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar
LiLLiES Italian Restaurant & Bar serves up comforting Mediterranean- and Italian-inspired dishes using the very best regional ingredients—think chicken parm, roasted lamb shank, and lobster ravioli. With wooden furniture, elegant red wallpaper, and intimate tables add to the cozy atmosphere at this Woodley Park gem and DC date-night destination.

For Southern-style bar snacks and one of the city’s deepest whiskey selections – check out Crimson Whiskey Bar (Mount Vernon Square)
A seating area with red and brown cushioned couches and chairs around a table with taxidermy animals on the wall behind them at Crimson Whiskey Bar in Washington, DC, found on OpenTable.
Crimson Whiskey Bar is a destination for its collection of over 300 whiskeys. Credit: Crimson Whiskey Bar
With dark wood furnishings, lamp lighting at each table, and comfortable booths, this subterranean basement bar screams cozy. Choose from over 300 whiskeys by the glass and whiskey-forward cocktails like the classic paper plane. Pair them with Southern-style shared plates like oysters, smoked chicken wings, and crispy pork belly. Live music, DJs, and trivia nights add to Crimson Whiskey Bar’s always-lively yet cozy vibe.

For French cuisine in an elegant atmosphere – check out L’Auberge Chez Francois (Great Falls)
credit-lauberge-chez-francois
L’Auberge Chez Francois is a family-owned French gem in Great Falls. Credit L’Auberge Chez Francois
At family-run L’Auberge Chez Francois, expect elegant, traditional French fare inspired by founder François Haeringer’s Alsatian heritage. Filled with dark wooden accents, French murals, and family heirlooms, the historic Falls Church farmhouse is the ultimate cozy setting for a feast of favorites like escargots, duck foie gras, and an impressive strip steak with truffle sauce. Don’t miss the restaurant’s hot soufflé, best enjoyed by the roaring fireplace.

When you’re looking to get cozy in DC, start with these must-visit restaurants. From an elegant French favorite with a roaring fireplace to a romantic, candlelit date-night spot to a lively subterranean bar, these top cozy restaurants in DC are some of the city’s best.

Book your table at one of these cozy restaurants in DC on OpenTable as soon as possible.